The One Hundred Forty-Sixth Meeting
THE AMERICAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Midwest Division
The One Hundred Forty-Sixth Meeting
Friday, October 27, 2000
Swift Hall, The Divinity School
The University of Chicago
1025 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
THEOLOGICAL TABLE TALK 1:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Religion and the Election
Third Floor Lecture Hall
Moderator: James M. Wall, Senior Contributing Editor, The Christian Century
Panelists
Jonathan Moore, Managing Editor, Sightings
Arnold J. Wolf, Rabbi Emeritus of KAM Isaiah Israel Congregation and Theology Editor, Judaism
Don Wycliff, Public Editor, The Chicago Tribune
Registration and Afternoon Refreshments; Third Floor Lecture Hall, 3:00-3:15 P.M.
AFTERNOON PROGRAM 3:15 – 5:15 P.M.
Third Floor Lecture Hall
A Nation of Displaced Persons: The Culture that Shapes the Theology
William Dean
Professor of Constructive Theology
Iliff School of Theology
Reception, Dinner, and Business Meeting 5:15 – 7:00 P.M.
Swift Hall Commons Room
EVENING PROGRAM 7:00 – 8:45 P.M.
Third Floor Lecture Hall
Exporting the First Amendment: Thoughts on the New International Religious Freedom Act
Winnifred Fallers Sullivan
Senior Lecturer and Dean of Students
The University of Chicago Divinity School
ATS Officers (Midwest Division)
Paul P. Parker, Secretary
David L. Weddle, Vice President
Don Alexander, Treasurer
Carol Rausch Albright, Member-at-Large
The Program: With the first major U.S. election of the new millennium occurring only ten days after the fall meeting, the American Theological Society (Midwest Division) will focus on the theme of “religion and politics” at the University of Chicago Divinity School on the afternoon and evening of October 27, 2000. The Society’s meeting will begin with Theological Table Talk, a round-table discussion about the presence of religion in the current election campaign. James Wall, Jonathon Moore, Arnold Wolf, Don Wycliff, and several more panelists yet to be secured will lead the Society in an open discussion about religion and politics in this year’s presidential campaign. Following the panel discussion, the Society will hear and discuss William Dean’s paper on the formative relationship between culture and theology and the deleterious effects sometimes visited upon individuals. In the last paper of the day, Winnifred Fallers Sullivan, Senior Lecturer and Dean of Students at the Divinity School, will explore the nature and implications of the international exportation of American understandings of religion. And sandwiched between all the presentations and discussions, the Society has carved out time and place for you to share ideas and projects with your colleagues.
If you are unable to attend the full meeting, you should feel free to participate in whichever segment of the program is available to you. The Executive Committee designs each program for stimulating professional engagement and collegial relaxation. Why not take a break from your routine and commune with your colleagues over good food and drink for mind, body, and soul? For further information, contact Paul Parker at the addresses below.
Registration and Dinner Reservations: Every fall and spring meeting our colleagues of the host institutions will find their workload greatly eased if we register for the meeting and make reservations for the dinner. Registration and reservations could not be simpler. Call, write, or email Paul Parker through your medium of choice and declare your intentions: office phone (630) 617-3559; paulp@elmhurst.edu; or Department of Theology and Religion, Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. Dinner is $10.00. Because ATS meetings are supported by the host institution, registration is without charge for which we are deeply appreciative.
Dues: Annual membership dues (to cover the costs of printing, mail, and other incidentals) are $15 for members and $10 for associate members to be remitted to the Treasurer, Don Alexander, each year at the fall meeting. Attention to this is appreciated. Also, the Society’s membership role remains strong only as we invite our eligible colleagues to join us and sponsor them for membership. Advocacy for the Society is important.
Directions and Parking: Swift Hall of The Divinity School is near the center of the University’s Main Quadrangle between East 57th and East 59th Streets, and between Ellis Avenue and University Avenue. Parking is available at the University of Chicago Hospitals’ parking garage for a fee (enter from Maryland off 58th or 59th). Otherwise, parking may be found (with persistence) on nearby streets. A map and specific directions for those arriving by air, car, or train can be found by following the prompts at The University’s website, www.uchicago.edu.