On March 2-3, 140 theological educators and Christian academics braved the Chicago winter to collaborate, network, share and contribute at the Oikonomia Network’s inaugural Karam Forum, held at Trinity International University. The whole-life discipleship conversation going on in Christian higher education, including the vocation to love God and neighbor through fruitful work and wisdom about human flourishing, is moving to the next level.
Attendees from over 40 colleges and seminaries heard TED-style talks from Con Campbell, Celeste Cranston, Tom Nelson, Vincent Bacote and others. Amy Sherman provided insights into how a concern for whole-life discipleship can shape the pedagogy and structure of classes. Panel discussions unpacked Kevin Vanhoozer’s keynote lecture on scripture and discipleship, and another panel discussed how theological insight can help direct and shape the work of liberal-arts disciplines. And breakout groups – from theology to biblical studies and business and marketplace issues – discussed and shared how vocation, economic wisdom, flourishing and discipleship shape their respective fields.
The attendees and speakers made this inaugural Karam Forum a rich and rewarding experience. Videos of the talks and presentations will be made public in the coming months.
If you enjoyed the Karam Forum or weren’t able to make it, the great news is Karam Forum 2018 is open for registration! The second Karam Forum will be held in the Los Angeles area on January 4-5th, and some of our amazing lineup of speaker include:
- Andy Crouch
- Mako Fujimura
- Amy Sherman
- Brian Fikkert
- Stephen Grabill
- Greg Jones
- Brent Waters
We hope to see you there!
