Rethinking Theology in the Anthropocene
The international conference „Rethinking Theology in the Anthropocene“ provides a learning space for theological reflection on the earth’s new epoch, the anthropocene, where human activity becomes a crucial geological factor, specifically affecting the climate and the ecosystem, and making the risk of an ecological collapse more and more threatening.
The anthropocene does not constitute an ethical challenge alone. Rather, it calls for a radical revision of hegemonic notions of the human being and its relation to the more-than-human world. Human exceptionalism and anthropocentrism are undergoing severe scrutiny. What can theology contribute to this critical process? How did theology itself have a part in the emergence of those hegemonic ideas, and to what extent does it still contribute to their stabilisation? Does theology need a fundamental revision of key concepts and deeply entrenched convictions? How to deal with the return of theological ideas in secular apocalyptic or techno-utopian imaginations? What interpretations and orientations can theology offer to an increasingly bewildered public? And how can it enable and support collective action against the looming ecological catastrophes?
The conference seeks to connect scholars from across disciplines, denominations, and religions, bringing them also into conversation with ecological and climate activists.
Call for Papers
Papers submitted for application will consider the present discussion on the anthropocene and its relevance to theology. Papers which connect reflections of these topics with observations of specific ecological impacts on local/regional levels and the resulting political struggles are especially welcome. Please apply with the title and an abstract of your paper (2500 characters including spaces) until April 30 at: rethinkingtheology@tutanota.com
Registration
Please use our online registration form or write an e-mail to rethinkingtheology@tutanota.com (please tell us your name, your affiliation and give us a short sentence about the reasons for your interest). At begin of July, you will get the link to the online conference.
About the Organisers
University of Bonn, Department of Old Catholic Studies: https://www.ak-seminar.de/welcome/
European Research Network „Transcending Species – Transforming Religion“: https://ts-tr.eu
