News

Avondale College is calling for abstracts from those interested in presenting a paper at a conference that will explore new perspectives on Christianity.

The conference, held on the Lake Macquarie campus January 15-18 next year, is for those "committed to searching for the relevance of and developing robust arguments for Christianity in contemporary society," says vice-president (administration and research) Dr Vivienne Watts. She particularly encourages students to attend and submit papers for consideration. "We're all trying to make our belief systems relevant to our society. This is your chance."

Vivienne notes the conference will be a safe place in which to present and discuss. "Many of the ideas will be introduced for the first time and may not be perfectly conceptualised. Some may not be compatible with existing belief systems or doctrinal positions. So, we're asking all those who attend to be considerate, to keep an open mind and to ask questions respectfully and in a supportive manner."

Speakers at the conference include former Avondale president Dr Eric Magnusson, now, as an associate professor, a visiting fellow in the University of New South Wales's School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences at the Australian Defence Force Academy; Professor Alanna Nobbs, head of the Department of Ancient History at Macquarie University and co-director of the Ancient History Documentary Research Centre; Dr Timothy Standish, a research scientist at the Loma Linda University (California, USA)-based Geoscience Research Institute, whose interests include the interface between science, public policy and faith; and Dr David Tacey, an associate professor at La Trobe University whose research interests include the recovery of meaning in a postmodern context. Avondale's own Dr Jane Fernandez and Kristina Mazzaferri will also present papers.

Papers should focus on ideas that are new and that lead to a greater understanding of Christianity and its contribution to contemporary society. Abstracts of 150-250 words should be submitted by October 1, 2008, with notification of acceptance by November 1. Submit abstracts by email (roberta.matai@avondale.edu.au), online (www.avondale.edu.au/npc) or in hardcopy (Roberta Matai, Avondale College, PO Box 19 Cooranbong, NSW 2265).

Contact Vivienne (vivienne.watts@avondale.edu.au, 4980 2120) for more information.