Evangelical Studies Unit
Theme for 2023: Evangelicals and the Work of Their Hands
The Evangelical Studies Unit invites proposals for individual papers or complete panels related to the presidential theme, the Work of Our Hands. We welcome papers exploring how this theme manifests within evangelical theology, history, culture, politics, practice, activism, and/or social vision, and are particularly interested in projects that offer constructive and synthetic approaches to suggest new directions for the study of evangelicalism.
Possible framing questions include: How does the spiritual emphasis of evangelical theology navigate the materiality of the world (e.g., poverty, embodiment, social justice, race, labor, land, money, etc.)? How have evangelicals negotiated the tensions of their desire to be in but not of their cultures? And how have they distinguished the boundaries of cultural engagement, stewardship, and appropriation?
We welcome research related to evangelicals and various ways of defining “work” using a wide array of spiritual, physical, cultural, and technological resources. Examples of sub-themes include:
- Distinctions between Spiritual & Material, Public & Private
- Mission & Evangelism
- Social Justice Work
- The Social Gospel Movement
- Labor
- Land & Immigration
- Capitalism
- Embodiment
- Race
- Sexuality
- Art
The Evangelical Studies Unit promotes critical analysis and innovative thinking around the study of Evangelicalism through multifaceted approaches by fostering dialogue across disciplines and diverse social locations. Unlike many groups aimed at the study of Evangelicalism, there is no confessional expectation or requirement for membership or participation within this Unit.
| Chair | Dates | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Wong | jessicawong@apu.edu | - | View |
| Peter Choi | pchoi@gtu.edu | - | View |