Of Global Christianity at Calvin Seminary 1 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 CALVIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

CALVIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

FORUMWinter 2015

of Global Christianity at Calvin Seminary 1 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 CALVIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

ProvidingForum Theological Leadership for the Church from the Volume 22, Number 1 Winter 2015 president Ripples of Global Christianity at Calvin Seminary Julius T. Medenblik

Articles 3 Emerging World Christianity Seeing and Believing by Albert Strydhorst hat do you like about being President of Calvin Theological 6 Seminary? My answer to this very frequent question focuses on Ph.D. Program Serves the W our students and the privilege to join a world-class faculty and staff in Church Around the World creating a learning environment that prepares persons for engagement in by Bruce Buursma the mission of God. 8 Country Profiles Calvin Theological Seminary is a seminary that has a global reach and impact. Since being named as President, I have had the privilege of traveling 8 Brazil by John W. Cooper to Nigeria, South Korea and Egypt where I have seen God at work through and Carl J. Bosma our graduates. God is at work across the world. 9 China by Sarah Schreiber 10 Indonesia by Dean Deppe Nearly every semester, students from twenty different countries come 12 Mexico by Mariano Avila together to learn at Calvin Theological Seminary. 30% of our student body 14 Nigeria by Albert Strydhorst comes from outside the United States and Canada. The world is present in 15 Pakistan by Emily R. Brink the Student Center of Calvin Seminary. 16 South Korea by Sarah Chun It is while being at Calvin Seminary that I have truly seen and experienced what Philip Jenkins wrote about in his influential bookThe Called to Serve Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity (A prior seminal 2002 18 “Atlantic Monthly” article with the same focus can be found at http://www. What’s Transcendant About the Arts? theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2002/10/the-next-christianity/302591/). Jeremy Begbie Delivers Stob Lectures by Bruce Buursma In this issue, we present a mosaic of stories. These are not all the stories that could be shared, but they are a sample of the larger whole. These stories challenge us about how the Christian faith is foundational for personal and Cover: fotosearch.com societal renewal. The Calvin Theological Seminary Forum is published in Winter, Spring and Fall editions. These stories inform and challenge us to pray for the church. These Calvin Theological Seminary, 3233 Burton St. SE, stories inform, challenge and encourage us about the formative role of Grand Rapids, MI 49546. seminary education in raising up leaders who as disciples of Jesus Christ The Forum is available at www.calvinseminary.edu will be involved in forming more disciples of Jesus Christ. Designer: Paul Stoub, Stoub Graphics Photography: Steve Huyser-Honig, Paul Stoub We hope that as you “see” these stories, that it will encourage your belief © 2014 Calvin Theological Seminary that the God who so loved the world is still at work in loving the world and

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2 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

Emerging World Christianity he Redeemed Christian then briefly and very generally by Albert The church is experienc- Church of God (RCCG), describe three features of this Strydhorst, ing amazing growth, but so Field Operations which meets at Redemp- emerging world Christianity. is the world. A century ago, Director, Timothy tion Camp in Southern The hope is to spark gratitude Leadership Training world population was 1.8 bil- Nigeria, has outgrown for the movement of God’s Institute lion, with Christians making its worship auditorium. So announced Spirit and initiate informed dis- up about one third of that.* TGeneral Overseer Enoch Adeboye cussions and action in response. Today, world population is during the Holy Ghost Service in 7.2 billion, with the 2.4 billion August 2013. This is hardly remarkable What Growth, Exactly? Christians making up about news—except for the fact that the audi- Sometimes rhetoric about one third. The church is not torium already seats over half a million the phenomenal growth of the growing any faster than the people. church soars to great heights. world. The RCCG is one of the fastest- To hear some reports, one may In these calculations, a growing churches in the world. Started wonder why the final trumpet Christian is defined as anyone in 1952, the church now has a global hasn’t already sounded. who self-identifies as such—a very broad membership of about 5 million. It is definition. The rate of growth is different Pentecostal in its theology, emphasizing if one is talking about specific expres- obedience to the Bible, prayer, fast- sions of faith within Christianity. ing, miraculous healing, and material For example, evangelicals—those What is truly ▼ prosperity. Furthermore, it has global aspirations: one of its stated goals is remarkable is not * Most of the statistical references in to have a member of RCCG in every that the church is this article come from two excellent, family on earth. exhaustive studies: Christianity in its The growth and theology of the growing so fast but Global Context by the Center for the RCCG give evidence of what church that it is moving from Study of Global Christianity (2013, historians such as Andrew Walls, http://wwwgordonconwell.com/ Lamin Sanneh, and Philip Jenkins have north to south and netcommunity/CSGCResources/ been saying for decades: the numerical from west to east. It ChristianityinitsGlobalContext. strength and evangelistic passion of pdf) and Global Christianity by the Christianity is shifting to the south. is all about the shift. Pew Research Center (2011, http:// This article will sketch out some www.pewforum.org/files/2011/12/ of the highlights of this shift and Christianity-fullreport-web.pdf). 3 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Emerging World Christianity ▼ From its beginnings who profess a personal relationship with in the Los Angeles growth in previous years was predomi- God, recognize the Bible as the Word of Azusa Street revival nantly in animist contexts; what largely God, and believe they are to spread their remains now are Muslim populations faith—are growing about twice as fast as in 1906, [charismatic among whom Christian converts have the population. As many as 20 percent Christianity] has grown historically been meager. of all Christians are evangelical. But now consider the story devel- Pentecostal Christianity is growing to become the faith oping in China. Thirty years ago it was even faster than evangelical faith, at expression of a quarter unclear if Christianity had even sur- about four times the population growth vived the Cultural Revolution; today it rate. But even with the evangelical and of all Christians. is clear not only that it has, but that it is Pentecostal growth, losses in other tra- growing rapidly. The gravitational cen- ditions keep the growth of Christianity ter of Christianity has not only moved on track with the world’s population. today that number is 1 in 4. south; it is also shifting east. What is truly remarkable is not that The election in 2013 of the Argen- And the church in China has room the church is growing so fast but that tinian Jorge Bergoglio as Pope Francis to grow, with more than 1.2 billion it is moving from north to south and was also a significant marker of the Chinese who do not profess to be from west to east. It is all about the southward shift. In addition to his Christian. A Chinese scholar visiting shift. other credentials, Pope Francis’s moth- Calvin Seminary recently noted that er-tongue is Spanish—already by 1980 the time could be soon when China is Christianity Moving South… the leading language of church mem- the largest church and mission field. The gravitational center of Chris- bership in the world. tianity is moving from the global The global South is called the major- A Conservative Faith North—understood as Europe and ity world for a reason—over 80 percent The Christian faith that is spread- North America—to the global South, or of the world’s population lives there. ing rapidly and coming to characterize majority world—understood as Africa, So even though only 25 percent of world Christianity is theologically con- Asia, and Latin America—and east- the global South is Christian com- servative, biblically oriented—even ward. The “gravitational center of world pared with 70 percent in the North, the fundamentalist—and marked by tradi- Christianity” is that point on the globe numerical advantage clearly goes to the tional social values and morals. with an equal number of Christians to South. What will drive the trajectory This conservative faith took promi- the north, south, east and west. south even faster is that Christianity as nence in the 1998 Lambeth Conference Imagine a see-saw going from a percentage of the population in the of the Anglican Communion. While north to south. Now picture Chris- global North is declining at a dramatic the Lambeth deliberations had tradi- tians getting on the south end and rate, while it is rising in the South. tionally been dominated by bishops off of the north end. The fulcrum, or The situation in China—home to 1.4 from Europe and North America, their point on the globe, would need to shift billion people—illustrates the weight names on the 1998 participants list were south to keep gravitational balance. of numbers. It is estimated that the in the minority. Almost one third of the That shift is what has happened in the Christian population is 7 percent of the clerics hailed from Africa—a visual past century. total. But this still puts the number of reminder of shifting demographics. A hundred years ago, Christianity Christians close to 100 million, landing Homosexuality was the hot-button was centered in Europe and North China among the top five countries issue of the conference. Some bishops— America, with 4 out of 5 Christians in the world for number of Christians mostly from the global North—were worldwide living there; today, that (behind the United States, Brazil, Rus- advocating for greater biblical latitude number is 2 out of 5. A hundred years sia, and Mexico). toward and acceptance of homosexual ago, African Christians numbered 9 While the most remarkable story practice, while their Southern equals million; today they are over 500 mil- of church growth in the past century passionately resisted. At the end of lion. A hundred years ago, only 1 in has belonged to Africa, that narrative the day, the conference overwhelm- 50 Christians worldwide was African; may soon be ceded to China. African ingly voted to approve a statement 4 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

that rejected homosexual practice as Pentecostal testimony. The regions of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians is only “incompatible with Scripture.” the world that have seen the great- one of many acts of violence against Lambeth 1998 was a critical marker est growth are Asia, Africa, and Latin Christians in Egypt. However, in the of the numerical advantage now held America. Charismatic faith has become midst of all the violence and griev- by the Southern church and the conser- such a part of the Latin American landing—even because of it—there are vatism that typifies world Christianity. scape that over 50 percent of Latino/a testimonies of the nation being united. Pope Francis’s election in 2013 con- Catholics are estimated to be charis- Furthermore, persecution is uniting tinued this trajectory. Reporters who matic Christians. the church in witness. Pope Francis speculate that his conciliatory remarks spoke of the executed Egyptians as on homosexuality mark a movement A Costly Faith “martyrs who belong to all Christians. away from conservative theology nei- As the research of Paul Marshall It makes no difference whether they be ther understand the Roman Catholic and others has reminded us, Christians Catholics, Orthodox, Copts, or Protes- Church nor where the pope comes from. are the single most widely persecuted tants. Their blood confesses Christ.” religious group in the world today. A Charismatic Faith In some parts of the world, despite …And Back Again Charismatic or Pentecostal Christi- oppression the church has grown. In The gravitational weight of Chris- anity is the lively and highly personal other places, though, persecution has tianity has shifted south—but it is faith of Christians who expect to see decimated the church. Iraq has seen its venturing north again in remarkable God’s miraculous power on earth as Christian numbers in the past hundred ways. Over 40 million foreign-born part of normal, everyday experience. years dwindle from an estimated 35 residents now live in the United States. It emphasizes such charismatic gifts of percent of the population to its current Of these, almost three quarters are the Holy Spirit as speaking in tongues, less than 2 percent. Christian. They are bringing to Amer- divine healing, and prophesying. But even from places where oppres- ica expressions of faith and life that The language of Pentecostalism can sion has diminished the presence of the have largely been forged in the global be confusing. “Pentecostals” are Chris- church, remarkable testimonies con- South. tians who belong to historic Pentecostal tinue to emerge. The recent slaughter of One last observation. About 1 mil- denominations. “Charismatics” are lion international students—many those who belong to other denomina- from the global South—are currently tions and Christian traditions but who studying in the United States. Esti- believe in and exhibit the charismatic As the research of mates are that 250,000 of them are gifts. “Renewalists” is an umbrella term Paul Marshall and from China. Remember the 1.2 bil- used by some to jointly describe Pente- lion Chinese who are not disciples of costals and Charismatics. others has reminded Jesus? Might they still meet Him—in The growth of charismatic Christi- us, Christians are the the global North? anity has been as remarkable as it has been astonishing. From its beginnings single most widely While Rev. Albert Strydhorst currently in the Los Angeles Azusa Street revival persecuted religious serves as Field Operations Director, in 1906, it has grown to become the Timothy Leadership Training Institute, faith expression of a quarter of all group in the world he previously served as Calvin Christians. today. In some parts Seminary’s Distinguished Missionary in The most dramatic growth has taken Residence following 19 years of service place in the past 40 years; in 1970, of the world, despite in Nigeria with Christian Reformed only 5 percent of Christians had a oppression the church World Missions. has grown.

5 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Ph.D. Program Serves the Church Around the World alvin Theological Sem- Looking back now, said De Jong, “This program is part of a mosaic,” inary’s worldview and the merits of the doctoral program he noted. “You’ve got the college and reputation both have been plainly have enriched the seminary’s the seminary on this campus, both enlarged by the introduc- mission of being a global community serving Kingdom purposes. It’s part of tion of the Ph.D. program of learning aimed at serving the church a bigger picture, along with the Meeter two decades ago—a long-debated ini- throughout the world. Center and the Center for Excellence Ctiative that has attracted students from “I’ve long contended that the Chris- in Preaching and the Calvin Institute more than a dozen countries and ele- tian Reformed Church does education of Christian Worship, and the Timo- vated the seminary’s image around the better than it does anything else,” said thy Institute, and the Nagel Institute globe as a destination for rigorous and De Jong. “It’s our legacy from Abraham for World Christianity, and the Cal- winsomely Reformed scholarship. Kuyper and Herman Bavinck and the vin Theological Journal. All of these “I think the Lord has blessed this Christian school movement. It’s just pieces are an indication of the matura- program lavishly, and that’s very grat- part of our DNA to aspire education- tion and deepening of this vision that ifying to see,” said James A. De Jong, ally and academically.” the seminary and college have for the during whose presidency (1983–2001) The addition of the Ph.D. program at Kingdom.” the seminary launched the Ph.D. the seminary, added De Jong, has been The former director of doctoral stud- program after nearly a half-century a logical extension to the educational ies and current academic dean at the of sporadic deliberation and some- purpose embraced so wholeheartedly seminary, Ronald Feenstra, observed times-fractious debate among faculty and broadly by leaders in the Reformed that the Ph.D. program’s development and board members. expression of Christianity. has come as Christianity has flowered in Asia and Africa and Latin America. “We’ve witnessed this big story of Christian- ity growing around the world,” said Feenstra, “and that’s really the backdrop to why there’s been this demand for doctoral studies at Calvin. For decades, we had international students come and do the Th.M. program and very often say to us, ‘We wish we could do the Ph.D. with you, as well.’ The growing needs of the church worldwide has really been the impetus for the Calvin doctoral studies.” 6 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

said Bierma. “We have a reputation for international students,” said De Jong, being a solid confessionally Reformed who spearheaded along with former institution, but we’re not so closed- board leader Norman De Graaf the minded that folks who are not from our initial fundraising effort to endow tradition can’t feel comfortable here. teaching chairs for the Ph.D. program We don’t try to force a doctrinal grid to make sure the program could be upon them. We let them operate within adequately supported without using their own tradition.” any denominational ministry shares. For example, two of Calvin Semi- “Those funds provide full tuition for nary’s Ph.D. graduates—Keith D. Stan- all the admitted students for four glin of Austin (TX) Graduate School years, plus a modest stipend to help Richard Muller of Theology and Thomas H. McCall of defray living expenses.” Trinity Evangelical Divinity School— The generosity of seminary donors Since the first graduates of the Ph.D. are themselves rooted in the Arminian has made the doctoral studies program program were awarded degrees in 1998, tradition and, after moving through possible and sustainable, said De Jong, the program has produced more than the Calvin program, co-authored a but through the years the Ph.D. stu- 50 graduates—half of them from out- definitive study of the theology of the dents and families have made their own side the United States, including such movement’s founder, “Jacob Armin- substantial contributions to the vitality countries as South Korea, Japan, China, ius: Theologian of Grace,” published in of the seminary community. Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar, 2012 by Oxford University Press. “The program has made its mark” Poland, Congo, Nigeria, Uganda, Brazil The program intentionally is inti- on the life of the seminary—“a very and Canada. mate—involving about a third of the distinctive and significant mark,” he The Ph.D. graduates currently are seminary’s faculty and an admitted said. “Our doctoral students create a serving throughout the globe in stun- Ph.D. class of three to five students each sense of esprit de corps—a very con- ningly far-flung academic and church year. Two professors, Richard Mulder tinuous, close, caring interaction with leadership postings, and many have and Ronald Feenstra, hold endowed the faculty and with each other. They’ve published books and scholarly research chairs and do most of their teaching in made us better as an institution and as of note in their specialized fields. the Ph.D. program. scholars and as stewards of the church “The breadth and depth of scholar- “We are richly resourced to be able worldwide.” ship that has come of the Ph.D. pro- to provide significant funding for —by Bruce Buursma gram is just astounding,” said Barbara Blackmore, who serves as an assistant to the director of doctoral studies. They’re adding to the scholarship throughout the world and they add to this community delightfully.” The current director of doctoral studies, Lyle Bierma, asserted that the program is well-appreciated by its students and graduates for the academic resources it provides—notably its faculty and adjunct teach- ers, along with the library hold- ings. “Our theological stance Lyle Bierma, Ronald Feenstra and James De Jong has drawn students, as well,” 7 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Population: 202,656,788 Brazil (July 2014 estimate) Evangelical and Reformed Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Roman Catholicism: . . 64.6% Churches in Brazil • Protestantism: . . . . 22.2% • No Religion: ...... 8% by John W. Cooper, Professor of Philosophical Theology and Carl J. Bosma, Director of the Institute for Global • Other Religions: . . . . 5.2% Planting and Renewal

razil has been predomi- John W. Cooper Carl J. Bosma of the pro-Catholic police state in nantly Roman Catholic since 1972. Presbyterian and other Reformed the 16th century; it was churches have been planted and are only much later, in the 19th growing. There is a great diversity century, that Protestant of other denominations and kinds Bmissionaries—mainly American Pres- of Christianity as well. The greatest byterians—arrived. Evangelicalism and increase is among Pentecostals. Many Pentecostalism have grown remarkably Brazilians, including some famous and since the 1970s and now make up 22.2 influential people, now identify them- percent of the population (2010 Census). selves as “evangelicals” or “believers.” Traditional spiritism and modern con- Giuliano and Thiago appreciate the The spread of the Gospel has resulted in sumerism are also strong influences. ecclesiastical and cultural diversity at spiritual growth for individual Chris- Recently three people at Calvin Sem- Calvin Seminary—a real community of tians and churches, and it benefits Bra- inary from the Presbyterian Church in the global church. They also value our zil as a nation. In addition, Brazil sends Brazil reflected on this development. Reformed but open approach to educa- more missionaries abroad than almost Rev. Carl J. Bosma, retired Calvin tion—a chance to consider and evalu- any other country. These are reasons Seminary professor of Old Testament, ate different positions from a Reformed for thanks and praise to God. served as a church planter and Presby- perspective rather than simply learning But the church faces challenges too. terian Seminary professor from 1976 a single authorized position. Calvin Superficial and inauthentic Christian- to 1990 and still visits Brazil every year. Seminary enables them to grow and ity is a serious problem. People claim Rev. Giuliano Coccaro is a pastor of a mature spiritually and intellectually as to be Christians but do not change Presbyterian church in the port city of persons and pastors. their worldly or superstitious lifestyles. Santos, near São Paulo, and is a Th.M. All three men remarked about the Christian public officials do not reform student in homiletics. He learned of growth of Protestantism since the end corrupt government or promote social Calvin Seminary through Luz para justice but use their power to ben- o Caminho (Light on the Path), efit Christian special interests. The an affiliate of Back to God Min- economic downturn makes these istries International. Rev. Thiago problems even worse. Such ten- Machado Silva is a Presbyterian sions actually threaten schism in minister in Rio Preto, in the state some churches. Pentecostals often of São Paulo. Four of his professors lack sound doctrine and disci- at the Presbyterian Seminary of plined lifestyles. Evangelical and the South (SPS) in Campinas are Reformed people often lack Calvin Seminary alumni: Ricardo spiritual vitality and do not Agreste da Silva, Adrien Baussels, practice evangelism. These Dr. Heber de Campos Jr., and Car- problems are not unique to los Henrique Machado. Thiago is Brazil, but they are reasons completing a Th.M. in systematic to pray for God’s forgiveness, theology and apologetics. Rev. Ricardo Agreste da Silva mercy, and renewing Spirit.

8 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

All three men highlighted a par- congregations. He is part of an interna- as institutional. It is a blessing that the ticular movement for evangelism and tional network of pastors and churches younger generation of pastors, includ- church planting as a clear example of that embrace church planting as their ing Giuliano and Thiago, are commit- God’s Spirit moving among the Pres- main purpose. Carl Bosma is the ted to this important cause. byterian churches of Brazil. One of director of the Institute for Global God is certainly blessing the Gospel its leaders is Rev. Ricardo Agreste da Church Planting and Renewal at Cal- in Brazil. Pray for our students, our Silva, an alumnus of Calvin Seminary vin Seminary, which is part of this fellow believers, and the churches in who was featured recently on the cover network. Carl was Ricardo’s mentor Brazil. Pray for the country of Brazil, of a national magazine (see inset). and teacher in Brazil, and Ricardo has which is large and powerful and which Ricardo is a Reformed pastor who has presented at Institute conferences, so has great potential but is also troubled planted and nourished a number of these connections are personal as well and spiritually hungry.

Population: 1,355,692,576 (July 14 est.) Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Unaffiliated:...... 52.2% • Folk Religion: ...... 21.9% • Buddhist: ...... 18.2% China • Christian:...... 5.1% • Muslim: ...... 1.8% Chinese Translation Ministry • Hindu: ...... < .1% • Jewish: ...... < .1% by Sarah Schreiber, Assistant Professor of Old Testament • Other: ...... 0.7%

alk into any major Richard Muller, John Cooper, Herman Reformed theology they were reading bookstore in Shang- Bavinck, Herman Dooyeweerd, and and translating to prompt them to con- hai, China, and with Richard Mouw. It was through their sider further education at Calvin Theo- a little help you may publishing connections that Jin and logical Seminary. Mary already has her find a copy of Letters Mary first heard about Grand Rap- Ph.D. in sociology from Cornell Uni- Wto a Young Calvinist by James K. A. ids, Michigan, and the Lord used the versity, and Jin was a Ph.D. candidate Smith, translated into Chinese by Jin Li and Mary Ma. This husband and wife team began translating academic texts from English to Chinese seven years ago, but it is one of their newest transla- tions, Letters to a Young Calvinist, that has been flying off the shelves at record pace. In the first two months alone, 10,000 copies were sold. Recently the book was reprinted for the third time. Smith’s book, along with other Christian works translated by Mary and Jin, are welcome in Chinese bookstores since they are classified as academic texts and shelved in the history section. Other authors whose writing the couple has translated or is currently translating into Chinese include D. A. Carson, John Piper, Geerhardus Vos, Tim Keller, Eric Gregory, Eric Voegelin, Joel Beeke, Jin Li and Mary Ma with their son, Calvin 9 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Sarah Schreiber in economics at a Shanghai university. theologically. Christian liter- up to the birth in the hospi- At Calvin Seminary they are enrolled ature is essential for building tal, translating proved to be a in the M.T.S. and M.Div. programs, this infrastructure for future good way to pass the time (at respectively. growth in the church. least for Jin). The couple’s translation ministry Jin and Mary feel a sense of Pray for Mary and Jin as responds to what they identify as one urgency in their work because they continue to devote them- of the greatest needs of the church in they have seen signs of stricter selves to the ministry of trans- China, the need for Christian literature. censorship on the horizon. lation alongside their studies In the 1950s Protestant churches began Recently, for example, a Chinese news- at Calvin Seminary and their grow- to go underground, and persecution paper disallowed any mention of the ing family. Pray also for the church contributed to pietistic and individual- biblical figure Moses. Since it is difficult in China. Give thanks that many are istic expressions of faith. In recent years to predict what may be censored next coming to Christ and joining those the Chinese government has relaxed and when, the couple devotes much of who model faithful endurance to the control on religious groups, but to their spare time to translating crucial worldwide church in the face of long- some degree Christianity is still privat- Christian resources while they are still term persecution. Pray too for the ized. Many leaders are passionate but relatively free to do so. The Chinese Spirit to equip Chinese leaders with the lack theological training. Jin and Mary translation of Smith’s Letters was born resources needed for the next genera- see a need for catechesis and polity in around the same time as their firstborn tion of discipleship. order to unite Christians and root them son, Calvin. In the two days leading

Population: 252,812,245 (July 14 est.) Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Muslim ...... 80.3% Indonesia • Christian ...... 15.9% • Hindu ...... 1.3% • Animist ...... 1.2% Friends in Indonesia • Chinese religions . . . . . 0.9% by Dean Deppe, Professor of New Testament • Buddhist ...... 0.4%

hat does a country of 17,500 islands, 700 languages, and the largest number of active volcanoes in Wthe world—a country on the exact opposite side of the world—have to do with Calvin Seminary? What does a country like Indonesia, which the government proclaims is 87 percent Muslim, have to do with Reformed Christians here in North America? I have discovered that the connections are surprisingly strong. I spent the month of January 2015 teaching at two The class that Professor Dean Deppe taught Reformed seminaries in Jakarta and at the Reformed Seminary in Jakarta Malang, Indonesia, where I received an overwhelming welcome and observed a heart-felt loyalty to Calvin Seminary. 10 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

The faculty of the Reformed Seminary in Malang thanking Professor Dean Deppe for coming to the Philippines to teach

Religion is a core value for Indone- 75 member churches, 62 per- Dean Deppe at most 1 percent of peo- sian people. Hindu priests and traders cent of which belong to the ple are Christian). Further- brought Hinduism to the country in Reformed tradition. Christian more, Indonesia is home to Population: 252,812,245 (July 14 est.) the first two centuries AD, while Islam Indonesians report that the 779 people groups, of whom Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Muslim ...... 80.3% began taking over the country in the seminaries in Indonesia have 226 are still unreached by • Christian ...... 15.9% 13th century. Portugal brought Roman a strategic position in shaping the Gospel. But consider • Hindu ...... 1.3% Catholicism to Indonesia, whereas the future of Christianity in these personal reflections • Animist ...... 1.2% • Chinese religions . . . . . 0.9% the Dutch introduced Protestantism that country. Over the last from Indonesian graduates • Buddhist ...... 0.4% at the beginning of the 17th century. years, Calvin Seminary has from Calvin Seminary about Accordingly, the history of the Protes- sent visiting professors every what they consider to be the tant churches goes back to the change year to teach at a Reformed seminary challenges facing the church in their in colonial rule, when the Reformed in Jakarta and recently in Malang as country. Dutch drove the Catholic Portuguese well. These seminaries have their roots Agung Gunawan, Calvin Seminary out of the Moluccas in 1601–1605. The in ministry to ethnic Chinese Indone- graduate and president of Aletheia result was the founding of the oldest sians dating back to the early twentieth Seminary reports, “The challenge of Protestant church in Asia. Today, the century, when many Chinese migrated the Reformed Church in Indonesia government recognizes six religions, to Indonesia around the time of the is preparing the future leaders for and the law states that every citizen Boxer Rebellion. Each campus is grow- the church. The problem faced today must hold an identity card specify- ing in students and in its building proj- is that so few young people in the ing which of these religions he or she ects—growth that indicates the vitality church give their lives to be God’s belongs to. Furthermore, the threat of of the church and the support of its servant.” prison holds sway over any atheist. constituency. Amos Oei, a Ph.D. graduate from Calvin Seminary, reflects, “Upon Present Blessings The Challenges Ahead the completion of my study at Cal- Today 85 percent of the Protestants Probably the largest challenge vin Seminary, I serve as a professor in Indonesia belong to the Commu- to Indonesian Christianity is that and dean of students at the Church nion of Churches in Indonesia (Perse- Christianity is weakest in the most of Christ the Lord. Our dominant kutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia highly populated and fully developed Chinese background is both a

[PGI], founded in 1950), which has regions, such as Java and Bali (where strength and a weakness. We ▼ 11 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Friends of Indonesia ▼ are strong in fellowship but weak at with the poor in a country with one of often threatening the safety and sur- adapting to changes in the culture and the fastest rising rates of inequality in vival of innocent persons, especially bridging the generational gap to our the world.” members of religious minorities, since youth and teenagers.” Yuzo Adhinarta, now a professor constitutional rights have been abro- Yohanes Budhi, a visiting scholar at a Reformed seminary in Jakarta, gated and violated through govern- at Calvin Seminary, adds, “The real emphasizes that “to an alarming ment inaction.” struggle of Christianity in Indonesia extent, freedom of thought, con- Certainly our prayers go out to the is for Christians to live side by side science, and belief is being curtailed, churches and seminaries of Indonesia.

Population: 120,286,655 (July 2014 est.) Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Catholicism: ...... 82.7% Mexico • Other Evangelical Churches: . . 5% • None: ...... 4.7% A Growing Church in the • Unspecified:...... 2.7% • Other: ...... 1.9% Midst of Violence and Fear • Pentecostal: ...... 1.6% • Jehovah’s Witnesses: . . . . .1.4% by Mariano Avila, Professor of New Testament

Present Context evangelical and other states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Veracruz, Mariano Avila s a result of wrong Protestant denominations) and Yucatan. decisions and are tangible, and the Gospel corrupt admin- can still be good news for peo- Challenges istrations in ple who need it urgently. While the churches are growing in Mexico over the The religious composition Mexico or people are changing their Alast 14 years, 80,000 people has changed in significant religious affiliation (from Roman have been murdered and dis- ways over the last decades. Catholic to evangelical), it is important appeared. People live in fear, Catholicism has been decreas- to take a closer look into such growth and life has changed for the ing, and people have changed and consider it closely. common citizen in significant ways. their affiliation to evangelical and Prosperity gospel. For us in the north it is hard to imagine Protestant churches, as well as to other Large numbers of converts to the what it means for people to face such beliefs. The number of people who evangelical faith follow closely the a reality in their everyday lives. The declare themselves agnostic or atheist dominant paradigm of most mega- people of Mexico are no longer able to is also growing. churches and independent churches, distinguish between criminal organi- the so-called prosperity gospel. The zations and their own government (43 Catholics in Mexico belief that by becoming Christian you students disappeared three months ago 1895 1970 2000 2008 2009 will eventually become rich is popular, in Ayotzinapa by local authorities), and 99.1% 96.2% 88.0% 84.7% 80.5% and many people have come to believe they do not have many alternatives to that it is the Gospel of Jesus. This poses turn to. Protestants and evangelicals make up 7.6 percent of the population, other significant questions in terms of the Church Growth religions make up 2.5 percent, and 4.6 seriousness and depth of such faith Nevertheless, Mexican churches are percent have no religion. Reformed/ and the permanent membership in the growing, thriving, and keeping their Presbyterian churches have a total church. There is a significant floating faith and hope under such circum- membership of 437,690. population in such churches, and peo- stances. Expressions of love and soli- Most Presbyterians are located in ple move from one to the other and darity by churches (including Catholic, the southeast part of Mexico, in the frequently out of them. 12 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

Strong proselytizing but weak in order to build them up and establish in recent decades, it seems that Death is discipleship. their belief in God and the Bible. Some really powerful and that people need to If there is a permanent mark of Latin churches do this well, but most do not. be on good terms with her. American evangelicals, it is the strong Growth of dark religious alternatives. sense of duty toward converting peo- During the last two decades, two Living and articulating our faith in ple to faith in Jesus. That is something cults have grown significantly in the context where we live. clear and firm, and it is very much in Mexico. One of them, the worship of A faith that is only for the religious their DNA. The belief that we in the the Santa Muerte (Holy Death), has life but that does not speak to every- north need to go and evangelize in become very popular, and some schol- day realities is a dead faith (James 2). Latin America belongs to the colonial ars believe that it has close to 10 million In light of the growing poverty in the times. It would be much more accurate devotees. Many of them worship Death nation, violent criminal organizations to think in terms of what we can learn without leaving their Roman Catholic that have created a situation of fear and from Latinos/as about how to evangelize faith, since such worship does not have deep suffering, a lack of opportunities our neighbors. The zeal for and commit- exclusivist claims. It is a worship that that forces people to look in the north ment to evangelism has been present in mixes ancient indigenous beliefs in for a better way of life (leaving behind Mexican churches since their establish- Mictecacihuatl (the goddess of the desolated towns and families), and the ment in the late 19th century, and their infraworld) with Roman Catholic rit- growth of other dark religious alterna- extraordinary growth in the last decades uals. One of the reasons for the pop- tives, it is urgent to present the Good is a demonstration of their vitality. ularity of this recent cult is that in a News of the Kingdom with clarity and What is needed is the deepening and country where more than 80,000 peo- compassion to a suffering country. Let broadening of the faith of new converts ple have been murdered or disappeared us pray for Christians in Mexico!

Prof. Avila interviewed Calvin seminarian José Polanco about José Polanco his ministry and about the strengths and challenges of the church in Mexico. José is a Master of Theological Studies student from Maxcanu, Yucatan, Mexico. How did you come to know of Calvin leading denomina- Seminary, and why did you come to tions currently. study here? I knew about Calvin Seminary What can the global through one of the trips of Prof. Arie church learn from Leder to our Presbyterian seminary the church in your in Yucatan, Mexico, and I ended up at country? Calvin Seminary for two main reasons. The Mexican First, I was looking for a Reformed Christian church is a theological education, and second, living testimony to the Calvin offered me housing. global church of how the Gospel becomes What is the state of the Christian incarnate in a spe- church in your country? cific culture. The rich The dominant religion in Mexico is spirituality of the Mexican indigenous Mexican culture did not come from the Catholicism; however, there is a large people built bridges for the Christian Jewish practice of the Old Testament community of Protestant churches. church to promote the devotion of but from the practice of the indige- Among the Protestant churches, the Christian life. The idea of having nous people of Mexico. Today, Pentecostal and Charismatic are the a sacred space to worship God in the Catholic temples are considered ▼

13 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Mexico: A Growing Church in the Midst of Violence and Fear ▼ sacred at any time. Protestants preach theological education and tools that is, but I think that one of her needs that God can be worshiped anywhere, will help me to have a position as a is to have scholars who can help the but there is always an altar that identi- professor at one of the seminaries of church play a better role in Mexican fies that place as sacred. There are many the Presbyterian Church and thus to society. The lack of influence by the other examples in the Mexican church contribute to the formation of future Christian church on how society can of how the Gospel was indigenized, church leaders. It has also enriched my overcome the injustice and corrup- as Andrew Walls calls it in his book Christian life with its Reformed Dutch tion of the government is making the The Missionary Movement in Christian tradition and its multicultural commu- church irrelevant. History. nity of students. What is your biggest need and/or per- What are you gaining, or did you What is the biggest need of the sonal prayer request? gain, at Calvin Theological Seminary Christian church in your country? I dream and pray that God uses me for your ministry calling? It is difficult to say what the biggest to make a significant change in the life Calvin Seminary has given me a need of the Christian church in Mexico of marginalized communities.

Population: 178,516,904 (July 2014 est.) Nigeria Religious Profile (2011 estimate): • Islam ...... 50.4% Nigerian Calvin Seminary • Christian ...... 48.2% Protestant ...... 35.6% Graduates Roman Catholic . . . . . 12% by Albert Strydhorst, Field Operations Director, Other Christian...... 5% Timothy Leadership Training Institute • Other...... 1.4%

he church in Nigeria is facing One of the urgent prayer Albert Strydhorst so they either deliberately or two large threats: violent requests of the Nigerian grad- ignorantly teach heresy to the Islamists from outside and uates is for the church’s faith- members,” observed current superficial disciplesinside . fulness to Christ in the midst M.T.S. student Rev. Darshak This is the assessment made of persecution, for an end Toma. “Nigerian pastors need Tby several Nigerian graduates of Calvin to violence and fear, and for sound theological training.” Theological Seminary when asked peace and justice to prevail. This is what brings some about the state of the church in their The second threat is one of them to study at Calvin country. that is directly linked to the Seminary. Financial costs are Regarding the violence, Rev. Dr. phenomenal expansion of a great challenge for most, Caleb Ahima, a 1998 M.A. gradu- the Nigerian church. Churches are and separation from family is a com- ate and the current president of the growing faster than leaders are being mon hardship and sorrow. “It’s not Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria trained. People flock to the churches easy,” is a common refrain, “but we (CRC-N) said, “Persecution against the in great numbers, but then fail to be t h an k G o d .” church is increasing through the dev- discipled. Theological study abroad is not the astating attacks of the Boko Haram and Preaching is often biblically suspect only option. There are also a number other Muslim fundamentalists, mostly or shallow. Unorthodox teachings, such of solid seminaries in Nigeria. One in the northern part of the country.” as the prosperity gospel, are common of these is the Theological College of Late last year a congregation of the fare in many of the fastest growing, Northern Nigeria (TCNN). A Ph.D. CRC-N was attacked, and the pastor Pentecostal-type churches. “Many graduate of Calvin Seminary, Rev. Dr. and many church members were killed. church leaders lack theological training, Tersur Aben, is the provost (president) 14 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

of the college. Student numbers at Sagarga Nuvalga, a 2007 graduate, tes- diverse community in Houston, Texas, TCNN have recently climbed higher tified, “Calvin Seminary helped me to summarized what is to be learned from than those of Calvin Seminary. rediscover myself and the purpose of the Nigerian church: “It truly embodies Nigerian Calvin Seminary gradu- my life as a child of God and shepherd and lives in the reality that nothing can ates look back with appreciation for in the church.” Dr. Ahima commented, separate us from Christ’s love. In the their time at the seminary. “It gave “I enjoyed the simplicity of the faculty midst of widespread persecution, the me an environment that was peaceful members and their honest and friendly faith of her members remains strong. and with good resources so I could socialization with the students.” The Nigerian church is a genuinely and concentrate on my studies,” said 2014 Rev. John Eigege, an M.Div. grad- perpetually joyful bride of Christ.” graduate Rev. Emmanuel Bileya. Rev. uate of 2012 now ministering in a

Population: 196,174,380 (July 2014 est.) Religious Profile (2010 estimate): • Muslim (official)...... 96.4% Pakistan Sunni ...... 85–90% Shia ...... 10–15% Psalm-Singer from Pakistan • Other (includes Emily R. Brink, Adjunct Professor Christian and Hindu): . . .3.6% of Worship and Church Music ric Sarwar did not co-hosting worship confer- ancient culture by missionaries from Emily Brink come to Calvin Theo- ences in their home coun- the United States and Scotland. Cal- logical Seminary tries, where we learn at least vin Seminary was founded in 1876; in 2014 to begin his as much as we teach. In 2009, Gujranwala Theological Seminary Estudy of theology. He had I represented CICW at two (GTS) was founded just a year later, in already graduated from a conferences in Pakistan at 1877. Both denominations started out Presbyterian seminary with the invitation of Rev. Eric as psalm-singing churches, and the first an M.Div., earned a second Sarwar. A familiar Reformed/ English-language psalter for the CRC master’s degree in Islamic Presbyterian tradition in a was completed in 2012, with the 150 history, planted a church, very unfamiliar culture was an psalms divided into 410 songs, while founded a school of church music and ear-, eye-, and heart-opening experi- the Punjabi Psalter was completed in worship, translated two books into ence! CICW then invited Eric to speak 1891, with the 150 psalms divided into Urdu (including John Witvliet’s The at our Symposium on Worship, and in 405 songs. However, both denomina- Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship), January 2014 he stayed on to begin a tions gradually lost their heritage of and produced national psalm-singing master’s in worship at Calvin Seminary. exclusive psalm-singing. festivals—all in his native country of While he is learning from us in our But major contrasts exist as well. Pakistan. He has also produced CDs North American context, he has been First, the CRC is part of a majority of psalms and children’s songs that are preaching, teaching, and opening more Christian culture in North America, known widely throughout his country. eyes, ears, and hearts to what it is like whereas the PCP, even when combined So what brought him to Calvin Semi- to be a Christian in Pakistan. with all other Christian churches in nary? Therein lies a story. Consider these comparisons between Pakistan (and there are several denomi- The Calvin Institute of Christian the Christian Reformed Church in nations there, Protestant and Catholic), Worship (CICW) hosts many inter- North America (CRC) and the Presby- is a very small part of the dominant (97 national participants each year at our terian Church in Pakistan (PCP). Both percent) Muslim culture in Pakistan. annual Symposium on Worship and denominations started in the mid-19th Second, the Dutch immigrants also develops partnerships with inter- century: the CRC with Dutch immi- forming the CRC were at

national leaders for the purpose of grants in a new culture, the PCP in an first rural and poor and then, ▼ 15 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Psalm-Singer from Pakistan ▼ after World War II, often more educated. On the other hand, Pakistan has experienced a huge “brain drain” in the last twenty years, with many very well-educated people leaving (for example, Eric’s in-laws received asy- lum in the Netherlands), and there are many “Indo-Pak” immigrant communities and churches now in major cities in Canada and the United States. Meanwhile, the remaining Christians (still several million) are often poor and struggling in an increasingly hos- tile environment under radical Islamic influence. Finally, North America is a literate President Jul Medenblik with Eric Sarwar culture, and we use musical notation in hymnals. But most Pakistani Christians among Pakistani Christians. What was Psalm 18, which I heard sung from are illiterate and sing by rote. In fact, so amazing to me is that the Pakistanis memory in a youth group, at GTS, and the entire rich raga tradition of song, so sing in their ancient, raga-based tra- in the church Eric pastored. different in sound from Western music, dition, not in the Western-influenced, In addition to studying at Calvin has no notation; Eric learned the raga translated hymns or worship songs I Seminary, Eric continues to stay con- tradition from his grandfather as an so often hear in other countries. They nected with his family, school, and apprentice. While in seminary, Eric sing out of a deep and ancient heritage church as well as other worship leaders learned about the history of psalm-sing- of song that speaks to their hearts in through Skype. For more information ing in his country and felt a burden to ways that Western music cannot. When about this gifted servant of God, Google help revive it for the sake of his broth- I heard the Pakistanis sing, my heart his name or read a two-part interview ers and sisters in Christ. The psalms was deeply moved by the passion with with him in Reformed Worship (issues are once again becoming a source of which they cried out to God through 115 and 116, available at www.reformed- spiritual encouragement and strength the psalms. I’ll never forget especially worship.org).

Population: 49,039,986 (July 2014 est.) Religious Profile (2010 estimate): South Korea • None: ...... 43.3% • Christian ...... 31.6% Called to Study, Protestant ...... 24% Roman Catholic . . . . . 7.6% Ordained to Serve • Buddhist: ...... 24.2% • Other or Unknown: ...... 0.9% by Sarah Chun, Associate Dean of Students ho would have thought precisely the story of Paul (Byung- Asian Center for Theological Studies a simple visit to a local soo) Han’s journey from graduate and Mission in Gyeonggi-do, South bookstore would change student in economics to assistant pro- Korea. Paul came across Dr. Richard Wthe course of a life? That’s fessor of systematic theology at the Muller’s Post-Reformation Reformed 16 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 RIPPLES OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY AT CALVIN SEMINARY

Sarah Chun

Dogmatics in a bookstore, and theology, harmony of theoria CRC, Paul hopes to maintain the con- upon reading it he felt led and praxis, intimate fellow- nections among the churches in Korea, to study Reformed orthodoxy ship among the members of a China and the United States. When asked at Calvin Theological Semi- community, and sincere appli- what the global church can learn from nary under Dr. Muller. Paul cation of the Reformed con- the church in his country, Paul replied, completed his Th.M. degree fession in the field of the local “The Korean church, though having a lot in historical theology in 2006 church.” of weaknesses, is indeed strong in evan- and went on to receive his Ph.D. in his- In addition to completing the Th.M. gelism and prayer and preaching. Korean torical theology in 2013. and Ph.D. programs, Paul was ordained pastors are so passionate and devoted in Paul is one of many South Korean in the Christian Reformed Church on pastoral care, working from 5:00 a.m. to students at Calvin Seminary; in fact, December 14, 2014, at Church of the 9:00 p.m.” These strengths have contrib- nearly one in five students at Calvin Servant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He, uted to the significant growth of Chris- Seminary has come from South Korea like many students from South Korea, tians since 1970. “The reasons for this to study Reformed theology. About a comes from the Presbyterian tradition. growth, in my eyes, are the emphasis on quarter of South Koreans self-identify Many of these students return to South active evangelism by devoted pastors, as Christian. “My country, South Korea, Korea upon completion of their program spiritual miracles, the economic/reli- pronounces religious freedom, so there and serve in Presbyterian churches. Paul, gious situation at that time, and most of is no problem with any religion which however, took a different route. Though all, God’s grace upon which every revival does not harm the Korean society,” says he was a member of Hapshin Presbyte- of God’s church should rely,” he says. Paul. Seoul, the capital of South Korea, rian Church, he was “unconsciously but Paul adds that the biggest need of the is home to the world’s largest Pentecos- graciously getting more familiar with the Christian church in his home country is tal church, Yoido Full Gospel Church. CRC polity and theological tradition.” In “church polity based on Reformed faith Paul grew up in a non-Christian the end, he decided to seek ordination and the application of sound doctrine in home with six siblings. At the age of in the Christian Reformed Church. “The Christian life.” seven, both of his parents passed away. CRC has a great theological and ecclesi- As for Paul, his personal prayer This left him wrestling with the “‘to be astical tradition and a good tradition of request is “to learn more about how to or not to be’ issue” and what life and Reformed theology and faith,” he says. harmonize Scripture and theology and death mean. “I kept asking of myself “Especially the church polity is very well the Christian life and to learn how to who I am,” he says. Then, at the age of organized, and the process of making inculcate the church polity of the CRC nineteen he recalls experiencing “a kind decisions on very delicate issues is very in Korean churches.” Many blessings to of divine encounter” between the Lord reasonable and legitimate.” you, Paul, and your family as you faith- and himself. This was the beginning of As a graduate of Calvin Theological fully respond to God’s calling and serve Paul’s journey as a believer, enabling Seminary and an ordained pastor in the His people around the world. him to identify himself as a child of God and say, “God is my father and my l ord .” Shortly thereafter, in 2004, Paul, with the support of his wife and children, moved to Grand Rapids and began his studies at Calvin Seminary. He spent almost ten years as a student at Calvin Seminary studying under Dr. Muller, and Paul received what he had hoped for and much more. More specifically, he says, “I learned sound doctrine, a well-balanced system of Reformed Paul Han Source: CIA—The World Factbook 17 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Called to Serve What’s Transcendant About the Arts? Jeremy Begbie Delivers 2014 Stob Lectures

eremy Begbie’s flying fingers are an instrument of his spiri- Jtuality, flitting as they do over the keys of a piano, producing temporal chords that nonetheless evoke a holy hankering for the mystery of the eternal and ineffa- ble Composer of all things. “Where do we take our ulti- mate theological bearings,” Begbie asked during one of his two Stob Lecture presentations on a pair of snowy November evenings. “My concern is that we do not lose our nerve, that we never forget how distinctive our biblical texts are, how arresting is the Person who lives at their center, how strange is this God he knows as Abba Father, and what a stunning vision of transcendence is unveiled through his Jeremie Begbie journey from birth through death to exaltation. “Lose this orientation and we cut our- “Before that, I had relatively little inter- that was the big turning point in my life.” selves off from the only really transform- est in religion,” he said. “I’m sure I believed Still enraptured by music, Begbie now ing hope we have for the arts, or indeed in some kind of God, but it didn’t really was attracted to a new path. He felt a keen anything else,” he declared in an appear- make much difference to my life. It was call to ordination and the ministry, and ance cosponsored by Calvin Theological music that gave me meaning and purpose, undertook a degree in philosophy and Seminary and Calvin College. a social network and engulfing emotional music at Edinburgh, went on to study For Begbie, a professor of theology experiences. But after taking leave of high theology at Aberdeen, and then trained at Duke Divinity School and a member school, I began studying philosophy and for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. of the music faculty at the University of during that time I got to know better a Throughout his professional life as Cambridge in his native England, the school friend who came from a dynasty both a theologian and musician (pianist, Stob Lectures provided a hospitable stage of Scottish Presbyterian pastors. He intro- oboist, conductor), Begbie has sought for him to explore the question, “What’s duced me to his father (James B. Torrance, to reflect upon the ways in which faith Transcendent About the Arts?” in a a professor of systematic theology at the and the arts inform and inspire each familiar setting. University of Aberdeen), who in turn other. He’s published a number of books, Begbie has been a frequent visitor introduced me to the New Testament.” including Voicing Creation’s Praise: and speaker on the campus, both at the Dr. Torrance was an accomplished Towards a Theology of the Arts; Theology, Symposium on Worship organized by man of letters and patience, recalled Music and Time, and Resounding Truth: the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Begbie. “He treated me with nothing but Christian Wisdom in the World of Music, and at the celebrated lecture/cultural arts grace,” said Begbie. “My questions were the last of which won Christianity Today’s January Series at the college. His schol- crass, stupid and sometimes aggressive. 2008 Book Award in the Theology/Ethics arly specialty is deeply personal, in many But however silly the questions may have area. ways autobiographical. It is the intersec- been, he took them and made some- “At the time I entered this field, there tion of faith and the arts, the crossroad at thing of them, with great kindness. At had been relatively little written on the which his life’s course changed when he the deepest level, I sensed he had some- interface of faith and the arts,” said Beg- was early in his college years and “came thing I didn’t have. So I came to the father bie, who credits Calvin-connected phi- to faith” at the age of 19. through the son (in both senses!), and losophers Nicholas Wolterstorff and 18 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Calvin Seerveld with giving initial shape • “As we turn our faces to Jesus Christ, the arts, including the verbal arts like to his thinking about Christianity and the one in whom transcendence poetry, can witness to the origin and the arts. “I appreciated their vision and has been decisively acted out in our ground of this uncontainability—the appeal for an integrated mind that makes midst—or rather let him face us— God of Jesus Christ, a God of uncon- connections between disparate fields.” and begin to sense the pressure out tainable generosity.” Begbie has come to believe that the arts of which Christianity burst, we’ll dis- • “No one put it better than G.K. Ches- are essential in “helping us understand cover very quickly that our thinking terton in his hymn: ‘From all that ter- our culture very deeply,” and that the and our speaking are part of what God ror teaches/From lies of tongue and pen/ “strongest theological resources for fur- came to redeem. God doesn’t let us From all the easy speeches/That comfort thering the theology and arts conversa- stay as we are.” cruel men.../Good Lord, deliver us.’ Yes, tion come from the Reformed tradition.” • “By their very nature, the arts can tes- from ALL easy speech. The arts at their In his Stob Lectures, Begbie took his tify to a truth witnessed to in the lan- best deliver the pastor (and the theolo- audience on a far-flung, multi-media guage of Scripture: that the world is gian) from easy speech, from finding journey into the realms of transcendence always beyond our complete grasp and words and then settling down in them with flights of musical reverie and elegant control, that there’s an excess of mean- like a warm blanket.” oratory. ing in the world which always eludes —Bruce Buursma His main argument in the lectures our complete grasp. And in this way, centered on encouraging Christians to have the courage of their convictions, and understanding “transcendence” strictly FACULTY OPENING out of the trinitarian Gospel, and not in terms of an unnameable, amorphous Calvin Theological Seminary invites applications and nominations deity of the 19th Century. of qualified individuals for the faculty position of Among the highlights: Director of Mentored Ministries • When then-Archbishop of Canterbury Anticipated start date between July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016 Rowan Williams visited the seminary Duties include the following: in Cambridge where Begbie once taught, he was asked, “What above all • Nurturing and assessing the personal, spiritual, and ministry formation of else would you like our trainee min- students isters to learn when they’re here?” To • Supervising internships and the mentoring program which he replied: “I’d like them to sense • Helping students discern their gifts and calling the pressure out of which Christianity • Helping students and recent graduates find placement in suitable positions burst.” The Archbishop, said Begbie, “wanted our students to remember • May include teaching, serving alumni, or assisting in other ways that the New Testament was not writ- We especially encourage applications from women and ten in the calm, collected atmosphere members of ethnic minority groups. Applicants must of a library, but in the midst of a rush be committed to the confessions and mission of the For more information of unstoppable divine energy.” Christian Reformed Church in North America. and to submit • “Christian contemplation, at its pro- applications or The Search Team will begin reviewing applications foundest, is about being caught up in nominations, by May 1, 2015. visit www. the pressure out of which Christianity calvinseminary.edu/ burst, when God dethrones our egos jobopenings (we can’t do that ourselves), and as we are changed into the likeness of the Son through the Spirit. True perception of the divine requires the action of the divine in us, specifically the Holy Spirit (a very Reformed stress).” 3233 Burton Street SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546 19 Calvin Seminary Forum • Winter 2015 Non-Profit Org. 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Center for Excellence in Preaching cep.calvinseminary.edu

CELEBRATING 2004–2014 TEN YEARS

• CELEBRATINGThe new CEP website is more visually appealing2004–2014 and easier to navigate from a variety ofTEN computer YEARS and phone and tablet devices.

• New to the redesigned website is a section of sermon starter articles for biblical texts that are not covered anywhere in the three-year Lectionary cycle.

• New to the redesigned website is a “Reading for Preaching” section in which juicy quotes and nuggets of insight are posted by topic from the popular CEP seminar “Imaginative Reading for Creative Preaching.”

• The CEP website continues to feature 4 new sermon starter ideas every Monday as featured on the new CEP homepage as well as an archive of materials covering hundreds of key biblical preaching texts.