About the conference
Sixth Annual Lutheran Studies Conference at PLU – Thursday, September 29, 2016
In a political season marked by the demonization of racial, religious, and ethnic minorities, this conference focuses on the quest for a just vision of life shared in community. Indeed, the robust tradition of Lutheran education invites the university, its alumni, and friends to let our commitment to thoughtful inquiry deepen our respect for the dignity of every human being and our work for justice and peace. At this conference, scholars, students, musicians, and college leaders will present their research and reflection on one of the most critical dimensions of our common life: the quest for racial justice in a region of the country that continues to bear the open wounds of racist policies and actions.
The annual Lutheran Studies Conference provides an opportunity for the university, the larger community, and persons from diverse religious and humanistic viewpoints to explore particular and pressing issues within the thoughtful and generous milieu of Lutheran higher education. Each conference welcomes scholars, artists, and religious leaders whose expertise is offered in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. Past conferences have been devoted to the limited gift of water (2011), political commitments (2012), the figure of Jesus of Nazareth (2013), and justice in society (2014). As a university of the church, PLU promotes the 500 year Lutheran tradition of asking difficult questions, welcoming opposing viewpoints in civil conversation, nurturing a community of intellectual charity, and challenging students, alumni, and friends to promote a just, peaceful, and sustainable way of life for all, not just the privileged few.