A conference on the figure of the Devil, and on the process of ‘demonization’, is coming at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Depending on who signs up to deliver papers, this one could well be of interest to scholars of antique esotericism, and might well be one of those rare and wonderful occasions where approaches to antique material are integrated seamlessly into longe durée historical narratives.

Here is the CfP:

CALL FOR PAPERS

The Devil 20/20 Conference

12 – 14 November 2020

University of King’s College,

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Keynote Speakers:

Elaine Pagels, Princeton

W. Scott Poole, College of Charleston

“The Devil 20/20” conference explores the nature, significance, and operation of demonism and demonization across the western tradition. The conference will bring together scholars interested in the social and cultural construction of the devil and the impact of demonism across different chronological periods and from diverse methodological backgrounds. It aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue that addresses challenging questions about how notions of the demonic are shaped by cultural priorities and anxieties, by professional discerners and the media, and by discourses of fear and safety.

“The Devil 20/20” will investigate why these images repeat through the ages and why they continue to have still have resonance in the modern world.

The Programme Committee welcomes proposals for 20-minute papers, for panels (generally consisting of three papers), and workshops or round-tables dealing with any aspect of demonism and its manifestation in the western tradition.

Abstracts of no more than 250 words should be submitted by 15 April 2020, together with a one-page curriculum vitae to devil2020conference@gmail.com

Programme Committee: Michelle D. Brock (Washington and Lee), Peter Dendle (Penn State, Mont Alto), Sarah Hughes (Temple), Kathryn Morris (King’s College), Richard Raiswell (Prince Edward Island), David R. Winter (Brandon)