Mysticism and Action Mystical Theology Network Conference

Mysticism and Action | Mystical Theology Network Conference St John’s College, Oxford 19th-21st March 2024

Keynotes: 

• Joy Bostic (Case Western Reserve)
• Tine van Osselaer (Antwerp)
• Andrew Prevot (Georgetown)
• Ben Morgan (Oxford)
• Dylan Esler (Institute Orientalise de Louvain CIOL; 84000 Translating the Words of the Buddha)
• Simon D. Podmore (Liverpool Hope)
• Cole Arthur Riley (New York Times Bestselling Author)

Mystics throughout history and across religious traditions have played seminal roles in the public sphere, in political activism, and social reform.
Yet the relationship between mysticism and action remains contested. This interdisciplinary conference brings together theologians, historians, philosophers, literary scholars, art historians, artists, psychologists and specialists in the areas of religion, gender and race to examine this dynamic and its importance for past and present theoretical considerations of mysticism. Artists are making important contributions to our understanding of this topic and the conference will dialogue with artistic and other practical responses.

In addition to the keynotes, there will be over 60 short 20 minute papers, discussing a wider range of themes, from medieval though to the modern days. Topics include, traditional and untraditional responses to Mary and Martha, bees and other busy animal imagery in mystical texts, Quietism and antinomianism, comparative religious approaches to contemplation, action, and non-action, politics and/or social action, Black Theology, Feminist Theology and Liberation Theology and negative work and other philosophical considerations, as well as other approaches to and interpretations of the theme.

Registration is through University Online Stores: https://www.oxforduniversitystores.co.uk/conferences-and- events/faculty-of-theology-and-religion/events/mysticism-and-action-march-2024 

For any further information please email Louise Nelstrop: louise.nelstrop@theology.ox.ac.uk 
We are extremely grateful for support from Medium Aevum and the Bogert Trust