Liberal Theologies Print

Call for Proposals

This Consultation seeks proposals that focus on the renewal of liberal theology for twenty-first century faith communities and the broader public. How can the insights of previous liberal traditions be interpreted afresh for the institutions — congregations, seminaries, denominations — that have traditionally supported liberal theology, as well as for individuals who (according to polling data) espouse an inchoate liberalism? What challenges and opportunities inhere in attempts to interpret liberal theology for a broad audience? Proposals for this session may address liberalism or its analogues in any faith tradition. In addition, we seek proposals offering a critical appraisal of liberalism as an analytical category for understanding contemporary Islamic thought on such issues as rationalism, freedom, religious pluralism, and gender equality (for a possible cosponsored session with the Contemporary Islam Group).

Mission

Liberal theology in all its varieties has been a robust intellectual and religious presence in North America from the colonial era to the present. The theologians involved with this Consultation, who come from many different universities and religious schools in North America and abroad, are committed to continuing this tradition. Our focus is plural — we look across religious traditions — and interdisciplinary — we welcome the participation, among others, of historians, political scientists, anthropologists, sociologists, and philosophers engaged with questions of vital moment to liberal theologies. Our gaze is to the future — we are determined to develop new perspectives, new ways of speaking, and new combinations of ideas that will better address the intellectual and social circumstances in which we find ourselves. Participants in the Consultation are welcome to visit the Liberal Theologies website. For more information, please contact the co-Chairs.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposer names are visible to Chairs but anonymous to Steering Committee Members.

Questions?

Krista Duttenhaver
University of Notre Dame
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Daniel McKanan
Harvard University
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Method of Submission