Islands, Islanders, and Scriptures

Call For Papers: We will have three sessions this year. The first is an open panel, "Testing the Waters." Some 6 years into the Island/Islander section, and with several books under our belt, we take this opportunity to talk through questions of island methods. What is island reading? How do we see it connecting with other aspects of the field? We invite those who are interested in minoritized or contextual readings particularly to come and join us. The second session will be a panel of invited papers and open call on Pasifika Pedagogies. Pasifika Islanders will be invited to discuss island ways of learning and of sharing wisdom between generations and communities, and how those ways could enlighten theological and biblical teachers and learners outside of Pasifika. Special attention will be given to the oceanic, oral and reciprocal (in both hospitality and resistance) cultures of Pasifika. Scholars from other island roots will also be invited to respond and to encourage conversation. The third session is an invited panel, held in collaboration with Minoritized criticism, Contextual Biblical Interpretation and Postcolonial Criticism and Biblical Studies, called "Talk With the President.” In response to the SBL tradition of not allowing questions and comments after an SBL President delivers her/his address, and by what are often lengthy pauses before the society substantially and formally engages with these important lectures, this session invites 2018 SBL President Brian Blount, along with a panel of biblical scholars and theologians, to reflect on and respond to his presidential address. The panel will explore both helpful and challenging moments in Blount’s address by offering this forum for critical reflection and engagement. For reference, the text of the lecture can be found in the first issue of JBL (2019).

Program Unit Chairs

Propose a Paper for this Program Unit

Questions About Membership?

• Call 866-727-9955 Toll Free in the US
• Call 404-727-9498 Outside the US
• Fax us at 404-727-2419
• Email us at sblservices@sbl-site.org