Public colloquium Monday, 28 August 2017

On 28 August 2017, members of the Modeling Religion in Norway project will present their work on computer models and simulation experiments that are designed to help us better understand and more adequately respond to the social challenges associated with refugees, religion, and radicalization. The event is free of charge. This video introduces the theme of the 28 August 2017 event.

The migration of peoples is nothing new. Whether motivated by hope, by war, or simply by the need to survive, human populations have been moving and mixing ever since some of our hunter-gatherer ancestors migrated out of Africa over 50,000 years ago. From the stone age through the industrial age, archaeological, anthropological and historical evidence suggests that religion has almost always played a central role in the migration of human groups. Unfortunately, conflict and violence between groups have also all too often played a role in the displacement and resettlement of populations.

In the early 21st century we have seen a new wave of religious radicalization and terrorist threats. But what role, if any, does religion play in promoting violence between groups? And what social policies, if any, can help facilitate the safe and healthy integration of religiously diverse groups of immigrants into new contexts, which are often characterized by secularization? 

Please join us to discuss these important issues with us. The event is free and open to all.