Comparative Theology

2025 Call for Papers

Alaina Keller, Georgetown University (DC)

ak1978@georgetown.edu

Reid Blackmer Locklin, University of Toronto (Canada)

reid.locklin@utoronto.ca

The Comparative Theology Section invites papers that explore the 2026 College Theology Society conference theme of “Reclaiming Faith Amid Christian Nationalism.” This section is particularly interested in proposals on the following questions and topics:

●      How do nationalist ideologies affect interreligious dialogue or interreligious relations? In a context of rising exclusivity and marginalization, how can comparative theologians and other participants encourage inclusivity in dialogue?

●      To what extent can “religious nationalism” function as a viable category for comparative study? How have other traditions been deployed for nationalist purposes, and how does that compare with Christian nationalisms? How can other religious contexts inform efforts to combat the harmful influence of Christian nationalisms in the US context?

●      In light of Christian nationalist emphases on rigid boundaries and exclusion, what reasoning grounds the theologian’s determination of religious boundaries in a comparative project? How is the religious “other” defined and deployed in contemporary comparative theology?

●      How can comparative theology contribute to diverse visions of Christianity rooted in authentic witness, sources, and traditions? How do other religious traditions or spiritualities understand authenticity or “tradition”? What are possibilities and limitations of comparing religious understandings of authenticity?

We are also 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.

Proposals outside of the conference theme but still related 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, 2025. Scholars will be notified of the status of their proposals by mid-January.