Theological Symposium to discuss memory, faith connection

“In remembrance of me: Memory and the Life of Faith” — the 26th Annual Theological Symposium of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis — will discuss biological, personal and social dimensions of memory, and what it means for congregational life and ministry.

The Sept. 22-23 symposium will bring together researchers and theologians to explore what is being learned about memory and its role in the life of faith, how it fosters community, and what it means for ministry, preaching and pastoral care.

“Why are memories important? Without memories we don’t have a story to tell and we don’t know who we are,” explains the Rev. Dr. Charles Arand, professor of Systematic Theology at the seminary. “This symposium will explore some of the cutting-edge work in the science of memory formation and retention, and how that research and knowledge can help us in our teaching, preaching and pastoral care. We will look at the role of memory in worship, preaching, catechesis and pastoral care to the grieving and to those afflicted with Alzheimer’s.”

Opening-day plenaries will address recent scientific findings regarding the brain and memory as well as the role of narrative in personal and collective memory:

Dr. Steve Joordens, cognitive psychologist and faculty member at the University of Toronto Scarborough in Ontario, Canada, will show how brain development affects memory and identity, and how memories define people’s lives.

Dr. Charlotte Linde will discuss her research on narrative in the development of individual and group identity. Linde is an expert on the connection between narrative and memory, and has written two books about her findings.

Concordia Seminary faculty members will provide reflections following each plenary.

Day-two presentations will focus on the theological and practical implications of memory, identity and community as they relate to the Church. Seminary professors will lead nine sectionals relating to the biblical dimensions of memory and the application to pastoral and congregational ministry.

Full registration for the symposium is $125 and includes a buffet dinner. Also available are single-day and single-session registrations as well as live-stream access.

For more information or to register, go to csl.edu/symposium2015 or contact the seminary’s Continuing Education office at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

Posted Sept. 14, 2015