Young Scholars in the Baptist Academy is an initiative of
Georgetown College’s programs for the “theological exploration
of vocation” funded by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Beginning in 2004, 15 junior scholars and consultants met with a
planning team for a week of conversation and reading. In 2005
the seminar moved to Regent’s Park College, Oxford. The
proceedings from the 2005 and 2006 seminar are under contracts
to be published in the coming year. View a comprehensive list of
participants. Young Scholars in the Baptist Academy is directed
by Dr. Roger Ward, Georgetown College. The planning team members
are:
Andy Chambers, VP for Student Affairs, Missouri Baptist
University
Douglas Henry, Director of the Institute for Faith and Learning,
Baylor University
Elizabeth Newman, Professor of Theology, Baptist Theological
Seminary of Richmond
Margaret Watkins Tate, Professor of Philosophy, Baylor
University.
Now Available!
The
Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy
Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education
Roger Ward and David P. Gushee, editors
A look at how Baptists have formed and sustained scholarly life in America
The Scholarly Vocation and the Baptist Academy: Essays on the Future of Baptist Higher Education is the product of a group of Baptist scholars interested in critically examining the history, challenges, and possibilities of a scholarly life in the Baptist Academy. The underwriting project is assessing the fruitfulness of a notion like the “Baptist Academy” for their self-understanding and institutional identity. Authors include Thomas Kidd, Adam English, Stephen Chapman, Chad Eggleston, Doug Henry, Barry Harvey, Elizabeth Newman, Roger Ward, Scott Moore, David Gushee, and Paul Fiddes.
Baptist Faith and Literary Imagination
August 4-8, 2009
Regent’s Park College, Oxford
2009 Call for Papers
The significance of literature for the development of Christian faith and Baptist identity is evident in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Daniel Defoe’s novels, and classics such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. Because theology and literature often provide complementary visions of the world, faithful men and women frequently appeal to imaginative fiction—in the form of novels, plays, short stories, and poetry—to open the life of faith to richer expression and understanding.
Young Scholars in the Baptist Academy will convene a select group of participants across academic disciplines to explore topics related to the literary imagination in Baptist life. We invite essays that explore this theme in various ways, including but not limited to:
- Which literary voices are significant in the development of Baptist faith?
- What unique contributions to the academic study of literature emerge from Baptist scholars or in relation to Baptist life?
- How might literature enrich Baptist life and practice?
- How might Baptist faith and life be enriched by a renewed understanding of the literary aspects of scripture?
Prospective participants may apply by submitting a letter of application, letter of institutional support, current vita, and a 750-word abstract by March 1, 2009. Applications are welcomed from any scholar identifying with the Baptist tradition, with preference given to junior level faculty at Baptist colleges and universities. Seminar participants will receive a $1000 stipend, lodging, and meals at Regent’s Park College, Oxford. Further information is available from Roger_Ward@georgetowncollege.edu. (502.863.8080)
Young Scholars in the Baptist Academy is supported by The Faculty Center for Teaching and Vocation at Georgetown College; the Institute for Faith and Learning, and the Center for Ministry Effectiveness and Educational Leadership at Baylor University; Dallas Baptist University; Mercer University; and Missouri Baptist University.
Steering Committee:
Andy Chambers, Missouri Baptist University
Douglas Henry, Baylor University
Elizabeth Newman, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond
Margaret Watkins, Baylor University
Roger Ward, Georgetown College
Previous Seminars
- 2008 – Baptist Voices in the Ethics of Peace, Race, and Reconciliation
- 2007 – Baptists and the Common Good
- 2006 – Baptists and Tradition
- 2005 – Baptists and the Scholarly Life