An e-Conference hosted by the South African Theological Seminary on the 11–13th of March 2025

Call for Papers

An interpreter’s hermeneutical approach flows from their posture towards the biblical text. Following the surge of higher critical methodologies in the 20th century, the hermeneutical landscape has been marked by a recent rise in ideological criticisms, cultural relativism, and reader-response approaches. Such reading strategies have resulted in biblical analyses that place the reader at the center of interpretation thereby giving them authority over the sacred text. The so-called hermeneutic of suspicion, which seeks to read against the grain of Scripture, has been eroding the conviction that Scripture is God-breathed, useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). The rise of perilous hermeneutical approaches and their erosion of a hermeneutic of trust calls for a return to the text and a critical reconsideration of the reading strategies we adopt. In response to these dangers and opportunities for engagement, the 2025 SATS e-Conference is themed: “Back to the Bible: Biblical Hermeneutics in the Global South.” Celebrating the beauty, trustworthiness, and efficacy of Scripture, we aim to foster a dialogue around theories of interpretation and their application. We will explore the relationship between text and context, the centrality of Christ in the Bible, and the transformative power of the Scriptures to shape faith communities. 

Possible areas to explore include:  

  • The current state of biblical hermeneutics in the Global South
  • Exegetical methodologies for faithful Scripture reading and application
  • Evaluation of various reading strategies and approaches to the text
  • Hermeneutics, context, and culture in biblical reflection
  • The role of the Holy Spirit in hermeneutics
  • The handling of Scripture in other sub-disciplines
  • The handling of Scripture in church and society
  • The need for faithful hermeneutics in Bible translation
  • Biblical hermeneutics in Islamic settings
  • Essential virtues or characteristics of the interpreter
  • The intersection between the science and art of biblical hermeneutics
  • Hermeneutics, preaching, and discipleship in the Global South

All submissions will be reviewed by a Selection Committee. The decision of the Selection Committee is final, and the Committee is not obligated to provide any explanation for their ruling. Papers presented can be submitted for consideration for publication in Conspectus, the journal of the South African Theological Seminary. 

Student Papers 

The conference will also feature selected student papers in parallel sessions. These sessions will showcase emerging researchers at Master’s and Doctoral levels. Post-graduate students are therefore encouraged to submit abstracts for consideration. 

Application and Registration 

Abstracts are to be submitted electronically. Click here for the electronic submission form.  

Contact Person: 

Please direct any questions to Dr Sarah Churchill (sarah@[email protected]).