The ninth Graduate Theological Conference at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is seeking creative artifacts and scholarly essays on the theme, “Syndemic and Shifts: Theological and Practical Responses in a Time of Compounded Violence and Disruption,” for a conference that will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 in HyFlex modality with the option of in-person or digital attendance.
Syndemic, the layering of biological and social endemics, is a generative framework which addresses the overlaying of COVID-19 with the violent social realities of systemic inequality and injustice. Together, these have brought about significant shifts in social and religious life. In view of the disparate experiences of syndemic which overlays intense disruption and shifts on the individual and social level, there is a need for theological and practical responses that promote justice and assist persons and communities in navigating change.
Generative approaches to the topic might include but are not limited to:
Submissions of creative artifacts and an accompanying critical response of no longer than 1,000 words on how the work engages the topic may include but are not limited to visual arts, both 2D and 3D, mixed and multi-media, and literary contributions.
Submissions of creative artifacts and critical responses are due February 10, 2023. Submissions should include a 100-200 word abstract, describing the work and summarizing engagement with the topic. Submission emails should include the author’s CV. Inquiries are welcome.
Submissions of essays are encouraged from a wide array of disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives including but not limited to biblical studies, church history, theology and ethics, sociology of religion, anthropology, and practical theology.
Essay submissions are due February 10, 2023. Essays should be no longer than 5,000 words, double-spaced, follow the writing style appropriate to the field/area (i.e., Turabian, APA, SBL), and include a bibliography. Submissions should include a 100-200 word abstract, stating the thesis and summarizing the argument of the paper. Submission emails should include the author’s CV.
Inquiries and submissions should be sent to student co-coordinators, Grace Morris and Renee Smithback at gtc@garrett.edu.
Welcome
Plenary address by Dr. Kwok Pui-lan
Faculty panel and conversation with Dr. Anne Joh, Dr. Nancy Bedford, and Dr. Reggie Blount
Lunch and table paper presentations
February 10, 2023
February 10, 2023
February 24, 2023
April 14, 2023
Dr. Kwok Pui-lan is Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and a past president of the American Academy of Religion. She has authored and edited numerous books on Asian feminist theology, biblical interpretation, and postcolonial criticism. Her publications include Postcolonial Politics and Theology; Globalization, Gender, and Peacebuilding; Postcolonial Imagination and Feminist Theology; and Discovering the Bible in the Non-Biblical World. She is the editor of Asian and Asian American Women in Theology and Religion.
Harry R. Kendall Professor of Christian Theology and Postcolonial Studies
Georgia Harkness Professor of Theology
Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership and Culture & Director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience
Grace is second-year student in the Masters of Theological Studies program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her research focuses on eroticism in Medieval mysticism.
Renee is a PhD candidate in liturgical studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her research engages liturgy, pedagogy, and social justice.
The Graduate Theological Conference was founded in 2007 and is managed by students at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. It aims to foster a collegial atmosphere in which seminarians and graduate students of religion can gain experience sharing their scholarship, collaborating, offering feedback, and networking with one another.
