Religion & Thoughtful Activism

(Submissions Closed)

Conference Theme
The world is changing. Our politics, economics, climate, and health are under stress. Old social divisions are intensifying. New coalitions are forming. We’re examining the justice of relationships in and between community institutions. People of faith, along with others, feel called to take action. But what are best practices for activism, resistance, and change? How can our traditions and philosophies guide us? How should we critique and strengthen them?

Conference papers can draw on multiple academic disciplines, and be grounded in any religious, spiritual or non-theistic tradition.

Suggested Paper Topics
Religion in Public Life; Collaborative Multifaith Work; Politics and the Pulpit; Shelter, Prison, and Hospital Chaplaincy; Theological and Scriptural Inspirations; Ritual and Symbolic Protest; Tikkun Olam; Social Gospel; Social Justice; Antiracism; Indigenous Justice; Decolonization; Environment and Climate Change; Health and Human Rights; Principled Anarchy; Advocacy, Allyship, Solidarity; Radical, Progressive, and Conservative Approaches; Balancing Resistance and Reform; Education and Youth Movements; On-line activism.

Guidelines
Due Feb 15: Abstract (150-200 words), bio (50 words), and contact information. We will notify presenters of acceptance no later than March 1.

Due May 1: Completed papers (approx. 3,000 words). Papers should be clearly written, accessible to readers outside the author’s discipline and tradition. Conference sessions will be of varied formats, and oral presentations may be shorter than 25 minutes. A volume based on conference papers will be published in Wipf & Stock’s “Inter-Religious Discussion and Public Life” series.

Please submit to LDKaplan@vst.edu.

The Ruth and Bernard F. Duhan Inter-religious Studies Essay Award
For an outstanding conference paper by a full-time VST graduate student.
To be considered for this $1,000 award:

• Follow the conference paper guidelines
• Write in a thoughtful, engaged, and generous way
• Submit your completed paper by April 15

Questions?
Contact Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan Kaplan & Team
Email: LDKaplan@vst.edu