Magic, Miracles and the Paranormal in Religious Imaginaries (UT, Austin, April 9-10, 2016)

 

CALLS FOR PAPERS: Magic, Miracles and the Paranormal in Religious

Imaginaries (UT, Austin, April 9-10, 2016)

 

From  Sigrid K. Kjær [mailto:s.k.kjaer@utexas.edu]":

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The call for papers for the Annual Graduate Student Conference in Religious

Studies at the University of Texas at Austin is now out

 

Magic, Miracles and the Paranormal in Religious Imaginaries

An Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Conference

April 9-10, 2016

The University of Texas at Austin

 

Keynote Speakers:

  Paul Mirecki, Kansas University

  Kelly Hayes, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

 

Call for Papers

A fascination with the “otherworldly” pervades the religious imaginaries of

nearly all societies and cultures whether it be

via the allure of saints, superheroes, transcendent deities, ghosts, or

magic spells. The continuing appeal of such beings

and events is a testimony to how notions of the miraculous and the

paranormal inform our place in the cosmic order.

The prevalence of supernatural phenomena in religious discourse speaks to a

preoccupation with an order of existence

beyond the observable universe which invokes imagery that appears to

transcend the laws of nature.

 

This interdisciplinary conference is focused on representations of magic,

miracles, and the supernatural in a variety of religious traditions

throughout the course of history. We encourage paper submissions that

address the weird and anomalous aspects of religion, ranging from marvels to

paranormal encounters to spirit possession, and mystical experiences.

 

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Theorizing the paranormal in religion

• The role of divination or prophecy in religion

• Demonology and angelology

• Lives of the Saints, martyrologies, and miracle narratives

• Sorcery, witchcraft, and wizardry in heresiological discourse

• Religious phenomena such as stigmata, visions, trances, presences, magic

spells, and possessions

• The dialogue between SETI and religion

• Superheroes and theology

 

Submission Deadline - January 6, 2016

Papers must include:

paper title, name, department and institutional affiliation, 250-300 word

abstract, 1-2 page CV, and any potential A/V needs.

 

Submit to:

utgradconf@gmail.com

 

Applicant Notification - January 25, 2016

Presentation time: 20 minute maximum