February 2021 – Resonans

Christian ethics, natural law, and Lutheran tradition

Article by Jeppe Bach Nikolajsen in Studia Theologica.

The Lutheran tradition places a pronounced emphasis on the universal aspects of theological ethics. The present article draws attention to particular aspects of the theological ethics of Martin Luther, which support the existence of a Christian ethics in several meanings of this concept. It argues that a Christian ethics exists in the sense that it presupposes Christian faith, is only for Christians, is realized as a consequence of receiving the Christian faith, is shaped by the Christian faith, and leads to a distinct way of life. Moreover, it concludes that there exists a remarkable convergence between natural law and what is identified as a Christian ethics in the theology of Luther. But it is still possible to argue that, according to Luther, something special is demanded of Christians: They must be willing to endure suffering and persecution because of their Christian faith.

European Academy of Religion – Annual Conference & Call for Papers

It is with great pleasure that the European Academy of Religion announces its fourth Annual Conference, which will take place in Münster (Germany) between Monday, August 30th and Thursday, September 2nd, 2021. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster will be the organizing institution. As in previous years, the scientific program will be composed of working sessions (panels and book presentations) and keynote lectures that will focus on the overarching topic Religion and Change. (click link for details)

The call for proposals is open: proponents will be able to submit their panels and AMC sessions until Monday, March 1st, 2021 (23:59, GMT+1). (click link for details)

Due to the COVID-19 related emergency, the conference will be moved online in case the sanitary measures should not allow to host it in presence. Conference cancellation will be announced in due time, with further information on how to run the sessions online.

While registrations to the conference will open in early 2021, important dates for proposal submissions are
as follows:

~ Opening of the resubmission of 2020 panels Friday, December 4th, 2020
~ Opening of the call for panels and AMC proposals Friday, December 4th, 2020
~ Deadline for the resubmission of 2020 panels Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020
~ Opening of the call for papers (within accepted panels) Monday, February 1st, 2021
~ Deadline for panel and AMC submissions Monday, March 1st, 2021
~ Deadline for paper proposal submissions Wednesday, April 21st, 2021
~ Deadline for sending the final details of all accepted sessions Wednesday, April 21st, 2021
~ Deadline for requesting changes regarding the scheduling of all sessions included in the conference program Wednesday, June 6th, 2021

Pentekostal spiritualitet, økoteologi og miljøengasjement

Article by Karl Inge Tangen in SJLT.

This article identifies resources and problems in the Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition concerning environmental action and engagement. The purpose is to motivate Pentecostal and Charismatic churches to reflect on how they should respond as the world faces the prospect of an ecological crisis. The study begins by identifying a core narrative in the Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition. This core narrative is used as a hermeneutical key to interpret eco-theological elements in the biblical story of creation, fall, redemption, and final consummation. The study also discusses common objections towards eco-theology among Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians. These objections include the fear of an alternative or eco-centric spirituality, the implications of different forms of eschatology, and how Pentecostal and charismatic Christians understand their being in the world with regard to both evangelism and politics. The article argues that Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have spiritual resources that may empower them to transcend an anthropocentric worldview and develop a visionary virtue-ethic that may guide and enable a sustainable lifestyle and constructive environmental engagement. The article concludes by identifying seven themes that may encourage constructive action-reflection and stimulate further research.

Symposium: Historical and Political perspectives on Human Rights

On May 25-26th 2021, a symposium will be arranged at the University of Gothenburg on the history and future of human rights.

Against the background of rampant economic inequality, increased social polarization and the rise of authoritarian populism, it is motivated to revisit the role and status of human rights. To discuss how we can understand human rights as a historical and political problem, we have invited some of the foremost authorities in the world to discuss the subject in Gothenburg between the 25th and 26th of May 2021.

Speakers are:

Professor Samuel Moyn, Yale University
Associate Professor Jessica Whyte, University of New South Wales
Professor John Milbank, University of Nottingham, UK
Professor Hans Joas, Humbold-Universität zu Berlin
Professor Lena Halldenius, Lunds universitet
Professor Elena Namli, Uppsala Universitet

Practicalities:

Dates: May 25-26, 2021.

Venue: Conference Centre Wallenberg, Medicinaregatan 20, Gothenburg. Changes can be made due to the development of the corona virus during the spring.

Organizers: Tomas Wedin (Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion), Johan Söderberg (Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science) and Carl Wilén (The Department of Sociology and Work Science).

Free admission, but registration needs to be done in advance.

Registration and more:

For further information, contact the organizer at: manskligarattighetergbg2021@gmail.com

The project is funded by Riksbankens Jubileumsfond, and three departments at the University of Gothenburg: Department of Literature, History of Ideas, and Religion, The Department of Sociology and Work Science, and Department of Philosophy, Linguistics and Theory of Science.