Asbjørn Dyrendal
@asbjorndyrendal.bsky.social
Conspiracy beliefs, apocalypticism, extremism, new religious movements. Skeptical Norwegian. Professor, Religionswissenschaft.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Denied pregnancy care and threatened with prosecution: in the wake of widespread abortion bans, across the United States prosecutors have launched more than 400 cases charging people with crimes related to their pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or birth.
'This was a wanted pregnancy': The mothers facing prosecution in Trump's America
Denied pregnancy care and threatened with prosecution: in the wake of widespread abortion bans, across the United States prosecutors have launched more than 400 cases charging people with crimes related to their pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or birth.
www.abc.net.au
December 6, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Denied pregnancy care and threatened with prosecution: in the wake of widespread abortion bans, across the United States prosecutors have launched more than 400 cases charging people with crimes related to their pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or birth.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Heartbreaking. The University of Nebraska will terminate its entire Earth science department.
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
It's over.
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
Despite the fact that the academic council recommended against it, despite the fact that the program brought in more tuition than it cost, and despite the fact that Nebraskans need & deserve this expertise, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences will be cut.
www.dailynebraskan.com/news/adminis...
BREAKING: ‘This hurts’: UNL eliminates 4 programs despite faculty, student pleas
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln eliminates the Earth and atmospheric sciences 8-0, educational administration 7-1, statistics 7-1, textiles, merchandising and fashion design 7-1 programs.
www.dailynebraskan.com
December 6, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Heartbreaking. The University of Nebraska will terminate its entire Earth science department.
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
One of the country's most successful and respected geology & climate programs: gone.
When ideologues & politicians are threatened by the very act of studying climate change, I wonder: who of us is next?
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
We are told that, under stress, the humanities must be sacrificed. But amidst a war of aggression scholars in Ukraine have undertaken one of the most ambitious knowledge projects of our time. It's a privilege to be involved with Ukrainian History Global Initiative
snyder.substack.com/p/ukrainian-...
snyder.substack.com/p/ukrainian-...
Ukrainian History Global Initiative
The Creative Humanities During a War of Destruction
snyder.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:38 PM
We are told that, under stress, the humanities must be sacrificed. But amidst a war of aggression scholars in Ukraine have undertaken one of the most ambitious knowledge projects of our time. It's a privilege to be involved with Ukrainian History Global Initiative
snyder.substack.com/p/ukrainian-...
snyder.substack.com/p/ukrainian-...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
80% av offentlige tjenester skal være i Animal Crossing.
December 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM
80% av offentlige tjenester skal være i Animal Crossing.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Universities: investing millions so students ”develop literacy in the language of AI”
Also universities: defunding the humanities so students are illiterate in ordinary languages
Also universities: defunding the humanities so students are illiterate in ordinary languages
December 6, 2025 at 2:58 AM
Universities: investing millions so students ”develop literacy in the language of AI”
Also universities: defunding the humanities so students are illiterate in ordinary languages
Also universities: defunding the humanities so students are illiterate in ordinary languages
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Let me tell you a story. Perhaps you can guess where this is going... though it does have a bit of a twist.
I was poking around Google Scholar for publications about the relationship between chatbots and wellness. Oh how useful: a systematic literature review! Let's dig into the findings. 🧵
I was poking around Google Scholar for publications about the relationship between chatbots and wellness. Oh how useful: a systematic literature review! Let's dig into the findings. 🧵
December 5, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Let me tell you a story. Perhaps you can guess where this is going... though it does have a bit of a twist.
I was poking around Google Scholar for publications about the relationship between chatbots and wellness. Oh how useful: a systematic literature review! Let's dig into the findings. 🧵
I was poking around Google Scholar for publications about the relationship between chatbots and wellness. Oh how useful: a systematic literature review! Let's dig into the findings. 🧵
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Trump-regimet vil starte aktiv undergraving av sine tidligere allierte i Europa for å få et mer fascist-vennlig Europa.
Kan vi våkne til helvete opp nå, folkens?
Kan vi?
Kan vi våkne til helvete opp nå, folkens?
Kan vi?
From the new and quietly released U.S. Security Strategy. They don't like our liberal ways, and will "cultivate resistance within European nations".
Let me translate that for you. Support
- AfD in Germany
- Rassemblement National in France
- Reform in the UK
So, "make Europe Nazi again"...
Fuck.
Let me translate that for you. Support
- AfD in Germany
- Rassemblement National in France
- Reform in the UK
So, "make Europe Nazi again"...
Fuck.
No way we should despair - because the US will cultivate resistance withing Europe - to change our current trajectory.
Keep an eye out for little green American men.
Keep an eye out for little green American men.
December 5, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Trump-regimet vil starte aktiv undergraving av sine tidligere allierte i Europa for å få et mer fascist-vennlig Europa.
Kan vi våkne til helvete opp nå, folkens?
Kan vi?
Kan vi våkne til helvete opp nå, folkens?
Kan vi?
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
A few thoughts on the new US national security strategy that was released today.
🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 9:49 AM
A few thoughts on the new US national security strategy that was released today.
🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
🧵
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
The All-Russian Cossack Society turns school clubs into pipelines for state-sponsored militarisation and recruitment for war in Ukraine. Bellingcat shows how they shape an alternative mobilisation force: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/12...
From School to Battlefield to Grave: How Russian Cossacks drive young people to war - bellingcat
The All-Russian Cossack Society turns school clubs into pipelines for state-sponsored militarisation and recruitment for war in Ukraine. Bellingcat shows how they shape an alternative mobilisation for...
www.bellingcat.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:26 AM
The All-Russian Cossack Society turns school clubs into pipelines for state-sponsored militarisation and recruitment for war in Ukraine. Bellingcat shows how they shape an alternative mobilisation force: www.bellingcat.com/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Quite breathtaking story - military grade drones at Dublin airport which flew on the path Zelensky's plane took. The drones reached the flight path of his plane exactly the time it should have been there, but just missed it because Zelensky arrived ahead of schedule:
Four unidentified military-style drones breached no-fly zone to target Zelenskyy's arrival in Dublin
Gardaí are investigating whether the drones took off from land in Dublin or from an undetected ship.
www.thejournal.ie
December 4, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Quite breathtaking story - military grade drones at Dublin airport which flew on the path Zelensky's plane took. The drones reached the flight path of his plane exactly the time it should have been there, but just missed it because Zelensky arrived ahead of schedule:
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
🚨 NEW: One of the largest COVID-19 vaccine studies ever (28 MILLION people in France) just dropped.
Results?
• 74% lower risk of death from severe COVID-19
• 25% lower risk of all-cause mortality
• No increase in 4-year mortality
#BlueSky #MedSky #IDSky #SciSky #NewsSky #PedsSky #ObSky #NurseSky
Results?
• 74% lower risk of death from severe COVID-19
• 25% lower risk of all-cause mortality
• No increase in 4-year mortality
#BlueSky #MedSky #IDSky #SciSky #NewsSky #PedsSky #ObSky #NurseSky
December 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Historian here it’s Hannah Arendt’s death anniversary and she was of course prescient.
December 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Historian here it’s Hannah Arendt’s death anniversary and she was of course prescient.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
In 1963 a group of right wing fabulists claimed that the UN was sending Black troops into the South to occupy it and turn those states into Black, un-Christian Republics. Operation Water Moccasin was a precursor to Jade Helm and “Antifa terror cells.” bsky.app/profile/seth...
It's likely the case that the Operation Water Moccasin moral panic became such a huge thing because a now largely unknown right wing radio preacher named CW Burpo broadcast it out on his show.
December 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
In 1963 a group of right wing fabulists claimed that the UN was sending Black troops into the South to occupy it and turn those states into Black, un-Christian Republics. Operation Water Moccasin was a precursor to Jade Helm and “Antifa terror cells.” bsky.app/profile/seth...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
We have a little "AI sucks"-competition at work, just to see who can create the most useless AI-image. So far the "winner" is this one, described as "archaeological survey trenching in Norway". #Archaeology
December 4, 2025 at 7:12 AM
We have a little "AI sucks"-competition at work, just to see who can create the most useless AI-image. So far the "winner" is this one, described as "archaeological survey trenching in Norway". #Archaeology
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
📣 #MilitantDemocracy out in #OpenAccess @routledgebooks.bsky.social!
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
December 3, 2025 at 9:56 AM
📣 #MilitantDemocracy out in #OpenAccess @routledgebooks.bsky.social!
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
📝 Offers one of the first comprehensive theories of #democraticselfdefence. Great to see it’s still relevant to current debates.
🎂 This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Dutch edition!
www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-mon...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Democratic erosion but for vaccines and public health
"The birth dose has been credited for a 99% drop in infections in children and teens"
From the study: "during 1990-2019, cases of acute hepatitis B fell 99% (from 2180 to 13) among people aged 0-19 years" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
"The birth dose has been credited for a 99% drop in infections in children and teens"
From the study: "during 1990-2019, cases of acute hepatitis B fell 99% (from 2180 to 13) among people aged 0-19 years" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
December 2, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Democratic erosion but for vaccines and public health
"The birth dose has been credited for a 99% drop in infections in children and teens"
From the study: "during 1990-2019, cases of acute hepatitis B fell 99% (from 2180 to 13) among people aged 0-19 years" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
"The birth dose has been credited for a 99% drop in infections in children and teens"
From the study: "during 1990-2019, cases of acute hepatitis B fell 99% (from 2180 to 13) among people aged 0-19 years" journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Ooooo cool new study:
"...the relationship between religiosity and conformism is stronger in more religious countries and birth cohorts, and conformists are more likely to disaffiliate in contexts where larger proportions of the population are nonreligious."
academic.oup.com/socrel/advan...
"...the relationship between religiosity and conformism is stronger in more religious countries and birth cohorts, and conformists are more likely to disaffiliate in contexts where larger proportions of the population are nonreligious."
academic.oup.com/socrel/advan...
Faith in Numbers: Religion and Social Conformism in Europe
Abstract. Religious people are considered to be more conformist, both in popular imagination and in scholarly literature. However, most studies on religion
academic.oup.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Ooooo cool new study:
"...the relationship between religiosity and conformism is stronger in more religious countries and birth cohorts, and conformists are more likely to disaffiliate in contexts where larger proportions of the population are nonreligious."
academic.oup.com/socrel/advan...
"...the relationship between religiosity and conformism is stronger in more religious countries and birth cohorts, and conformists are more likely to disaffiliate in contexts where larger proportions of the population are nonreligious."
academic.oup.com/socrel/advan...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Great article from @zionlights.bsky.social in the New Humanist on teaching children to think critically and how Finland is leading the charge. newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482
With some cautiously optimistic thoughts from me.
With some cautiously optimistic thoughts from me.
December 2, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Great article from @zionlights.bsky.social in the New Humanist on teaching children to think critically and how Finland is leading the charge. newhumanist.org.uk/articles/6482
With some cautiously optimistic thoughts from me.
With some cautiously optimistic thoughts from me.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
The second is earmarked for research on ancient Christian ascetic and monastic literature from its emergence to the 6th century CE.
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Study of Religion (289816) | University of Bergen
Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Study of Religion (289816), Employer: University of Bergen, Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
www.jobbnorge.no
December 2, 2025 at 8:09 AM
The second is earmarked for research on ancient Christian ascetic and monastic literature from its emergence to the 6th century CE.
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Please share!
Two new postdoc positions have opened in the RADHEART project at the University of Bergen.
The first is on ancient Rabbinic literature from the 2nd – 7th century CE.
#AcRel #sblaar #AncientBlueSky
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Two new postdoc positions have opened in the RADHEART project at the University of Bergen.
The first is on ancient Rabbinic literature from the 2nd – 7th century CE.
#AcRel #sblaar #AncientBlueSky
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Study of Religion (289814) | University of Bergen
Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Study of Religion (289814), Employer: University of Bergen, Deadline: Friday, March 6, 2026
www.jobbnorge.no
December 2, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Please share!
Two new postdoc positions have opened in the RADHEART project at the University of Bergen.
The first is on ancient Rabbinic literature from the 2nd – 7th century CE.
#AcRel #sblaar #AncientBlueSky
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Two new postdoc positions have opened in the RADHEART project at the University of Bergen.
The first is on ancient Rabbinic literature from the 2nd – 7th century CE.
#AcRel #sblaar #AncientBlueSky
www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
Follow me for more productivity tips #AcademicChatter
December 2, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Follow me for more productivity tips #AcademicChatter
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
What we are seeing in the wake of the National Guard shooting in DC is a shift from Christian nationalism to Western supremacy. It's not one or the other. But the latter category is a bigger tent - and allows for Xtian nationalists to more easily make room for Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, and others.
December 2, 2025 at 12:34 AM
What we are seeing in the wake of the National Guard shooting in DC is a shift from Christian nationalism to Western supremacy. It's not one or the other. But the latter category is a bigger tent - and allows for Xtian nationalists to more easily make room for Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, and others.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
⚡️Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
kyivindependent.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:25 AM
⚡️Putin claims Russian capture of Pokrovsk, Vovchansk as Kyiv warns of Kremlin propaganda blitz amid peace talks.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
"All of this is done exclusively for Western audiences and to raise the stakes in diplomacy," said Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation.
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
so I'm glad that this is getting more attention - the far right's obsession with the crusades is way more than just Hegseth's white supremacist tattoos
in this THREAD I'll collect some of my own recent work on how the American right has used the crusades
1/
in this THREAD I'll collect some of my own recent work on how the American right has used the crusades
1/
🧵 Every year since Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest event in Phoenix began, there has been an afterparty hosted by the Republicans for National Renewal fascists which brings together more of the extreme right that hangs around AmFest and multiple local elected officials. This year is no different…
![Republicans for National Renewal and NICO PAC logos
The Christmas Crusade
Join Republicans for National Renewal and NICO PAC for a fun night of conservative Christmas cheer.
DECEMBER 20TH, 2025
8:00-10:00 PM
VIP ENTRY BEGINS AT 7:30 PM
[edited image of a very slimmed down Trump in a red suit and Santa hat standing alongside an armed crusader wearing a Christmas hat.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cvhu7p2bziajywpce7yrlevy/bafkreie5ckqzuhbaicchuz3ixkpqn6ezwrswq3bjhqln5hs7jefki2mip4@jpeg)
![Special Guest
AZ Senate President Warren Petersen
NICO PAC
Republicans for National Renewal
[image of Warren Petersen surrounded by two crusader shields]
Join Republicans for National Renewal and NICO PAC for a fun night of conserative Christmas cheer
DECEMBER 20TH, 2025
8:00-10:00 PM
VIP ENTRY BEGIN
AT 7:30 PM](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cvhu7p2bziajywpce7yrlevy/bafkreicgz3mqo5oz6dzrrxpxownt637xlay6ormoern5cqfio523xzrbsm@jpeg)
![Special Guest
Representative Rachel Keshel
NICO PAC
Republicans for National Renewal
[image of Rachel Keshel surrounded by two crusader shields]
Join Republicans for National Renewal and NICO PAC for a fun night of conserative Christmas cheer
DECEMBER 20TH, 2025
8:00-10:00 PM
VIP ENTRY BEGIN
AT 7:30 PM](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cvhu7p2bziajywpce7yrlevy/bafkreibav7hxlx3ecuri4go76lth2cy76lsg6o6s4kfbrldjrajs2anzwm@jpeg)
![Special Guest
State House candidate David Rose
NICO PAC
Republicans for National Renewal
[image of David Rose surrounded by two crusader shields]
Join Republicans for National Renewal and NICO PAC for a fun night of conserative Christmas cheer
DECEMBER 20TH, 2025
8:00-10:00 PM
VIP ENTRY BEGIN
AT 7:30 PM](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cvhu7p2bziajywpce7yrlevy/bafkreih4n7hd4wh75pri5rhb6avm5kkdnbs375vq4x37l7yyecw7vudaxe@jpeg)
December 1, 2025 at 3:10 PM
so I'm glad that this is getting more attention - the far right's obsession with the crusades is way more than just Hegseth's white supremacist tattoos
in this THREAD I'll collect some of my own recent work on how the American right has used the crusades
1/
in this THREAD I'll collect some of my own recent work on how the American right has used the crusades
1/
Reposted by Asbjørn Dyrendal
📣 New #openaccess #BJPIR article out now!
'Conspiracy theories and India’s transnational authoritarian populism: NGOs, Khalistanis and Soros' by Priya Chacko
🔗 buff.ly/YBYUMNs
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social
'Conspiracy theories and India’s transnational authoritarian populism: NGOs, Khalistanis and Soros' by Priya Chacko
🔗 buff.ly/YBYUMNs
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 11:26 AM
📣 New #openaccess #BJPIR article out now!
'Conspiracy theories and India’s transnational authoritarian populism: NGOs, Khalistanis and Soros' by Priya Chacko
🔗 buff.ly/YBYUMNs
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social
'Conspiracy theories and India’s transnational authoritarian populism: NGOs, Khalistanis and Soros' by Priya Chacko
🔗 buff.ly/YBYUMNs
@polstudiesassoc.bsky.social