CFP: Mystical Theology Network Annual Conference

Submission deadline: October 26, 2018

Conference date(s):
February 28, 2019 - March 3, 2019

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Conference Venue:

Department of Philosophy, Boston College
Chestnut Hill, United States

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CALL FOR PAPERS and PROJECT PROPOSALS Metaphor, Making, and Mysticism The annual conference of the Mystical Theology Network Thursday, February 28- Sunday, March 3, 2019 Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA USA   Boston College invites abstracts for Metaphor, Making, and Mysticism, the annual conference of the Mystical Theology Network. The conference seeks to engage scholars and creative practitioners in a multi-disciplinary examination of the ways in which metaphor and artistic practices have been used to express or experience the mystical. The conference will also include a mini-symposium on John Scotus Eriugena.   This interdisciplinary conference will highlight a plurality of inspired approaches to Christian mystical theology. We welcome proposals for papers, panel discussions, and creative presentations in a variety of styles from diverse traditions and disciplines including: theology, philosophy, art history, history, contemporary art practice, cultural theory, material culture studies, feminist theory, literature, poetry, music, and other creative and contemplative practices. Proposals should explore the domain of creativity within the mystical tradition. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches that engage both historical and contemporary conversations. Possible themes may include:  

  • The role of metaphorical and symbolic mediation in the experience and expression of the mystical
  • The relationship between“making” practices and contemplative practices
  • Reflections on John Scotus Eriugena’s God of Self-creation
  • Pictorial and material expressions and the teachings of Christian mystics
  • Strategies for communicating the unsayable
  • Creative transformation of matter and its relationship to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin’s‘cosmogenesis’
  • Materiality and meaning-making
  • Medieval“female mysticisms” and“craft” practices
  • Art making and kenosis

    All proposals should include:   1. Full name 2. E-mail 3. Current institution and/or academic affiliation 4. Academic degree / year of study) 5. Title of the paper or project 6. Technical equipment needs 7. Proposal(up to 350 words).

  • Paper proposal — A proposal for presenting a short(15-20 minute) original paper
  • Session proposal — A proposal for a session or roundtable where different papers are presented on a common theme and emphasis is placed on shared discourse. Session proposals should include abstract, name of presider, list of panelists or respondents.
  • Project proposal — A proposal for a presentation, event, exhibition, performance or screening. Project proposals should include description of media and venue/technology requirements.

    Deadline: October 26, 2018 For further information and to submit proposals, please contact Sheila Gallagher: [email protected] or [email protected]   Organizing Committee:   Jeff Bloechl(Boston College) Boyd Taylor Coolman(Boston College) Catherine Cornille(Boston College) Sheila Gallagher(Boston College) Richard Kearney(Boston College) Racha Kirakosian(Harvard University) Dermot Moran(Boston College)

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