Society for Reformation Studies 31st Annual Conference: The Reformation and Violence
8-10 April 2025 | Westminster College, Cambridge
Call for Papers, deadline – 14 February 2024
2025 marks the 500th anniversary of the Peasants’ War: a period of intense conflict that shocked the societal and political foundations underpinning the Holy Roman Empire and served to warn its European neighbours of the dangers of unfettered reform. Despite the shock of the Peasants’ War, outbreaks of violence were not uncommon in the early modern period. Violence took many forms, including physical fights, wars, skirmishes and battles. It occurred in print with heated words and vitriolic exchanges, it took place in public, in churches with the destruction of religious images and material culture, and in a domestic setting behind closed doors. Violence transcended class, geography, confession, gender, and age. It destroyed landscapes, disrupted trade, and caused hardship for those caught up in its wake. Yet it also provided opportunities for medical developments, employment, and mercantile activities. This conference considers the form and nature of violence in early modern Europe. What was the role of religion in causing conflict and making peace? What were the dynamics between violence and confessional authorities? Did violence impact on religious identity? How did emerging doctrines impact the nature of violence? How did ministers comfort and console victims of violence?
Leading us in our consideration of Reformation and Violence will be:
Jérémie Foa, L’Université d’Aix-Marseille
Bridget Heal, University of St. Andrews
Thomas Kaufmann, University of Göttingen
Odile Panetta, Aarhus University
As always, papers which reflect the current work of participants, regardless of their relevance to the theme, are welcome. The conference is always particularly keen to hear communications from postgraduate and early career scholars. Participants are warmly encouraged to consider submitting their papers to the Reformation and Renaissance Review.
A number of bursaries are available for doctoral students and early career researchers. On the bursary application form explain your need for support, your likely travel costs, and include a supporting letter of refence from your supervisor. For further information, contact Professor Charlotte Methuen (charlotte.methuen@glasgow.ac.uk).
Proposed paper titles together with an abstract (100-150 words) should be submitted by 14 February 2025 to Professor Charlotte Methuen (charlotte.methuen@glasgow.ac.uk). Registrations must be received by 14 February 2025, either via the booking form (available from Charlotte Methuen), or via this Eventbrite page.
Image: Wiki Commons