You are invited to submit a 300-word abstract for a paper to be presented at the Engaging Our World: From the Ivory Tower to Global Impact Conference. This interdisciplinary conference is sponsored by the International Institute for Christian Studies and Christian Studies International of Canada. Dr. Paul Marshall, Dr. David Naugle and Dr. Elaine Storkey will be plenary speakers. Papers will be presented on the theme of a Christian worldview and its application. How do you apply a Christian worldview in your field? How do we connect the Ivory Tower with the outside world? The conference will include the following tracks: 1) understanding and communicating a Christian worldview, 2) applying a Christian worldview, 3) the role and impact of a Christian worldview in specific disciplines and 4) conversion narratives of academicians who came to belief in Christ during their academic career. Engagement of the conference theme is welcome from either a disciplinary or an interdisciplinary 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 develop or articulate their worldview? 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 issues in our world today such as immigration, justice, racial reconciliation, economic development, human trafficking, genetic research, slavery, pornography, chauvinism, racism, abuse of the environment, AIDS, disease research, poverty, war, abortion, corruption and other issues? 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.

If you came to faith during your academic career, you may choose to tell your story and then relate lessons you learned in your pilgrimage.

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 23, 2008. 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 17, 2008.

Presenters will be responsible for their travel, lodging and registration expenses. Thank you for your participation.

Contact Joy McBride, Conference Administrator, with questions. Phone: 1-800-776-4427 or email IICS.