Two Concordia theology students present papers at conference

Two senior theology students from Concordia University, Nebraska presented papers at the Great Plains Undergraduate Theology Conference in Sioux Falls, S.D., on April 16. Kevin Ray, Little Rock, Ark., and David Marten, Shawnee Mission, Kan., are the first Concordia students to participate in the conference.

“I was excited about the opportunity to stretch my public speaking skills and increase my awareness of what types of issues other people are grappling with in the undergraduate world when it comes to Theology,” said Ray.

Ray discussed evidence concerning the use of the apocrypha/pseudipigrapha from the first century to the second century in his paper “The Early Church’s Relationship to Apocryphal and Pseudepigraphical Literature.” Using scripture, commentary from the church fathers, and some historical works, Ray wanted to see what the different views were at the time and if perhaps there was a predominant view.

Marten’s paper, “Pelagius and Augustine: Contemporary Theological Applications,” examined how Pelagius' theology of the 5th century may be reconciled with Augustine's when seen in a modern and pluralistic age. Martin separated each theologian's views from the cultural and political issues that shaped the 5th century and then compared each theology in a 21st century social environment. Beyond presenting his paper, Marten found the experience beneficial.

“I enjoyed hearing the presentations from other theological students because we are all coming from different schools, denominations and backgrounds,” Marten shared.

The students were encouraged to submit their papers by Rev. Dr. Paul Holtorf, theology department chair.

The annual Great Plains Undergraduate Theology Conference involves students and faculty from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. It is an opportunity for undergraduate scholars to present their innovative and creative works in the fields of theology and religious studies.