Fakultas Teologi Universitas Sanata Dharma
March 27, 2025 – March 28, 2025
The Future of Faith: Exploring the Dispute and Legacy of the Nicaean Council in Asia
3rd International Conference on Theology, Religion, Culture and Humanities
Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University
Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”
1. Conference Overview
The international conference “The Future of Faith: Exploring the Disputes and Legacy of the Nicean Council in Asia” aims to examine the historical impact and contemporary relevance of the First Council of Nicea (325 CE) in Asian Christian contexts, interfaith dialogues, and theological developments. We are interested not only in the Nicene Creed as the “result” of the council but also in the historical context, method and model taken by council fathers as well as the impact of the council on the future of Christian faith, especially when it is confronted with contemporary challenges, such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems. Two fundamental questions we are going to explore in this international conference are: First, what was the dispute and historical legacy of the Nicean Council? Second, which relevance would this council have especially when Christian faith is faced with Asian challenges such as secularism, scientific development, intercultural and interreligious encounter and social problems?
2. Conference Objectives
- Analyze the historical significance of the Nicean Council’s decisions in Asian Christianity
- Examine contemporary interpretations of Nicean theology in various Asian contexts
- Explore the intersection of Nicean orthodoxy with Asian philosophical traditions
- Investigate the role of Nicean creeds in modern Asian Christian denominations
- Address challenges in contextualizing Nicean theology in multi-cultural and multi-religious Asian societies
- Address the relevance of Nicean Council for solving social problems in Asia.
3. Conference Scope
The scope of the conference is, but not limited to:
3.1. Historical Perspectives
- Early Christian communities in Asia and their reception of Nicean theology
- Historical disputes and adaptations in Asian contexts
3.2. Theological Discourse
- Trinitarian theology in Asian Christian thought
- Interreligious dialogue and Nicean orthodoxy
- Ecumenical movements and Nicean unity in Asia
- Future directions for Asian Christian theology
- Orthodoxy of Christianity and the Youth in Asia
3.3. Cultural Integration
- The Nicene Council and inculturation of faith
- The reception of the Nicene creed in a multicultural Church
- Religious belonging of Christians in Asia
- Modern apologetics and interreligious dialogue
3.4. Social Problems and Orthodoxy of Faith
- The order and circularity between faith in action and in the celebration (sacraments)
4. Participants
- Theologians and religious scholars, including graduate and postgraduate theological students
- Church leaders and clergy
- Religious studies researchers
- Interfaith dialogue practitioners
- Cultural studies experts
- Church historians
- Religious education specialists
5. Keynote Speakers
5.1. Exploring the Dispute and Legacy of Nicaean Council
- Moderator: Frederick Ray Popo, SJ
- Speaker 1: Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidt, SJ (Austria)
- Speaker 2: Dr. Agus Widodo, Pr (Indonesia)
5.2. The Future of Faith: Nicaea in Asia Today
- Moderator: Jacques Cavin
- Speaker 3: Dr. Patrick Nogoy, SJ (Philippines)
- Speaker 4: Dr. Thomas Kristiatmo, S.S., M.Hum., S.T.L (Indonesia-Italy)
6. Expected Outputs
- Conference proceedings
- Selected papers will be published in journals
7. Technical Requirements
7.1. Paper Submissions
- Abstract length: 300-500 words
- Full paper length: 6,000-8,000 words
- Format: Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
- Language: English (with provisions for translations)
8. Program
Day 1 - Thursday, March 27, 2025 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Registration
16:10 - 16:20 Opening Ceremony The University Rector (Albertus Bagus Laksana SJ, S.S., Ph.D.)
16:20 - 16:30 The Dean of Faculty (Dr. C.B. Mulyatno)
16:30 - 17:00 Keynote Speaker 1 (Prof. Dr. Markus Schmidt, SJ)
17:00 - 17.30 Keynote Speaker 2 (Dr. Agus Widodo)
17:30 - 18.00 Discussion
18:00 - 18:10 Break
18:10 - 18:40 Keynote Speaker 3 (Dr. Patrick Nogoy, SJ)
18:40 - 19:10 Keynote Speaker 4 (Dr. Thomas Kristiatmo, S.S., M.Hum., S.T.L)
19:10 – 19:40 Discussion
19:40 - 20:00 Closing (Announcement, etc.)
Day 2 - Friday, March 28, 2025 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 17:10 Parallel Session 1
17:10 - 18:10 Parallel Session 2
For complete program please download this booklet: Conference Book
Conference Information
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The Quest of Being Human in Our Times
The 4th International Conference on Theology, Religion, Culture And Humanities
Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
(Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”)
Background
With rapid advances in technology, artificial intelligence, shifting societies, environmental challenges, and growing cultural diversity, the question “What does it mean to be human?” is more pressing than ever. In Asia, and especially in Indonesia, this question arises amid communal ways of life, interreligious exchanges, economic disparities, and the ongoing balance between tradition and modernity.
Philosophy and Catholic theology both provide valuable perspectives on human nature, dignity, freedom, and responsibility. Alongside these, recent developments in biology, psychology, insights from Asian wisdom, local cultures, and contextual theologies contribute new understandings to worldwide discussions on philosophical and theological anthropology.
This international seminar aims to create a scholarly space for thoughtful debate and meaningful dialogue about what it means to be human today, with a particular focus on Asian – Indonesian experiences while welcoming global viewpoints.
This seminar is held annually and organized by Faculty of Theology, Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”).Panelists (to be confirmed)
- Dr. M. Joko Lelono (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)Expected topic: Recent Development in Technological Advancement
- Rev. Dr. Mark Joseph Zammit (Malta)Expected topic: Theological Responses to Technological Advancement
- Prof. Dr. Georg Gasser (Augsburg, Germany)Expected topic: Technology and Its Implication in Anthropology
Program
Day 1 – Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 16:20 Speech – Albertus Bagus Laksana SJ, S.S., Ph.D. – Rector
16:20 - 16:30 Speech – Prof. Dr. C.B. Mulyatno – Dean
16:30 - 17:15 Speaker 1 (Dr. M. Joko Lelono – Indonesia)
17:15 - 18.00 Speaker 2 (Rev. Dr. Mark Joseph Zammit – Malta)
18:00 - 18.45 Speaker 3 (Prof. Dr. Georg Gasser – Augsburg, Germany)
18:45 - 19:00 Break
19:00 - 19:45 Discussion
19:45 - 20:00 Closing (Announcement, etc.)
Day 2 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 (Jakarta Time, GMT+7)
16:00 - 16:10 Opening
16:10 - 17:10 Parallel Session 1
17:10 - 18:10 Parallel Session 2
Venue
Online via Zoom Meeting
CALL FOR PAPERS
Suggested Sub-Themes
Papers may address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
Philosophical, Theological and Interdisciplinary Perspectives
- Philosophical anthropology and the meaning of personhood
- Psychological perspectives of personhood
- Asian concepts of self, community, harmony, and relationality
- Pancasila and human dignity
- Human freedom, rationality, and moral responsibility
- Critiques of modern and postmodern views of humanity
- The human person as imago Dei
- Christology and theological anthropology
- Suffering, vulnerability, and hope in Asian contexts
- Inculturation and contextual theology in Asia
- The Church’s mission and human dignity in plural societies
Contemporary Issues
- Technology, artificial intelligence, and transhumanism
- Bioethics, healthcare, and human vulnerability
- Ecology, Laudato Si’, and Asian ecological wisdom
- Poverty, migration, and social justice
- Interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract length: 200–300 words
- Language: English
- Format: MS Word (.doc/.docx)
- Style: Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition
- Abstract should include:
- Title of the paper
- Author’s name and institutional affiliation
- Email address
- 3–5 keywords
- Full paper length (if accepted): 6,000–8,000 words
- Selected papers will be considered for publication in conference proceedings or an academic journal.
Important Dates
- Abstract submission deadline: April 1, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: April 8, 2026
- Presentation submission deadline: April 15, 2026
- Conference dates: April 21-22, 2026
- Full paper submission: April 30, 2026
Participants
The seminar welcomes:
- Scholars and researchers in philosophy, theology, psychology, cultural studies and humanities
- Clergy and religious with academic interests
- Graduate students (Master’s and Doctoral levels)
- Academics from related disciplines engaging human questions
Submission & Contact
Abstracts should be submitted to:
Organized by
Faculty of Theology, Universitas Sanata Dharma (Pontifical Faculty of Theology “Wedabhakti”)">