How can the latest technology be used in service to the church’s mission? Do technological advances pose dangers? What are the pros and cons of AI, virtual reality and social media when used in service to the Gospel? This is the focus of Concordia Seminary’s 34th Annual Theological Symposium, “Technology and the Church: Promise and Peril,” slated for Sept. 17-18 on campus. Registration is now open.

“Technology is one of the Lord’s first article gifts to us for our benefit, and it bears great promise. Yet in our fallen world, good gifts are often misused to our peril,” said Dr. Kevin Golden, associate professor of Exegetical Theology and dean of Theological Research and Publication. “This year’s symposium will lead the church to thoughtful, faithful engagement of technology.” 

This year’s plenaries and sectionals will explore the opportunities and the challenges that contemporary technologies pose for the lives of individual Christians and for the entire church in life, witness and service.

Plenary presenters include:

• Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and Dr. Joshua Hollmann, Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia University, Saint Paul, Minn.
• Dr. C. Ben Mitchell, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Contemporary Culture at Trinity International University/Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill.
• Dr. Bernard Bull, President of Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward

Additional Symposium highlights include:

• Ninth Annual Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Lecture in New Testament Theology presented by Dr. James W. Voelz, the Dr. Jack Dean Kingsbury Professor of New Testament Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
• St. Louis Cardinals baseball game Sept. 16 sponsored by the LCMS Foundation (limited seating available)

Registration is $175 and does not include meals. Meals are available for purchase on the registration form. The registration deadline is Sept. 4. Seminary faculty and students can attend for free but must pre-register.

“This year’s theme couldn’t be more timely,” said Erika Petsch, director of Continuing Education. “Join us as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its impact on Christians and the church.”

The symposium will feature a custom event app and pre-registration for individual sessions. For more information and updates, visit csl.edu/symposium or contact Continuing Education at 314-505-7286 or ce@csl.edu.

About Concordia Seminary

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis provides Gospel-centered graduate-level theological education for pastors, missionaries, deaconesses, scholars and other leaders in the name of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). To learn more, visit csl.edu.