About this event
The apostle conveys a grand vision for the good life — that is, human flourishing in Christ.
The Apostle Paul is widely known as the greatest theologian in Christian history after Jesus himself. He was a prolific author of Scripture, a missionary, apologist, and pastor. Paul is less commonly thought of as a promoter of human well-being and flourishing. But as Paul’s pastoral heart for his young churches is explored with reference to ancient philosophy and modern positive psychology, it becomes clear that the apostle conveys a grand vision for the good life—that is, human flourishing in Christ.
This conference will explore various ways in which Paul employs theology in order to shape his readers for a distinctive and enriched way of life in Christ.
Call for Papers
The Sydney College of Divinity invites scholars, doctoral candidates, and others working in the theological and wider academic community to propose a paper on the apostle Paul and human flourishing. Papers are to be submitted by 1 June, 2025.
Proposal submissions can be made here:
https://airtable.com/appbxsS6llTQ59xJN/shrZ4zF7JjT3KZhip
Acceptance of papers will be communicated by 30 June, 2025.
Presentations will be 25 minutes maximum, with 5-10 minutes discussion (30 minutes total).
The conference will cater for in-person presentations only.
Presenters will need to register for the conference. Registration costs, including conference dinner, accommodation options, and transport details, are available through the SCD Events website.
Guidelines for Paper Proposals
1 The title of the proposed presentation, with an abstract of 250–300 words, proposal submissions can be made here:
https://airtable.com/appbxsS6llTQ59xJN/shrZ4zF7JjT3KZhip by 1 June, 2025.
Submissions should be accompanied by contact details: name, institutional affiliation, postal address, phone number and email address.
2 The title of the paper and its abstract must articulate clearly the line of argument that the paper will take, indicating its contribution to research in the chosen area.
3 Further enquiries should be directed to Professor Constantine R. Campbell: [email protected] or 02 9889 1969.
Keynote Speakers:
Professor Joshua Jipp
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Illinois (USA)
Joshua Jipp is Professor of New Testament and the director of the Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His recent books include: Reading the Gospels as Christian Scripture (Baker), Pauline Theology as a Way of Life (Baker), and The Messianic Theology of the New Testament (Eerdmans). Joshua resides in Chicago with his wife and three kids.
Dr Katherine Hurrell
Sydney College of Divinity
Katherine Hurrell is Centre Director at Sydney College of Divinity and works within their Graduate Research School. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Macquarie University, where she examined emotion regulation in children with anxiety disorders. Katherine’s recent work is The Dynamics of Bounded Choice and Trauma within High-Control Faith Settings. Her interdisciplinary research interests span positive psychology, trauma-informed practice, cult systems, and general wellbeing. Katherine particularly enjoys exploring the intersection of ministry and psychology, focusing on how these fields can be applied to enhance personal, spiritual and community wellbeing.
Parallel Speakers:
The full program will be available prior to conference. Please check back closer to the date.
The full program will be available prior to conference. Please check back closer to the date.
Registration
-
- Full conference registration (face to face 2 days) – $340.00 AUD
-
- Live steam (non-interactive live stream of session in main conference room only 2 days) – $150.00 AUD
Face to face conference fees include morning tea and lunch. Tickets to the Conference Dinner on night 1 can be purchased for an additional $75.00 AUD per person.