Applied and Interdisciplinary Theology - Consultation

Sandra Ham, Independent Scholar, sandra.ham3@gmail.com
Nathaniel Holmes, Florida Memorial University (Florida), nholmes@fmuniv.edu

The Applied and Interdisciplinary Theology section is seeking papers and panels that address the conference theme, “Reclaiming Faith amid Christian Nationalism.” We welcome submissions that creatively address the impact on the life of the Church and its mission from the perspectives of independent scholars who are historians, sociologists, psychologists, consultants, and those who work with non-profits, parishes and dioceses.

Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to:

• What roles do the “nationalism” aspect play in the process of Christian conversion and the development of faith?
• What are the roles of “order” in conversion and the emergent understanding of truth of the created and moral orders for the convert?
• How do Christian converts and reverts, who often privilege authentic sources and traditions such as Adoration, Confession, and praying the rosary, regard local and national communities of faith in their own religious lives?
• Reflect on the web of causal relationships between mental health and evolutionary expectations of life, which promote sexual freedom, technological accompaniment, fluid human anthropology, and global citizenship.
• The magazine First Things (www.firstthings.com) has published many articles about faith, Christian nationalism, and its constitutive parts by Peter J. Leithart, Nathan Pinkoski, R. R. Reno, and others. Engage two such articles about one aspect in a three-way conversation.
• For an imagined parish audience of young, interested Christian converts and reverts, engage in a debate between two sides of one aspect of Christian nationalism (power, boundaries, or order). For each side, help the audience understand the animating loves and civilizational vision that informs it, explaining how these relate to the sociological category.

All presenters must be a CTS member in good standing to present at the conference and also attend the conference. Proposals should be 250-500 words in length (panels 500-750 words) and emailed to both conveners by December 15, 2025. They should include the scholar’s name, position, institution, and anticipated AV needs. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by mid-January.