Jane Linahan, Saint Bonaventure University, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 716.375.2450

We communicate – and live – by means of translation. Translation is vital to religious traditions, which are expressed and transmitted not only in different languages, but in ever new and changing social and cultural contexts. A mediated faith is already a translated faith; revelation is already a translation of experience of the divine into human categories. Perhaps the ultimate act of “translation” is the Incarnation itself! Faith has always been translated, as believers have sought through the ages to communicate their faith to others. Our history reflects both negative (e.g., cultural imperialism) and positive (e.g., enculturation) forms of such translation. The task and challenge of translation is perhaps more urgent today than ever as our shrinking, globalized world brings us awareness of and contact with the great diversity of those with whom we share this planet. These encounters – made possible by communications technology, ease of travel, and human relocation (forced or otherwise) – are changing lives and challenging people to negotiate the differences that emerge.

Contemporary theologies find themselves in the thick of these currents. Our juncture in history is one of great challenge and great promise – and of wonderful possibilities for “transformative dialogues” among peoples, cultures, and religions. What new possibilities for our lives and our religious traditions are emerging through such translations? What might be found – and what might be lost – and how are we to negotiate either eventuality? Where might we need to acknowledge that different languages and worldviews are incommensurable, impossible to translate fully enough? Are there particular tasks of mutual translation – with other disciplines, worldviews, visions, and voices – in which contemporary theologies are particularly called to engage? How are we to carry out what for us, as teachers and scholars of religion, is one of our most vital tasks of translation: teaching our traditions – particularly across diverse generations in a rapidly changing world? How is theology called to respond to contemporary needs and opportunities for translation – and how is it responding? How can we assist our students, our faith communities, and our world in the translations necessary to meet the challenges of our time?

The Contemporary Theologies section invites proposals for papers on all aspects of contemporary theologies, especially encouraging any that will deal with the convention theme. Proposals addressing pedagogical issues, strategies, and resources relating to this theme are also welcome. Those who hope to have their papers considered for the annual volume are encouraged to engage issues that are suggested by the convention theme and the questions above.

Please send proposals by December 1 to Jane E. Linahan at the above email address. If possible, please include information about any technological equipment you would need for your presentation. Be sure to provide complete contact information and your institutional affiliation and status with your proposal.