Deakin Researching Religion Group
Investigating the complex ways religion, spirituality and diverse worldviews shape people, communities and contemporary society
How our research examines religion, spirituality and belief in a changing world
Despite predictions of decline, religion and spirituality continue to play a significant role in the lives of many Australians and communities around the world. The Deakin Researching Religion Group explores how religion, spirituality and different ways of understanding the world shape people’s lives, relationships and sense of responsibility to others and the environment. Our research spans Indigenous knowledges, established religious traditions, spiritual movements and connections with nature.
We examine how beliefs and practices support personal, community and environmental wellbeing, as well as the challenges they can create, including misinformation and the misuse of power. We also explore the complex relationship between belief systems and science, technology and wider social and economic systems.
Our research areas
Working with researchers, communities and government partners, we use our research to deepen understanding and help inform policy, education and public debate in Australia and beyond. Our work covers a range of areas, including:
- religion, violence and peacebuilding
- decolonising the study of religion
- spirituality, wellness and risks
- religion and ecology
- religion, science and society
- religion, gender and sexuality.
Study with us
Curious about the role of religion, spirituality and Indigenous knowledges in shaping wellbeing, belonging and social change? Undertake a graduate research degree at Deakin and work alongside renowned research supervisors making a global impact.
Spirituality and religion play significant roles in personal and public life, pertaining to both violence and peacebuilding. Increased understanding of this complexity is vital to addressing contemporary issues of precarity, polarisation, and environmental crises.
Co-Director, Deakin Researching Religion Group
Our team
Drawing on expertise across multiple disciplines, our researchers examine the ideas, practices and traditions that influence how people understand themselves and the world around them.
Professor Anna Halafoff is the co-director of the Deakin Researching Religion Group and a a leading scholar of religion and spirituality in and beyond Australia.
Professor Greg Barton is the co-director of the Deakin Researching Religion Group and one of Australia’s leading scholars on Indonesian culture, politics and preventing violent extremism.
Professor Miguel Vatter is a global expert in political and legal theory, political theology, contemporary continental philosophy and intellectual history.
Joshua Waters is a Gamilaraay PhD candidate and Senior Research Fellow in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Samantha Hauw is a PhD candidate and Research Fellow in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Featured projects
Our innovative and interdisciplinary research projects examine some of the most pressing questions facing diverse communities today.
Australian spirituality: Wellness, wellbeing and risks
This project explores how spiritual beliefs and practices affect wellbeing in contemporary Australia. The project examines both the benefits of spirituality, such as connection and resilience, and potential risks, including misinformation, exploitation and harmful forms of influence.
Buddhism in Australia: Wellbeing, belonging and social engagement
Funded by the Hsing Yun Education Foundation, this project explores the 150-year history of Buddhism in Australia, highlighting the experiences and contributions of Asian Buddhist communities. Through nationwide surveys, fieldwork and digital resources, the project aims to deepen understanding of Buddhism's role in Australian society and strengthen connections across diverse Buddhist communities.
Asia-Pacific interreligious research
The Asia-Pacific Interreligious Education Roundtable brings together leading scholars, educators and practitioners from across the region to explore interreligious education, dialogue and collaboration. Hosted at Deakin Lancaster Indonesia, the event fosters cross-cultural exchange, showcases innovative research and practice, and supports new partnerships that strengthen interfaith understanding and cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific.
Religious populism, emotions and political mobilisation
This project investigates how religious ideas and emotions are used to mobilise political support in Turkey, Indonesia and Pakistan. By analysing political messages and public attitudes, the project explores how religious populism can contribute to social division and polarisation, helping governments better understand and respond to its impacts on democracy.
Our research collaborations
We have well-established collaborations with leading Australian and international scholars of religion and spirituality, community organisations and state actors, including:
- University of Ottawa
- University of Leeds
- University Autonomous Barcelona
- University of Gadjah Mada
- Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority
- Faith Community Council of Victoria
- Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
- Nan Tien Institute
- University of Melbourne
- University of Western Sydney
Our featured publications
Explore a selection of recent flagship publications showcasing the breadth and impact of our researchers’ work. For a complete list of publications, visit our researchers’ profile pages.
Alone Australia: Nature connection and spiritual complexity in popular culture, A. Halafoff, S. Hauw and T. Yunkaporta
Religious Diversity in Australia: Living Well with Difference, D. Ezzy, A. Halafoff, R. Banham and G. Barton (editors)
Spiritual Complexity in Australia: Wellbeing and Risks, A. Halafoff, A. Singleton and R. Fitzpatrick
Selling (con)spirituality and Covid-19 in Australia: Convictions, complexity and countering d/misinformation, A. Halafoff, E. Marriott, R. Fitzpatrick and E. Weng
The Viral Politics of Covid-19: Nature, Home, and Planetary Health, M. Vatter and V. Lemm (editors)
Contact us
If you want to study with us, partner with us or learn more about our research and initiatives, please get in touch with the team.
