2009 Convocation of Teaching Theologians
“The New Perspective on Paul”
Northfield, MN at St. Olaf College
August 12-14, 2009
The annual Convocation of Teaching Theologians, hosted by the ELCA’s Vocation and Education unit and
the Association of Teaching Theologians—ELCA/ELCIC,
will be held August 12-14, 2009 at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
The purpose of this gathering, as with previous convocations, is to provide a venue for theologians from ELCA and ELCIC seminaries, colleges, universities and non-Lutheran schools to come together with bishops and other church leaders to examine and discuss a theological topic of significance to the church. The focus of this next year’s gathering is: The New Perspectives on Paul. Over the last few decades, research on the Pauline literature has spawned considerable debate. In this convocation we seek to explore the challenges and possibilities for Lutheran theology and church life presented by new perspectives on Paul. The conference will be conducted as a series of discussions sparked by four sets of plenary presentations. The process of inviting speakers is well underway, with four of the eight plenary speakers confirmed.
Session 1: Overview of "New Perspective on Paul" and challenges and opportunities for Lutheran theology.
(Presenter: Stephen Hultgren)
Session 2: Theological & Ethical Implications. How does the New Perspective affect the Lutheran distinction of law & gospel esp. given the findings and assertions about the place of law in Paul? How wrong—or right—was Luther and the confessions? Are there implications for how we think about Christian identity and discipleship? Is it even possible to talk about a "Lutheran" Paul? Should one interpretation of Paul be "normative" for Christians, much less Lutherans?
(Presenters: John Meech and Kristen Kvam)
Session 3: (two simultaneous sessions) Implications for Preaching and Ministry. What difference does the New Perspective make for preaching? For ministry?
(Presenters: Jann Boyd & Norma Cook Everist)
Session 4: Jewish-Lutheran relations. How does—or should—the New Perspective shape Jewish-Lutheran conversation and relations? Does its claims about salvation matter in these conversations for Lutherans? Does it make a difference for questions about Christian identity vis a vis interfaith conversations?
(Presenters: Darrell Jodock and Kristen Lindbeck)
A grant from the vocation and education unit makes it possible to subsidize the attendance of approximately 65 persons; these persons have received letters asking them to Register Here.
All other members of the association of teaching theologians are welcome to attend at their own expense: for details Click Here.