The Art and Practice of Teaching Theology

2027 Call for Papers

Anita Houck, Saint Mary’s College (IN)

ahouck@saintmarys.edu

Alessandro Rovati, Belmont Abbey College (NC)

alessandrorovati@bac.edu

Paul Schutz,Santa Clara University (CA)

pjschutz@scu.edu

The Art and Practice of Teaching Theology section of the CTS invites paper and panel proposals that address any and all pedagogical matters related to the teaching of theology, with particular interest in those that address the conference theme: “Mary, Seat of Wisdom: Refuge and Rabble-Rouser.”

In particular, the section welcomes proposals that explore how educators can teach about Mary from different perspectives, echoing the breadth of study identified in the conference theme. Papers might address ethics, systematics, history, biblical studies, comparative theology, interfaith studies, and the arts. The session also invites reflection on the vocation of theological educators, drawing on the virtues theologians have seen in Mary throughout the centuries: her faith, her ability to ponder God’s Word, her listening heart, her brave spirit and its willingness to defy societal expectations for the sake of following God’s will, her courageous commitment to the poor and the oppressed, her solicitude for those most in need, and her willingness to bear suffering in union with Christ. These Marian traits (together with many others) are deeply connected to the work of teaching theology and align well with the virtues and practices that scholars in many fields seek to embody and cultivate in the classroom. Furthermore, Magnifica Humanitas points to Mary as a model of what it means to safeguard the human person in the time of artificial intelligence. Like her, theology teachers are called to “become ‘weavers of hope’ in our world, sharing who we are and what we have, so that the presence of Jesus may grow among us and his Kingdom take shape” (Magnifica Humanitas, no. 245).

Presenters may want to engage these or other questions:

• What place does, and should, the study of Mary have in current theology curricula, including comparative theology and religious studies? 
• What texts and approaches are most helpful for teaching about Mary in diverse pedagogical contexts?
• In what ways can teaching about Mary be both “ecumenical and interfaith,” as the conference theme suggests?
• What does "wisdom" mean in our current pedagogical climate? How can we cultivate it ourselves, our students, or our institutions? Is wisdom a viable learning goal or guiding principle for contemporary higher education, and should it be?
• In what ways can institutions of higher education—which are under intense scrutiny in U.S. society—embody “wisdom” in their cultures and practices?
• How can scholars and teachers in theology and religious studies embody Mary’s traits and charism in their work as teachers? In what way can Marian theology and spirituality help us navigate the pedagogical challenges of the current moment?
• In what sense, if at all, should teachers be—and/or encourage students to follow Mary’s example in discerning a call to be—“rabble-rousers”?

Preference will be given to collaborative and interdisciplinary papers and presentations. Proposals for pedagogically creative formats are welcome, as are proposals for traditional paper presentations. 

Proposals should be 250-500 words in length and include: 

• The presenters’ or presenter’s full name (s), along with any institutional affiliations and positions (proposals from unaffiliated scholars are very welcome) 
• A working title 
• A brief description of the topic and methodology 

In addition, proposals should include a selected bibliography and anticipated AV needs . 

Proposals should be emailed to all three conveners of the “Art and Practice of Teaching Theology” by December 15, 2026. Scholars will be notified of the status of their proposals by mid-January.