Home Annual Meeting Call for Papers Groups Comparative Theology
January 2011

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Call for Proposals

This Group invites comparative and constructive proposals related to the following themes:

  • Comparative theologies of divine embodiment or “incarnation” (for a possible cosponsored session with the Christian Systematic Theology Section)
  • Comparative theology through the arts and/or nontextual media (for a possible cosponsored session with the Arts, Literature, and Religion Section)
  • Pioneers or early models of comparative theology in traditions other than Christianity
  • The practice of comparative theology with indigenous traditions or others not conventionally treated among major “world religions”
  • Comparative theology and process thought
  • Comparative theology and social movements (environmentalism, human rights, etc.)
  • The book series Christian Commentaries on Non-Christian Sacred Texts (Peeters and Eerdmans)
  • Divine multiplicity — attributes, hypostases, and pluralities

We will also consider proposals on other topics. Panel or prearranged paper proposals are strongly encouraged. The Group hosts a listserv to facilitate such collaboration; to subscribe, please contact Reid Locklin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mission

This Group tries to be seriously — even confessionally — theological, interreligious, and consciously comparative, all at the same time. Like other forms of constructive theology, comparative theology is primarily a matter of faith-seeking-understanding (or, more broadly, perhaps “the practice of reflective meditative perception” or “insight”). Comparative theology is a reflection on faith that, while emanating from a particular religious tradition, recognizes and advances interreligious exchange so that every aspect of its theological constructions are affected and transformed, whether in doctrine, polemics, spiritual exercise, ritual, or ethical commitment. Like other forms of theology, comparative theology is an academic discipline, but may also be about and for the sake of the experience of God or, more naturalistically, the ultimate mystery toward which life points. In comparative theology then, faith and practice are explored and transformed by attention to parallel theological dimensions or construals of other religious theological traditions, examined historically or in contemporary context. As with any discipline within the academy, communal and intercommunal faiths and practices come under analysis, comment, and critical inquiry of insiders and outsiders. Also participating are scholars not necessarily defined by any such commitments who are nonetheless able and willing to explore the full range of comparative theology dynamics of faith-seeking-understanding. Please contact either of the co-Chairs for further information, including the full statement of the Group and/or self-study documents, or to be added to the Group’s discussion list.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposals are anonymous to Chairs and Steering Committee Members during review, but visible to Chairs prior to final acceptance or rejection.

Questions?

S. Mark Heim
Andover Newton Theological School
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Reid Locklin
University of Toronto
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Method of Submission

 

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