NetVUE hosted an AAR/SBL pre-conference meeting on the theme of “Scriptural Reasoning and/as Vocational Discernment.” This event considered how we, as educators in the field of religious studies and theology, might consider and make use of the practice of Scriptural Reasoning (SR) to bring our undergraduate students into conversations about differing religious traditions, healthy forms of disagreement, and mutual support. The gathering was held Thursday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m. through Friday, November 21 at noon. The cost for those from member institutions was only $25, which includes a Thursday evening reception and dinner, as well as a light breakfast on Friday. Interested parties from non-NetVUE institutions were welcome to participate as well, at a slightly higher cost.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, November 20, 2025 – Sheraton Boston, Gardner Room (Third Floor)
2:00 p.m.
Introduction
The Vocation of Scriptural Reasoning
David S. Cunningham, Professor of Theology, Aquinas College (MI), and Executive Director of NetVUE, Council of Independent Colleges
2:30 p.m.
Keynote Address
Vocation, Scriptural Reasoning, and Biblical Reasoning
David Ford, formerly Regius Professor of Divinity, University of Cambridge
3:30 p.m.
Break
3:45 p.m.
In Response to the Keynote Address
Scriptural Reasoning in Particular Institutional Settings
Brian Beckstrom, Chief Mission Officer and Associate Vice President for Mission, Valparaiso University
Kevin Hughes, Professor of Historical Theology and Chair of Theology and Religion Studies, Villanova University
Jessica Wai-Fong Wong, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Azusa Pacific University
Followed by discussion with the panelists and Q& A from the audience
5:30 p.m.
Reception and Dinner at a local restaurant
Friday, November 21, 2025 – Sheraton Boston, Back Bay B (Second Floor)
8:00 a.m.
Breakfast available
9:00 a.m.
Panel Discussion
Exploring the Contours of Scriptural Reasoning
Ashleigh Elser, Postdoctoral Fellow in Theological Studies, Saint Louis University
Nauman Faizi, Associate Professor of Religion, Lahore University of Management Sciences
Randi Rashkover, Director of Judaic Studies, and Sophia and Nathan S. Gumenick Professor of Judaic Studies, College of William and Mary
10:30 a.m.
Break
10:45 a.m.
Book Discussion
Scriptural Reasoning: Abrahamic Inter-faith Practice
Maria Massi Dakake, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, George Mason University
Tom Greggs, Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton Theological Seminary
Steven Kepnes, Professor of the Study of World Religions, Professor of Religion and Jewish Studies, Colgate University
Followed by discussion with the panelists and Q& A from the audience
12:00 p.m.
Lunch
Optional; not included in the registration fee
Meals, Accommodation, and Transportation
Registered participants were invited to a Thursday afternoon reception (complimentary snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and bar), as well as dinner at a local restaurant. A light breakfast was available on Friday morning. The cost of these meals was included in the $25 registration fee. Many participants continued the discussion over lunch on Friday as well.
Members of AAR or SBL who were registered for the Annual Meeting could obtain discounted lodging through the organization of which they are a member. Information concerning area hotels, as well as airport transfer and parking information, is available on the SBL website or the AAR website. Limited assistance for one extra night of lodging, or for travel, was available to those registered for the pre-conference gathering whose institutions were unable to cover this cost.
NetVUE is a program of the Council of Independent Colleges. NetVUE programs and services are made possible through member dues and the generous support of Lilly Endowment Inc.
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