Spirituality of religious life

The research line 'Spirituality of Religious Life' explores how mysticism and spirituality converge in everyday practice within different spiritual traditions and religious communities. This specifically draws on the knowledge and experiences of religious people themselves.

Inigo Bocken, as coordinator for cooperation with orders and congregations, is tasked with building and strengthening relationships with these communities, both in the Netherlands and internationally. He focuses on developing new collaborations for research and education where possible. This line of research has existed since the Titus Brandsma Insitute was founded in 1968.

About this research

Research within this line of research has two distinct branches:

1. Historical and philosophical-theological research

This research focuses on various spiritual and mystical traditions within religious communities, such as the Carmelites, Benedictines, Vincentians, Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans and Augustinians. The researchers look at the influence and unique characteristics of these spiritual traditions, both in the past and in modern times.

Within this lineage, special attention is paid to the relationship between spirituality and mysticism, and how it relates to politics and social engagement. An important focal point is Carmelite spirituality, especially as visible in the work and life of Titus Brandsma. In the coming years, research on Brandsma will play a central role within this line of research.

2. Hermeneutic-mystagogical research

This research aims to clarify the meaning and value of religious life and spiritual traditions in today's society. It looks at how people today can find connection with religious traditions and how they can support them in their own spiritual quest.

Researchers

Dr I.M.K. Bocken (Inigo)

scientific collaborator (Titus Brandsma Institute), associate professor (Textual, historical and systematic studies of Judaism and Christianity)

Dr J.M. Bos (Anne-Marie)

scientific collaborator (Titus Brandsma Institute)

E. Tinambunan (Edison)

scientific collaborator (Titus Brandsma Institute)

Prof. Dr. T. Quartier (Thomas)

Professor (Comparative Religious Studies), Professor (Titus Brandsma Institute)

Also involved in this line of research is

  • As guest researcher: Marga Zwiggelaar 

Results

Recent activities

  • Symposium 'In the wake of Cusanus; The bursa cusana and polyphonic living together' (Deventer, 9 -11 February 2024).
  • Study day organised by the research group in cooperation with KNR on Saturday 18 March 2024 around the theme 'Devotion'. It gathered 75 professionals from the social field at the Titus Brandsma Memorial in Nijmegen.
  • In addition to this study day, numerous publications were provided. These publications reflect the fact that this line of research conducts both historical and philosophical-theological research, with a focus on the impact on contemporary politics, social engagement and personal spiritual life. For instance, Thomas Quartier wrote about liturgy and monastic life and Edison Tinambunan focused his publications on (Indonesian) politics and religion.