PThU News
- A glimpse of God through the textsShe compares studying and interpreting the Bible to detective work. The witnesses have long since passed away, and only fragments of texts and archaeological findings remain. Yet, we strive to take another step forward in understanding what is written. With this approach, Marjo Korpel will be continuing her work, now as Professor of Old Testament. 'It's fascinating to recognise glimpses of real people from long ago in these ancient texts. And to realise that, at times, they wrestled with ideas of faith just as we do now.'
- Not just a bowl of soupWhen Thijs Tromp speaks about the future of diaconate, he becomes energised. He is thrilled that in the coming years, he will continue his research on diaconal practices and theory as a professor at the PThU. Working together with diaconal organisations is essential for this academic chair, he emphasises. 'That connection is incredibly important.'
- PThU Professor Mirella Klomp appointed Theologian Laureate of the NetherlandsMirella Klomp, Professor of Practical Theology at the Protestant Theological University (PThU), has been appointed Theologian Laureate of the Netherlands for 2024-2025 (Theoloog des Vaderlands) during the Night of Theology. This coming year she will represent and give voice to theology in Dutch society.
- Waiting for God: an afternoon with Andrew RootOnce, the world had not yet been disenchanted, and the role of the Church was clear: to provide access to the transcendent through the sacraments. After the Enlightenment, the world became a material universe in which faith retained a place only within the Church. In our postmodern era, however, all forms of belief are fundamentally questioned. Therefore, as a Church and as a community, we must focus on actively waiting for God, according to American theologian Andrew Root. He spoke on 5 November to around 120 ministers and other church workers. His talk was given at the invitation of the research project "Future-Oriented Church."
- PThU appoints two professorsThe Protestant Theological University (PThU) has appointed Dr Marjo Korpel as Professor of Old Testament Studies and Prof Dr Thijs Tromp as Professor of Diaconate Studies. The proposed appointments by the PThU’s Executive Board received formal approval from the General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands on Thursday, 7 November, thus finalising the appointments. Through these appointments, the Executive Board aims not only to deepen and strengthen teaching and research at the PThU, but also to connect with and inspire practical work within the church.
- Contaminated history in StellenboschDangerous Memories. To discuss this topic, researchers from the Protestant Theological University (PThU) travelled to meet their counterparts at their partner university in Stellenbosch, South Africa, for their annual joint consultation. In the South African context, dangerous memories quickly evoke thoughts of colonialism and apartheid. These forces not only shaped history but continue to influence the present. How should we deal with memories that pose a danger in today's world?
- Why pursue a PhD after studying Theology?There is a high demand for pastors in the church. You might expect theology students to immediately transition to a congregation after obtaining their degree. However, some choose to pursue a PhD. Why?
- International committee praises research at PThUThe PThU has received a glowing review from the international committee that evaluated its research over the past five years (2018-2023). The committee was chaired by Professor Geurt Henk van Kooten of the University of Cambridge. Among the praise, the committee highlighted the clear direction of the PThU, the "courageous decision" to consolidate operations in a single location, and the exemplary supervision of PhD candidates.
- International students graduate cum laudeInternational students Beatrix Biró and Norbert Nagy graduated cum laude in August. Beatrix Biró made a fascinating comparison between an exegesis and a bibliolog study of 2 Kings 4:1-7, to gain insight into how the latter broadens the horizon of understanding the text. Norbert Nagy's innovative research tried to (re)explore the traditions from the Gospels where Jesus might have been in touch with real slavery. Both are students from our esteemed Romanian partner institution the Protestant Theological Institute in Cluj-Napoca.
- Library services during PThU move to UtrechtDuring PThU's move to Utrecht, users need to take into account a number of temporary changes regarding services, borrowing books and the availability of the collection.
- IRTI Conference starts at Universitas Kristen Duta WacanaThe 15th biennial IRTI Conference starts today in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Around fifty theologians from Asia, Africa, Europe and North America will be collectively reflecting on the topic ‘Peace among the Nations: Reformed Theology and Geopolitical Conflicts’.
- PThU finds temporary location at Daltonlaan 200 in UtrechtAfter a short but intensive search, PThU has found a temporary location at Daltonlaan 200 in Utrecht. From 1 August, PThU will rent the fourth floor of this building. From 1 September, PThU will conduct its teaching activities at this location. The open stack of the library will also move to the basement. Teaching and research can thus take place at a single location from 1 September.
- PThU and Stellenbosch University intensify collaborationPThU and Stellenbosch University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Student Exchange Agreement (SEA) on Thursday 20 June in Utrecht. In doing so, they agreed on continued cooperation, student exchange and collaboration within PThU's Church and Slavery project.
- PThU and PGU sign lease agreement Janskerk UtrechtThe Protestant Theological University (PThU) and the Protestant Municipality of Utrecht (PGU) today signed the lease agreement surrounding the use of the Janskerk church in Utrecht. For a period of thirty years, the PThU will become the main tenant of this church. During this period it will make use of the Janskerk, alongside the Ecumenical Congregation.
- ‘Christianity didn't come out of the blue’For Lieve Teugels, her new full-time Judaica chair is a recognition. Of the importance of the study of Judaism within theology, but also of herself, as the first non-Protestant professor at the Protestant Theological University. She looks forward to making Judaism explicitly visible in teaching. ‘After all, early Judaism is emphatically part of Christian identity,’ she says.
- PThU renovation plans delayed, PThU to start at temporary locationPThU announced today that it will start its master's and premaster's education at a temporary location in Utrecht on 1 September 2024. The renovation of the building at Janskerkhof 12/Jansdam 14 will not be completed in time due to delays in the renovation work.
- 'This is the place where it needs to happen'Faith is always looking for forms to express itself in. And those forms in turn give direction to faith. With this conviction, Mirella Klomp has been working as a practical theologian for years. In April she started as professor of practical theology: worship and formation at PThU.
- Prof Klaas Spronk acting rector PThUThe Supervisory Board of the Protestant Theological University (PThU) has appointed Prof Klaas Spronk, currently professor of Old Testament at PThU, as acting rector of PThU from 1 May 2024. He will hold this position until a new rector is appointed. The General Synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands took up this appointment today.
- PThU appoints two new professorsThe Protestant Theological University has appointed two new professors: Dr habil. Mirella Klomp as professor of Practical Theology and Dr Lieve Teugels as professor of Judaica. The synod of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands reached a consensus decision on these appointments on Friday 19 April.
- PThU and ETF Leuven launch research on hope in agriculture and healthcareThere are several crises in the public debate on agriculture and healthcare, where the future is uncertain. In these crises, what is the role of hope? For example, what do healthcare providers and farmers hope for? In May, the Protestant Theological University (PThU) will start a four-year research on this subject together with the Evangelical Theological Faculty (ETF) Leuven. The research also pays attention to the role of hope in Christian theology. The lead researchers (Van den Heuvel, ETF; Olsman, PThU) have already collaborated on previous projects around hope.
