Feminisms, Gender, and Theologies Section

2026 Call for Papers

Victoria Basug Slabinski, University of Virginia (VA)

nky3ht@virginia.edu

 

David von Schlichten, Seton Hill University (PA)

vonschlichten@setonhill.edu

 

The Feminisms, Gender, and Theology section of the College Theology Society cordially invites proposals in light of the 2026 convention theme—“Reclaiming Faith Amid Christian Nationalism.” This theme challenges us to examine the roles of gender- and sexuality-based violence in upholding Christian nationalism. It also invites us to consider resources within the Christian tradition that empower us to work against Christian nationalism by challenging systems of oppression and fostering just and inclusive communities.

 

Suggested topics include but are not limited to:

 

Power and Embodiment

●       Christian nationalism is bolstered by misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and white supremacy. Scholars such as Beth Allison Barr, Kristen Kobes Du Mez, Jim Wallis, and Carter Heyward have all written about conservative Christian iterations of masculinity that imagine heterosexual, cisgender, white men as superior to women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. How might Christian theologians analyze and respond to these dynamics?

●       In popular media, how are certain bodies valued over others in ways shaped by gender, race, and class, and how has this worked to consolidate power for Christian nationalist agendas? (Examples to consider include social media beauty standards, “trends” and “challenges” related to desirable body types, targeted ads related to GLP-1s and anti-aging procedures, the rising popularity of “tradwife” content, and constructions of “divine [traditional] femininity” and “sexual purity.”) What Christian theological propositions have supported these developments, and what resources from the Christian tradition might theologians draw upon to challenge them?

 

Boundaries and (Non)Belonging

●       Christian nationalism involves the establishment of rigid boundaries that define group identity and belonging on the bases of whiteness, heteronormativity, and Christian supremacy. To work against these Christian nationalist dynamics, how might theologians actively support communities in resisting exclusionary narratives and fostering inclusive, just communities?

●       How might theologians respond constructively to boundaries that exclude and demonize LGBTQIA+ people? How might this theological work intentionally challenge narratives of homonationalism, supersessionism, and pinkwashing – or other kinds of narratives that uplift some (white, wealthy, educated, Christian, U.S.-based) LGBTQIA+ people while perpetuating violence against other minoritized communities?

 

Order and Hierarchy

●       Christian nationalist rhetoric surrounding recent legislative proposals (such as the Kids Online Safety Act, bans on gender-affirming care for minors, and efforts to limit women’s access to mail-order abortion pills) often emphasizes an interest in the “safety” of women and children. However, critics have raised concerns regarding censorship, surveillance, and the material well-being of vulnerable groups (such as LGBTQIA+ children, women in abusive relationships, and families facing financial precarity). Critics have also warned of chilling effects on activism and expressions of dissent. How might Christian theologians respond critically and constructively to these developments?

●       Christian nationalism also tends to emphasize anthropocentrism and androcentrism while downplaying the climate crisis, promising that a renewed commitment to fossil fuels and American industry will restore “order,” “beauty” (alternative energy sources are seen as “ugly”), and prosperity to the nation. Ecofeminists have contended that the climate crisis, the displacement of communities from traditional lands, and gender-based violence are connected. How might theologians address these dynamics?

 

Teaching about Feminisms, Gender, and Theology

●       How can educators work against dynamics of Christian nationalism in our classrooms, whether through the content we teach or the pedagogical practices we employ? What might it look like to address issues of gender, sexuality, theology, and Christian nationalism critically and constructively in the classroom?

 

Please e-mail your 250-500 word proposal to BOTH vonschlichten@setonhill.edu AND nky3ht@virginia.edu by December 15, 2025. In your proposal, please include the title of your project, your name, institutional affiliation and position (though independent researchers are welcome), your current CTS membership status, and any audio/visual needs. Feel welcome to contact David von Schlichten and Victoria Basug Slabinski at the above addresses with any questions or concerns. Scholars will be notified of the status of their proposal by January 15, 2026.