11-12 July 2013
Alphacrucis College
30 Cowper St, Parramatta – Sydney, Australia
Within the ever increasing complexity and dynamism of global Pentecostalism in the 21st century, scholars have begun to examine its impact on economic attitudes, institutional policies, social justice issues, ethical responsibility, changing values in societies and the role of ‘market place ministry’. This cross-disciplinary conference provides an opportunity for scholars from a wide range of disciplines to explore topics regarding Pentecostalism and its engagement with the local and global social environment.
Keynote Speaker: Professor Amos Yong
Amos Yong is J. Rodman Williams Professor of Theology and dean of the School of Divinity at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as well as the co-editor of Pneuma and the founding co-chair for the Pentecostal-Charismatic Movements Group for the American Academic of Religion. Leading scholar in areas such as theology, interfaith dialogue, Pentecostal spirituality and studies in disability, Yong has published a wide range of books including, most recently, Spirit of Love: A Trinitarian Theology of Grace (2012); Pneumatology and the Christian-Buddhist Dialogue, Does the Spirit Blow through the Middle Way? (2012); The Cosmic Breath: Spirit and Nature in the Christianity-Buddhism-Science Trialogue (2012); Editor, with Katherine Attanasi, Pentecostalism and Prosperity: The Socioeconomics of the Global Charismatic Movement, Christianities of the World 1 (2012); The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God (2011), The Spirit of Creation: Modern Science and Divine Action in the Pentecostal-Charismatic Imagination (2011). Renowned public speaker, Yong is also an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God.
Parallel Sessions:
The parallel sessions will allow interaction with peers in specific fields. Streams are:
1. Economics of Religious Behaviour and Market
Chair: Prof Paul Oslington
The social scientific study of religion has been transformed in recent years by economists theoretical and empirical tools applied to individual behaviour, religious institutions, and the structure and performance of religious markets. In this session we are looking particularly for papers on Pentecostal churches and megachurches, especially in Australia, but would welcome interesting papers on any topic in the economics of religion, broadly interpreted. Papers by biblical scholars and theologians reflecting on the application of economic tools to religion are also welcome.
2. Theological Perspectives on Business
Chair: Dr Steve Fogarty
Mutual suspicion between leaders and business people is common in our churches. Business people are often seen merely as sources of funds for real gospel work.
However the Scriptures are full of economic imagery - redemption, reconciliation, treasures, giving, stewardship, and visions of a divine economy. These images are some of the most important expressions of God’s saving work. How can we rebuild a fruitful dialogue between church leaders, theologians and those in the market place? What sorts of theological frameworks support marketplace activity that glorifies God? How do we train business people in our churches for this important work? What is the place of business thinking in our churches? We welcome papers on these and related questions.
3. Faith, Social Justice, and Disability
Chair: Dr Shane Clifton
The social responsibility of the church is sometimes pilloried from the left and the right. On the one hand, Christians have been known to prioritise “saving souls” over social justice and, on the other hand, secularists have become increasingly vocal in their insistence that the church stay out of the public sphere.
In this session, we are looking for papers that explore the church’s role in promoting and acting for social justice. In the context of the Australian government’s intended rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, we are particularly interested in papers that pertain to justice and disability (although papers considering broader issues of justice will also be accepted).
4. The Role of Pentecostalism in Education
Chair: Dr Jim Twelves
With the rise of Pentecostal and charismatic learning institutions, there is a burgeoning interest in the influence of these groups on the educational landscape in Australia and overseas. This stream is designed to present a broad gamut of research, with the central unifying thread of the role of the work of the Holy Spirit to equip teachers and to transform the lives of students. Presentations may include (but are not limited to) such topics as: the teaching of religion in schools; theological models of pedagogy; the Child Theology Movement; the development of Christ-centred curricular for children and young people in church; and the impact of Blended Learning in Pentecostal Higher Education. We also seek to unpack the calling and equipping of teachers for their work and ministry as a demonstration of the work of the Holy Spirit.
Papers presented at the conference can be submitted for consideration toward a book published by Australian Pentecostal Studies.
Call for Papers
Papers relating to the conference theme of ‘Pentecostalism in the Marketplace’ are encouraged – however proposals in other areas are also welcome, especially to enable participants to test their current research findings (including research students). Papers will be allowed 30 minutes, including question time.
Please submit a proposal of 300-500 words to: denise.austin@ac.edu.au
Please note: Those without doctoral qualifications are requested to submit a full paper of at least 6000 words (including abstract and citations) by the due date.
Proposals should include:
Your full name, title, institution, email, phone and mailing address
Paper title and abstract. Abstracts will be included in the conference booklet
What audio-visual equipment your presentation requires
Abstracts and papers will not be accepted after 26 April 2013. Proposals will be peer-reviewed, with responses made by 15 May 2013.
Accommodation Suggestions:
Mantra Parramatta Hotel Cnr Parkes St & Valentine Avenue
Parramatta, NSW, 2150
Tel : (+61)2 9685 1600 Fax : (+61)2 9635 3388
E-mail: parramatta.res@mantra.com.au
Website: www.mantraparramattahotel.com.au
1 or 2 Guest (incl. Buffet Breakfast)
No Breakfast
Studio Room
$221
$169
Executive Spa Studio
$241
$209
1 Bedroom Apartment
$251
$219
2 Bedroom Apartment
$371
$339
Extra Buffet Breakfast = $21pp
Prices per room, per night.
Secure undercover parking is available via the hotel
Fiori Apartments 13-15 Hassall St, Parramatta NSW 2150
Tel : (+61)2 9806 0800 Fax : (+61)2 9635 0205
E-mail: info@fioriapartments.com.au
Website: www.fioriapartments.com.au
1 or 2 Guests (No Breakfast)
Studio Room
$139
1 Bedroom Apartment
$159
2 Bedroom Apartment
$239
Prices per room, per night
Secure undercover parking is available via the hotel
*(prices subject to change)