Scripture

2024 Call for Papers

The Scripture section welcomes paper and panel proposals on the theme of the convention— “Vulnerability and Flourishing”—within the context of critical and/or theological study and teaching of the Scriptures. The section also seeks proposals for papers analyzing historical or current uses of Scriptures in terms related to the convention themes. As such we welcome proposals from within any disciplines represented in the College Theology Society.

Possible proposals may include, but are not limited to:

• Theological and/or historical-critical interpretations of Scriptural texts that appertain to vulnerability and/or flourishing.
• Readings of Scriptural texts that privilege the voices and perspectives of those who suffer violence and/or forms of vulnerability.
• Historical, theological, and/or critical analysis of the use of Scriptural texts to justify and/or legitimate rendering people vulnerable to domination and/or violence on the basis of gender, race, class, sexual orientation, ethnicity, education, etc.
• Historical, theological, and/or critical analysis of the use of Scriptural texts in the support of human flourishing and/or resilience in the face of vulnerability, violence, and domination of any form.
• Explorations of the use of the Scriptures in spiritual disciplines and/or pastoral practices that tend towards resilience and care.
• Explorations of Scriptural texts or their use in relationship to trauma, trauma care, and trauma theory.
• Explorations of Scriptural texts or their use in relationship to disability and disability studies.
• Analysis of the use of Scriptures in homiletics, self-help media, practices of “self-care,” etc. that constitute forms of “cruel optimism.”

Please e-mail proposals to Ethan Smith by December 15, 2023.