You are invited to submit a 300-word abstract for a paper to be presented at the True Significance in the Academy: The Legacy of Christian Scholarship Conference. This interdisciplinary conference is sponsored by the International Institute for Christian Studies and Christian Studies International of Canada. Dr. Walter Kaiser, Dr. Harold Dean Trulear and Dr. Elaine Storkey will be plenary speakers. Papers will be presented on the legacy and influence of Christian scholarship. What are we as Christian academicians leaving for the next generation? What should be our legacy as scholars who follow Christ? The conference will include the following tracks: 1) the legacy (impact and influence) or Christian scholarship in general, 2) how Christian scholarship leaves a legacy through communicating and/or applying a Christian worldview, 3) the legacy and impact of a Christian worldview in specific disciplines and, (4) conversion narractives of academicians who came to belief in Christ through the influence of another Christian scholar. Engagement of the conference theme is welcome from either a disciplinary or an interdisciplinary perspective.

What difference does research and teaching make on the next generation? How is the larger world shaped by the Christian academician? What legacy do/should Christian scholars leave behind? How has your field or your scholarship been shaped or influenced by the legacy of earlier Christian scholars? Some papers may examine the legacy of a specific scholar in a discipline, on the academy or in the broader world beyond the academy. How should the issue of legacy or lasting impact influence our decisions on research projects, writing topics and relationships with students? How much should a perspective on our long-term legacy influence us as scholars? How can we balance the demands of the immediate and short-term with a long-term perspective?

What is a Christian worldview? What are the components of a Christian worldview? What is the biblical or theological basis for a comprehensive Christian worldview? How does a Christian worldview differ from other approaches to reality? How can scholars help others outside the academic community develop a Christian worldview? How does a Christian worldview relate to the global mission of the Church? How did key Christian thinkers in the past develop or articulate their worldview and pass that legacy on to us? How has dualism affected our ability to develop and live a full-orbed Christian worldview? What is the relationship between a Christian worldview and personal spiritual formation? How should a worldview shape a Christian's teaching? How does a Christian worldview relate to specific social, economic, political and environmental issues in our world today? What are ways in which the local church can more faithfully and rigorously apply a Christian worldview to its own life and to social and cultural issues?

How should a Christian worldview relate to and influence particular disciplines? What scholars in particular fields have developed a robust Christian worldview in that discipline? We are interested in this discussion as it relates to all disciplines--the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, law, education, business and the arts.

This track will feature the conversion narratives of academicians who came to faith in Christ through the influence of a Christian scholar. Each paper should tell the conversion story and explore ways in which the convert was a benefactor of the legacy of another Christian scholar.

To submit an abstract, please email the following items to IICS:

1. A 300-word abstract of your paper describing the content and relationship to the theme of the conference. Please indicate which of the 4 categories listed above your submission falls under.

2. Your curriculum vita, including complete contact information.

Submissions must be sent by email and acknowledgement will be made by email. Accepted presenters will be notified by email after May 22, 2009. The actual conference paper presentations will be 30 minutes followed by ten minutes for discussion. If accepted for presentation, presenters must submit an electronic copy of their full paper to IICS by July 15, 2009.

Presenters will be responsible for their travel, lodging and registration expenses. Thank you for your participation. Contact Katie Eicholtz, Conference Administrator, with questions. Phone: 1-800-776-4427 or email IICS.