Depending on your point of view, religion is the source of values like compassion and social justice that are essential to the harmonious co-existence of diverse groups in any given society. Or it provides the rationalization for intolerance and injustice toward the “other,” which is the root of conflict and suffering. Reality, of course, is much more complicated than either perspective.
In any case, religious beliefs—and beliefs about religion—inevitably shape social values and political power, in both the secular societies of the global North and the deeply religious cultures of the global South. Explore the relationship between religion and a variety of social and political issues, from economic inequality to immigration.
Photo Credit: Franco Folini
ToolsPreaching Beyond the Walls of the Congregation: How Faith Leaders Can Use MediaCongregations are often on the frontlines of significant social issues, from poverty to immigration to polarization. Clergy’s moral leadership on these issues is grounded in both their spiritual traditions and the lived …Topics: Christianity, Media and Technology, preaching, Religious Leadership- VideoWellness and Wellbeing: Caring for Self and Community
Commentary“We Save Us” – 2025 Trends to Watch in Religion and SocietyMultiple wildfires broke out across Los Angeles the day before our team was scheduled to discuss 2025 trends to watch in religion and society. Our leader canceled the meeting, while other team …Topics: Disaster Response, Economic Justice, Innovation and Change, Politics, Racial Justice, Religious Leadership, trends
CommentaryBringing Religion Reporting—and Understanding—to NigeriaInspired by a fellowship with CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality (2019-2023), journalist Innocent Eteng has found ways to improve reporting on religion in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country with over 250 …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Media and Technology- VideoAI Tips for Preachers
- VideoMemories of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray – 1929-2024
- Video2024 Shurden Lectures: Whose Country Is It Anyway?
- VideoGod’s Resistance: Mobilizing Faith to Defend Immigrants
CommentaryA Year of Crisis and Opportunity: 2024 Trends in Religion and SocietyIn CRCC’s annual trends post last year, we wrote about surviving, if not thriving. We write this year’s trends with a special place in our hearts for CRCC’s senior editor Nick Street, …Topics: Innovation and Change, Racial Justice, Religious Leadership, trends
ArticleKonda Mason: Growing rice in Louisiana is a path to justice for Black farmersThis article was originally published on The Christian Science Monitor, with the support of CRCC’s global project on engaged spirituality. It’s past daybreak on a muggy July morning when Konda Mason reaches the farm, a …Topics: Buddhism, Diane Winston, Engaged Spirituality, Environmental Justice, Racial Justice, Religious Leadership, Spiritual Exemplars
ArticleFouzia Azizi: A Helping Hand for Afghan RefugeesFouzia Azizi vividly recalls the night her family fled Afghanistan nearly 30 years ago. Fearing for their lives, they crossed the border into Pakistan. They traveled lightly, expecting to return soon. “I …Topics: Diane Winston, Engaged Spirituality, Immigration, Racial Justice, Spiritual Exemplars
ArticleSarah Zouak: Leading a Laboratory of Muslim Feminism in FranceWhen Sarah Zouak was a graduate student in France, an adviser told her that the phrase “Muslim feminist” was a contradiction in terms. Zouak had proposed a thesis on the topic when …Topics: Engaged Spirituality, Gender and Sexuality, Islam, Spiritual Exemplars
“It is, finally, not the external forms of religion that matter so much; they are cultural products, vessels (potential conduits) of the holy, not to be confused with the divine (which would be idolatry). What is important is the quality of life that results from one’s concourse with the God beyond gods.”
—Donald E. Miller
“The Future of Liberal Christianity”
CRCC Experts
To schedule an interview with one of our experts, please contact CRCC:
crcc@usc.edu or 213-743-1611
Brad ChristersonBrad Christenson is a sociologist who has written extensively in the areas of religion, race, ethnicity, and globalization.
Richard FloryExecutive DirectorRichard Flory is a sociologist whose work focuses on religion and urban life, religious and cultural change, and youth and young adults.
Andrew JohnsonPast FellowAndrew Johnson is a sociologist who studies religion on the margins of society, with specific interests in religious practice inside of prison, Latin American Pentecostalism and religion in the city.
Juan MartínezPast FellowJuan Martinez studies the history of Latino Protestantism, Latino Protestant identity and transnational mission among U.S. Latinos.
Donald E. MillerCo-FounderDonald Miller focuses on global religious trends, genocides of the 20th century, and the role of religious NGOs in addressing issues of moral concern.
Jon MillerGuest ContributorJon Miller is a comparative sociologist and director of the international mission photography archive.
Arpi MillerArpi Miller is a sociologist who studies secular and faith-based immigrant advocacy and accompaniment.
Najuma SmithAssistant Director of Community and Public EngagementRev. Najuma Smith combines her experience as a pastor and expertise as a community leader to train Murray Center Fellows.
Megan SweasEditor and Director of CommunicationsMegan Sweas is a journalist specializing in social and economic justice issues and world religions.
Tarra McNallyTarra McNally is an anthropologist specializing in evaluation and global health.
Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr.Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr. couples his experience in business and investment with his passion for community development.
Diane WinstonAs a journalist and scholar, Diane Winston is a national authority on religion, politics, the news media and entertainment.