Los Angeles Theology Conference 2015: A Call for Papers on "Locating Atonement"

In 2013 Zondervan partnered with Biola University and Fuller Theological Seminary to launch the inaugural Los Angeles Theology Conference, an annual international conference concerned with the discussion and explication of Christian doctrine. The first conference explored issues of Christology—resulting in the book Christology, Ancient and Modern. The second sought to advance trinitarian theology. We are pleased to announce the 3rd annual conference will be held on January 15-16, 2015 at Biola.

Next year's theme will center around “Locating Atonement.” Five major theologians will situate the doctrine in its larger systematic theological context, show its connections and implications with other doctrines, and thus throw light on where atonement takes place.

In addition, we are issuing a call for 9 shorter papers to be delivered in breakout sessions. Fred Sanders explains:

We are not looking for papers that discuss competing "models of the atonement."...the guiding question for proposed papers should be "where does atonement happen?" Proposed papers may juxtapose atonement with other doctrines in order to situate it (as may be noted in the titles of the plenary papers, "atonement and x"), but they should not change the subject from atonement proper to its implications for other loci.

Those with completed doctorate degrees are invited to submit paper proposals. The focus of the conference is on constructive or systematic theology, rather than upon exegesis, the history of doctrine, or social scientific approaches to religion. Papers that engage the theological tradition as a means of theological retrieval are most welcome.

Abstracts of no more than 200 words should be sent to LAtheology@gmail.com before July 15, 2014. An acceptable paper will be approximately 3,500 words (to be delivered in 35 minutes with 5–10 minutes for Q&A). (Read the full explanation, here.)

We look forward to another year of thoughtful, thought-provoking sessions from some of the leading theologians in their fields. We hope you'll join us.