Mattias Brand
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mbinzurich.bsky.social
Mattias Brand
@mbinzurich.bsky.social
970 followers 820 following 320 posts
Historian of religion\s at University of Fribourg (CH). linktr.ee/drMBrand PhD, first book: http://tinyurl.com/5n7kt5fs. Interested in Religion, Alternative Histories, History, Comparison, Theory - and sometimes in Manichaeans. #Schweiz
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mbinzurich.bsky.social
Mattias Brand @mbinzurich.bsky.social · May 2
🥳🎉🎊 Since this week, I'm working at the Study of Religion\s at @unifr.bsky.social on a project regarding visuality in alternative histories!
mbinzurich.bsky.social Mattias Brand @mbinzurich.bsky.social · Oct 23
We just submitted a fabulous research project application. I cannot give you the details, but it involves history, religion, and aliens.
Creepy Facebook image with three alien-looking figures dresses as pharaohs
Reposted by Mattias Brand
moudhy.bsky.social
I guess I now have to do a thread on shoes in ancient Mesopotamia in response to this (which happens to be from one of my favourite accounts).

I’m not an archaeologist, nor do I really know anything about shoes, but let’s go on this journey together.
dieworkwear.bsky.social derek guy @dieworkwear.bsky.social · 11h
can't believe this ancient mesopotamia shoe wearing ass said people need to dress up at the airport
United States Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy is seen wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and tan shoes. He's shaking hands with someone in a black outfit. A close up of his shoes show weird stitching on the side. They look like they're the first shoes ever made in history.
November 26, 2025 at 9:03 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Proud to present my new board members on the website. We're helping children in Kenia to receive proper education!
mbinzurich.bsky.social Mattias Brand @mbinzurich.bsky.social · 1d
Ich bin stolz, meinen neuen Vorstand auf der Website begrüßen zu dürfen!

Wir helfen Kindern in Kenia, die Schule zu besuchen.

www.childrenshopeschool.ch/%C3%9Cber-uns/
About us
Über uns
www.childrenshopeschool.ch
November 25, 2025 at 10:21 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Ich bin stolz, meinen neuen Vorstand auf der Website begrüßen zu dürfen!

Wir helfen Kindern in Kenia, die Schule zu besuchen.

www.childrenshopeschool.ch/%C3%9Cber-uns/
About us
Über uns
www.childrenshopeschool.ch
November 25, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
catacombsociety.bsky.social
Hey #SBLAAR25, looking for funding for your project on the Ancient Mediterranean? We're accepting applications through February 1 for the Shohet Scholars Grant.
catacombsociety.bsky.social International Catacomb Society @catacombsociety.bsky.social · 18d
We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000.

Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026.

More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...
2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000. Submission deadline is February 1, 2026. This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects. We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives. For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/. Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.
November 22, 2025 at 7:17 PM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Studying the "Sabu disk," one of the famous "objects out of place" for Ancient Aliens spokespersons www.zdf.de/video/dokus/...
Ungelöste Fälle der Archäologie (2/2)
Immer wieder finden Forscher und Archäologen Dinge, die nach dem bisherigen Stand des Wissens kaum erklärbar sind. Felszeichen, die Astronauten zeigen, oder Menschen in Taucheranzügen. Harald Lesch ze...
www.zdf.de
November 19, 2025 at 9:39 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Yesterday, I had this proud moment for something positive job-wise (I cannot tell you yet). Immediately, I boarded the wrong train and wasted 1,5 hours trying to find my way home. Just to compensate ;-)
a woman in a purple sweater is sitting at a table and says " you 're not stupid "
ALT: a woman in a purple sweater is sitting at a table and says " you 're not stupid "
media.tenor.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
ccooijmans.bsky.social
Patron: Okay, for this scene, I need a fiery chariot carrying Elijah up to heaven. Can you do that?

Printmaker: You bet! I think I've seen a chariot once - they're like little soapbox cars, right? Four wheels? Self-driving?

Patron: I mean, not usually.

Printmaker: Cool, just leave it with me.
A page from a so-called Biblia pauperum, (here) a fifteenth-century printed block-book bible, representing, somewhat poorly, a scene from 2 Kings 2:11-12, in which Elijah 'went up by a whirlwind into heaven' by means of a 'chariot of fire, and horses of fire'. The scene on this page, however, contains neither chariot, horses, or fire, but sees Elijah ascend in what appears to a crude wooden box on wheels with no apparent means of propulsion. A detail from a so-called Biblia pauperum, representing, somewhat poorly, a scene from 2 Kings 2:11-12, in which Elijah 'went up by a whirlwind into heaven' by means of a 'chariot of fire, and horses of fire'. The scene on this page, however, contains neither chariot, horses, or fire, but sees Elijah ascend in what appears to a crude wooden box on wheels with no apparent means of propulsion.
November 11, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
blick.ch
2006 musste der berühmte Mystery-Park in Interlaken BE schliessen – zum Leidwesen von Erich von Däniken. Jetzt soll auf dem Parkgelände ein Zukunftscampus entstehen. Was hält der einstige Gründervater des Parks von dieser Idee?
Krypto-Guru und deutscher Unternehmer bauen Zukunftscampus: Erich von Däniken spricht über die neuen Pläne für den Mystery-Park
www.blick.ch
August 23, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
briannosek.bsky.social
Ouch
November 6, 2025 at 2:31 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Which books should I order from Brill with my vouchers? Any recommendations within Religion and History?
November 5, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
seadanourhussen.bsky.social
Wat Mamdani heel goed doet: hij gaat niet mee met het frame van zijn tegenstander/rechts. Totaal anders dan Jetten die een knieval maakt voor het antimigratieframe. Mandami erkent juist dat NY nergens is zonder migrantengemeenschappen, eert hen (in hun eigen taal) én neemt hun problemen serieus.
oneworld.nl OneWorld @oneworld.nl · 22d
‘De glimlach van Mamdani toont populisme zonder toxische mannelijkheid.’ Met zijn vriendelijke campagne over betaalbare boodschappen en lage huren, wint Zohran Mamdami vandaag misschien de burgemeestersverkiezing van New York. Waarom is populisme niet langer een vies woord in progressieve kringen?
Het geheim van de New Yorkse Mamdani? Progressief populisme
In progressieve kringen was ‘populist’ lange tijd een vies woord. Maar de politieke energie van de New Yorkse burgemeesterskandidaat Zohran Mamdani en de leider van de Britse Groenen Zack Polanski…
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 8:37 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Now he's also a historian and he's citing Dorothy Day... I know who I would vote for! #newyork
zohrankmamdani.bsky.social Zohran Kwame Mamdani @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social · 22d
UNTIL IT’S DONE, Ep. 5: Vito Marcantonio

There are many who dismiss our vision for New York as impossible. To them, I say we need look only to our past for proof of how we can shape the future.

Tomorrow is Election Day. And this is the final Until It's Done of our campaign.
November 4, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
lswisnom.bsky.social
Academics in Assyria in the 7th c BC complain that admin is preventing them from doing research and teaching
November 3, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
drnwillburger.bsky.social
An extraordinary discovery was made in Ibiza: a 30-centimeter wooden sculpture representing Hercules. Considering the scarcity of wooden sculptures preserved from the Roman era, this discovery is truly remarkable.
The figure was found in a Roman well that was later reused as a refuse pit. 🧵1/2

🏺
Two views of a damaged wooden human-shaped sculpture shown from the front and back. The figure is missing parts of its arms and legs, with a cracked and worn surface, and is placed beside a black, red, and white measuring scale for size reference.
November 2, 2025 at 8:21 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Jullie beurt vandaag... Op afstand maak ik me een beetje zorgen over de NL democratie. #verkiezingen
mbinzurich.bsky.social Mattias Brand @mbinzurich.bsky.social · Oct 11
Dat is alvast een stem voor de democratie en tegen de fascistische trekjes van onze politiek. Nu jullie nog! #verkiezingen
Nederlandse stem envelop in buitenlandse brievenbus
October 29, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
conradhackett.bsky.social
Please repost:

We're looking for an excellent writer/editor with strong data journalism skills to join the religion team at @pewresearch.org.

pewtrusts.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Center...
The writer/editor is a position within the Center’s Religion research team, which seeks to promote a deeper understanding of religion and spirituality. The Religion research team conducts surveys, demographic analyses and other social science research in the United States and around the world, studying people’s religious beliefs and practices as well as their views on related issues, including religion’s role in public life. The ideal candidate will have a strong data journalism mindset, with the ability to translate complex quantitative findings into clear and engaging narratives that are nonpartisan and non-advocacy. This position will be embedded within the Religion research team, where the writer/editor will work collaboratively to shape the team’s research agenda, including identifying key research questions; contributing to survey development; and synthesizing findings into accessible and compelling storylines. The writer/editor will also evaluate drafts of research reports to determine whether there are shortcomings in the analysis; edit, rewrite and reorganize drafts as necessary to improve flow and clarity; and work with researchers and designers to create appropriate charts and tables. In addition, the writer/editor will provide guidance and training to the Religion team’s researchers and serve as a writing resource. Following the release of reports, the writer/editor may help disseminate research to the public through the Center’s social media channels, videos, newsletters, and virtual or in-person gatherings, always adhering to the Center’s independent, nonpartisan, non-advocacy stance. 
October 23, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
tonyk.bsky.social
🚨 Postdoc at UT Austin Religious Studies in Religion, Healing, and Magic in Late Antiquity (2 years)! utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UTstaf...
ISAC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religion, Healing, and Magic in Late Antiquity
Job Posting Title: ISAC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religion, Healing, and Magic in Late Antiquity ---- Hiring Department: Department of Religious Studies ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Wee...
utaustin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
October 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
I'll be teaching about religion and sexuality tomorrow in Basel.
October 23, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
ingridrobeyns.bsky.social
Kennen jullie deze website al? alledaagsantifascisme.nl
Alledaags antifascisme
Trek gauw je pluriform aan en word ook een alledaagse antifascist! Het is nodig. En het is vanzelfsprekend.
alledaagsantifascisme.nl
October 22, 2025 at 9:03 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Today, we'll get a private tour of Erich von Däniken's Mystery Park! Aliens, UFOS, pyramids and much more...
October 20, 2025 at 6:31 AM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
My new "theory of religion"...
tomgauld.bsky.social Tom Gauld @tomgauld.bsky.social · Oct 12
My cartoon for this week’s @newscientist.com
A comic strip in six panels. The panels inerlock like a jigsaw with knobs and sockets. Two stick figures walk right to left through all the panels. Panel 1: Person 1 says "I hear you're working on a new theory." Panel 2 & 3: Person 2 says: "Yes, I'm calling it the jigsaw model. I think it could change our whole View of reality." Panel 4: Person 1 says "When Will you publish?: Panel 5: Person 2 says "But a couple of things are still bothering me." (this piece/panel is a bit squint) Panel 6: This piece is rotated ninety degees and fits to the others very badly. Person 2 is saying "Soon. I feel like I'm really close" A second look at the whole comic shows that the last two panels read in the wrong order because the jigsaw has been put together incorrectly.
October 14, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
profsamperry.bsky.social
UVA's Sociology department is looking to hire a tenured sociologist of religion at the Associate or Full level. Here is the advertisement. @sssreligion.bsky.social @asareligion.bsky.social

Details here: apply.interfolio.com/173879
The Department of Sociology at the University of Virginia invites applications for a tenured Associate or Full Professor position specializing in the sociology of religion. We are particularly interested in a theoretically engaged scholar whose work addresses religious pluralism in complex modern societies, the relationship between religion, civic engagement, and democratic political cultures, the social and economic impact of religion from a cultural and historical perspective. Relevant questions may include but are not limited to: how does religion shape cultural and political conflicts? How does religion relate not only to political participation but to the shaping of collectives? How do different understandings of the sacred inform the development of, and dispute over, morality? For additional information about our dynamic department, please visit https://sociology.as.virginia.edu/. For questions regarding this position, please contact Isaac Reed, Search Chair, at iar2c@virginia.edu.
October 13, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Reposted by Mattias Brand
feelingtheory.bsky.social
Science and religion folks: Check out this job posting at one of the most storied religious studies departments in the country--and share with our junior colleagues!

unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/307...
Assistant Professor
The Department of Religious Studies is recruiting for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Religion and Science. Candidates should have broad training in their field of expertise, a commitment to int...
unc.peopleadmin.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:34 PM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Dat is alvast een stem voor de democratie en tegen de fascistische trekjes van onze politiek. Nu jullie nog! #verkiezingen
Nederlandse stem envelop in buitenlandse brievenbus
October 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
mbinzurich.bsky.social
Welzijn boven welvaart
October 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM