Vol. 4 No. 1 (2024): PASR Journal

We live in a world that feels more unpredictable than ever—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA). For researchers like us, this reality is both daunting and exciting. It pushes us to go beyond our comfort zones and think deeper about how we understand the world, particularly in areas like religion and society, where traditions meet rapid change. The articles in this issue of the Philippine Association of the Sociology of Religion journal highlight the urgency of theorizing in these challenging times—not as an abstract exercise but as a way to truly make sense of the shifting landscape we all navigate.

In this VUCA world, the pace of change can leave us feeling disoriented. Long-established beliefs and institutions are being questioned, and new forms of spirituality and secularism are emerging. The complex social realities we face today—whether due to political turmoil, economic struggles, or environmental crises—demand that we look at things from fresh perspectives. Theorizing, in this sense, helps us connect the dots. It allows us to question what we think we know and to uncover deeper truths about how religion and society are evolving. This journal aims to explore these complexities with a critical eye, offering frameworks that help make sense of the ever-shifting ground we stand on.

But theorizing is not something we do alone in an academic bubble. It’s a conversation—a collaborative effort between scholars, practitioners, and communities. When we bring different perspectives together, especially from voices that have often been overlooked, we deepen our understanding and create more meaningful insights. In these turbulent times, it’s crucial that we engage with one another in ways that are honest, empathetic, and grounded in the lived experiences of people, especially those on the margins.

As you read the articles in this issue, I encourage you to approach them not just as a scholar but as someone living in this complex world. The ideas and theories within are tools to help us better understand the challenges we face and to imagine new possibilities for our shared future. In a VUCA world, theorizing is more than an intellectual pursuit—it’s a way of making sense of the chaos and finding paths forward.