2025 Midwest Conference of the Society of Christian Philosophers

“Heaven, Hell, and In Between”
2025 Midwest Conference of the Society of Christian Philosophers

November 13–15, 2025
Asbury Theological Seminary
204 N. Lexington Ave, Wilmore, KY 40390, United States

Registration

Conference Overview

Join us for the 2025 Midwest Conference of the Society of Christian Philosophers, scheduled for November 13–15 at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. This year’s theme is “Heaven, Hell, and In Between,” an exploration of eschatology from a broad philosophical perspective. We welcome contributions and attendance from individuals of all backgrounds and traditions.

Potential areas of interest include:

• The nature of resurrection and personal identity over time
• Ethical implications of the afterlife
• Universalism, annihilationism, and traditional views of hell
• Virtue and moral formation in eschatological settings
• Philosophical and scientific approaches to near-death experiences and consciousness
• The philosophy of time, eternity, and the afterlife
• The nature of the afterlife in light of scientific and technological developments

While eschatology will take center stage, submissions in any area of philosophy of religion are encouraged and welcomed.

Keynote Speakers

Eleonore Stump

Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University

Timothy O’Connor

Professor of Philosophy at Indiana University

Banquet Speaker:

Timothy J. Pawl

Professor of Philosophy at the University of St. Thomas

Call for Papers

We welcome abstract submissions of approximately 500 words for papers on any philosophical topic of interest to Christian philosophers, including topics related to teaching. While submissions on all relevant themes are encouraged, priority will be given to papers directly connected to the conference theme.

How to Submit

• Prepare your abstract for blind review (in Word or PDF format).
• Email it to MidwestSCP2025@gmail.com with the title “Submission for Midwest SCP Conference. Please include the following details in the email body:
  • Full name
  • Institutional affiliation (if applicable)
  • Preferred email address
  • Indicate if you are a graduate student (for prize consideration)

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2015
Notification of Acceptance: September 15, 2025

Graduate Student Prize

A $500 prize will be awarded to one graduate student paper, which will also be included in the conference program. To be considered, please note your graduate student status in the email body.

Registration

General registration: $80
Student registration: $40

Registration covers lunch in Cordelia Hall and the conference dinner banquet, both on Friday.

K-12 educators are eligible for the discounted graduate student rate.

*Registration will open soon*

Conference Details

Venue
The conference will take place on Asbury Theological Seminary’s Wilmore campus (204 N. Lexington Ave, Wilmore, KY 40390).

Lodging

Asbury Inn
1 June Ryan Circle Wilmore, KY 40390
859.858.2156.

*Note that the Asbury Inn & Suites, located on campus, has limited availability. We have reserved a block of discounted rooms (group code “scp25”) for conference participants—book before October 14, 2025 to secure this rate.

Additional Options:

• 1898 Red Bud Bed & Breakfast
  600 N Lexington Ave Wilmore, KY 40390
  859.215.6000
• The Potter’s Inn
  313 Walters Lane Wilmore, KY 40390
  859.858.0120
• The Bryan House
  9236 Harrodsburg Road Wilmore, KY 40390
  859.300.1110
• Comfort Inn, Lexington South
  100 All Star Way Nicholasville, KY 40356
  859.3887.0700

Meals

Registered attendees are invited to a banquet dinner on Friday evening (vegetarian options available). Lunch will also be offered on Friday at Cordelia Dining Hall (vegetarian options included). Light refreshments will be provided during conference sessions.

Local Restaurants & Coffee Shops:

• Drinklings
  100 Rice St, Wilmore, KY 40390
  704-733-8751
• Great Wall Restaurant
  104 East Main St Wilmore, KY 40390
  859-858-0226
• Solomon’s Porch Café & Catering
  111 E. Main St, Wilmore, KY 40390
  859-858-9060
• Subway
  100 E Main St, Wilmore, KY 40390
  859-858-8168
• Los Altos
  325 E Main St, Wilmore, KY 40390
  859-215-7076

Chairing Opportunities
If you’d like to chair a session, please contact the organizers at the conference email address.

Inquiries

For inquiries about the conference theme, logistics, or submissions, please contact MidwestSCP2025@gmail.com

Organizers:

• Joel Archer (Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Theology)
• Joel Chopp (Assistant Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology)