Rebel Religion

From the times of mythology and the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, and Judaism to the secularism and late modernity of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, religious individuals and groups have rebelled against established religious systems, political leaders, governments, and established society.

Rebellion appears at the very genesis of many religions, both ancient and modern, and it continues to mark moments of transformation in states and societies. We see this today as well, from the exile of the Dalai Lama to upheavals in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East. Rebellion against established religious, political, and social structures seems to be a key driver in the history of religion itself, past and present.

We may agree or disagree with the rebels, but their actions carry important lessons about the dynamics of power, resistance, and change. Authorities tend to respond by defending the status quo through increased control and security, while oppositional groups develop new forms of organisation and protest.

In this course, we explore religion as a form of counter-power and social critique. Studying religious rebellion offers students a unique outsider’s perspective on religion, society, and politics, and helps us understand some of the key tensions that shape the modern world.

We begin by examining the myths, histories, and ideas that frame movements of religious resistance. We then analyse recurring patterns in religious conflict and innovation, showing how similar structures appear across different contexts, often in new and surprising ways. In the second part of the course, we focus on conflicts that continue to influence global politics and culture today.