Heinz Streib

Prof. Dr. Heinz Streib is Professor of Practical Theology/Religious Education at the University of Bielefeld, affiliated with the Faculty of History, Philosophy and Theology and Department of Theology and Diaconal Studies. He directs research at the Research Center for Interdisciplinary Religious Studies specializing in Biographical Religious Studies, and is recognized as an expert in fundamentalism, religious psychology, spirituality, youth religion, and biographical approaches to religious experience.

• 1995: Habilitation (Venia Legendi in Practical Theology), University of Frankfurt
• 1989: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Emory University, Atlanta
• 1984: Master of Sacred Theology (STM), Yale University, New Haven
• 1980: 2nd Protestant Theological Service Examination, Church of Württemberg
• 1977: 1st Protestant Theological Service Examination, University of Tübingen
• 1970: Abitur

Streib's research centers on empirical studies of contemporary religion and spirituality, xenophobia and inter-religious prejudice, religious development theory, religious styles and schemata, psychology of religion, biographical analysis, deconversion, and deinstitutionalized religion. His work uniquely bridges theological inquiry with psychological and sociological methodologies, emphasizing longitudinal and mixed-method approaches to understanding religious transformation across the lifespan. He has developed influential frameworks for analyzing religious styles and faith development trajectories.

Analysis of Streib's 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on deconversion processes, religious style transformation, and the psychological dimensions of xenophobia/xenosophia. His work increasingly employs mixed-method and longitudinal designs, combining quantitative analysis with in-depth biographical interviews. Recent research demonstrates particular attention to refugee attitudes, mystical experience measurement, and the developmental pathways between egocentric and xenocentric religious orientations.

• Editor-in-Chief, International Journal for the Psychology of Religion (since 2017)
• Former Editor-in-Chief, Archive for the Psychology of Religion (2008-2016)
• Member, American Psychological Association (APA)
• Member, International Association for the Psychology of Religion (IAPR)
• Member, International Seminar on Religious Education and Values (ISREV)
• Member, Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR)

Streib's academic leadership extends through his editorial roles and professional memberships. His research methodology emphasizes biographical approaches combined with quantitative analysis, particularly through faith development interviews. The Research Center for Interdisciplinary Religious Studies serves as the primary hub for his ongoing investigations into religious transformation, with particular attention to deconversion trajectories and the psychological dimensions of religious openness. His current work increasingly addresses contemporary social challenges related to migration and interreligious understanding.