Spirituality

2026 Call for Papers

Amy Maxey, Oblate School of Theology (TX)

amaxey@ost.edu

Sandra Yocum, University of Dayton (OH)

syocum1@udayton.edu

The Spirituality section of the College Theology Society is seeking paper and panel proposals that explore this year’s theme—“Reclaiming Faith Amid Christian Nationalism”—within the context of the study, teaching, and practice of spirituality. We welcome submissions on the following topics:

  *   Critical analysis of Christian nationalism as a “spirituality” as classically defined by Sandra Schneiders: “the actualization of the basic human capacity for transcendence [...] the experience of conscious involvement in the project of life-integration through self-transcendence toward the horizon of ultimate value one perceives" (“Approaches to the Study of Christian Spirituality,” in The Blackwell Companion to Christian Spirituality, ed. Holder, p. 16)

  *   Resources from spirituality for resisting the currents of Christian nationalism and contesting the co-option of spirituality practices or symbols for promoting racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, etc., values

  *   Criteria for discerning authentic spiritualities from pathological distortions

  *   How pastoral leaders and ecclesial communities can work together to respond to the emergence of Christian nationalism within their communities

  *   Investigation of how religious communities and spiritual movements such as the Catholic Worker, Focolare, Tertiary Orders, etc., can offer an alternative communal grounding for Christian identity

  *   How spirituality can support healing and rehabilitation for Christians seeking to divest themselves of the influence of Christian nationalism

We also welcome other proposals on topics related to spirituality more generally, while giving priority to those that engage the conference theme.

Proposals should be 250-500 words in length and should include the scholar’s name, position, and institution, as well as any AV needs anticipated. Proposals are due by December 15, 2025. Please email your proposal to the Spirituality section conveners: Sandra Yocum (syocum1@udayton.edu<mailto:syocum1@udayton.edu>) and Amy Maxey (amaxey@ost.edu<mailto:amaxey@ost.edu>). You must be a CTS member in good standing to present at the conference. Proposals will be reviewed and scholars will be notified of the status of their proposal by mid-January.