More than twenty internationally-recognized theologians will discuss the doctrine of creation ‘out of nothing’ at a conference entitled, “Creation ‘Out of Nothing’: Origins and Contemporary Significance” July 5-8, 2015 at the University of Notre Dame.
Scholars from Biblical Studies, Church History, Jewish Theology and Theology and Science will present work that examines the philosophical and scriptural roots of the classic doctrine of creation ‘out of nothing.’ The conference seeks to understand more fully what the doctrine might mean in a modern context.
“This project will attempt to clear a new path on a topic of major contemporary interest and showcase what true interdisciplinary work might look like in the field of theology,” said organizer Professor Gary Anderson, Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
The event is open to the public and graduate students in theology are especially encouraged to attend. Conference sessions will provide graduate students a unique opportunity to observe the benefits of collaborative research in theology.
“Our aim is to ask a relatively simple question: What is at stake in the scriptural, philosophical and doctrinal foundations of the doctrine of Creatio ex Nihilo (creation out of nothing) – and is it necessary or indeed possible to re-articulate them usefully for the 21st century?” said Anderson.
Among those scheduled to present are Janet Soskice, Professor of Philosophical Theology at the University of Cambridge; Cyril O’Regan, Huisking Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame; David Bentley Hart, Danforth Visiting Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University and John Cavadini, Professor of Theology and Director of the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame.
Conference sessions will be held in McKenna Hall on the Notre Dame campus. Registration, travel and lodging information can be found on the conference website: http://icl.nd.edu/conferences/creation-out-of-nothing-origins-and-contemporary-significance/