Transformation of Sacred Space: Politics of the Limit: A New Determination of Sacred Space Concepts by means of the Philosophy of Difference and Spatial Turn

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jörg Seip
• Subject Area: Roman Catholic Theology
• Term: since 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 387623040

The aim of this project is to redefine the concept of sacred space. Central to this - not only from a theological perspective - is the transcending of long-lived dichotomizations (for example sacred/profane, church/world, inside/outside). This can be achieved by bringing together the insights of the spatial turn (starting from Michel de Certeau) with current strands of cultural studies discourse on the topic of assembly and community. A redefinition of the concept of sacred space made possible with the help of difference thinking not only exposes dichotomous framings and binary practices, but is of social relevance insofar as assembly (society and community) is sought to be thought with the help of "other" politics (and thus with the help of "other" spaces or conceptions of space) and non-essentialist forms of thought following the postcolonial turn.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 2733: Transformation of Sacred Space: Function and Use of Religious Places in Germany