Lived Religion in Iran: Beyond the Scope of Institutionalized Religion

The concept of lived religion embraces different types of phenomena to which an individual is exposed, and which lead them to reconsider religion on a daily basis. Institutionalized religion, which is one component of the repertoire to which individuals can refer as sources of thought, belief and practice, is giving way to many alternatives. The dynamics of this trend vary according to context and the vigor of religious institutions. In a context like Iran's, where religious institutions are influential and well-funded, this trend could prove much more challenging.

My research focuses on individuals' self-identification of changes in their religiosity over recent years in the context of the city of Tehran, Iran. The study is based on qualitative interviews using open questions that inquire of individuals about the religion into which they were baptized, other religions and interesting insights they may have found beyond the realm of religion, in order to understand how they bring these diverse elements together to live religion.

In an ongoing research project, the results reveal that individuals in this particular context, even if they show affinities with certain aspects of institutionalized religion, easily overstep the boundaries by placing elements such as humanity at the heart of their religious and/or spiritual beliefs. This move often involves new understandings of certain concepts that may be associated with individuals' evolving religiosity in one way or another.