Het publieke belang van religiewetenschap

This contribution explores the current debate about the societal value of the study of religion. It clarifies what it means to ask for the relevance, importance, or use of religious studies for society at large, and demonstrates how scholars of religion produce research with significant societal impact. The contribution concludes with a plea for research that serves societal needs, but also critically interrogates existing assumptions of what is in the interest of society. To be able to do that, robust positive academic freedom is needed.