Call for Papers
Baylor Symposium on Faith and Culture 2024: Renewing and Reimagining Institutions for the Common Good
October 17-19, 2024
Institutions – educational, ecclesial, and political – perform vital roles in a well-functioning society, creating and preserving spaces for individuals to gather, support one another, and act as a corporate whole. These institutions, including universities, churches, and governments, serve as sites to cultivate and embrace identities; to engage in solidaristic community; to form new members in particular practices or liturgies; and to steward personal and civic values, enacting them over generations.
During these tumultuous times, however, public trust in institutions has eroded: mistrust, scandals, and polarization have deepened what were once small divides into chasms of skepticism and strife. Changing societal values have challenged every sector. Many institutions have faltered, hindering human flourishing.
In times such as these, movements of deconstruction, revitalization, and reconstruction are necessary to restore public trust. As such, the institutions that comprise the backbone of our society must be closely examined. Fractures need mending. Missions require scrutiny. Practices demand realignment. Faith in the power of the institution can only be restored if institutions themselves are faithful to authentic missions that serve the common good for which they were created.
Let us explore together the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as we consider how varied institutions – ecclesial, educational, and political – might be better equipped to serve their purposes.
The 2024 Baylor Symposium on Faith and Culture invites contributions from across the disciplines.
Possible questions to consider include, but are not limited to, the following:
- How can institutions reexamine their mission and recontextualize their practices to meet the needs of modern society in ways that stay faithful to their purpose?
- How can private and public institutions (e.g., churches, civic organizations, educational institutions, and businesses) work collaboratively together for the common good?
- How can we frame a theological understanding of institutions’ roles in promoting the common good?
- In what ways can the liberal arts contribute to the renewal and reimagination of institutions?
- What is the responsibility of institutions to address constraints to flourishing and the common good?
- What is the role of faith and faith traditions in the restoration of institutions?
- In what ways can historical institutional failures inform current practices to prevent future transgressions?
- How should institutions better serve those on the margins of society? How should institutions address marginalizing systems and structures in society?
- How can institutions better supply communities with resources, practices, spaces, connections, and narratives that contribute to human flourishing?
- What is the role of institutions engaging and educating students towards the pursuit of the common life?
- How can and should individuals participate in institutions toward serving the common good?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for institutions in the midst of technological shifts?
We welcome proposals for individual papers, papers with multiple presenters, and panels.
Please submit an abstract of no more than 500 words by July 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please email ifl@baylor.edu or call 254-710-4805.