Exploring religion in urban spaces: Student excursion to Rotterdam

As part of qualitative projects they designed themselves, the students explored the diverse roles that religion plays in urban spaces. Rotterdam, also known as the “Manhattan on the Maas” due to its futuristic architecture and various skyscrapers, offered the ideal environment for this: religion, whether in the form of established religious traditions or individual spiritual practices, was very present in many places throughout the city. For example, in the meditation and prayer room on the campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, which is open to all students but is mainly used by Muslims; or in centuries-old Protestant and Catholic communities, which compete more or less successfully with young, innovative free churches for members.

Like other large cities, Rotterdam is religiously productive, as the cultural diversity that has developed through its long history of immigration from all over the world is also reflected in the religious practices of Hindu, Jewish, Mormon, and other believers. Religious diversity is influenced by the urban context just as much as it shapes it in return. These and similar topics were intensively studied by the students during their week on site and supported by feedback sessions and individual counseling by the seminar leaders.

Another highlight was a meeting between the group and Katharina Bauer, philosopher at Erasmus University and project partner of Ruhr University Bochum within the framework of the UNIC network “The European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition.” The participants are grateful to the Center for Religious Studies and the Society of Friends of RUB for their generous support, without which this excursion would not have been possible.

^{© Picture: Dala Elsner}