«Barndommen min har aldri forlatt meg» En undersøkelse av trosfortellinger og unges deltagelse i interreligiøs dialog

Abstract

This study explores the impact of interreligious dialogue on identity, belonging and faith among young adults who are active in an interreligious dialogue group where they use storytelling as a method to reflect on their faith as young adults in light of their childhood background, teenage experience and present understandings of themselves. It is a qualitative research study, conducted through interviews with three young adults between 18 and 30 years of age, and through analysis of video tapes. The theoretical framework is narrative theory and sociology of religion. The results show that the group constructs new ways of belonging through dialogue and personal storytelling. It shows how lived religion expands and develops through interreligious dialogue. The young adults develop a new form of identity and belonging through different life experiences and through reflection upon their faith in the encounters with each other. Thus, the study offers new understandings of the dynamics of the individual’s religion and interreligious dialogue. The study concludes by drawing attention to the impact of early socialization in relation to religious belief and how critical moments in life shape new interpretations of religion and faith.