CFP: Weatherford College 5th Annual Philosophy of Religion and Politics

In American history (if not history in general) few topics are as divisive and at the same time unifying as the question of what role religion does and should play in public life. There is little doubt that throughout history many governments (including ours) have held that religion plays an important role in society. But in a pluralistic society, what is the nature of that role? What affect should religion have on politics and vice versa? On the heels of the midterms and the eve of another presidential election cycle, Weatherford College is pleased to host the fifth annual Philosophy of Religion Conference on the theme “Philosophy of Religion and Politics,” on April 21-22, 2023. 

Francis J. Beckwith, Ph.D. (Fordham University), MJS (Washington University) will deliver two plenary lectures on the Philosophy of Religion and Politics. Dr. Beckwith serves on the faculty at Baylor University as Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies, Affiliate Professor of Political Science, Resident Scholar in the Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR), and Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Philosophy. 

In addition, a call for papers is being extended to professional philosophers, professionals interested in philosophy of religion, or students of philosophy of religion as well as any professional or student in a field intersecting philosophy of religion and politics. Any proposal on the conference theme is welcome, including but not limited to the definition of both religion and politics relative to each other (including religious attitudes toward politics and political attitudes toward religion), the role of religion in politics and politics in religion, the nature of connected moral issues in religion and politics (such as tolerance, justice, equality, freedom, punishment, and conscience), and related issues between religion and politics including social issues (race relations, reproductive issues, poverty, and gun control), public domestic policy, economics, climate change, war, and globalization. While proposals on the conference theme will be given special consideration, any proposal on any topic related to the philosophy of religion will be considered. Proposals must be 250-350 words and must be submitted no later than March 19, 2023. Proposals may be submitted to Greg Trickett at [email protected]. Presentations will be limited to a 45 minute time frame (approximately 30 minutes for presentation and 15 for Q & A). Presenters are encouraged to submit a full version of their paper for consideration in a possible published volume.

Conference registration for Weatherford College faculty, staff, and students is free, but registration is still required (Weatherford College registrants may be required to show their school ID at the conference registration table). 

Registration for non-Weatherford attendees will be $40. 

In addition to the paper presentations and plenary sessions, there will be a Q & A dinner featuring our keynote speaker and some of our presenters at the close of the conference on Saturday. The dinner will be held at a local restaurant and will be self-pay.