Call for Papers
Conference: November 17-19 (Tuesday – Thursday), and November 21 (Sabbath), 2026
Place: Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel
Theme: Defending the Faith
From its earliest days, the Christian church has wrestled with what it means to defend the faith. The apostles exhorted believers through epistles and bore witness before Roman authorities. In the centuries that followed, apologetic engagement took shape through church councils and imperial edicts. During the medieval period, the defense of Christianity was at times entangled with political power and coercion. The nineteenth century witnessed apologetics expressed through pamphlets and print, while the twentieth century emphasized formal debate, evidential argumentation, and philosophical proofs.
In recent decades, scholars have reassessed both the methods and assumptions underlying earlier apologetic models. Many now call for renewed approaches suited to a pluralistic and post-Christian context—approaches that address intellectual and existential barriers, integrate reason with lived faith, and engage culture with humility and conviction.
We invite papers that explore the theology, history, philosophy, and practice of apologetics. What can we learn from past models, and how should the church understand the task of defending the faith today?
Submission Guidelines:
Proposals should be submitted through a Google Form found here. Proposals must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and include an abstract (200-300 words) summarizing the main thesis and trajectory of argumentation.
Proposals should be focused, insightful, and add to the theological conversation. While we accept proposals outside of the theme, proposals focused on the theme will receive a higher priority.
The Adventist Theological Society presents a high view of Scripture. Proposals should reflect this perspective.
Submission of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance.
Proposal Deadline: April 15, 2026.
Other Information
Papers should be presented in-person. If a presenter cannot be present, then it may be possible to have a reader for the paper, but this should be organized well in advance of the annual meeting.
If your paper is accepted, more information regarding scheduling and location will be provided when these details are finalized.
ATS does not have funds to assist presenters with travel expenses.
Acceptance of papers will be communicated by June 15, 2026.
If you have questions, please email the ATS executive committee at adventisttheologicalsociety.ec@gmail.com
