Nothing gets me giddy like going to an academic conference. For those who are involved in the academic study of the bible/theology/religion like myself, the big event – “conference time” – takes place in mid-November with the annual meetings of ETS/IBR/SBL/AAR. It is always a blast to present and listen to papers, meet new people, connect with old friends, and do a bit of traveling too. But it’s this last part – traveling – that can make the conferences inaccessible to many, both in regards to distance and funding. This is natural though; you have to pick a location for a conference. Thankfully every November the conferences I attend switch locations, hitting up the four quadrants of the United States in a four year rotation. Local participation naturally increases when the conferences are in nearby States, but this only favors the North American participants. In the present era of eco-sensitivity, one may also wonders if there isn’t another way to do conferencing.
Along with a few friends here at the University of St Andrews, I am helping to organize and administrate an online theological conference. This is not only ecologically beneficial, but it has the potential for simultaneous international participation. With this format, there is potential for those unable to afford the costs of travel for a week of conferencing in the States to participate as well. No passports required!
The conference I am speaking of is called, Ecclesia and Ethics: An Eco-friendly and Economically-feasible Online Biblical Studies and Theology Conference, and will take place on Saturday May 18th and Saturday May 25th (2013).
Not only is the conference affordable and convenient, but we’ve invited some excellent people to give the main plenary presentations. Our top-notch list includes: N. T. Wright, Stanley Hauerwas, Michael Gorman, Shane Claiborne, Brian Rosner, Dennis Hollinger, Mariam Kamell, Nijay Gupta, and Michael Barber.
Additionally, we will have five Multiple Paper sessions throughout the conference, via five Virtual Rooms which will feature a total of 20-25 selected papers. Participants and attendees will be able to sign on, present, and listen to or watch presentations from anywhere in the world with a reliable internet connection and a computer. Registration for the conference consists of a $10/£7 (minimum) donation to one of our Recommended Charities. We invite participants to give according to their means above the $10/£7 to one or more of our charities if they feel led and are able.
The ‘Call for Papers’ is currently open: we are seeking papers which deal with the role and relationship of the Church to Christian Ethics and/or Moral Formation. Papers may be rooted in the areas of: the Exegesis of New Testament texts, New Testament Theology, the Exegesis of Old Testament texts, Biblical Theology, Practical Theology, Systematic Theology, or Theological Ethics. Selected candidates will present a 35-40 minute final paper (approx 5000-5500 words). All accepted papers will be considered for inclusion in the publication of the proceedings with T&T Clark. Interested parties are invited to submit a 250-300 word (max) abstract to ecclesiaethics@gmail.com for consideration from January 2013-March 2013.
For more information, to register, or to view bios for our Main Speakers visit www.ecclesiaethics.com or www.facebook.com/
So please, if you’re a part of a Christian University, Seminary, Bible College, or a Religion/Theology department, would you consider passing the word along? If you’re a pastor of a Church, would you consider telling your congregation about this event?
We have flyers, so please print them and place them around campus! Here are the flyers for the conference: Call for Papers flyer and Main Conference Flyer
Also please share on social media and help us spread the word about this excellent conference!
7 Comments
Leave your reply.