This academic conference welcomes the community to be part of this effort. Embodied knowledge, practically learned knowledge, and inherited knowledge are important contributions to the epistemology of Pagan thought when viewed through the analytical lens that all knowledge is seen through in the academy.
The American Academy of Religion now recognizes Pagan Studies as a legitimate field of study, thanks to the work of Cat McEarchen, Wendy Griffin, Michael York and others. This, along with an expansion of peer reviewed journals, such as, The Pomegranate and academic presses such as Alta Mira, which publish work on Pagan Studies, makes it a great time to be organizing your work to present to the academy.
The last two conferences dealt specifically with Sustainability and with Building Community. We feel that these are enduring underlying themes for all the areas we will research in the future.
For this conference we are contemplating the concepts of Identity and Community. What is our broadly defined community thinking, researching, or feeling about these concepts?
For some of us, entering into communion with this identity, this way of being in the world, is in part the divine work we essay if we dare: in what way can I manifest my identify into my life, into the world, with responsibility, integrity, passion, and compassion? In what way does this being in the world reveal and manifest the telos of my existence?
For others of us there may be other visions. What are you doing as a part of the community? Where do you think our energies should be directed in building a future? Are we part of making this world a better place to be? How is our work shaping academia or being shaped by it?
We are looking for papers from all disciplines. A community needs artists, teachers, scientists, healers, historians, philosophers, educators, thinkers, activists, etc.
As usual,we are using Pagan in its most inclusive form, covering pagans, wiccans, witches and the numerous hybrids that have sprung up as well as any indigenous groups that feel akin to or want to be in conversation with Pagans.
Abstracts should be no longer than 350 words and are due by October 15, 2011. Go to our website paganconference.com for advice on presenting papers. Please email to pagan_conference@yahoo.com
