History of Christian Life and Thought

2023 Call for Papers

Sara Hulse Kirby, DeSales University (PA)

Sara.Hulse@desales.edu

The section on The History of Christian Life and Thought invites proposals that address the conference theme, “Theology and Media(tion): Rendering the Absent Present,” in historical perspective. We welcome proposals that explore one of the many historical expressions of this theme in religious contexts and theology.

Consistent with the theme, some topics that would be especially welcome include:

•  The notion of mediation as historically understood
•  Historical interpretations of Christ as the Mediator between God and humanity
• The history of intercessory prayer
•  The history of the title of Mary as “Mediatrix” (see Lumen Gentium, 62)
• Sacred art in history as media(tion) of God’s mystery
•  Mediation of the Church and/or Sacraments in historical perspective (e.g. historical perspectives on why God is mediated through the Church and Sacraments rather than without mediation, often framed today as, “Why do I need to go to church and receive sacraments to love God? Why can’t I be spiritual but not religious?” Was this a topic others dealt with in history? If so, how?
• The ways in which Scripture has been historically understood to mediate God to us
•  Any historical topic, theologian, or theological figure relevant to the topics of media and mediation

Proposals of approximately 250-300 words should include the scholar’s name, position, institution, and CTS membership status, and should be emailed by December 15, 2022 to:

Sara Hulse Kirby (Convener)
Assistant Professor of Theology
DeSales University
sara.hulse@desales.edu