The Arts, Media, Literature, and Religion

2025 Call for Papers

Victoria Basug Slabinski, University of Virginia (VA)

nky3ht@virginia.edu

Brent Little, Sacred Heart University (CT)

littleb3@sacredheart.edu

The Arts, Media, Literature and Religion (AMLR) section of the College Theology Society
cordially invites proposals in light of the 2025 convention theme—“The Locus of the
Theological Vocation.” This theme invites us to consider how art, literature, and media might
operate as a means of expressing or conveying the locations in which theology is done, and what
it might look like for theologians to take the arts seriously in doing so. The section also warmly
welcomes proposals that take more systematic, historical, theoretical, practical, or constructive
approaches to these topics.
Non-specialists in the study of the arts, media, literature or religion and theology are encouraged
to consider submitting to this section. Graduate students and newer members of the CTS have
also found a warm reception in our section. We also welcome proposals from CTS members for
non-traditional presentation formats that incorporate ministers and/or artists from outside the
academy as guest speakers in conversation with yourself.
Suggested topics include but are not limited to:
● How might art, media, and literature assist in drawing attention to previously overlooked
loci of theological reflection? How might the arts reveal the ways that context and social
location shape communities’ fundamental questions and concerns?
● What does it look like to attend to theological and religious questions in an academic
department that is not theology? What are some areas of tension when theological and
non-theological approaches to the arts are brought into conversation beyond departments
of theology and religious studies?
● What are some challenges and possibilities related to interdisciplinary conversations
around art, literature, and media? What distinguishes a theological approach to art,
literature, and media from other disciplines and methodologies?
● How have newer forms of media (like social media, digital humanities projects, public
online writing forums, etc.) facilitated the extension of theological conversations and
theological education beyond university bounds? Alternatively, how might newer forms
of media (such as generative AI and/or the forms of media mentioned above) surface new
challenges for theology?
● How might art provide a means of engaging people in church, public, or academic
settings in topics related to theology and religion – particularly people who are less likely

to have previously encountered biblical or theological scholarship?

Please e-mail your 200-300 word abstract to BOTH littleb3@sacredheart.edu AND
nky3ht@virginia.edu by December 15, 2024. In your proposal, please include the title of your
project, your name, institutional affiliation, and any audio/visual needs. Feel welcome to contact
Brent Little and Victoria Basug Slabinski at the above addresses with any questions or concerns