Catholic Theological
Society of America

Terry Tilley has recently published The Karamazov Case: Dostoevsky's Argument for His Vision, Explorations at the Crossroads of Theology & Aesthetics, Volume I (London and New York: T. + T. Clark, 2023). Caryl Emerson, emerita from Princeton (translator of Mikhail Bakhtin, Problems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics) endorsed the book, writing, “It takes courage, delicacy, and extremely careful habits of reading to determine what Dostoevsky desired his readers to believe. Terrence Tilley brings those qualities to this sophisticated discussion of The Brothers Karamazov as a polyphonic faith text, neither dogmatic nor naïve but reasonable, communal and (as its author envisioned) transfigurative. For a limited "free" preview including the introduction that sketches the argument,  see

https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=SYWwEAAAQBAJ&pg=GBS.PP1&source=ebookstore

Beyond Bakhtin, Terry utilizes Stanley Fish and John Searle as hermeneutical guides for breaking a long-standing stalemate about the argument (or lack thereof) in the book, an impasse rooted in a modernist, essentialist opposition of faith and reason; in contrast, he has identified a previously unseen argument with Kant and identify at least six different mentalités or forms of life described in the text.

CALL FOR PAPERS

for a topical issue of Open Theology

DOUBTING PAUL: THE LEGACY OF THE DUTCH RADICAL SCHOOL 

"Open Theology” (https://www.degruyter.com/opth) invites submissions for the topical issue "Doubting Paul: The Legacy of the Dutch Radical School" edited by Wolfgang Grünstäudl and Jacco Pekelder (University of Münster, Germany).

DESCRIPTION  

This topical issue seeks to open a new perspective on one of the most controversial themes of New Testament Studies in Modern Europe: The rise and decline of the so-called “Dutch Radical School” (ca. 1850–1950). Unlike the mainstream of New Testament studies from the middle of the 19th century onwards, which recognized at least four (more often: seven) Epistles of the Apostle Paul as authentic, a small group of Dutch scholars (stemming from different cities, religious backgrounds and academic disciplines) claimed that there is no such thing as an authentic writing of Paul.

We are especially interested in the biographical, historical, political, social and religious background of these “radical” scholars, in their connections and conflicts with each other and in their national and international linkages and reception. In our view, this group consists of members with highly different profiles and we even wonder if it is justified and helpful to call it a “school”. Moreover, we are eager to learn which aspects of these scholars’ work might be of ongoing relevance for present historical and/or theological discussions. 

We invite researchers to submit papers that contribute to the reflection about the history and legacy of the Dutch Radical School, especially in regard of its contribution to the intellectual history of the Netherlands as well as its place in the history of scholarship on Paul and his letters. Please note that the thematical issue is mainly interested in the treatment of Paul and his letters by the Dutch Radical School and not so much in questions surrounding the historicity of Jesus, although it will not be possible to clearly separate these two issues from one another in each and every case. Especially welcomed are papers that

 

• study the biographical, historical, political, social and religious background of scholars associated with the Dutch Radical School (e.g., A. Pierson, A. D. Loman, W. C. van Manen, G. A. van den Bergh van Eysinga),
• analyze connections and conflicts between those scholars (Is it helpful to speak of a “school”?),
• utilize fresh approaches not yet used to analyze this topic (e.g., network analysis, cultural anthropology, sociology of knowledge, history from below),
• identify and describe international relationships of Dutch Radicals inside and outside of Europe,
• demonstrate the place of the Dutch Radical School within the broader context of the intellectual and religious history of the Netherlands, and
• evaluate critically the historical, literary and exegetical arguments put forward by the Dutch Radical School in light of most recent research on Paul and Early Christianity.

 

Because "Open Theology" is published under an Open Access model, as a rule, publication costs should be covered by Article Publishing Charges (APC), paid by authors, their affiliated institutions, funders or sponsors. Authors without access to publishing funds are encouraged to discuss potential discounts or waivers with Managing Editor of the journal Katarzyna Tempczyk (katarzyna.tempczyk@degruyter.com) before submitting their manuscripts. 

HOW TO SUBMIT  

 Submissions will be collected until January 31, 2024, via the on-line submission system at

http://www.editorialmanager.com/openth/  

Choose as article type: Doubting Paul

 

Before submission the authors should carefully read the Instruction for Authors, available at:

https://www.degruyter.com/publication/journal_key/OPTH/downloadAsset/OPTH_Instruction%20for%20Authors.pdf  

All contributions will undergo critical peer-review before being accepted for publication.  

  

Further questions about content for this thematic issue can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Grünstäudl (gruenstaeudl@uni-muenster.de) and Prof. Dr. Jacco Pekelder (jacco.pekelder@uni-muenster.de). Financial questions should be directed to journal Managing Editor Katarzyna Tempczyk at katarzyna.tempczyk@degruyter.com. In case of technical problems with submission please write to AssistantManagingEditor@degruyter.com.  

Mother Teresa Institute Academic Colloquim
September 7-9 at The Catholic University of America

The Mother Teresa Institute is an outgrowth of the work and activities of the Mother Teresa Center, a non-profit organization established and directed by the religious family founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Missionaries of Charity. The mission of the MTI is to preserve, protect, promote, and develop the authentic legacy of Saint Teresa of Calcutta to the Church and to the world by providing resources to students, scholars and researchers who are interested in Mother Teresa, her life, charism and message.

As we advance the establishment of the MTI, we are seeking to engage with scholars who can help direct the future of Mother Teresa studies, particularly graduate students. We are delighted to invite applications from qualified candidates to share their perspective and insights studies at the MTI Colloquium on September 8, 2023, held at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

A maximum travel reimbursement of $200 will be offered to accepted students traveling a minimum of 50 miles from their institution.

To be considered, please submit your (1) completed application, (2) current curriculum vitae, and (3) one academic letter of reference to director@mtinstitute.org.

The deadline for submission is August 1, 2023.

Application

Heidi Schlumpf, Anxiety at annual Catholic theology meetings amid higher education closure, National Catholic Reporter, June 21, 2023.

Aquinas After 750 Years: Still the Common Doctor?
September 14 - 16, 2023
Dominican House of Studies / Washington, D.C.

Registration: $65 (limited housing is available at an additional cost)

This conference is hosted by the Thomistic Institute, an academic research institute of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies. Planned in commemoration of the 750th anniversary of Aquinas’s death, this three-day international conference will consider whether – and to what extent – Thomas Aquinas might still be considered the Common Doctor in contemporary theological and philosophical engagements.

The conference will feature 6 plenary speakers (see below) and a series of scholarly panels.

For more information and to register for the conference, please visit https://thomisticinstitute.org/upcoming-events/common-doctor.

Questions? Email thomisticinstitute@dhs.edu or call (202) 495-3871.

Plenary Speakers:

Prof. Therese Cory (University of Notre Dame)

Fr. Serge-Thomas Bonino, O.P. (Angelicum)

Prof. Joseph Wawrykow (University of Notre Dame)

Prof. Matthew Levering (University of St. Mary of the Lake)

Fr. Thomas Joseph White, O.P. (Angelicum)

Prof. Russell Hittinger (Catholic University of America)

James T. Keane, America Magazine, published "Jesuit Roger Haight's lifetime of theological achievement" yesterday, June 13, 2023.  The link to the article is provided below. 

https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2023/06/13/cbc-column-roger-haight-245477

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

During our recent Annual Convention in Milwaukee last weekend, I was invited to listen to a talk given by Archbishop John Wester, of Santa Fe, to the contemplative practice community at Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Archbishop Wester spoke about the grave threat to our global community posed by our nuclear armament stockpiles, especially in the light of the heightening tensions between Russia, China, and the Western powers who are in possession of nuclear arms. He addressed me personally, as i had told him that i was attending our annual convention of Catholic theologians in Milwaukee, 400 strong, with open hearts and open minds, and he requested me to relay this message:

"Please consider, as among your tasks in theological reflection and education, calling attention to the current situation of our global community under threat of a cataclysmic disaster that can wipe out our lives and our entire future, should a nuclear war were to ensue. Please take steps to alert our fellow global citizens to the urgency of our task of putting a stop to this foolhardy way of conducting ourselves."

    He reminds us that Pope Francis himself has taken this up as an urgent issue, warning of an "increasing risk of a nuclear conflagration," and condemning the very possession of nuclear weapons, calling on all of us to move toward a nuclear-free world. https://www.armscontrol.org/act/2017-12/news/pope-condemns-having-nuclear-weapons

     Archbishop Wester has issued a Pastoral Letter to this effect, which may be accessed through this link:  https://archdiosf.org/living-in-the-light-of-christs-peace

     With warmest wishes, and with untold gratitude to all for the many gifts received during our recent gathering in Milwaukee,

Sincerely,

Ruben

(Ruben L.F. Habito, Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas, Texas)

  

    

Levand, Mark.  Inclusion and Sexuality in Catholic Higher Education: Possibilities for Institutional Change (Routledge, June 2023).

Merkle, Judith. Sensing the Spirit: Toward the Future of Religious Life (Bloomsbury, June 2023).

Today, Tuesday, June 13, Heidi Schlumpf's coverage of the CTSA's 2023 convention highlights the conferment of the John Courtney Murray Award to Roger Haight, Susan Bigelow Reynolds as the recipient of the 2023 Catherine Mowry LaCugna Award. And Cecilia González-Andrieu as the recipient of the 2023 Ann O'Hara Graff Award.  Heidi's articles are posted online at:

https://www.ncronline.org/news/theologian-roger-haight-honored-ctsas-john-courtney-murray-award

and

https://www.ncronline.org/news/gonz-lez-andrieu-honored-scholarship-mentoring-undocumented-students

Greetings--

This morning at the Comparative Theology Reading group, the current president of the CTSA, Francis X. Clooney, SJ, was surprised with the announcement that a Festschrift in his honor will be published this November.

Co-editors Axel Takacs and  Joseph Kimmel have worked with 44 contributors over the past two years on an edited volume in Frank's honor. It will be published with Wiley-Blackwell and available at the AAR this year. 

You can learn more about the volume and peruse the table of contents in this promotional flyer. Here is an image of Frank with co-editors. Finally, here is a PDF of some pictures of Frank throughout the years. 

The volume contains an introduction, preface, and 44 contributions; it comes in at around 750 pages. 

The following is a summary of our celebratory words this morning:

Back in July of 2021, we began conversations about preparing a festschrift to honor the Rev. Dr. Francis Xavier Clooney, Societas Iesu–-better known among his colleagues and friends as Frank. Axel had always had in mind to honor his doctoral advisor, academic mentor, and, arguably, matchmaker for him and his spouse, but he had not yet put aside time to do so. Then, he received an unexpected email from Joe.

In Joe's personal growth as an Episcopal priest and scholar, Frank has played a crucial role: from serving as his MDiv advisor at Harvard Divinity School to helping guide his doctoral exams and recent dissertation, and even more importantly by serving as a mentor and model in his bi-vocational discernment towards both the priesthood and the academy.

Two summers ago, as Joe was reflecting on Frank’s critical role in my formation and his seminal impact upon dozens of other scholars, he thought that if anyone is deserving of a Festschrift, that person is surely Frank. So he began searching around to see if any such Festschrifts were in the works. Finding none, he sent an email to Axel to ask if he might be interested in co-editing a Festschrift for Frank.

We need not review in detail the impact of Frank’s academic career on the disciplines of theology, the study of religion, and South Asian studies. He has mentored dozens of doctoral candidates between his time at Boston College and Harvard Divinity School, and even more masters students.  His vision of comparative theology has formed countless scholars and insinuated its way into the American Academy of Religion, Catholic Theological Society of America, the College Theology Society, and various departments of theology and religious studies across North America, Europe, and beyond. While his scholarship alone is worthy of a festschrift, his role as mentor equals, if not surpasses the significance of his scholarship. As one contributor to the volume reminded us in an email, “[Frank] goes out of his way to include younger scholars, to ask them their opinion, to listen to them, to amplify their voices and ideas, and to make sure they are heard by others. He is generous and hospitable and humble in that regard.”

Beyond scholar and mentor, he is likewise an educator–-staying true to a method of teaching in line with his method of research: slow reading, contemplative engagement with texts, and discussion that brings the text in conversation with personal experiences in an informed, intellectually critical and creative way. And, let us not forget that he is a priest to a Catholic community in Sharon, Massachusetts, a commentator on contemporary events regarding the Catholic Church and interreligious dialogue and theology, and more. I believe he has also celebrated the marriage of not a few of his students, including Axel's.

Finally, this is an opportune moment to celebrate the fact that this year marks exactly 50 years since his Jesuit regency in Kathmandu, where, in 1973, he taught English at St. Xavier’s High School.

To tell a very long story briefly, after some initial conversations with different publishers, Axel and Joe had the good fortune of connecting with an outstanding publishing team at Wiley-Blackwell. We also were very pleased, though not surprised, to find that dozens of people wanted to participate in Frank’s Festschrift. We sent out several rounds of invitations and still there were more scholars asking to contribute, in order to honor Frank’s impact upon their lives and careers. These scholars range from long-time tenured professors to advanced doctoral students. Presently, in terms of raw data, Frank’s Festschrift runs to about 750 pages, featuring 44 chapters divided into seven major sections, from “Theories & Methods in Comparative Theology” to “Comparative Theology and the Society of Jesus” to “The Past, Present, and Future of Comparative Theology.” Currently, this Festschrift is in the final stages of publication and will be available this coming fall.

The Festschrift volume will be complete before the AAR this year in San Antonio. We will have copies with us, as will Wiley-Blackwell, at the AAR. We plan on organizing an additional celebration and official, how should we say, conferral of the Festschrift to Frank at that time. We are still in the planning stages, but please stay tuned for more information. 

Please, join us in celebrating Frank's contribution to the the academy--theological studies, the study of religion, South Asian Studies, and more.

Axel Takacs
Joseph Kimmel