Comparative Theology

2023 Call for Papers

Bennett Comerford, Harvard University (MA)

bec500@mail.harvard.edu

Katie Mahowski Mylroie, Boston College (MA)

mahowskm@bc.edu

The Comparative Theology Section invites papers that explore the 2023 College Theology Society conference theme of “Theology and Media(tion): Rendering the Absent Present.” This section is particularly interested in proposals on the following questions and topics:

●      Interreligious and comparative theology in the context of the media and mediation. How does comparative or interreligious theology contend with liturgical, political, technological, and other forms of mediation? 

●    What is the role of technology and media in the comparative theological classroom? What are the possible pedagogical strategies, and their implications?

●      What does comparative theology as a discipline offer that can be a unique form of mediation? What does it mean/look like to do mediation as a comparative theologian? What might be gained by conceiving of comparative theology as a form of mediation?

●      How might comparative theological methods inform academic and professional mediation strategies in other disciplines? 

●      We welcome presentations inspired by books or other comparative works on divine presence/absence/emptiness, for example: His Hiding Place is Darkness by Francis X. Clooney (2013), Crucified Wisdom (2021) by Mark Heim.

We are excited to invite modes of conference presentations besides the typical 20-minute paper-reading, such as one or a combination of the following:

●      Sending out articles, texts, or other sources ahead of time for discussion in the session

●      Recording a video presentation to be viewed by participants ahead of time (connected to other source texts, discussion, etc.)

●      Connecting with local artists, activists, interreligious or interfaith groups, parishes, churches, non-Christian places of worship and their communities, colleges, schools, etc., for a collaborative proposal.

●      Engaging and collaborating with Native American activists, scholars, communities and more

●      Or any other alternative mode of conference presentations you may suggest

As always, this section invites papers that consider the implications of the conference theme for college teaching. Proposals outside of the conference theme but still related rayer on campus, rayer on to comparative or interreligious theology, theology of religions, or interreligious dialogue are welcome.

Proposals should be 250-500 words in length and include one’s current institutional affiliation and position. Proposals should be emailed to both conveners by December 15, 2022. Scholars will be notified of the status of their proposals by mid-January.