Call for Papers: Theological Symposium (Sept. 18-19, 2018)

The Theological Symposium committee invites proposals for open sectionals during the 29th Annual Theological Symposium, September 18-19, 2018, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

Check the Symposium webpage for updates, but here is the title and description of this year’s theme:

“THE CROSS ALONE IS OUR THEOLOGY!”

“The cross of Christ is the only way of instruction in the Word of God, and the only true theology.” (Martin Luther, 1519)

The cross has always stood at the center of the Christian faith, but what does it really mean to have a cross-centered theology, cross-centered pastoral care, or a cross-centered life? Neither a morbid obsession with death nor a dispirited resignation to suffering, to preach “nothing but Christ crucified” (St. Paul) or to be a “theologian of the cross” (Luther) is to set forth the central vision and lens by which we see our life and witness in the world. Through Christ’s death and by the strength of his resurrection, we are placed into a new relationship to both our sin and our piety, to God and our neighbor, to blessings and sufferings, to hope, happiness, joy and peace. Come learn about the many ways in which the cross and resurrection change everything!

Submissions may be on this topic or a topic of the author’s interest.

Although it is not the focus of the symposium per se, the theme does recognize that 2018 marks the 500th anniversary of the Heidelberg Disputation, where Martin Luther laid out his theses regarding the theology of the cross.

Sectional presentations are 45 minutes long, allowing time for questions and discussion. A paragraph abstract should be submitted to Erika Bennett via email ([email protected]), or fax (314-505-7393). Deadline is July 16, 2018.