“Bothering to Love: James F. Keenan’s Retrieval and Reinvention of Catholic Ethics,” will be held at Boston College on Friday, September 13, 2024 and Saturday, September 14, 2024. The conference will celebrate the scholarship and the legacy of Fr. James F. Keenan, S.J., Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Canisius Professor, and Director of the Jesuit Institute at Boston College. Fr. Keenan has taught at BC for more than 20 years and 2024 marks his tenth year as Canisius Professor and Director of the Jesuit Institute at Boston College.
Fr. Keenan is one of the most productive, influential, and well-known Catholic moral theologians working today. He has directed over thirty doctoral dissertations, is the author of more than 27 books and edited volumes, has written more than 225 professional essays, and over 150 essays for online outlets and the popular press. As a founder of Catholic Theological Ethics in the World Church (CTEWC), he has influenced the direction of the field of Catholic theological ethics and fostered the growth of theological dialogue and collaboration around the globe.
In light of his work, the conference’s goal is to consider Keenan’s contributions to the development of Catholic ethics and how new generations of theologians are building on his work at the growing edges of theology as a global discipline. Conference speakers will consider what it means to flourish and live Christian discipleship in various areas of human experience. In addition, speakers will engage with Keenan’s work on pressing questions in bioethics, gender, and empowering traditionally marginalized communities from a variety of global and disciplinary perspectives.
The conference is made possible by generous funding and support from the Institute of Liberal Arts, the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, the Provost’s Office, the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, and the Theology Department. Read more…