The objective of this doctoral dissertation is twofold: to offer a sociological conceptualization
of religion that recognizes the causal role of the religious body in shaping religious phenomena;
to examine the characteristics of the religious body within Slovenian Christian Charismatic
communities. The dissertation consists of a mainly theoretical and a predominantly empirical
part. The theoretical section addresses the conceptual problem of substantial dualism, which
reduces religion to belief, treating the body as a mere expressive medium for religious
convictions. To advance beyond this framework, the study first explores sociological
approaches to the body and subsequently incorporates perspectives from cognitive science of
religion. Within the latter, research on the embodiment of religion is identified as crucial for
complementing sociological constructivist tendencies. The synthesis of sociological and
cognitive perspectives is presented through the material turn in the study of religion, linking
the religious body to the process of real-making, which is posited as fundamental to all
religions. This synthesis results in a four-part sociological conceptualization of the body in
religious ritual, comprising body postures, body techniques, body regimes, and corporeality.
The empirical section begins with an overview of Charismatic Christianity, distinguishing
between Classical Pentecostals, the Charismatic Renewal, and neo-charismatic communities.
The theological analysis identifies ritual entry into God’s presence as their defining feature. A
sociological review follows, highlighting the lack of attention to the body in existing studies of
Charismatic Christianity. The empirical data – collected through participant observations,
semi-structured interviews, and a survey – is introduced alongside an overview of key
Slovenian Christian Charismatic communities: the Emanuel Pentecostal Church, the Catholic
Charismatic Renewal, and the Christian Center. The findings emphasize demographic traits,
conversion characteristics, and religious life, arguing that Slovenian Christian Charismatics
exemplify a profound transformation of religion. The final section analyzes this transformation
through the theoretical conceptualization of the religious body.
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