Hedda Jansson
About me
Current Research Project – The Century of Life Faith: Ellen Key and Secular Spirituality in Sweden 1926-2026
In my postdoctoral project, I explore the emerging understanding of the concept of spirituality in Sweden through the discourse surrounding the author and ideologue Ellen Key (1849–1926). Key developed her own spiritual framework, which she called "Life Faith" (Livstro), a belief system that was distinct from the dominant Christian faith of her time. This project aims to examine how Key's ideas were received and discussed in both academic and non-academic journals and publications in Sweden, from the early 20th century to the present day. The research focuses on concepts of religion and spirituality and critically engages with the development of secular spirituality in Sweden over the past 100 years. It contributes to the ongoing academic discussion about the definitions of spirituality and religion.
Dissertation – The Buddha of the Sunbath: Buddhism and Theosophy in Ellen Key's Life Faith
In my doctoral dissertation, "The Buddha of the Sunbath – Buddhism and Theosophy in Ellen Key's Life Faith", I investigated Ellen Key's worldview and how she related to Eastern religious traditions introduced to Europe in the late 19th century. Through translations of Buddhist and Hindu texts, as well as reinterpretations within esoteric traditions such as Theosophy, not only was Christian hegemony questioned, but new religious alternatives were also formulated. Ellen Key was deeply influenced by these new ideas and came to represent movements that were part of the development of modern society: Critical against Christianity, feminist, and pro-religious. The dissertation discusses how her worldview fits into the contemporary discourse on disenchantment, secularization, and modernity. The defense took place on May 10, 2023.
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