Ever since A-level studies in Sociology and Religion I've been fascinated by the interface of religion and modern society. Originally explored through the academic study of Christianity in South America, I now also engage this interface through the discourse and practice of minority religions and nonmainstream religiosity across the global-modern world.
I'm open to supervising research students in the following areas: religion and modern society, sociology of religion, new and nonmainstream religiosity and contemporary Christianity.
DPhil, Oxford University, UK.
MA Social Science (Distinction), University of Liverpool, UK.
STM (First in year), Chicago Theological Seminary, USA.
BA Hons Theology & Religious Studies (First Class), University of Manchester, UK.
My academic curiosity is driven in large part by the transformative nature of global modernity and its socio-cultural impact on institutional, associational and subjective aspects of contemporary life. In addition to a number of smaller projects, I'm working on a larger long-term project on national identity.
University Responsibilities
I am Head of Department.
Extra-University Responsibilities
I am a member of the Strategic College of the AHRC, Peer Review Pool of the British Council and the Outer Review Board of the IRC.
I sit on the editorial boards of the Journal of Contemporary Religion and Ciências da Religião - História e Sociedade.
External Research Funding
AHRC International Research Network (2014-16)
AHRC Research Fellowship (2011-12)
Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship (2008-10)
British Academy Research Grant (2007-08)
AHRC Research Leave Award (2006-07)
Current Projects
Cosmopolitan nationalism. Dynamic diversity.