What Is Life? A Review of the Krakow conference for the Centre of Theology and Philosophy

Well, I am back!  Jet-lagged and tired from staying up too late with new and old friends.  But my mind is refreshed, and my theological imagination has been given a jolt.  I wanted to provide a few remarks about the conference put on by the Centre of Theology and Philosophy.  My thoughts are subjective and impressionistic, so please forgive me.  My aim is to entice you to look into the work of the center and the many fine thinkers associated with it. 

Quality of papers: The quality of papers and presenters was superb.  By day 3, it was difficult for me to take anything more into my feeble brain.  My favorite papers were Is Life Worth Giving? (Not "living") by Remi Brague, Analogy of Life by John Betz, Self-Transcending Life: Lonergan's Appropriation of Augustine and Aquinas on Authentic Being-in-the-World (this paper made me want to pray) by Steven Cone, "Let us Make a Human Being": Divine Intent and Human Response by John Behr (this paper made me question my presuppositions about scripture), On the Surface of Things: Transient Life and Beauty in Passing by William Desmond, and Teleology and Life by Simon Oliver (this paper was the most helpful for my project). Even as I write this, I am having a hard time not listing many other papers...so many were so helpful.

Overall Reactions: The conference was a bit disorderly at times, but I get the sense that it had everything to do with the people in charge at the hotel. 

Conor Cunningham

The spirit of the conference was one of friendship and collegiality.  I think more was achieved around tables of food and drink than in the actual sessions.  It was a regular spectacle to watch Conor Cunningham holding court in the lounge.  Even during these times, people were debating theology, life, love, and even sports.  Ahh, Conor Cunningham, what can I say about my experience with this lovely Irishman?  Conor is like a joke with a serious punch line!  Seriously, he is the guy hamming it up with everyone, but in the moments of sheer lightness and tom-foolery, he is so agile of mind, that he is able to bring everything back to deep metaphysical speculation.

Scott Stephens

As I mentioned above, the participants are top-notch.  I had the pleasure of meeting Scott Stephens of ABC's Religion and Ethics Portal fame. Most readers will know that I love and plug this site often.  He is a deep and wide thinker who is doing a tremendous service to us all with his website.  Check it out.

I also had the unique pleasure of meeting Archbishop Javier Martinez, sharing my passion for the theology of Benedict XVI with Tracey Rowland, and being schooled in Patristics by Fr. John Behr.  This alone, should tell you everything.

Personal Reactions: My paper was well-recieved, I think.  It was a summary of where my research is going, so the comments were helpful for me as I think forward concerning its trajectory.  I recieved more inspiration, however, in personal conversations with many students and scholars while on coffee breaks and out at the pubs. 

John Milbank

I was very pleased to meet my advisor John Milbank face to face.  I'll admit, I was pretty intimidated at first, I mean, I have been reading him for years...looking forward to the possibilities of studying with him.  My conclusion: he is a brilliant man of faith who is so nuanced that he is easily mis-understood, especially when one is reactionary or assumes the worst.  My first conversation with him was a debate (I hardly debated for I was not sure of what to say....I know, that is rare) about the metaphysics of baseball and Cricket.  John is right on so many things, but I must say, I think he has baseball all wrong.  More importantly, though, within a matter of moments John provided insight into my project and faith.  It was a pleasure to meet him, and I hope to see him soon, in Nottingham. 

Simon Oliver

I also got to meet Simon Oliver who will probably be my second reader.  What a gracious, helpful, and brilliant thinker.  Like John, it took Simon only a moment to direct me to my next step in research.  Conversations with these two men were worth the price of admission to the conference, for sure. 

I also had the rare opportunity for inter-denominational dialogue.  Graham Ward and I spoke very openly about converting to other traditions and valuing the ones that we are already in.  I was so pleased to speak with him.  He seemed impressed by our community's eucharistic celebrations.  He even suggested that he might come be apart of one when he visits Notre Dame this September. I would love to see him then, share the eucharist with him, and enjoy our new friendship. 

Graham Ward

There is much more I could say, but I will end with this final word on the conference: Success!  It was a joy, a blessing, a gift.  Thanks to Conor Cunningham, Graham Ward, John Milbank, Eric Lee, and all those who put this event together.