SUBVERTING THE NORM is a two-day event that brings together pastors, theologians, philosophers, church practitioners, researchers in religion and all those interested in exploring the relationship between postmodern theologies and the church. Some of the questions we’ll consider include:
Can the actually existing churches speak meaningfully and persuasively to those who aren’t so sure about the supernatural or the magical or the metaphysical, which includes the fastest growing religious demographic in North America, the “nones,” those with no formal religious affiliation?
Can the church retain a viable role in a world where God is often viewed as a relic of the past, or as a grand Santa Claus in the sky, or perhaps even as a narcotic or neurosis that we’d do well to get rid of?
And if the churches are to be faithful to the revolutionary event that gave birth to Christianity, or if they are to recover their theological voice in a compelling and transformative way, is it possible to do so by listening to voices on the margins of the church, or outside of the church, including even those who might rightly pass for atheists? And perhaps more to the point, why are voices on the fringes of the church, or outside of the church, becoming more influential on church leaders and practitioners than the traditionally “orthodox” voices inside the churches?
With tracks related to ministry, liturgy, worship, preaching, community organizing, art and much more, all who are interested in the future of the church won’t want to miss it.
If you’re interested in presenting, please check out our call for presentations.
Ok. So what if you’re not a pastor, theologian, philosopher, church practitioner or researcher in religion, but you are someone who has recently started questioning and doubting everything and is totally intrigued by this group of presenters? Would this conference be for you?
Absolutely — we should clarify that in the description! Thanks for the heads up and I look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Thanks Phil. Liked your video btw.
Yes it would. This is a perfect place to bring your doubts and hear about others that have doubted and have found themselves putting the pieces back together. Thats what we call, “Post Modern Theology”.
Thanks, Erica.
for those who cannot attend, will there be a way to gain access to the conference content online?
I know that Homebrewed Christianity will be doing some podcasts, and I’m hoping that we’ll at least capture the audio content for several of the talks. When I know more I’ll let you know…
Also, we’re hopeful for an edited collection.
Will advertise this widely. Looks great!
Thanks for sharing the word about the conference! We just released an updated schedule a few minutes ago http://bit.ly/WslBfb
Is that Mindy McGarrah-Sharp as a presenter?
Yes
I purchased a ticket during the “early bird” special, but now have a conflict. Is there a way to get a refund?
Bummer! I’m sure we can find a way to refund it. Could you please send an email to subvertingthenorm@gmail.com about it? Thanks.
thanks Phil for your planning…and would also like to know about podcast or audio as available…do miss Drury and Spfld in far away Boston
Hoping to have some mp3s to share!
Where should we be looking out for them? Really would love to listen to your academic track speakers, but I’m in the UK!
We’ll announce on Twitter and/or post here. Also there will be an edited book featuring several of the presentations.
Another request here for making some of the content available afterwards- this sounds fantastic but being in the UK makes it a bit inaccessible!
Post Modernism essentially says there are no absolutes but isn’t God an absolute. I find the idea of post modern religion a contradiction in terms!
I see your excellent comment was denied a response. “Subverting the norm” apparently doesn’t include answering the hard questions!
While you guys have all the fun I will sit out here in India and wish to do something on these lines out here some time..
Wish you could make the trip!