Conference

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    The conference aims, among others, to update knowledge on the objects not made by human hand which are referred to by a Greek term “acheiropoietos”. This ancient concept has a wide range of meaning. Within the narrow range, the term covers images which in the strict sense came into existence without the assistance of human hand. In the broad meaning – the objects which are in a more or less conventional way entitled to such a definition when Tradition sources are taken into consideration.

    It is still not perfectly clear which objects are entitled to be described as acheiropoietos in the strict sense. Without fail, the images which underwent a thorough research in the previous century obviously belong to that group. These are the images on the Turin Shroud and the Tilma of Guadalupe, and additionally, in the light of recent comparison research carried out i.a. by sister Blandina Paschalis, the Veil of Manoppello has been also included in that group. The question, whether one can classify as acheiropoietos in the strict sense also the images from other objects such as e.g. the miniature cloth from Coromoto in Venezuela, is under discussion.

    The organisers of Toruń Acheiropoietos Conference 2011 conference are eager to open the ground for scientific discussion among researchers of various disciplines in order to circumscribe the methodological frames of research scope which is set by the term “acheiropoietos”, to confront research achievements of all scientific disciplines which deal with acheiropoietos and to set the direction for integration of acheiropoietos studies.

    The conference will be held on May 11–13, 2011 and will commemorate 12th anniversary of John Paul II's visit to Toruń. While giving a speech at Toruń’s University, he encouraged to engage in a deep dialogue between science and faith. This is also the aim of organisers of Toruń Acheiropoietos Conference 2011. It’s realisation is possible due to special subject of study wich is in the limelight of natural science as well as humanities and theology.

Suggested thematic areas

1. Acheropoietos images in natural science cognition
2. Characteristics of material structure of acheiorpoietos
3. Consequences (pastoral, liturgical, ecumenical) of integrating acheiropoietos studies for the icon theology
4. The theology of icon
5. The theology of sign and miracle
6. Fenomenology of sacred images
7. Significance of the acheiropoietos images in fundamental theology, missiology and new evangelisation
8. The issue of authenticity of Jesus Christ image in Christian iconographic canons in the context of acheiropoietos images
9. The issue of authenticity of Jesus Christ acheiropoietos image in comparison to images of deities of other religions (in the context of religious studies)
10. Forecast on scientific, sociological, cultural consequences of undertaking integrated acheiropoietos studies
11. Historical aspects
12. The condition and perspective of research and studies in the light of present state of knowledge on particular acheiropoietos

The conference language is English.

Deadline for registration (without paper submission): April 30, 2011

Deadline for registration with paper submission: March 31, 2011. This is the deadline to submit an abstract.