SSEC’s premier event-the annual conference. Meet world renowned scholars, be the first to hear about cutting edge research in the historical study of early Christianity, and relax over lunch with like minded friends. See below for the dates and theme of the next conference and how to register.
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SSEC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025
Orality and Memory in the New Testament
The relationship between orality, memory, and the New Testament is a significant area of study in biblical scholarship. It examines how oral traditions and memory played crucial roles in the formation and transmission of the texts that make up the New Testament. This conference will look at some aspects that eyewitness, orality and memory played in the formation of the New Testament
Speakers and Topics
Curtain Raiser (via zoom), Thursday 15th May, 7pm (+UTC 11)
Amelia Brown, Senior Lecturer, Greek History & Language Classics, University of Queensland
Talk: Make Love Not War: Memories of St Paul and Aphrodite/Venus in Ancient Corinth
Saturday Conference, 17 May, 8.30am to 4.45pm (+UTC11)
Prof Larry L Welborn, (via Zoom) Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, Fordham University, New York, USA
Title: Acts 9: 22-25 as an Instance of Secondary Orality
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Dr Chris Forbes, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Discipline of Ancient History, Macquarie University, PhD Macquarie University
Talk: The Balance between Eye-witness, Social Memory, Oral tradition and theological development in the Gospel tradition: what can we know?
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Dr Don Barker, Dept History and Archaeology, Macquarie University, Sydney
Note Books the Disciples and the Gospel of Mark
Abstract: This paper challenges the traditional notion that the early New Testament papyri were different from the classical texts in how they were written. I examine six major New Testament papyri and their scribal features in three areas: formality of script; the use of reading and meaning aids and the way numbers are written. Each of those features are placed in the wider Greco-Roman codicological tradition. The evidence leads to the conclusion that the scribal practice in the early New Testament papyri is as varied as in the wider codicological scribal tradition. The examination of the scribal practices in six of the larger extant New Testament papyri highlights that there are variations, in formality, the use of aids and the way numbers are treated. Despite the variations, however, there are two scribal practices that all New Testament papyri maintain: the use of the codex format and nomina sacra.
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Con Campbell, Professor and Research Director at the Sydney College of Divinity
Talk: 1 John 1: 1-4
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Book Launch: New Documents Illustrating the History of Early Christianity Volume 11 A and B. Reply by James Harrison.
Dr Gillian Asquith, Lecturer, Greek and New Testament, Melbourne School of Theology
Talk: The Sociological Significance of Remembrance in Paul’s letter openings?
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David Evans lecturer in New Testament at Queensland Theological College
Talk: Orality and Eyewitness and Paul’s Sea Journey in Acts
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Alanna Nobbs Emeritus Professor in the School of Humanities, Macquarie University
Talk: Books written by SSEC members
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David Starling, Senior Lecturer, New Testament and Theology, Morling College, Sydney
Talk: Nothing beyond what is written: Orality, Literacy and the Politics of 1 Corinthians
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Details
When?
Curtain Raiser (via Zoom), Thursday 15 May, 7pm (UTC+11)
All Day Conference, Saturday 17th May 2025 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (UTC+11)
Timetable.
Come along in Person. There are 80 seats available and we strongly encourage in person attendance. The venue is easily accessible and there is plenty of free parking available.
Morning and Afternoon Tea, and Lunch.
Unable to Attend in Person? We also offer Zoom for interstate and international members and those who would have difficulty attending in person.
Location
All Day Conference Event
Location
Macquarie University Arts Precinct Conference Room
Level 1, Room 122, Building C, Arts Precinct, Macquarie University
NORTH RYDE NSW 2113 (MAP)
Be sure to register ASAP as in-person attendance is limited to 80.
Please click the button to register
Zoom attendance is available for Interstate and International members.
To organise a zoom link Email Karyn our secretary at ssec@mq.edu.au
Costs
| Cost | |
| Zoom attendance | $96/$12per talk |
| In Person Attendance Rates | |
| SSEC Members | $130.00 |
| Non Members | $145.00 |
| Alumni | $140.00 |
| Pensioners | $95.00 |
| Full Time Students (Student Number required) | $55.00 |
| Lectures Members | $20.00 per lecture |
| Lectures Non Members | $25.00 per lecture |
*Image Fritz von Uhde, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons