POLITICAL THEOLOGIES OF A DEMOCRATIC COMMON LIFE, CFP DEADLINE 30 NOVEMBER, 2024

Political Theologies of a Democratic Common Life 

24-26 March 2025 

New College, University of Oxford 

Event Description: Religion has a complex role in shaping our political landscape, with the power to either fuel division or serve as a resource for a democratic common life. The fifth Political Theologies conference gathers scholars and practitioners to discuss how religious ideas and communities can foster democratic resilience, uphold the rule of law, and support a diverse, peaceful society. Over three days, we’ll explore critical questions such as:- How can religious groups and symbols help to create common life discourses focused on human dignity, peace, and justice?- What political theologies promote democracy, and which challenge it?- In a polarized world, how can faith communities encourage social empathy, de-polarization, and constructive engagement? 

Topics Include:

– Concepts of political and economic democracy, resilience, and pluralism

– Theological and political critiques of authoritarian and anti-democratic ideologies

– Case studies on civic solidarity, rituals of reconciliation, and responses to populism

– The role of religion in fostering a just peace and social empathy 

Contributions are welcomed from a variety of disciplines, including theology, religious studies, political science, law, anthropology, and psychology.

Papers engaging political theology from religions beyond Christianity are especially encouraged. 

Submission Details: Please send a proposed paper title, a 200-word abstract, and a brief biography to Dr. Marietta van der Tol at mdcv2@cam.ac.uk by 30 November 2024. Decisions will be communicated by 20 December 2024. Short conference briefs (approx. 1,500 words) are due by 1 March 2025. 

Limited subsidised accommodation is available for speakers based on need, and travel support may be considered in exceptional circumstances.  

Sponsors:This conference is generously sponsored by the Alfred Landecker Foundation, the Inez and Julius Polin Institute for Theological Studies at Åbo Akademi, the Huffington Ecumenical Institute of Loyola Marymount University, and the McDonald Centre at the University of Oxford. 

More Information: https://www.divinity.cam.ac.uk/political-theologies-democratic-common-life 

Join us as we engage in critical, interdisciplinary discussions on the potential of political theologies to shape a peaceable and vibrant democratic common life. We hope to see you there!