Religious Speech as Resource. A Research Report

Abstract

Abstract Religious speeches aim at social efficacy. They are therefore an important resource for religious communities and groups. The article pursues a cultural concept of resources, which does not ask about the benefit of a resource, but about its values in and effects on societies. The crucial elements are the social dynamics, actions and relationships that are closely related to culturally shaped interests in and use of resources. This concept is brought into conversation with more recent research on Christian and Islamic preaching cultures. Anthropological research in particular has repeatedly pointed to the social value attributed to preaching. This interdisciplinary article shows the yield of the dialogue between anthropology and practical theology.