Mysticism and Politics

2027 Call for Papers

Matthew Cuff, Boston College (MA)

cuffm@bc.edu

Claire Koen, Salve Regina University (RI)

claire.koen@salve.edu

In response to the 2027 Annual Convention "Mary, Seat of Wisdom: Refuge and Rabble-Rouser,” the Mysticism and Politics section invites papers that respond to one or more of the following prompts:

Marian Imagery and the Mystical Political Nexus

From Our Lady of Fatima, our Lady of Guadelupe, to the Theotokos of the Salutations, Marian imagery and traditions have served as rallying points for the poor, marginalized, and even those threatened by military violence. In these appearances, often primarily revealed to holy individuals, political or social statements are communicated through the apparition or miracle. How do Marian images or, in Eastern Orthodox language, images of the Theotokos function as nexuses of the mystical and the political? Can the mystical be separated from the political in the traditions of Marian imagery? 

The Mystical Excess of Marian Identity

Who can claim Mary as a role model, refuge, guide, or protector? Mary is held up as an emblem of virginity and motherhood, and these images have been roundly critiqued by feminist theologians for the limited options that they communicate to female identifying Christians. Can Mary be both the shining example of virtue claimed by “traditional” Catholics and Orthodox and the ultimate “feminist killjoy” who challenges Christians of all stripes to live fearlessly into their faith? To what extent can we speak of a mystical excess inherent to Mary’s identity that defies categorization and points to divine excess?

The Magnificat as Mystical-Political Comportment

In the Magnificat, Mary’s ecstatic song of praise is simultaneously prayer, prophecy, and political disruption. How might a consideration of the Magnificat as an instance of ecstatic mystical-political comportment inform or trouble conventional distinctions between contemplation and action, mysticism and politics, and interiority and public witness. What does it mean for ecstatic mystical experience to become a mode of political perception? How might mystical ecstasy disclose – or enact – alternative configurations of power, solidarity, vulnerability, and flourishing?

Submission Guidelines: 

Please submit your proposals to Matthew Cuff (cuffm@bc.edu) and Claire Koen (claire.koen@salve.edu) by December 15th. Proposals should be between 250-500 words in length and must include the following: paper title, your name, email, institutional affiliation and positions, and CTS membership status. A complete list of submission guidelines can be found on the CTS website.