Author: Chris Woznicki

Call for Papers: Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies Companion, Volume 3

CALL FOR PAPERS: Students and scholars are now invited to contribute essays for publication in The Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies Companion, Volume 3, Foreword by Rhys Bezzant, Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center Australia, Senior Lecturer, Ridley College, Melbourne. Participants in this project must have at minimum a master’s degree in history, theology, philosophy, religious studies, literature, or related fields, or be able to demonstrate their qualifications to contribute to the project. Essays should be 5000–7000 words and not previously submitted or published elsewhere. Visit https://jesociety.press/call-for-papers-miscellanies-companion-vol3/.

CFP: LATC 2022: Confessing the Church

March 17-18, 2022 at Biola University, La Mirada, CA

The 2022 Los Angeles Theology Conference will engage ecclesiology, that is, the doctrine about the Church. The goal of the conference is to offer constructive proposals for understanding and confessing the doctrine of the Church with historical depth, ecumenical scope, and analytic clarity. We are inviting theologians (philosophical, biblical, historical, and otherwise) to address this vital Christian doctrine.

Call for Papers

Abstracts of no more than 200 words should be sent to LAtheology@gmail.com before October 1, 2021. An acceptable paper will be approximately 3,500 words (to be delivered in 35 minutes with 5–10 minutes for Q&A).

The 9th Annual Los Angeles Theology Conference will be held on March 17-18, 2022 on the campus of Biola University in La Mirada, CA. The theme of the conference is “Confessing the Church.” We are inviting theologians who can situate the doctrine of the Church in its larger systematic theological context, showing its connections and implications with other doctrines.

Beyond the five plenary papers, nine papers will be selected from the responses to this call. We are especially seeking papers that are theologically constructive accounts of the Church, describing how it is related to the catholic confession as being “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.” In particular, we welcome papers that offer reflection on the way in which the Church exhibits (or fails to exhibit) one or more of these features. Preference will be given to papers that offer constructive proposals rather than merely critiques.

The plenary sessions feature Natalie Carnes (Baylor University); Millard J. Erickson (independent scholar); Tom Greggs (University of Aberdeen); Jennifer Powell McNutt (Wheaton College); and Paul Nimmo (University of Aberdeen).

Those with completed doctorate degrees are invited to submit paper proposals on this year’s theme. The focus of the conference is on constructive or systematic theology, rather than upon exegesis, the history of doctrine, or social scientific approaches to religion. Papers that engage the theological tradition as a means of theological retrieval are most welcome.

TheoPsych Academy

In our TheoPsych project, we provided training in the psychological sciences for theologians from around the world in 3 small, private learning cohorts. We brought in psychologists, skilled in interdisciplinary dialogue, to inspire conversations around using the psych sciences as a tool for developing theology.

But now, we’re excited to share that the material from the seminars we hosted, is now available to anyone who wants to access it. We’ve adapted material from our 3 events, into a series of courses that you can explore for free in something we’re calling TheoPsych Academy.

These courses include short lectures from psychology experts working in many subfields including: Robert Emmons, Justin Barrett, Pamela Ebstyne King, Mari Clements, Peter Hill, Lindsey Root Luna, Brad Strawn, Joey Fung, William Newsome, and more! In addition to this group of psychologists, there are also conversations with theologians from the project, discussing how they’re using psychology in their work.

JOIN THEOPSYCH ACADEMY NOW

If you decide to work through a course with a group, there are opportunities for great interactions as the courses are highly customizable, including options for discussion questions, quizzes, and “dig deeper” supplemental sections to help you take the material in different directions.

Those who enroll within our launch year will have access to private online events, for live interaction with psychology experts, to get their burning questions answered. It’s our hope that theologians, ministry leaders, and those just curious about how psychological science might interact with our understanding of God and the world will benefit from these courses! Enjoy!

Kuyper, Science, and Philosophy: A Centenary Celebration

The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion would like to invite you to our online Academic Workshop ‘Kuyper, Science, and Philosophy: A Centenary Celebration’ on 2nd – 4th September 2021.  

Speakers include Prof. Richard Mouw, Prof. René van Woudenberg, Dr Deborah Haarsma, Professor Gerrit Glas, Professor Lydia Jaeger, Dr Jordan Ballor, Revd Dr Craig Bartholomew. The topics covered include Kuyper’s philosophy of science, the doctrine of creation, and the Reformed approach to scientific practice.  

For more information and to sign up for the workshop go to this link: faraday.institute/KuyperWorkshop

IVP Early Career Philosopher of Religion Contest

Inter-Varsity Press and the Tyndale Fellowship’s Study Group for Philosophy of Religion are pleased to announce this year’s ‘Early-Career Philosopher of Religion’ competition.

This year’s essay question:
What does it mean that God is good?

Prizes: Book prizes are to be awarded to the value of:
1st Prize: £100
2nd Prize: £50
Books must be purchased from IVP books.

The winner is also to be named ‘IVP Early-Career Philosopher of Religion 2021’, and offered a slot to present at the 2022 Tyndale Conference.

Submissions are welcome from those that are either within three years of their first, permanent academic position (on the closing date) or have never held such. Previous winners are requested not to re-enter. Submissions must be between 2,000 & 4,000 words, and will be assessed by a small committee on professional Philosophy benchmarks, including:

  • Display of a questioning intelligence
  • Ability to engage critically with ideas
  • Clarity in making relevant distinctions
  • Ability to construct reasoned arguments
  • Ability to evaluate arguments critically
  • Knowledge of the history of Philosophy and the Philosophy of Religion

There is no requirement that the essay defend any particular theological or philosophical view. Essays must be written in English, and submitted electronically as either a Word Document or a PDF to:

Daniel Hill (djhill1972@gmail.com) by midnight on Friday September 10th 2021.

We hope to announce the winners within one month of the closing date.
Dr Daniel Hill (Chair, Tyndale Fellowship’s Study Group in Philosophy of Religion)
Dr Yang Guo (Co-Chair, Tyndale Fellowship’s Study Group)

Theological Genealogies of Modernity (July 8-11)

The conference will run from 13:00-16:15 (BST) each day.

Genealogies of modernity are broad narrative accounts of the rise and nature of our present cultural condition. Theology nearly always features, in some way or another, in narratives about the formation of modernity, even if its role is just being a discourse and set of practices that was gradually marginalized by the onset of a more secular age. This conference gathers together an international team of scholars to explore genealogies of modernity sympathetically and to evaluate them critically. The contributors will discuss a range of important figures and focused topics, and they will pay special attention to stories that are often, though perhaps unhelpfully, understood as decline narratives—accounts of modernity that do not associate it unambiguously with progress. So-called decline genealogies have significant influence within theology across several confessional traditions, but like any narrative with the massive scope of a genealogy of modernity, making a case for them is necessarily complex. How are “decline” narratives and other accounts constructed? If these stories seek to do something more than just to describe historical processes, how do subtly normative dimensions enter into them? How do genealogical narratives look from the perspective of constituencies that are often marginalized?

Register here: theogenealogies.eventbrite.co.uk

Twitter.com/theogenealogies

Facebook.com/theogenealogies

*Please note that this event is limited to 500 attendees on a first-come-first-served basis, so we recommend that you join each session a few minutes early to ensure a spot.

University of York Launches a New MA in Analytic Theology

University of York Department of Philosophy has launched a new MA in Analytic Theology: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/ma-analytic-theology/

Apply the study of philosophy to theology and engage with some of the most complex and historically significant questions that have shaped Western and Middle Eastern civilisation.

Move from studying philosophical and theological problems to investigating them as a researcher in your own right. Focus on Philosophy and the study of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic analytic theology in conversation with each other, informed by analysis of the spiritual practices that these faiths incorporate.

Our department has a strong research profile in analytic theology and we’ll provide support for you to pursue your own research project. 

The department is offering one David Efird Masters Scholarship to the sum of £5,000 (https://www.york.ac.uk/philosophy/postgraduates/funding/#:~:text=For%20September%202021%20entry%2C%20the%20Department%20of%20Philosophy%20is%20offering%20the%20David%20Efird%20Masters%20Scholarship  ). 
Anyone holding an offer for this MA in Analytic Theology by April 30th will be automatically considered for this scholarship.

The department is also also offering funding for MA students to attend Philosophy of Religion / Analytic Theology conferences (once conferences begin to be held in person).

CFP: AAR Annual Meeting 2021

Submit Your Proposal for the 2021 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX
Deadline: March 1 at 5 p.m. EST
For scholars of religion, our Annual Meeting represents the networking event of the year, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with colleagues, engage leaders in the field, and learn about the latest scholarship through paper presentations and panel discussions.

The chance to deliver your own paper starts with submitting a proposal to our Call for Proposals. We have over 160 Program Units with individual calls for you to choose from. Not sure what makes a great proposal? Check out this guide to writing a successful proposal by Kecia Ali.

Questions? Email support@aarweb.org.
Submit or Learn More

2021 Evangelical Theological Society Northeast Region Annual Meeting

Date and Location

Saturday, April 10, 2021
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (near Boston)
130 Essex Street
South Hamilton, MA 01982

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Michael S. Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California
“Are We Living in a ‘Secular Age'”?

What: Two plenary sessions by Dr. Horton, with a Q&A session, and 3 sessions of paper presentations by ETS members.

When: Saturday, April 10th — 9:30 AM through 4:30 PM

Where: Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 130 Essex Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982

Who: ETS Members, students & the general public all welcome.

COVID: Safety protocols (masks, spacing, occupancy, etc.) will be followed. Refunds will be issued for COVID cancellations.

Cost: Registration [includes lunch] is $45.00* / Students only $20.00*
*Deduct $5.00 if you register before March 15, 2021.

REGISTER ONLINEwww.etsnortheast.org

Download Flyer With Mail-in Registration Form and Online Registration link

Follow the links below for additional information, including paper proposals, for the 2021 Northeast Regional Meeting

CFP: 2021 Virtual Southeast Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Philosophical Society

Call for Papers: 2021 Virtual Southeast Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Philosophical Society

On March 19-20, 2021, Charleston Southern University will host the Southeast Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Philosophical Society, in conjunction with the meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society.

The conference will be held live via Zoom.

Conference Theme: The Doctrine of God

Plenary speaker: Dr. Scott Swain (President of the Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, FL)

All members of EPS (full, associate, and student) are invited to submit a paper proposal on any philosophical topic (papers connected to the conference theme will be given priority). To sign-up/renew EPS membership, please go here (membership includes a print subscription to Philosophia Christi).

Paper proposals of 200-300 words, prepared for blind review, should be sent via e-mail as an attachment to Ross Parker, associate professor of Christian Studies at CSU (dparker@csuniv.edu). Include a title for the paper.

In the body of your e-mail include the following: contact information (e-mail and phone number), membership status in EPS, institutional affiliation (school, church, or ministry name).

Deadline for proposals: February 12th

Presenters must register for the conference, which can be done at https://www.churchandgospel.com/southeast-regional-ets/.

Call for Papers: Experimental Psychology and the Notion of Personhood (Scientia et Fides)

Cover Page

Editors:
Scott Harrower (Ridley College, Australia), Ryan Peterson (Biola University, USA) and Juan F. Franck (Universidad Austral, Argentina)

The proposed Special Issue of Scientia et Fides aims at documenting and promoting high level integrative work that extends the insights of psychological science into the philosophical and theological discussions of what is a person.

Psychological science is based upon empirical research and concepts that justifiably arise from data. It often requires the revision of previous models by asking new questions, thereby opening up new avenues for exploration in theological and philosophical debates that have gotten bogged down. Theology and philosophy would be thus greatly strengthened if these disciplines were able to warrant their claims and also nuance these based upon the findings of psychological science. There has been some remarkable mutual interdisciplinary enrichment in the study of free will, agency, moral attitudes, character building, and religious beliefs. This Special Issue capitalizes on the fruitfulness of such previous work, inviting cross-disciplinary studies on the relevance and import of psychological science for renovating philosophical and theological discussions on personhood.

Philosophers, theologians and psychologists (especially those in the developmental and social fields), share a common interest in the notion of personhood. It is an anchor point that supports a rich phenomenological description of our human experience (embodiment, subjectivity, interiority, relationality, spirituality, morality and transcendence), it accounts for the metaphysical place of man in the great chain of being, and it also reflects the presence of the divine, thus illuminating the foundations of religion. The present call for papers welcomes a wide variety of views and subjects. It aims at overcoming the sterility of overly strict epistemological divides, at the same time as recognizing some necessary methodological distinctions. It therefore endeavors to contribute to an expanded exercise of reason, bringing together mutually illuminating research methodologies.

Papers submitted for review will reflect the present state of the art of debates and studies at the intersection of these fields, and will typically consist in either of the following, or a combination thereof: (1) theoretical or conceptual discussions that show why a fruitful engagement between experimental psychology and philosophy and/or theology can specifically advance our understanding of personhood; (2) specific contributions of psychological science that illuminate, enrich, challenge or nuance a particular notion of personhood; (3) claims and arguments drawn from philosophical or theological knowledge, which could open up new paths for collaborative work with experimental psychology.

Contributions in English, Spanish, Polish, German, French, Italian, or Portuguese, addressing abovementioned or related topics, may be submitted (after registration) on the journal’s website:

For further information, please contact the editors of the Special Issue at: piotrroszak@umk.pl  

The submission deadline is 31 May 2021.

David Fergusson appointed as Regius Professor of Divinity

The faculty of divinity at Cambridge have announced the appointment of a new Regius Professor of Divinity:

After a long search process, we are pleased to announce that Prof David Fergusson (Edinburgh) has accepted the appointment as Regius Professor of Divinity. Prof Fergusson is a leading specialist in Christian Theology, with much experience of academic leadership, supervising PhD students and running grants. He can offer teaching in core areas of the field and will be a wise mentor for all in the Faculty. He will take up the post on April 1st 2021 and is currently planning a move to Cambridge with his wife.

CFP: Jonathan Edwards and the Early American Republic: Patriotism, Exceptionalism, and the Pursuit of Happiness 

While Jonathan Edwards has been crowned “America’s Theologian,” his successors in the early republic can rightly be called American theologians. Known pejoratively as “The New Divinity,” the Edwardsean tradition was a socially-oriented Calvinism, confronting the most controversial and even volatile issues in their infant nation. With the ideas of Edwards and some of the most capable thinkers for their age, the New Divinity became the first indigenous school of Calvinism in American history, shaping the American theological tradition and helping forge the national identity. A volume that examines the influence of America’s theologian on America’s founding would thus fill a gap in historical studies and better explain the development of religious identity in the United States.

The editors of the proposed volume, Jonathan Edwards and the Early American Republic: Patriotism, Exceptionalism, and the Pursuit of Happiness are seeking chapter contributions of 5000-7000 words. Chapters should focus on the Edwardsean engagement with salient issues in the early American nation. Suggested topics include: political economy and the expansion of trade and/or capitalism; language, epistemology and the organization of knowledge; human rights, and thinking about war and peace; slavery and abolitionism; gender and the church; international relations; the social hierarchy; poverty and the marginal of society; anthropocentrism and ecological dominance; etc. Other related but not listed topics would be welcomed as well. The chapters shall be arranged into thematic sections. Contributors must be Ph.D., or at least ABD. Contributors must use The Chicago Manual of Style and conform to the norms of the Jonathan Edwards Center (see the Jonathan Edwards Studies Journal).

Deadline for Abstracts: 31 December 2020 (300 Words and CV sent to john.lowe.2@louisville.edu and obbie.todd@lutherrice.edu)

Answer to Authors: 1 March 2021

Full Chapters to Submitted: 1 June 2021

CFP: E.J. Lowe’s Metaphysics and Analytic Theology

An International Journal for Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology

CALL FOR PAPERS

E. J. LOWE’S METAPHYSICS AND ANALYTIC THEOLOGY


Guest editors
Mihretu P. Guta: Biola University, Addis Ababa University & Azusa Pacific University
Eric LaRock: Oakland University & University of Michigan, Center for Consciousness Science


Edward Jonathan Lowe was one of the most distinguished metaphysicians of the last 50 plus years. He made immense contributions to analytic philosophy in as diverse areas as metaphysics, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophical logic, modern philosophy (especial on John Locke) and philosophy of religion. Lowe was a realist metaphysician. Like Aristotle, he thought that, with sustained reflection and responsible engagement with empirical research, the nature of a mind independent reality can be discovered. In all of this works, Lowe consistently maintained that our common-sense pre-philosophical convictions about reality should not be ignored unless there is a good reason to do so. Even in such cases,
Lowe firmly believed that common-sense should rather be corrected and further enriched in light of relevant empirical discoveries. But Lowe never accepted the idea that, in light of the advancement of science, somehow we should entirely stop our reliance on common-sense in our inquiry into the nature of reality. Partly in defence of this very view, Lowe developed his most influential and highly original work: the four-category ontology. The gist of this work concerns metaphysics as an inquiry into the structure of ultimate reality (taken in general), provides a foundation for natural science. Lowe strongly believed that it is metaphysics not science that can set the terms for what is possible and not possible. Lowe believed that figuring out what actually exists in the natural world falls within the purview of science. On Lowe’s view, metaphysics and science can and should work in synergy, each playing its distinctive role in enhancing our knowledge of a mind independent reality. Lowe extended his realist view of reality to causation, laws of nature, modality, personal identity, logic, language, God’s existence, time and space, human ontology, properties and many other issues. Lowe’s views on ontological issues also have direct implications for issues in philosophical theology as well as philosophy of religion such as incarnation, trinity and divine attributes. One of the things that makes Lowe’s work uniquely suitable to apply to various issues in either philosophical theology or philosophy of religion has to do with its systematic nature. Lowe built an extremely sophisticated ontological
system as shown in his the Four-Category Ontology. In so many ways, Lowe’s highly original ontological system will prove relevant to address questions that arise in philosophical theology. Many contemporary metaphysicians influenced by Lowe’s system also have an interest both in philosophical theology and philosophy of religion, and have integrated elements of Lowe’s metaphysics in their treatment of these questions. Yet, to this date, no attempt has been made to take a general look at how Lowe’s metaphysics relates to various issues in the philosophy of religion. This
is the first attempt to take concrete steps to fill in the existing gap in this regard. To this effect, we would like to invite paper contributions that connect any relevant aspect of Lowe’s work to any issue in philosophical theology or philosophy of religion, especially incarnation, trinity, divine attributes, human agency and divine sovereignty, unified experience and the existence of God, divine causation, divine temporality or atemporality et cetera.

Deadline for submissions: September 30th, 2020


Full papers should be submitted via our website:
https://ojs.uclouvain.be/index.php/theologica/index or sent to:
managingeditor.theologica@gmail.com. In order to contribute equally to scientific international discussions held in several languages, articles written in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are accepted. Visit the TheoLogica homepage for a description of the journal and instructions to authors.

For a brief biography on Lowe’s life and work, click on the link below: https://www.jstor.org/stable/43047040?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

For an extended discussion on Lowe’s work, click the link below:
https://www.iep.utm.edu/lowe-ej/

Yours sincerely,
Mihretu P. Guta & Eric LaRock

Event: Jonathan Edwards & Slavery

Jonathan Edwards and Slavery: Christian Leadership with Feet of Clay

Monday, November 02, 2020, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

DIGITAL PANEL DISCUSSION ON JONATHAN EDWARDS’ LEGACY

Join us for an important conversation on the legacy of Jonathan Edwards examining the issue of slavery in the early American period, and assessing how modern readers ought to interact with these positions today.

Panel speakers Ken Minkema, Leroy Gainey, and James Westbrook will grapple with the realities of slavery and Christian leadership prior to the abolitionist movements. Chris Chun, director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary, will moderate the discussion.

This event will be held completely online and will be streamed on YouTube, social media and at www.gs.edu/jec.

DIGITAL PANEL SPEAKERS

Ken Minkema

Ken Minkema
Executive Editor, Jonathan Edwards Center

Leroy Gainey photo

Leroy Gainey
Senior Professor of Educational Leadership, Gateway Seminary

James Westbrook photo

James Westbrook
Lead Pastor, Realm Church

Chris Chun photo

Chris Chun
Director, Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary

Blueprint 1543 – A New Science & Theology Venture – Launches

Justin Barrett and Rebecca Dorsey Sok have co-founded a new venture, Blueprint 1543, with a mission to integrate Christian theology and the sciences to answer life’s biggest questions. The Knoxville-based organization is focusing on three broad initiatives—leadership development, sciences-engaged theology, and science stewardship—supported by a portfolio of programs and projects. Blueprint 1543 will be developing their own projects, as well as consulting and coaching for partner organizations. Sok and Barrett have managed over $16 million in grants with multiple funding partners (such as the AT project, and TheoPsych: Bringing Theology to Mind). This new venture signals their exit from running Fuller Theological Seminary’s Office for Science, Theology, and Religion (STAR), which also supported interdisciplinary research and programs in faith-science integration. Sarey Martin Concepción joins Barrett and Sok as Blueprint 1543’s Director of Communication. BP1543 is currently building its roster of partners from the fields of theology, philosophy, and the sciences. To stay up to date on projects and opportunities, follow on Facebook, Twitter, or sign up for their newsletter. More information at www.blueprint1543.org

The Goodness of Creation and Human Responsibility

What is the link between creation and redemption? What responsibility do we as humans have in creation, and what practical actions we should take now to glorify Christ and advance his kingdom?


The L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture is proud to announce The Goodness of Creation and Human Responsibility — a Faith + Culture Forum designed to address these important questions.
In conjunction with this conference, we invite submissions of abstracts on topics relevant to the conference’s theme.


To be considered, please submit a title, abstract (no longer than 250 words), and a CV to CFC@sebts.edu by Thursday, October 1, 2020.

Judges will review abstracts and invite full paper submissions by Thursday, October 15, 2020. If your full manuscript is invited, please submit it by Friday, January 1, 2021. Judges will announce three winning papers on Friday, January 15, 2021.


The winning paper will be published in the Spring 2021 issue of the Southeastern Theological Review. The authors of the top three papers will also win cash prizes ($500, $300, and $200, respectively) and receive an invitation to present their papers at the conference (30-35 minutes with 10-15 minutes of Q & A).


We invite submissions from current faculty at universities, PhD students and PhD graduates, and current ThM students or those who have graduated with a ThM.

Angels – The Andrew Fuller Virtual Conference

Among the fascinations of western culture in the early twenty-first century are angels and extra-terrestrial beings. Yet the church, which has a rich history of reflecting on such beings, especially angels, is virtually silent about the subject. This is especially true of those people who prize the Bible, namely, Evangelicals, who have largely ceded this subject to Western culture. This conference is nothing less than an opening exercise in the retrieval and recovery of a biblical angelology from some of the great Christian thinkers of the past–Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards–as well as a study of how popular Christian culture has shaped thinking about angels. Come and join us for a day of intellectual feasting and delight!

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 25, 2020 

9:00 AM Augustine & the Patristic Tradition  | Corneliu C. Simuţ

10:45 AM John Calvin | Herman J. Selderhuis

12:00 PM Lunch

1:30 PM    Jonathan Edwards & Evangelical Tradition | Dustin Benge

3:15 PM    Isaac Ambrose & the Puritan Tradition | Tom Schwanda 

4:30 PM Dinner

6:30 PM    Charles H. Spurgeon & the Baptist Tradition | Tom Nettles

8:15 PM    C.S. Lewis & Billy Graham | Michael J. Plato

REGISTRATION

COST | $35REGISTER