Conference: Alternative Salvations University of Chester: 18th September 2012

To speak of salvation is, broadly, to speak about transformation from one present reality into a new, transformed and better reality. While the language of salvation itself is not necessarily found in every religious tradition, the hope of, or incentive to work towards, such transformation is a widespread characteristic of many religious traditions.

In Christianity, there are a number of dominant perspectives on salvation associated with particular traditions, usually expressed in grand future eschatological narratives. But what of alternative approaches to salvation that have developed outside of established religious orthodoxies? The conference will explore how 'unorthodox' readings of sacred texts inform salvation experience; how life transformations outside of religious contexts might be considered spiritual; how ideas of this-worldly salvation are politicised; how ideas of salvation are simultaneously secularised and infused with new power; what alternative salvations can be discovered within Christianity and how might they be practised. In particular, we are seeking to explore the ways that alternative religious, spiritual and secular understandings of the notion of salvation already shape, and have the potential to shape, how people live and act in Christian and post-Christian contexts.

CALL FOR PAPERS
This exciting conference breaks new ground in exploring alternative approaches to salvation. Proposals for short papers are invited on any aspect of the theme of
'alternative salvations' as outlined here. Papers will normally be 20 minutes in length with an additional 10 minutes for discussion.

Short paper proposals should be submitted by no later than 4:00pm on 16th April 2012.

For further details, see