The conference will address how Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts, traditions, and practices conceptualize the body—its functions, capacities, and limitations—and the implications of these views for understanding disability across contemporary and historical contexts. Furthermore, it will examine how apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic narratives shape conceptions of bodily transformation and vulnerability, and how these conceptions inform present and future discussions of human diversity and justice. The deadline for abstract submissions is March 31, 2026, by email to kyrkokansliet.forskningskonferens@svenskakyrkan.se.

The Centre for Theology and Religious Studies at Lund University and the Church of Sweden Unit for Research and Analysis invite contributions to the third research conference of the network for religious and theological studies.

How do Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts, traditions, and practices conceptualize the body—its functions, capacities, and limitations—and what implications do these views have for understanding disability in different contemporary and historical contexts? How do these views frame concepts of normality, functionality, and social belonging in contemporary discourse, and how might they inform future frameworks for social justice and inclusion for all? Furthermore, how do apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic narratives in these traditions shape ideas of bodily transformation and/or vulnerability, and what relevance do these themes hold for present and future discussions of human diversity and justice?

We invite scholars and researchers to submit papers for our upcoming conference that investigate how notions of embodiment and physical or mental dis/abilities have evolved across historical periods and how they intersect with broader discourses on rights, accessibility, and social justice. The conference adopts a transhistorical and transdisciplinary perspective, examining variations in bodies and their societal significance around three thematic areas:

• Bodies in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim texts, traditions, and practices
• Bodies in material and historical contexts
• Bodies in the technological future

We encourage contributions that (1) consider human and more-than/other-than human bodies in relation to one another and the environment, and/or (2) analyze intra-group differences among individuals with specific disabilities, considering factors such as gender, class, and other social dimensions. A publication of the conference proceedings is planned.

Important Dates

• Abstract submission deadline: March 31, 2026
• Notification of acceptance: May 2026
• Conference date: October 21–23, 2026 (lunch to lunch)

Paper Submission Guidelines:

• Abstract length: 300 words
• Presentation length: 20 minutes
• Language: English or Swedish/Scandinavian

Submissions should be sent to kyrkokansliet.forskningskonferens@svenskakyrkan.se

For any further questions, please contact: Michael Nausner (michael.nausner@ehs.se) or Blaženka Scheuer (blazenka.scheuer@ctr.lu.se)