iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Up next … canonical text in #sociology, exploring #gender roles, #family, #work & #relationships. Wide application today still, with ripple effects in many aspects of personal & social life.

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Spent some time over the summer producing new short video content at the Flourishing Congregations Institute, to help local church leaders in Canada interact with Canadian data. Check them out and share widely!

Flourishing Congregations Institute @fcinstitute.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Reposted by Joel Thiessen

We are excited to release our new 90 second video on the Flourishing Congregations Institute! More videos to be released soon, intended to assist #Canadian #church #leaders interacting with Canadian #data! #congregations www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0fG...

youtube.com

Welcome to the Flourishing Congregations Institute

YouTube video by Flourishing Congregations Institute

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Reading some fascinating transcripts with '#death cafe' participants. Specifically, do people prefer to #die suddenly vs over a prolonged period of time, with attentiveness to impacts on loved ones (e.g., time to say goodbye vs caring for a loved one who is #dying).

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Next up … a gift from family earlier this month, on my birthday. #MadeInCanada #MadeInCalgary

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

“To be brave means to be ready to sustain a wound. Since he is substantially vulnerable, man can be courageous … The courageous person is not willing to sustain a wound for its own sake. Rather, through it he wants to protect or gain a deeper, more substantial freedom from harm” (p.25)

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

My wife was chatting with a couple of our neighbours, who I thought we knew well. In noting that I work from home more during the summer, the neighbours noted they thought I was a minister. And this word has reportedly spread in the community ... not sure what this does (or does not) mean 🤷‍♂️😂

static.klipy.com

Excuse Me

ALT: Excuse Me

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

It’s been an exciting week in my mailbox! Some of the things I plan to read in the coming semester …

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Starting to map out possible #pilgrimage for 2027 … 🤔

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

At faculty retreat, arranged ourselves by who has been here the longest through to those newest to our faculty. I was 6th longest (at 18 years). Part of the OG now (at 45 years-old) 😳😂

static.klipy.com

Cute Kid Shrug Meme

ALT: Cute Kid Shrug Meme

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

“Vanishing Gods” … a return to Bibby’s theses in the 1980s & 1990s that I agreed much more with than the 2000s 🤔. Looking forward to the read from this leading & influential #sociologist of #religion in #Canada who has become a good colleague & friend.

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

On Celebration of Life services, capturing in part my theological discomfort with them: “a type of memorial service which remembers the deceased rather than than commending them to God … non-committal to Christian faith … many do not want to be reminded of their own death (a part of every funeral).”

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Friday evening reading as I wade further into #research, reflection, and writing these days related to (non)religion & #death. One day - hopefully before too long, when time & space allow - I’ll develop and launch a much larger project related to the #sociology of death. 🤞🤔

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Splendid & captivating read! Uniquely written. Great story teller. Didn’t know what to expect, but among other things, this book returned me to the sights, sounds & experiences of my first pilgrimage, St.Cuthbert’s Way - from Melrose to Lindisfarne (with follow up visit to Durham) - in 2018. #Cuddy

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Up next with some colleagues … harkens back to my first pilgrimage on St.Cuthbert’s Way 👇

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Finished last night. On the 8 #vices, emphasizes what feeds the mind & heart in daily habits and stresses personal control & decisions vs blaming others. On retreating from others to counter temptations, states that in & through relationship one overcomes vices & cultivates the #virtuous life.

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Reposted by Joel Thiessen

Flourishing Congregations Institute @fcinstitute.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Every #church tells a #story. The question is: Is it the right one? In a recently-released episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. spoke with Joel Thiessen about The Stories Congregations Tell, a research project exploring why some churches flourish or struggle during transition.

flourishingcongregations.org

Why Every Church Needs a Better Story – Flourishing Congregations Institute

Every church tells a story. The question is: Is it the right one? In a recently-released episode of the Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr. spoke with Joel Thiessen, professor of Sociology a...

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Fascinating analysis of 120yrs of #obituaries in #Canada by @nonreligioncf.bsky.social: "By the late 20th century, churches & fraternal organizations are increasingly replaced by yacht & country clubs & also clubs related to curling, skating, or skiing" (p.13). journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

journals.sagepub.com

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

I recently joined Loren Richmond Jr. on the Future Christian Podcast to discuss The Stories Congregations Tell & what research reveals about flourishing congregations, storytelling, leadership & navigating change in the local church. I hope you'll give it a listen! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Next up, mostly with an interest in Book’s 5-12 as part of some other reading this past year regarding virtues & vices.

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Useful framework to explain late stages of #secularization: "In some contexts, the cultural 'default' among the young is no longer religion but 'nonreligion' ... it is the religious whose beliefs & identities depart from those legitimated & authorized by the sacred secular canopy" (p.2, 16).

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Seale persuasively challenges thesis that we are a “death denying” society. He addresses themes like social death before biological death, individual & group identity, social bonds, resurrective practices, suffering, euthanasia & grief. Throughout, he unpacks social scripts related to each topic.

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The strongest & clearest data in Canada to date regarding the reported religious revival among young people. Breaking news … there’s been no revival, as most sociologists of religion have consistently argued since some media & church leaders went buck wild with such claims over a year ago now.

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Reposted by Joel Thiessen

Institute for Religion, Culture and Societal Futures @ircsf.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

In this podcast with Humanist Canada & @danieldacombe.bsky.social, our Director Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme as well as @joelthiessen.bsky.social discuss religion, atheism, refusal, and acceptance in today's society. open.spotify.com/episode/0Nso... podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/s...

open.spotify.com

Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme & Joel Thiessen

The Voice of Canadian Humanism · Episode

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

On why I think it's key that actively religious & irreligious folks research & interact together. I loved this podcast conversation w/@danieldacombe.bsky.social for @humanistcanada.ca, together with good friend & co-author on religious nones, Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme. open.spotify.com/episode/0Nso...

open.spotify.com

Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme & Joel Thiessen

The Voice of Canadian Humanism · Episode

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

A fascinating & classic read, focused on patient-centred, human(e) & compassionate responses to those who are terminally ill. I don’t agree with everything, but there is much to like at the core of this text. Several conceptual & methodological ideas here for whatever my next project might entail 🤔

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Vacation with long flight & several trains = great opportunity to read some books set aside on my shelf for awhile … 🎉

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Great article on a subject that impacts many #congregations!

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Today I spent 90 minutes on a panel with other sociologists of religion, discussing reports of religious revival among young people. 150+ registered. Perfect timing for this article release @broadviewmedia.bsky.social, featuring scholars in Canada including yours truly. broadview.org/gen-z-return...

broadview.org

Is Gen Z really coming back to church? | Broadview Magazine

Recent surveys suggest young adults may be rediscovering religion, but sociologists caution the evidence is still far from clear

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Last chance to register for tomorrow’s event where I will join many good friends & colleagues who have thought carefully about the “religious revival among young people” question. Don’t miss this opportunity for a data-driven discussion with nuanced analysis!

Institute for Religion, Culture and Societal Futures @ircsf.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Reposted by Joel Thiessen

The Maple Spirit Pulse series is back for another summer, where we do a quick dive into hot topics on Canadian religion, spirituality and secularity! In this video, @joelthiessen.bsky.social from Ambrose University discusses the concept of flourishing congregations: youtu.be/laQ9fThqKuY

youtu.be

Flourishing Congregations

YouTube video by Institute Religion, Culture and Societal Futures

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Spring/summer #reading shifts to emerging area of #research interest in recent years: #death & #dying.

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Reposted by Joel Thiessen

Nonreligion in a Complex Future @nonreligioncf.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Register now for our upcoming webinar, co-hosted with the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society, "Wishful Thinking? Is There a Religious Revival?," happening on Zoom on May 27 from 12:30pm-2pm ET. Register here: uottawa-ca.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

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Reposted by Joel Thiessen

Samuel Perry @profsamperry.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Reporters: So we hear that Americans are recently returning to religion, especially young people. That true? Reputable Pollsters: Nope. Reporters: Well, our vibes say yeah. So we’re just gonna do 100 articles and podcasts about how Americans are returning to religion.

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Just finished #podcast on my recently co-edited book, "The Stories Congregations Tell." I was struck by the questions & implications for #church #leaders in light of empirical #data with #congregations. Stay tuned for the podcast release here & @fcinstitute.bsky.social. riverside.com/shared/snaps...

riverside.com

Riverside recording snapshot

Create your own studio-quality content.

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

This is an excellent & short piece on faith transmission that I highly recommend #church leaders & #parents read!

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Religious revival among young people in Canada? Latest media piece by reputable reporter @jdl56.bsky.social at @winnipegfreepress.com, featuring several scholars who study #religion in #Canada, including yours truly. www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-lif...

winnipegfreepress.com

Pew research

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

In early May, I'll begin teaching a two-week course on Aging. Here is a central thread in the course: “The most prevailing myth is that aging involves degenerative changes in our physical & psychological systems that lead, inevitably, to frailty & ultimately total dependence on others…" 1/3

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Last Thursday, I spent an hour on #CBC, talking about #religious #holidays and #religion in #Canada. Listen to the hour-long call in show below. www.cbc.ca/listen/live-... www.cbc.ca/listen/live-...

cbc.ca

Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

I suspect this will be the slide of the semester for students ... talking about peer hierarchies & school. Band pics (grade 10 drummer) & football (grade 12 quarterback). I was part of some VERY different social groups in high school 😂

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

This afternoon, I joined Jill Bennett on 730 CKNW in #Vancouver to talk about #GoodFriday & #religion in #Canada. Listen to the 13 minute clip below. open.spotify.com/episode/2hfP...

open.spotify.com

Spotify – Web Player

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Joel Thiessen @joelthiessen.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I throughly enjoyed my hour-long conversation with Sue Deyell and other callers/listeners at CBC today, talking about #Easter, #religious #holidays, and many other things related to #religion in #Canada. Stay tuned for the recording!