#CNMAC14 - For Want of a Better Title...

I'm sharing this post ahead of the 'Christian New Media Conference', and Awards, which I'll be at on the 1st of November. I'm excited to have been nominated as a finalist for two of the awards - 'Leadership Blog of the Year', and 'Young Blogger of the Year' - though I don't expect to be winning either, and am really excited to be presenting something in one of the 'theology' sessions, drawing on a few disparate threads I've been exploring hither and thither...

Here's the 'abstract' or introduction, for the paper/talk/chunk-of-session I'm presenting. You can read the rest of the conference itinerary here, where you should be able to find a way to book on.

‘Post/Modern Popes? Considering the pitfalls of individual influence’

In an age obsessed with rapid decisions and frantic media, Pope Francis has entertained a range of leaders from across different Christian themes. Yet evangelicals and Protestants, not so long ago, were heavily critical of the role and office of the Pope. This paper argues, in light of the influence that individuals can have on shaping policy, opinion, and now (perhaps) doctrine, that careful reflection on the problematic nature of Papal authority perhaps provides a way to gently critique and correct the individualism and influence that media following affords. This influence, this paper argues, would perhaps not be possible without the anti-intellectualism and apathy of many Christians. 

This paper takes seriously the ideas of individualism and the importance of Doctrine. I will attempt to challenge the notion of individual thought-leaders, by regarding their subjectivity in relation to abstract ideals such as beauty and dignity. By recognising the limits of individualism, and perhaps echoing the role of postmodernism in doing so, this paper argues that an emphasis on individual pronouncements, etc, is ultimately unhelpful for theological discourse. 

The conference organizers asked each of us speakers/presenters to answer a few questions about ourselves and the session, I reproduce my 'profile' below, minus (you may be pleased to hear) the cheesy photo.

Who are you, what do you do, and how does your story feed into #CNMAC14?

My name is Thomas Creedy (mostly Tom!), and I’ve just wrapped up my MA at St John’s College in Nottingham. I’m currently juggling several hats - working with theology students, writing, blogging, etc - whilst hunting for a part time job.

Can you give us a ‘sneak peak’ into your session at #CNMAC14?

My session is perhaps a bit odd for a ’new’ media conference! I want to look back a little, to consider why people had such a problem with papal authority, and then look even further back to what the New Testament says about leadership.  I’m hoping that we can then think together about ‘post/modern popes’, thought leaders, and the ways in which we think and change and dream, particularly in relation to our doctrine. 

The theme for 2014 is ‘Transforming Church, Transforming Society’. What do you see as important areas within this theme?

I don’t think you have to look around that far to see that society is in need of real, measured, thoughtful transformation. And the Church often isn’t in a much better shape. I think transformation is a slow process - but I think too easily, in Church and Society, we look for quick fixes or pragmatic solutions. 

What do you think a digital age mean for us, seeking transformational living?

I think the digital age means we can’t claim ignorance of injustice any more. I think the digital age means we have less excuses to not connect with people, particularly relatives and those abroad. I think the digital age means we need to think carefully about what it means to be human, to be church, and to be ‘good’.  

Outside of your own session, what are you most looking forward to at #CNMAC14?

I’m seriously looking forward to connecting with, and meeting, folk who I’ve interacted with on Twitter for a few years. I’m also excited to see what other speakers come up with - particularly in terms of connecting usage of media to ‘real-life-results’ (if that isn’t a misnomer…)

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I'd love to connect with you via Facebook or Twitter, especially (in this case!) if you are heading to the conference/awards.