‘Street Theology’: Vernacular Theology and Muslim Youth in Norway

Abstract

This article discusses the production of Islamic theology in its European contextual and vernacular articulations. The focus is on how young Muslims in Norway contribute to the ongoing reflection on and formation of Islamic theology. To that end, it examines texts produced and disseminated by a group called 'Stand4Hussain', which, between 2012 and 2014, organized street events in Oslo. The article argues that the content of their textual production, their mode of communication and the intentions behind their social practice can be analysed as a form of vernacular, contextual, theological reflection and production. The term 'street theology' is coined here for this non-scholastic, vernacular and contextual theology. A characteristic of 'street theology' is that it is mediated in the streets and shaped by the external audience, mainly non-Muslims.The article argues that the study of vernacular productions and disseminations of theology should be included in programmes on the study of Islamic theology at Western universities since the production of theological reflections may take place outside scholarly settings and be motivated by external debates and perceptions. The study of vernacular theology can expand our understanding of the production of theology in given social contexts and refine our conceptualization of 'Islamic theology'.

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