Concordia students present papers at theology conference

Concordia University, Nebraska students Preston Sunderman and Drew Oswald presented papers April 27 at the Great Plains Undergraduate Theology Conference held at Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Sunderman, a senior from Norfolk, Neb., discussed the origins and current state of pietism in his presentation. Oswald, a sophomore from Madison, Neb., explained the 20th century philosopher J.L. Austin’s theory of performative speech as it relates to faith creation and sustenance in the Christian life.

“Basically, I talked about how when God speaks it creates a reality and what that means for the Christian understanding of faith,” explained Oswald. 

Both Sunderman and Oswald are education majors.

Students and faculty from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota participated in the conference. Topics come from the areas of moral theology and ethics, comparative studies, practical and pastoral theology, historical studies in religion, systematic theology and scripture.