Prof. C.A.M. van den Berg (Mariecke)

My research has both a theological and a religious studies focus, centering on the role of gender and sexuality within Christian traditions and in public debates. I often depart from a feminist and queer perspective.

Debates that I research are for example on controversial art and popular culture (for example the work of Elisabeth Ohlson Wallin, or Eurovision Song Contest winner Conchita Wurst), or religion and sports (such as the debate on professional soccer players who,based on their religious beliefs, do not want to support LGBTQI+ emancipation initiatives).

From a theological perspective, I explore how femininity and masculinity, heterosexuality and homosexuality, trans or cis experiences, play a role in the shaping of Christianity. Which stories and biblical passages are seen as relevant in this process, which are ignored? What happens when you start reading stories feminist and/or queer? It often turns out that the “unknown” stories, which did not become leading or authoritative in tradition, are particularly interesting.

My current research focuses on religious boredom as a form of criticism. I am then particularly interested in forms of boredom that result from experiences of exclusion. This could for example be the case when the perspectives of certain minority groups (women, queers, people of color) are not included in the “bigger story” shared by faith communities or theological traditions. In my research, I look at boredom as a lived experience, but also at how boredom is represented in art and culture, and how it is discussed in (Christian) public discourse.