Los Angeles Theology Conference

My friends at Zondervan asked me to pass on the news about a new conference that is being formed in southern California. 

Grand Rapids, MI., September 6, 2012—Zondervan Academic has announced a new partnership with Biola University and Fuller Theological Seminary to launch the annual Los Angeles Theology Conference. The first conference will take place January 17-18, 2013 on the Biola University campus. The conference is entitled Christology, Ancient and Modern: Explorations in Constructive Theology and seeks to make a positive contribution to contemporary dogmatics in intentional engagement with the Christian tradition.

“As a newcomer to Southern California I was struck by the fact that there was not a regular forum in the LA area where theologians from different institutions could meet and discuss Christian theology,” commented Oliver Crisp, PhD., Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological

Seminary. “It is our hope that through these meetings systematic theology may be invigorated and new conversations and dialogues across traditions and disciplinary boundaries begun.” Crisp’s idea found traction with the team at Zondervan Academic and Fred Sanders, PhD., Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Biola University; together they began work on the conference in May 2012.

The conference will feature a panel of accomplished plenary speakers who will survey the field and articulate the sources, norms, and criteria for constructive theological work. Speakers will include Oliver D. Crisp, George Hunsinger (Princeton Theological Seminary), Peter J. Leithart (New SaintAndrews College), Katherine Sonderegger (Virginia Theological Seminary) and Alan J. Torrance (University of Saint Andrews).

“When we entered into discussions with Biola and Fuller Seminary, we really felt a need to partner on this conference,” said Katya Covrett, Senior Acquisitions Editor at Zondervan Academic. “By sponsoring the proceedings and publishing outputs, we hope to support established theologians and seek out new voices in the area.”

Those with completed doctorate degrees in the field of systematic theology are invited to submit paper proposals on this year’s theme. Abstracts of no more than 200 words should be sent to LATheology@gmail.com before October 12, 2012. Registration will open on September 19, 2012 and an early bird registration rate will be available through October 31, 2012. All potential exhibitors, attendees, or those wishing to submit papers can obtain more information by visiting LATheology.com.

Here is a link to the poster.