Margrethe Løov

Dr. Margrethe Løov is an Associate Professor of Religious Studies at NLA University College, specializing in the sociology of new religious movements, secularization, and Nordic spiritual trends. Her work bridges theology, philosophy, and empirical research.

• PhD (2019) and MA (2010) from the University of Bergen and Oslo
• Editor of Aura: Tidsskrift for akademiske studier av nyreligiøsitet
• Contributor to encyclopedias like Store norske leksikon and Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology

Løov’s research focuses on:

• New Age Movements: Analyzing spiritual consumerism and organizations like VisionWorks
• Meditation Practices: Comparative studies of Acem and Transcendental Meditation
• Sami Missionary History: Investigating early Norwegian missionary efforts
• Radicalization Trends: Linking conversions to new religious movements and radical Islamism

Her recent publications highlight shifts in spiritual self-identification, secularization of meditation, and empirical approaches to alternative spirituality. She teaches courses in KRLE (Christianity, Religion, Life Stance, Ethics) and leads online programs in religious education.