Call for Papers! Second biennial joint conference with Lutheranism & the Classics IX

The Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education (CCLE) is pleased to announce a Call for Papers for our second biennial joint conference with Lutheranism & the Classics IX, to be held October 1–2, 2027, at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

This conference is designed as a continuation of the conversations begun at CCLE XXVII, July 14–17, 2027, providing an opportunity to explore more deeply the theological, philosophical, and educational questions surrounding artificial intelligence, authenticity, and the nature of humanity in an increasingly technological age.

Conference Theme: Authenticity and Deceit

This conference will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, technology, cleverness, deception, and virtuality, particularly as they relate to the Church and classical Lutheran education

We invite pastors, seminarians, scholars, educators, and others interested in classical Lutheran education to submit proposals for presentations that engage with this timely and thought-provoking theme.

Presentation Opportunities

The conference will feature two types of sectional presentations:

I. Lutheranism & the Classics: Academic papers presented in a 30-minute session, including time for questions and discussion.

II. CCLE: Practical papers or presentations delivered in a 60-minute session, including time for questions and discussion.

Suggested topics include:

• A Sagacious Use of ChatGPT

• Sinon’s Ruse (Vergil Aeneid 2.57ff)

• Trickster Gods and the One True God

• Foxes, Coyotes, Ravens, and Crows

• Can Virtue Be Taught by Contemplating Quackery and Cunning?

• Luther’s Thoughts on Jacob and Esau

• Art and Artifice in the Reformation

• False Friends in Antiquity

• The Sirens’ Song: Music and the Art of Deception

• A Tool We Can’t Control: Technology as Self-Divination

• Cheating, Plagiarism, and Upholding Honor Codes

The conference will also feature plenary presentations by Dr. Jon Bruss, Dr. James Kellerman, and Dr. Christian Preus, with a banquet address by Dr. Thomas Keeline.

Submission Guidelines

• Deadline: November 1, 2026

• Abstract length: No more than 250 words

• Submission: Email your abstract as an attachment to Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie at Cameron.MacKenzie@ctsfw.edu.

• Proposal designation: Please specify whether your submission is intended for Lutheranism & the Classics or the CCLE.

• Limit: One proposal per presenter.

Selected papers may be considered for publication.

We encourage you to consider contributing to this important conversation as we examine the relationship between truth, wisdom, virtue, and the challenges of an increasingly technological world.

We look forward to gathering in Fort Wayne for what promises to be a stimulating and edifying fall conference!