More about CALEM Institute:
Trainings, Counselling, Editions, Shelter


CALEM is regularly consulted by governments and foundations, in Europe or around the world, mainly on sociological and geopolitical issues, concerning especially the status of refugees, women rights, and inclusive trainings of progressive imams (Muslim leaders). Since 2008, CALEM (co)supervised dozens of publications, trainings, and public events, in different languages, in more than thirty countries (Europe, but also North Africa, Middle East, Caucasus, South Africa, Americas, South East Asia). CALEM received the SOS Homophobia in 2010, was supported by the European Council in 2012, was an advisor to the British court of justice to the status of refugees, was advisor to the French government regarding the law on marriage for all, and advisor to the constitution of ILGA Africa (Biggest LGBT NGO worldwide). In 2019 CALEM was a consultant speaker in Geneva for the United Nations.

We also organize at the CALEM Institute (Marseille), retreats, individualized tranings, psycho-spiritual counselling, religious ceremonies opened to all ...

   

CALEM history
20 years of expertise

- Early 2000, it started as an interindividual counselling network (mainly towards HIV/AIDS vulnearble individuals)

- Five years later, in 2005 our first official grass-root NGO has been launched (based in Paris, with partners in more than 30 countries on four continents)

- Five years later, in 2010 we formalized our inter-NGO informal CALEM Euro-African confederation (more than thirty conferences, colloquies, retreats and numerous publications in different languages, with parnters operating worldwide)

- In December 2014, the progressive and the queer Muslim initiatives merged to create an even more inclusive movement. In January 2015, we established our international counselling CALEM Cabinet (according to grassroot feedbacks in terms of our clients needs and desiderata) 



- In 2016, we systemized our edition process; in 2017 we formally launched our program of progressive Islamic trainings, aimed at imams and engaged citizens. CALEM is now an Institute which aims are: research, publishing, training and counselling.

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The CALEM was founded by the Doctor & Imam 
Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed;
Facilitator in NPT (Neuro-Psychosocial-Theology)
& ILIT (Islamic Liberation Intersectional Theologies)

His CV in PDF online, click here.

Doctor and Imam L. Zahed is not subservient to any other organization (political party, association, university), to avoid any potential conflict of interest.


NPT, what is it?

A. Definition

It is the study of the theoretical substrate and the practical consequences of the construction of our theological representations, on the spiritual well-being of the communities and individuals who compose them.

b. Goals

Explore the link between spirituality and individual or collective well-being, particularly the effect of psycho-spiritual practices from different traditions on our bodies and minds.

c. Intersectional paradigm

Use the tools of neuroscience and artificial intelligence to explore these still little-known links between psychology, social ecology and religious systems or spiritual traditions.

d. Operationalization of research

Demonstrate how spirituality is involved in individual and collective well-being and health (“salutogenesis”), notably through brain imaging, social psychology and artificial intelligence.

 

NPT & artificial intelligence ?

Artificial intelligence offers fascinating potential for studying consciousness and spirituality, although these topics remain highly complex and subject to debate. Advances in AI can help analyze large data sets from research in neuroscience, psychology, philosophy and religious studies. Machine learning algorithms can potentially spot patterns or correlations in this data that could inform our understanding of consciousness and spirituality.

For example, AI could help analyze patterns of brain activity to identify correlations between spiritual experience and certain brain activities. Additionally, by processing large quantities of religious, philosophical, and literary texts, AI could help highlight recurring themes or perspectives on spirituality across cultures and eras.

However, it is important to note that consciousness and spirituality are areas that extend beyond simple data analysis. These concepts involve subjective experiences, personal beliefs, and deep philosophical questions that can be difficult to quantify. AI alone cannot capture all of these complex aspects, but it can significantly contribute to interdisciplinary research in these areas.

Ultimately, the use of AI to study consciousness and spirituality should be framed by ethical reflection and a thorough understanding of its limitations. AI can offer unique perspectives and powerful tools, but it can never replace the depth of human experience and spiritual quest.

 

ILIT, what is it ?

ILIT (Islamic Liberation Intersectional Theologies) is a current of theological thought emerging in the context of contemporary Islam. Much like liberation theology in Christianity, Islamic liberation theology seeks to interpret the faith through the lens of social justice and the emancipation of the oppressed.

This theological movement calls on Muslim believers to actively engage in the fight against social injustice, poverty, oppression and other forms of marginalization. It seeks to emphasize the Islamic teachings of compassion, solidarity and equitable redistribution of resources.

Islamic liberation theology often integrates elements of Western critical and scientific thought and hermeneutic methodologies, to interpret religious texts in light of contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities. It aims to connect the Islamic tradition to current struggles for justice and human dignity, emphasizing the social and political engagement of believers.

A fundamental aspect of Islamic liberation theology is its challenge to unjust power structures both within Muslim societies and on the international stage. It calls for criticism of forms of authoritarianism, neo-colonialism, economic exploitation and social discrimination, while encouraging mobilization for social and political change.