Fakultas Teologi Universitas Sanata Dharma
March 27, 2025 – March 28, 2025
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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”)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.