Thy will be done. DOING Theology THROUGH Diffractive Methodology by Elisabeth Laasonen Belgrano

The overall purpose of this thesis is to perform and propose diffractive methodology as a means for exploring, reading, learning, and understanding systematic theological discourses beyond binary and oppositional thinking. This methodology is based on performative strategies and feminist new materialist theory, with a specific focus on Karen Barad’s ethico-onto-epistemological agential realism theory; it can also be considered an alternative to a more traditional academic reflexive methodological approach, thus allowing for an infinite number of explorative methods to be developed within its umbrella definition of diffractive methodology. The diffractive analysis in this study is shaped as an intra-active entangled reading of Graham Ward’s Engaged Theology, through Erika Fischer-Lichte’s Performance Aesthetics, and the method I call Voicing-as-Performative-Theology. This thesis is divided into three parts. Part I unfolds relevant terminology. Part II performs the actual diffractive reading analysis. Part III consists of a concluding essay summarizing the outcome of this study’s diffractive reading, as well as opening up suggestions for how diffractive methodology can be applied for developing more performative and diffractive methods as part of future theological research. The thesis will be presented at University College Stockholm (EHS), in January 8 2024.

CHAPTER 1

WHAT is this thesis about…? What is meant to be materialized?

• a diffractive reading of WARD through FISCHER-LICHTE leading to an embodied (performance of ) and “engaged” (Ward 2016) VOICING-as-THEOLOGY

Theory

Entangling through Theology & Performative Arts

Performativity

Agential realism

Situated knowledge

Entanglement

Diffraction

Previous research

Sounding, voicing, experiencing, listening, thinking, and wording as incarnation

Artistic Research

Performative research strategies

Interpretation as praxis

Diffractive Methodology

Diffractive reading as Exegetical Praxis

Artistic Research as spiritual / theological praxis

CHAPTER 2

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LIST of CONTENTS

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