The social capital of religious patterns of perception – exemplified with the esthetically turned theology of inclusion performed by Pope Francis

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ansgar Kreutzer
• Subject Area: Roman Catholic Theology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 510647404

The research project, which operates in an interdisciplinary perspective of Systematic Theology and Social Ethics, focuses on forms of poverty, social marginality and exclusion, which are not limited to economically poor or developing countries, but can also be found in so-called wealthy societies, often in subtle and hidden forms. The project is founded in the assumption that religious traditions – with special focus on the traditions of Catholic Christianity exemplified by its highest-ranking representative Pope Francis and his social teachings – are able to display a special sensibility regarding social exclusion.Focusing on this topic the project must be located in the academic, as well as societal current debate about the relation between religions and civil society. Utilizing the concept of Social Capital especially influenced by the American political scientist Robert Putnam, which tries to evaluate the quality of social cohesion, religious perspectives will be considered as perceptive patterns concerning (hidden) social exclusion and as contributors for social integration.In this perspective the (implicit) theology of Pope Francis, as presented in his social teachings, will be reconstructed in consideration of his context shaped by the theology of liberation, systematic-theologically analyzed and confronted with criticism of representation as issued by Postcolonial Studies. The project’s basic orientation will be complemented by the reflection about an adequate ecclesiology in the context of civil society. Furthermore, the project tries to widen the perspective by including an interreligious point of view (via the organization of a workshop), which tries to evaluate other religious traditions (Protestant-Christian, Jewish, Islamic or Buddhist) and their perceptive patterns concerning social exclusion.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants