Joel Thiessen
@joelthiessen.bsky.social
Sociologist at Ambrose University, researching congregations, religious nones, millennials, death, and more.
www.joelthiessen.ca
www.joelthiessen.ca
Pinned
Joel Thiessen
@joelthiessen.bsky.social
· Jul 29
Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem - Joel Thiessen, 2025
Along with parents and schools, congregations are part of a “religious transmission ecosystem” with children. Using case study data with a Catholic parish in Ca...
journals.sagepub.com
My article, "Planting Seeds: The #Catholic #Parish in the #Religious Transmission Ecosystem" is now available. Stay tuned later this week for the release of another new article that I've co-authored! journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1...
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
In this infographic, Naz, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes some key points from Joel Thiessen's talk last November "Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem."
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
February 3, 2026 at 4:13 PM
In this infographic, Naz, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes some key points from Joel Thiessen's talk last November "Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem."
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
Good, balanced #Canadian #journalism on the reported #religious revival among young people by @jdl56.bsky.social. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
© CBC/Radio-Canada 2026. All rights reserved.
www.cbc.ca
February 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Good, balanced #Canadian #journalism on the reported #religious revival among young people by @jdl56.bsky.social. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...
Next up (as part of one reading group that I’m part of) …
February 1, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Next up (as part of one reading group that I’m part of) …
I just did another media interview w/Canadian outlet on this topic. I was impressed with the measured questions, analysis & inferences raised, where I (yet again) made a case that we should give “cause for pause” on this reported revival, building on the great work of fellow scholars of religion 👏.
Evangelical Christian media company Christian Today reported on my analysis of the survey data fueling claims of a Christian revival in the UK.
The story includes response from a Bible Society spokesperson (the Bible Society produced the Quiet Revival report).
The story includes response from a Bible Society spokesperson (the Bible Society produced the Quiet Revival report).
Pew Research challenges claims of revival in the UK
The Bible Society has defended its findings and the quality of the research they are based on.
www.christiantoday.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:56 AM
I just did another media interview w/Canadian outlet on this topic. I was impressed with the measured questions, analysis & inferences raised, where I (yet again) made a case that we should give “cause for pause” on this reported revival, building on the great work of fellow scholars of religion 👏.
“Sociological realism [vs theological or program idealism] instead summons everyone to appreciate the force of big-picture social contexts on our personal experiences and to realistically face the limits and opportunities in moving forward” (p.367). Fitting conclusion to a very useful book. 👏
January 25, 2026 at 4:07 PM
“Sociological realism [vs theological or program idealism] instead summons everyone to appreciate the force of big-picture social contexts on our personal experiences and to realistically face the limits and opportunities in moving forward” (p.367). Fitting conclusion to a very useful book. 👏
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
In my post yesterday, I wrote, "The narrative of a religious revival in the U.K. appears to be receiving much more attention than data and commentary challenging this narrative."
Here's a just published example: www.christiantoday.com/news/2025-wa...
Here's a just published example: www.christiantoday.com/news/2025-wa...
January 24, 2026 at 5:12 AM
In my post yesterday, I wrote, "The narrative of a religious revival in the U.K. appears to be receiving much more attention than data and commentary challenging this narrative."
Here's a just published example: www.christiantoday.com/news/2025-wa...
Here's a just published example: www.christiantoday.com/news/2025-wa...
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
In this infographic, Joanne, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes some key points from Joel Thiessen's talk last November "Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem."
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
January 22, 2026 at 5:26 PM
In this infographic, Joanne, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes some key points from Joel Thiessen's talk last November "Planting Seeds: The Catholic Parish in the Religious Transmission Ecosystem."
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
To watch Joel's guest lecture from last November: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtMa...
Along with many demographic & social changes, “religious self-destructions” also played a role in #religion becoming obsolete. Among many examples, “religious scandals were not the straw but the log that broke the camel’s back” (p.243). Pp.229-48 detail many of these scandals. 1/2
January 21, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Along with many demographic & social changes, “religious self-destructions” also played a role in #religion becoming obsolete. Among many examples, “religious scandals were not the straw but the log that broke the camel’s back” (p.243). Pp.229-48 detail many of these scandals. 1/2
227 pages in. Compelling analysis on many fronts, notably on social changes that unintentionally yet powerfully contributed to #religion being obsolete for a growing segment of society.
Here are 10 ways that Smith suggests the #Digital #Revolution has been corrosive to religion (p.138-149)… 1/3
Here are 10 ways that Smith suggests the #Digital #Revolution has been corrosive to religion (p.138-149)… 1/3
January 17, 2026 at 9:43 PM
227 pages in. Compelling analysis on many fronts, notably on social changes that unintentionally yet powerfully contributed to #religion being obsolete for a growing segment of society.
Here are 10 ways that Smith suggests the #Digital #Revolution has been corrosive to religion (p.138-149)… 1/3
Here are 10 ways that Smith suggests the #Digital #Revolution has been corrosive to religion (p.138-149)… 1/3
For #churches who believe the right #doctrinal ideas or #programs make all the difference: “Without taking into account the larger social structures & #cultural environments within which they operate, great ideas & programs themselves may accomplish little” (p.20). Simply put, #sociology matters.
January 10, 2026 at 4:13 PM
For #churches who believe the right #doctrinal ideas or #programs make all the difference: “Without taking into account the larger social structures & #cultural environments within which they operate, great ideas & programs themselves may accomplish little” (p.20). Simply put, #sociology matters.
Been on my shelf for awhile & now it’s time to crack it open & read. Next up …
January 9, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Been on my shelf for awhile & now it’s time to crack it open & read. Next up …
Among the more insightful #books I’ve read in recent years. I strongly encourage you to join this free webinar, and encourage other #church and #denominational #leaders to do likewise!
Join Sam Reimer, Professor of Sociology at Crandall University, for an interactive half-hour webinar about his recently released book Caught in the Current. In this webinar, Reimer unpacks the central assumptions of self-spirituality, and how it affects #evangelical congregations.
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
events.teams.microsoft.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Among the more insightful #books I’ve read in recent years. I strongly encourage you to join this free webinar, and encourage other #church and #denominational #leaders to do likewise!
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
(1/3) Elina, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes the following from last November's talk: "Joel Thiessen discussed the concept of religious transmission ecosystems in his guest lecture...
January 7, 2026 at 7:09 PM
(1/3) Elina, undergrad assisting the IRCSF last term, summarizes the following from last November's talk: "Joel Thiessen discussed the concept of religious transmission ecosystems in his guest lecture...
Thesis: “A listening, receptive & responsive heart is precisely what we need as a society & as individuals to lead successful individual lives & to enjoy a successful coexistence” (p.3). 1/4
January 7, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Thesis: “A listening, receptive & responsive heart is precisely what we need as a society & as individuals to lead successful individual lives & to enjoy a successful coexistence” (p.3). 1/4
Guest lecturing this week in a “#Christianity & #Media” course. My preparations brought me back to this feature article @calgaryherald.com in December 2008 on my research as a doctoral student … that article proved pivotal to many more media & public speaking engagements throughout my career since.
January 6, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Guest lecturing this week in a “#Christianity & #Media” course. My preparations brought me back to this feature article @calgaryherald.com in December 2008 on my research as a doctoral student … that article proved pivotal to many more media & public speaking engagements throughout my career since.
From left to right, my reading list through March as I prepare to chart out a new research project in summer 2026.
January 6, 2026 at 2:50 AM
From left to right, my reading list through March as I prepare to chart out a new research project in summer 2026.
Enjoyed these books, notably the top one. I may write a lengthier reflection one day. For now, reminded again of a central claim in #theology & recurring observation in my #sociological work: qualitatively different way of ‘being’ for those who concede they are not in #control of their life, God is.
January 6, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Enjoyed these books, notably the top one. I may write a lengthier reflection one day. For now, reminded again of a central claim in #theology & recurring observation in my #sociological work: qualitatively different way of ‘being’ for those who concede they are not in #control of their life, God is.
Recent article on #religion in #Canada from @jdl56.bsky.social. www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif...
Statistics Canada responds to growth in minority religions
www.winnipegfreepress.com
December 30, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Recent article on #religion in #Canada from @jdl56.bsky.social. www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif...
A fitting article as #Advent reaches its peak before Christmas.
#Mothers know something about God that can help shape a church’s approach to #mission. This article by Elizabeth Millar, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at Wycliffe College, proposes that what #women know about God through the practice of mothering can help shape a maternal #missiology.
How Mothering Can Inform the Mission of the Church – Flourishing Congregations Institute
Mothers know something about God that can help shape a church’s approach to mission. Based on my dissertation research where I look at the theology within maternal narratives, I propose that what wome...
flourishingcongregations.org
December 23, 2025 at 4:21 PM
A fitting article as #Advent reaches its peak before Christmas.
Reading with others this month, which has turned into a thought provoking read during the advent season (for those who understand the fullness of what advent is … and is not).
December 21, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Reading with others this month, which has turned into a thought provoking read during the advent season (for those who understand the fullness of what advent is … and is not).
No shortage of current events in Alberta to inform my #Sociology of #Education course design. I want students to develop robust evidence & reasons for thinking as they do. I'm even more interested in carefully exploring BOTH sides vs researching & reinforcing what they already believe to be true.
December 11, 2025 at 10:06 PM
No shortage of current events in Alberta to inform my #Sociology of #Education course design. I want students to develop robust evidence & reasons for thinking as they do. I'm even more interested in carefully exploring BOTH sides vs researching & reinforcing what they already believe to be true.
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
Amy, undergrad student assisting the IRCSF this term, highlights the following finding in this poster as particularly interesting from Joel Thiessen's talk last month at St. Jerome's University:
December 11, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Amy, undergrad student assisting the IRCSF this term, highlights the following finding in this poster as particularly interesting from Joel Thiessen's talk last month at St. Jerome's University:
Reposted by Joel Thiessen
Discover how #Quebec’s historic #churches are being reimagined as vibrant public spaces in this article by Sam Victor, anthropologist and postdoctoral researcher at McGill University.
Sharing spaces, sharing visions: The ethics and politics of making Quebec’s churches public – Flourishing Congregations Institute
Across Canada, historic churches are closing their doors. In Quebec, the pace is accelerating as local dioceses struggle to reallocate funds for repair and maintenance amid the province’s aggressive f...
flourishingcongregations.org
December 10, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Latest report from @pewresearch.org "shows no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults." www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/u...
www.pewresearch.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Latest report from @pewresearch.org "shows no clear evidence of a religious revival among young adults." www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/u...