Rhizomatic belonging, a new book by Daan Oostveen

The book An Exploration of Multiple Religious Belongings: Rhizomatic Belonging by lecturer and researcher Daan Oostveen explores how people today can relate to multiple religious traditions simultaneously and challenges the notion that religion always constitutes a single, clearly defined identity.

We ask Daan five questions about his new (open access) publication:

Was there a specific reason why you decided to write this book?

This monograph is the culmination of my doctoral research at VU University Amsterdam. My supervisors were André van der Braak and Manuela Kalsky, a professor by special appointment at our University of Humanistic Studies. I have refined the original doctoral thesis into a trade edition for this publication.

Can you describe the essence of your book?

This book explores how people today can relate to multiple religious traditions simultaneously. It challenges the notion that religion is always a single, clearly defined identity. Using the concept of rhizomatic belonging, I offer an alternative: religious identity as dynamic, layered and relational.

Who is this book intended for?

The book is intended for sociologists, theologians, humanists, anthropologists, philosophers, scholars of religious studies, and researchers in Chinese studies. It is aimed at those who explore issues of pluralism and diversity from a comparative perspective.

What do you hope to achieve with this book?

I hope to shift the academic debate on ‘identity’ towards issues of ‘belonging’, transformation and ambiguity, rather than fixed ‘identities’.

Is there a specific time when this book is introduced?

The book launch will take place at the University of Humanistic Studies on 9 June from 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm. Our colleague Andries Hiskes will give a response. The event is open to staff from all departments – and, of course, to guests from outside the university.