The year 2006 marks the 225th anniversary of Lessing’s death. Born the son of a preacher, Lessing confronted and was confronted by religion throughout his life. This session for the 2006 MLA in Philadelphia (December 27-30) will focus on Lessing’s life-long occupation with religion. Lessing concerned himself not only with his Christian milieu but also with Judaism and Islam. Anti-Semitism, religious tolerance and Lessing’s polemical exchange with Pastor Goeze are familiar themes which could stand a fresh perspective. Yet papers might also deal with the use of religious symbolism in Lessing’s writings, Lessing and Pietism, religious discussions in his letters to other thinkers of the day or even the notion of Lessing as a religious reformer.

Proposals should be 1-2 pages in length and should be sent by March 20, 2006 to: Lucindam@gmx.de or Dr. Lucinda Martin, Manteuffelstr. 48, 22587 Hamburg, Germany.