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Non-profit org. U.S. Postage PAID Institute for Christian Studies Lewiston, N.Y. Permit No. 49

Volume 36, Issue 3, September 2002

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ORDER FORM Equipping Christian Perspective Newsletter (USPS 335-530) leaders around the Thirty-five years old PRICE QTY TOTAL is published by world Ontario Summer Conference 2002 CD and Tapes Institute for Ambassadors of Reconciliation: Christian Studies Reconciliation and Contemporary Culture by John Suk You might be surprised that this fragile infant, with a short life-expectancy, is The Christian Community: Ragtag Band of Reconciled Reconcilers Editorial Committee: alive and healthy after 35 years. The Institute for Christian Studies was started by George Vandervelde Harry Fernhout, Sunday Worship Service with message by John Suk John Meiboom, in 1967 in a house in mid-town Toronto with only one professor. Hendrik Hart, CD: $13.00 $ Yvonne Barber with a fresh Ph.D. degree from a European university, established ICS’s Tape: $10.00 $ Design: Willem Hart Communications classroom all over Canada. By Bob VanderVennen Books for Sale Coordinator: Chris Cuthill The Bible and the Task of Teaching By David Smith and John Shortt $24.95 $ aybe the (Top) Bob VanderVennen With/out Religion: The Prayers and Tears of John D. Caputo Send all address In this issue: Dutch immi- (far right) at the opening of edited by Jim Olthuis changes to: grants of the the Institute in 1967. To his $47.95 $ Circulation Manager, M 1950s were left, Calvin Seerveld, and far A living vision 2 The Beautiful Risk: A New Psychology of Loving and Perspective the only ones who could left Albert Wolters. Loved by Jim Olthuis $29.95 $ ICS have pulled this off. They Special “Othuis” Package Deal: 229 College Street Ontario & Alberta had the religious vision of (Middle) A Board meeting The Beautiful Risk, I Pledge You My Troth, and Suite 200 Conferences 4 an academic project that with Louis Tamminga as Keeping our Troth for only $45.00 $ Toronto Ontario, would be Christian from Chair in the late 60s. Art and : Signposts for Christians in the Arts (2nd Edition) Canada M5T 1R4 the inside out. They lived Adrienne Chaplin and Hilary Brand $32.95 $ Interview: Lambert out of the convictions of (Bottom) A typical class at Bearing Fresh Olive Leaves: www.icscanada.edu Zuidervaart 6 who ICS in the new building a Alternative Steps in Understanding Art Calvin Seerveld $35.00 $ suggested that there is not 229 College Street during the In the Fields of the Lord: A Calvin Seerveld reader U.S.A. subscribers/ Dialogue at ICS 8 a square inch of this world 80s Edited by Craig Bartholomew $35.00 $ supporters please that is not claimed by , Music and by Jeremy Begbie $45.00 $ contact: as his own. All of life directed learning.” They Friends of ICS New book 10 was driven by that vision – ran with the previously Total Order $ 678 Front Street NW education, politics, labour unthinkable that the *Shipping & Handling Charges Suite 159 , public media – study of academic subjects Grand Rapids everything was held to- was intrinsically religious – Canada: Add $2.75 plus 75¢ per additional item $ MI 48504 gether with religious sin- that you don’t add Christ- US: Add $3.75 + $1.00 per additional item $ ews. The antithesis was a ian and ethics after Other: Add $5.75 +$2.00 per additional item $ Authorized Second Class secular world-view and you’d done your research, postage paid to the USA utterly rejected. but you started academic Final Total $ and Territories, mailed They took those con- study and research with from Box 110 victions with them when Christian ideas because ICS offers a wide variety of books: from scholarly and academic titles to popular and devotional. To recieve Lewiston, NY 14092 they came to Canada by God was creator and a full listing of our available publi-cations go to www.icscanada.edu. You may also call (1-888-326-5347 or the boatload and soon sustainer of everything, 416-979-2331) and request a book list, or mail in this form. Publications mail found that Canada’s and only in him was agreement no. 105244 universities were not open . Many Christians  Please send me your complete list of books available through ICS Reg. no. 2091 to their vision. Needing didn’t understand that, and Name leaders to champion their university scholars ideas they made plans to it was crazy. Address CityProv/State Address correction requested start their own Christian From four men who Postal Code/Zip Phone/E-mail university. first spoke that dream out ISSN 0847-0324 The vision was large. loud the circle grew. An Payment An Educational Creed educational Association was written to express the was born in 1956. In 1959  Cheque/Money Order PRINTED IN CANADA ON RECYCLED PAPER vision, with the educatio- a summer conference for  VISA # nal purpose stated to Signature Expiry “develop Scripturally- (Continued on page 3)

Perspective / VOLUME 36 / NO. 3 / SEPTEMBER 2002 / 12 1/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES from the ICS TO CO-SPONSOR CONFERENCE TOPICS Fall INCLUDE: president A living vision CONFERENCE CELEBRATING THE courses Runner and Vollenhoven COURSES Thirty-five years ago a fledgling Institute for Christian Studies opened the doors LEGACY OF H. EVAN RUNNER John Kok (Dordt of 141 Lyndhurst Avenue in Toronto to graduate students interested in pursuing College, IA) Worldview Foundations hroughout his lengthy teaching career at Calvin Gideon Strauss integral Christian learning. College, H. Evan Runner was a dynamic advo- Runner and the Thursday, 7:00 pm T cate of a Christian worldview and its implica- Problem-Historical Approach , Justice and Public Policy y some measures, 35 years represent a gene- learning is infused with convictions and outlooks tions for the study of and various other Tony Tol (Free Univer- ration in the life of an institution. And indeed, rooted in commitments held in faith. Because they fields, as well as its implications for Christian social Jonathan Chaplin sity, Amsterdam) within two years the entire first generation of were also convinced that universities play a key role in engagement. Runner’s impact was by no means Wednesday, 7:00 pm ICS faculty will have retired. This anniver- expressing and shaping the of our culture, they limited to Calvin College. He was instrumental in B Runner’s Implications Crossings: Post-Modernisms and Christianity founding of the Institute for Christian Studies in 1967 sary, then, marks a good occasion to reflect on and regarded the development of a Christian graduate for Issues in Theology celebrate a generation in the life of ICS. school not as a luxury but as a basic necessity. These and was the teacher of most of the first generation of Ron Kuipers John Vander Stelt While the overarching vision of the Association convictions are echoed in the institutional plan ICS faculty members. Beyond Calvin College and Monday, 7:00 pm (Dordt) which established the Institute in 1967 was the adopted in 2001, which states that our mission is “to ICS, Runner’s ideas and emphases also played a formative role in the development of Dordt College, CORE COURSES development of a Christian university, the founders provide accessible graduate education that addresses Runner’s Legacy for As we reflect made a deliberate not to launch a full-fledged the spiritual foundations of learning and equips Trinity Christian College, The King’s University “ Social/Political Theory Philosophical Foundations College and Redeemer University College. Individual on these words, institution with wide-ranging programs. Already in Christians around the world to be effective leaders in and Action 1965 the governing board adopted a strategy that the academic arena and in other areas of society.” As scholars in a wide variety of fields also regard Runner Lambert Zuidervaart James Skillen (Center for and as we called for the establishment of a small “Centre for we reflect on these words, and as we listen to the as a very influential teacher. Monday, 9:30 am Public Justice, D.C.) sustained scholarly analysis, for student guidance…, testimonies of current students and recent graduates, ICS will co-sponsor a two-day academic listen to the Philosophizing Between Vogues and Traditions: for mutual discussion… translation and original we realize that the vision of the founding generation is conference with these institutions to explore and Runner’s Legacy for the , Supernature and in the testimonies of publication.” still vital in the life of ICS today. For that, too, we celebrate the academic legacy of Dr. H. Evan Runner, Natural Sciences Philosophy of The aim was to assemble a relatively small team of give thanks. who passed away in March of this year. The Uko Zylstra (Calvin current scholars to work with qualified graduate students on At least one other aspect of the life of ICS deserves conference runs from Friday October 4 to Saturday Bob Sweetman College, MI) students and underlying, direction-setting issues in the develop- special mention as we look back over the years: our October 5 at Redeemer University College in Tuesday, 9:30 am ment of “scripturally directed scholarship.” Establish- financial blessings. True, the Institute has not Ancaster Ontario. Runner’s Legacy for Philosophical Anthropology: Twentieth Century recent ing this centre and assembling a team of committed developed a reputation for affluence! On the contrary, The conference will open with an overview of Social Philosophy Theories of Intersubjectivity scholars, the founders believed, was strategic for the we have often faced financial shortages and our graduates, we Brad Breems (Trinity long-term development of Christian learning, and for financial managers have needed excellent juggling Jim Olthuis Christian College, IL) realize that the the formation for a generation of academic leaders. skills. Administrative staff and faculty have generally Tuesday, 1:30 pm As we look back over our 35-year history, it is clear been underpaid. But consider these facts. After 35 Runner’s Legacy for Christianity, Democracy and Democratisation: vision of the that God has richly blessed the strategic vision of the years, ICS has a balanced budget and no long-term Global Perspectives founders. This vision has remained remarkable debt! In the world of higher education, especially at founding Hendrik Hart (Institute consistent through the years, and today we can say the graduate level, that is nothing short of a . Jonathan Chaplin for Christian Studies, generation is with confidence and thanksgiving that it has been, and This is a testimony to the vision and generosity of our Wednesday, 9:30 am ON) continues to be, realized in the life of ICS. The supporting community. ICS now needs to work on still vital in the Breakthroughs and Barriers in Ecumenical Institute has developed into a respected graduate developing longer-term financial stability. But the fact Runner’s Legacy for Dialougue life of ICS school with recognized strength in philosophy and the that we can approach this task from a debt-free Understanding History foundations of a variety of academic disciplines. Our position is a reason for much thanksgiving. George Vandervelde Harry Groenewold today. For that, degree-granting authority is firmly established in Our 35-year story is full of signs of God’s faithful Wednesday, 9:00 am (The Kings University provincial legislation, and is consistent with the nature care. Join us in praise and thanks for the way God has too, we give College, AB) Postmodern Challenges to the Biblical Text of our programs. Our partnership with the Vrije blessed the vision of our founders through a thanks. Universiteit in Amsterdam enables us to offer a generation of service. Sylvia Keesmaat Runner’s Impact Wednesday, 1:30 pm program of study leading to the most advanced Through the Groen Club academic degree, an essential credential for people Harry Van Dyke Radical Orthodoxy II pursuing an academic calling. Our professors are (Redeemer University cross-appointed to the advanced degree faculty of the George Vandervelde, Jim Olthuis, Bob Sweetman, ” College, ON) Lambert Zuidervaart Toronto School of Theology at the University of Thursday, 9:30 am Toronto, and both our faculty and students have Runner’s Legacy for ready access to the University’s resources. ICS is on Education Biblical Foundations the academic map, both literally (the official university Harry Fernhout (ICS) of Toronto campus map) and figuratively. Runner’s academic legacy led by Albert Wolters Sylvia Keesmaat Over the years, ICS has reaped a rich harvest of (Redeemer University College) and will close with Thursday, 1:30 pm On the Friday night of scholarship. ICS faculty members have published Robert Sweetman of ICS (H. Evan Runner Chair in the conference, Theories of Language and Interpretation dozens of books and hundreds of articles. ICSrelated the History of Philosophy) who will give with an representatives from books are featured prominently in Christian college overview of the conference presentations and a Lambert Zuidervaart various Christian bookstores as course texts and scholarly resources. prognosis for the future. Friday, 9:30 am institutions, including ICS graduates and alumni are in positions of Between plenaries, concurrent sessions will address the CLAC, CPJ the leadership on every inhabited continent, and interest Runner’s impact and legacy in particular areas of Christian Teachers’ in ICS programs is growing every year. All this is study or concern. These “conversational” presenta- Association and the CRC evidence that the vision of our founders was not only tions will leave time for discussion. clergy, will pay tribute to strategic and suited to the , but that it has Runner and the impact of flourished under the grace of God. Praise God for To register for the conference or for more : his work in the wider these blessings! Kelli Baker (registrar) at ICS 416-979-2331 ext 234. Christian community. One measure of the vitality of a vision is whether it You can also access additional information and a has staying power through the generations. The registration form online. www.icscanada.edu founders of the Institute believed strongly that all

Perspective / VOLUME 36 / NO. 3 / SEPTEMBER 2002 / 2 11/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES faculty New Ontario legislature. Both university campuses. focus books roads were blocked. So Started by Tom A vision as the Institute decided in Malcolm and followed The Bible and the task of “ 1975 that students who by Brian Walsh and grand as completed a well- others, Institute graduate teaching regulated program of students for many years Runner’s studies would get the By David Smith and John Shortt taught the Institute’s makes bold Institute’s degree Master basic courses at several of Philosophy. Not until universities on a his innovative new resource from The Stapleford demands upon 1983 was the Institute Centre is the result of a three year research noncredit basis, usually finally able to negotiate as part of the ministry of T project by ICS alumnus and Calvin College the Spirit’s with the Ontario Professor David Smith and John Shortt of the Intervarsity Christian labour. government a charter Fellowship. Services to European Educators’ Christian Association that let it offer the degree (EurECA). The Bible and the Task of Teaching is written It also asks university chaplains and discussion on “Reading called Master of distribution of academic the Bible” at the same for the non-specialist, and for those who wish the Philosophical Bible to shape their educational thinking and practice. that the papers and books event. Foundations. That prepared by the Institute Jonathan Chaplin orga- There is a long history of interaction between the community of charter brought to an end Bible and the task of teaching in churches, homes, were part of a wide- nized and co-chaired a faith that the Association for the ranging Educational public dialogue on colleges and school Advancement of classrooms. The idea that Services program. “Religion, Liberalism and embraces the Christian Sscholarship When the Institute Public Reason”, held at the teacher’s task can be which started in 1956 and tackled in a Christian vision to received its Charter in ICS on June 15 (linked to gave birth to the 1983 Bernard Zylstra the Summer Seminar). way, or, more Institute. specifically, in a biblical commit to a became president. He The main speakers at this The Institute Board of Trustees shown in 1967 at the opening of ICS. From left to right The faculty was resigned in 1985 and event were Professors way, has been both multi- growing with the championed and (standing), M. Koole, L. Tamminga, G. Vandezande, J. DeKoning, P. Jonker, C. Paul Weithman (Uni- generational Seerveld and M. VanderMeulen. (Seated) J. Joosse, A. Venema and M. DeVries. addition of Arnold De (Continued on page 4) versity of Notre Dame) attacked, ridiculed and Graaff, Calvin Seerveld, and Nicholas Wolters- defended. Those on both project. C.T. McIntire, Albert torff (). sides of the argument THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OLD Wolters, Sander The event was sponsored have grappled with the Runner’s voice (Continued from page 1) Griffioen and George by The Pew Charitable question of how a text began the Vandervelde. Admini- Trusts. With a view to a from another time and students brought a Dutch professor, an American and strative services also course on Christianity culture, a text, moreover, project; the a Canadian to lecture. There was a new conference became well-organized and democracy he is which does not directly many each summer, and the lectures were printed in books. and focused. The shoeless teaching in Fall 2002, he Calvin Seerveld discuss teaching These conferences then spread to different parts of students had disappeared, attended a conference in (emeritus) has a letter to techniques, could have institutions he Canada and even the United States, and continue to an outside professor Washington, D.C from young artists requested anything authoritative to say about teaching and this day. The books were read all over the world. participated in each June 28-30 on “The Bible by and included in a new learning. inspired will Student clubs were formed throughout Canada, and master’s degree oral and the Ballot Box: book by Michael Card, The Bible and the Task of Teaching takes a fresh look ensure that the supporting local chapters were set up everywhere. But examination, and each Evangelical Faith and Scribbling in the Sand, at this question, and points the way to a range of they were always surrounded by controversy. The was impressed with Third-World Democra- Christ and Creativity answers. Rather than offering a single model, the project immigrants were mostly young, feisty and strong- Institute scholarship. cy”, organized by (InterVarsity Press, authors present a rich tapestry of ways of tracing the continues willed. They were trying to do something that Professors and later INFEMIT (the Internati- 2002). He has a review in connections between scripture and the task of seemed altogether new in North America, something graduate students spoke at onal Fellowship of Evan- Christian Scholar’s Review teaching, whatever the context. across the without established steps to follow. scholarly conferences, and their academic books gelical Mission Theo- (31:4, 2002) of Frank Both scholarly and practical, this unique study An early controversy came with the decision to brought acclaim. logians). He Co-taught Burch Brown’s book on explores the relevance of beliefs, virtues, personal and generations. accept Dooyeweerdian philosophy as a tool for What seemed amazing was that very early the word (with Prof Jeanne Heffer- Good Taste, Bad Taste, and cultural stories, images and metaphors and canonical academic development, and to accept H. Evan about the Association and the Institute spread nan from Pepperdine Christian Taste: genres to the ways in which we understand and carry Runner’s vision as the engine for the movement. worldwide. From Australia, Lebanon, Cyprus and University), a week of in Religious Life (Oxford out the task of teaching. In doing so, it avoids over- Then it was the 1970 publication of the book Out of Japan came students in the early years. In fact, the simplifying either the multifaceted calling to teach or Robert Sweetman classes on Christian University Press). H. Evan Runner” Chair in Concern for the Church, which rattled church windows Institute has always had a high percentage of overseas political thought for the the richness of the biblical text, and sheds fresh light and fit well with the popular counterculture speech of students. Institute books were read with enthusiasm on both. With concrete examples drawn from many the History of ‘Civitas Program’, organi- Philosophy, ICS C.T. McIntire: “The Forgotten Art of World all over the world, and Christian study centres were zed by the Center for areas of teaching, it points the way forward to a more Shaking.” set up using our materials in places like Australia, Public Justice in Wash, fruitful interaction between biblical vision and the In 1967 the “university” started with its one New Zealand, Ireland and England. DC. The program offers everyday work of teaching. professor, emulating Kuyper’s founding of The Institute has always been in the precarious an annual fiveweek sum- The Bible and the Task of Teaching is essential Amsterdam’s Free University in 1880. You need to position of needing widespread public support while mer course on faith and reading for anyone engaged in teaching, whatever the start small if you are poor and don’t have money from at the same time, as an institution of higher education, politics for doctoral context or level, who wishes to understand what the the government, church or wealthy philanthropist challenging its public to reform its thought and action candidates in political Bible might have to contribute to their task. behind you. But they knew that God grows great trees in more scripturally-directed ways. Over the years science. from small acorns. disagreements over strongly held views developed In 1968 James Olthuis and Bernard Zylstra among the Institute professors, and some views of Sylvia Keesmaat joined Hart, and for a while the Institute grew by one such professors as Hart, Olthuis and De Graaff gave presented a workshop new professor a year. In the early days, there was no rise to considerable antagonism in the general public. entitled “The Song of accreditation and no degrees, so professors and Unsung heroes are the people who raised money and Mary and a Liberated students were free to do what they wanted. It was a paid the bills over the years. A wonderful move in Imagination” at the glorious and idealistic time, but before long students 1972 was buying the five-story building at 229 Woodsong Arts and wondered about the bread and butter of these College Street, Toronto, with the help of generous Top to bottom: Herman Music Festival in Orcas life-enriching studies. Accreditation could come only donations. Dooyeweerd. J.T.H. Island, WA in July, as by connecting the Institute to a university as an In 1975 Peter Steen showed the Institute how to Vollenhoven and H. Evan well as leading a affiliated college, or by a charter enacted by the teach its basic Christian philosophy course on Runner

Perspective / VOLUME 36 / NO. 3 / SEPTEMBER 2002 / 10 3/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OLD ICS ONTARIO AND ALBERTA Student/Alumni (Continued from page 3) FAMILY CONFERENCES 2002 focus ICS hosts seminar Janet Wesselius Clifford Pitt accepted the position. Pitt’s presidency, (M.Phil.F. 1991; Ph.D. with Calvin College accompanied by Ross Mortimer as vice-president, Christ has given us a ministry [ICS/Vrije], 2001) will helped change the school to a more professional and In March 2002, ICS launched its capital campaign to begin a contract sessional Canadian institution. Pitt helped the reformational raise 5 million dollars. To date, reGeneration! The on religion and of reconciliation ... position for the coming community supporters feel good about their Institute, Campaign for ICS, has raised $1,163,460. During the year at the University of but in spite of his best efforts he was not highly past months as fundraising efforts continued, much of toleration so we are ambassadors for Christ Alberta in the Women’s successful in gaining support outside the traditional the campaign’s laying of groundwork included volun- Studies Department By Sam Gasanov, M.Phil.F. student in Political constitu- oes September 11 change things for Jesus’ teer recruitment for the campaign. Recruitment teaching Feminist Epis- Theory ency. When Pitt retired in 1989, Harry Fernhout ambassadors of reconciliation? How do we efforts by the campaign’s division chairs has resulted temology, Philosophy of became president. In his quiet, no-nonsense way he answer our society’s new questions about war in the commitments of more than 60 volunteers. As Science, and Feminist his June (2002) ICS continued the trend of brought peace and a vision for ministry that has and peace, about media violence and family Suk suggested autumn approaches these volunteers will begin their D Theory. hosting a bi-annual graduate seminar with Calvin “ work across the country and in the United States permitted ICS to focus on the teaching, research and nurture? Does September 11 suggest that it’s time for some possible raising gifts from individuals. This positive response T College’s Philosophy Department. The theme of publishing that is its mandate. a new look at interfaith dialogue or ecumenical ALUMNI ALERT! this year was well captured in the seminar title: Over the years the Institute has had a profound relations? And what about reconciliation with Native strategies for of participation has provided a great sense of If you are an ICS alum- “Religion and Other Crimes Against Civility: effect on the reformational Christian community. Its excitement and hope for the Institute for Christian na/us, or have taken a Dilemmas of Toleration in a Liberal Democracy”. churches and its Christian schools are much different Christians that Studies. number of courses at The seminar, co-taught by Dr. Jonathan Chaplin today than they would have been without the included the Campaign Co-chairs: ICS, we’d like to hear (ICS) and Dr. David Hoekema (Calvin College), also Institute. ICS alumni and supporters took up key from you! In future issues included a day-long symposium led by Dr. Paul positions in Christian colleges, in Christian schools need to be Dr. John B. Hulst of Perspective, we will be Weithman, professor of at and pulpits and professions. So the Institute has President Emeritus, Dordt College, Sioux Center IA more literate, dedicating a column to , and Dr. Nicholas indeed provided the leadership the founders hoped Alumni achievements. Wolterstorff, a professor emeritus at Yale University. for, with the bonus that its vision for scripturally- to access Fred J. Reinders Please let us know about The seminar addressed the fiercely contested place of directed learning has now spread to many parts of the Chairman of Maple Reinders Group of Companies, your noteworthy religion in modern liberal democracies, and asked world. alternative Brampton ON accomplishments. whether religion can maintain a public presence Today, building on the original zeal and points of view, Eastern Canada Division Chair: without proving to be divisive and, hence, thwarting convictions of our founders, ICS vigorously affirms a Send information to: the hard-won political achievement of liberal civility. commitment to the integration of faith and life. The to understand John Jeronimus Lisa Chisolm-Smith, If religion is privatized, the seminar challenged, does agreement ICS signed in 1999 with the Toronto Retired Civil Engineer, Grafton ON the importance Volunteer Alumni that not unduly restrain those religious communities School of Theology (TST, the consortium of Western Canada Division Chair: Coordinator that claim that their religious convictions extend theological schools on the campus of the University of pulpit (M.Phil.F., 1995) beyond the private sphere into the public? of Toronto) gives its students full access to the John Leder [email protected]. The salience of these issues can hardly be over- courses and faculty of all seven other schools; and sermons in the President, Supreme Steel, Edmonton AB emphasized. ‘9-11’ has and will for some time con- TST students may now come to ICS to take courses light of our Congregations Division Chair: tinue to powerfully remind us of the need for peaceful towards their programs. This mutually beneficial political negotiation of our fundamental differences. relationship gives ICS a structural link with a large culture’s Rev. Arie Van Eek In the West, we have largely forgotten the horrors of and respected institution, and enhances its Retired Executive Secretary of the Council of George Vandervelde at the OSC secondary oral the 30-years war which in 17th century tore both recognition on the academic map. Christian Reformed Churches in Canada, Christendom and Europe apart. We have also become Looking forward to the next 35 years, ICS has peoples, people of colour, and Jewish community? skills, and to Waterdown ON accustomed to ways in which our religious convictions recently launched a capital campaign, reGeneration, This year’s Annual ICS Summer Conferences, both Alumni Division Chair: are relatively smoothly accommodated within liberal to provide a stable base for making the most of its in Alberta and Ontario, “Ambassadors of make our lives democracies. This seminar helped contextualize present opportunities by investing in future students Reconciliation” explored these and other timely Bruce Clemenger and current world events and provide insight into the and reaching out to a global audience through new questions. The Ontario conference ran August 16 – 18 Director of Centre for Faith and Public Life, place of religion in our contemporary world. media and other forms of communication. Today a at Redeemer University College, Ancaster, and was presentations Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, generation of new students, new faculty, and co-hosted this year by The Banner, the official full of beauty Ottawa ON. burgeoning opportunities which literally span the publication of the Christian Reformed Church. For U.S. Division Chair: globe are testimonies to the original vision of those the 44th time, this annual conference featured a and aesthetic who took a step of faith 35 years ago. weekend of social interaction, keynote speakers, Dr. John B. Hulst workshops and entertainment. delight. President Emeritus, Dordt College, Sioux Center IA In the first keynote of the weekend, John Suk, editor of The Banner, explored the of “Recon- VIDEOS FOR SALE ciliation and Contemporary Culture”. Asking why our Existential philosophy was attractive … because at culture craves bigger than life themes and heroes of The Breath of God: Calvin Seerveld and the the sort we find in everything from the “Left Behind” ” least it said that not everything is well and whole- Art of Bible Translation. series of books to the “Lord of the Rings” and “Harry some in the West. Nevertheless, it didn’t seem to Potter” phenomena, Suk suggested imaginative Price: $19.00 Biblical resources for the construction of a Christian have a way of providing structural critique of cultural response which upholds “reconciliation” with A performance of the complete Song of our culture as a primary concern. Arguing that we live society. … most of the other stuff just seemed like Songs. Translation by Calvin Seerveld. in a “secondary oral” culture – a largely “conserva- it was outdated and just didn’t seemed to be in tive” culture that has been co-opted by the dominant Price $19.00 structures to “go along for the ride”, Suk suggested touch with where things were at. Reformational some possible strategies for Christians that included philosophy gave me a real sense of an alternative To have a full list of our available titles sent to the need to be more literate, to access alternative you, contact ICS at (416) 979-2331 or visit our points of view, to understand the importance of pulpit … way to think about the issues and understand online bookshop at www.icscanada.edu/ sermons in the light of our culture’s secondary oral bookshop skills, and to make our lives and presentations full of the structural connections. beauty and aesthetic delight. Suk also gave the Sunday morning sermon – an extended allegory which Lambert Zuidervaart

Perspective / VOLUME 36 / NO. 3 / SEPTEMBER 2002 / 4 9/ “INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES ” expounded on 2 Corinthians 5 through the fantasy world community in Vancouver; Christiana deGroot of Calvin calendar of and characters of J.R.R Tolkein’s Middle Earth. College examined gender relationships; John Wood of Two distinguished philosophers events In the second keynote talk, George Vandervelde, ICS King’s University College looked at our relationship with By Luke Moord, M.Phil.F. student in Senior Member in Systematic Theology, argued that the the environment; and Hugh Cook of Redeemer College dialogue at ICS RUNNER CONFERENCE unity of the church is not an extra but its very heartbeat asked what the role of the arts should be to an event like ICS will co-sponsor a and its mission. Arguing against the “lowest common 9/11. Other workshops included a session on relation- n a symposium held on June 15, entitled, conference on the legacy denominator” view of ecumenical relations in which unity ships with the French and First Nations peoples in “Religion, Liberalism, and Public Reason,” two of H. Evan Runner on is perceived as homogeneity and like-mindedness, George Canada by Michael la Fleur, Executive Director of I distinguished Christian philosophers, Paul October 4-5 at Redeemer emphasized the importance of a Christo-centric “Transformation Prayer Ministries”; an exploration of Weithman, Professor of Philosophy at the University University College. The ecumenicism. This unity, he emphasized, will display the race-related issues in the context of churches, such as the of Notre Dame and Nicholas Wolterstorff, Pro- conference will include a ragged edges of diversity – a unity that is forged by costly CRC, in which ethnicity traditionally contributes to fessor Emeritus of the at Yale public event on Friday reconciliation. Beginning with a scriptural justification for , by CRC Director of Black and Urban Ministry University, offered an impressive and strikingly evening, October 4 at church unity, Vandervelde concluded the talk by sugges- Robert Price; a hands-on look at reconciliation as a informative dialogue over current issues relating 7:30 pm, to remember ting practical steps for encouraging everyday ecumenism theme for creative movement in worship by dancer religious and political debate within pluralistic and celebrate Runner’s with other churches and faith communities. Belma Vardy; a session looking at the “reconciliation” democracy. The event was held in conjunction with a remarkable contribution The conference theme was further supported by 13 theme in scripture by Pastor Michael Blaire; an graduate course offered by the ICS (June 6-12) to the wider Christian workshops exploring the many facets of our call to be examination of reconciliation amongst religious traditions entitled “Religion and Other Crimes Against Civility: community. This free by Jim Payton of Redeemer Dilemmas of Toleration in a Liberal Democracy.” event will include a College; and a session on The course was co-led by Jonathan Chaplin, Senior meditation by Calvin teaching justice and reconcili- member in Political Theory and David Hoekema, Seerveld and tributes ation to children by Carol Professor of Philosophy at Calvin College. Both, as from representatives of Veldman Rudie. On Saturday well, took part in the panel discussion at the close of several organizations such afternoon, conference attendees the symposium. as the Christian Labour engaged panelists Jonathon The event, open to the public, began over coffee as Association of Canada Chaplin (ICS), David Koyzis upwards of 75 attendees, made their way into the (CLAC), Citizens for and Timothy Epp (both from Institute. Jonathan Chaplin opened the event by Public Justice (CPJ); the Redeemer College) on the subject introducing the two speakers, and by giving a brief Christian Teachers’ of “just war” in the shadow of context to the current debate in philosophical political Association (OCSTA); Sept. 11. theory on justifying our reasons in public discourse. and the Christian In addition to these lectures Weithman, who favors a modified Rawlsian Reformed Church clergy. and workshops the conference position (what has been called the exclusivist was further enhanced by the position), offered the first lecture entitled, “John ANNUAL CONVOCATION strong worship leadership of Rawl’s Idea of Public Reason,” explaining “how what THE INSTITUTE FOR Colleen Reinders and Grace is right about the [Rawlsian] view might be taken on CHRISTIAN STUDIES Moes; a Children’s Program led by believers.” While recognizing some trouble spots invites you to celebrate by Jocelyn Paas and Lee-Anne in the Rawlsian viewpoint, Weithman insisted that the graduation of Junior Dryfhout; and a Teen Program Rawls is heading in the right direction in asking Members who have led by Ken Dryfhout. Entertain- citizens to, as a ground rule, restrict the type of successfully completed ment included a poetry-photo- language one brings to a debate. Essentially, their Master’s and Ph.D. John Suk (left, below) graphy performance by ICS Weithman, in the Rawlsian spirit, was advocating that programs and to celebrate at the Alberta Family alumnus Hamish Robertson, a we be willing to translate our beliefs into a language our 35th Anniversary on Conference. Piano Concert by Mark Chiang, others can hear as freestanding, public reasons. Friday November 15, (Above) the worship a film discussion led by ICS In his lecture, entitled, “Religious Reasons, Liberal 2002 at 8:00 pm. team from the OSC, alumna Fran Wong, and a Theory, and Coercion,” Wolterstorff gave a sharp Location: Knox College, left to right: Bill Van concert by folk-musician Glen critique of the “exclusivist” position shared by Rawls 59 St. George Street, Caulart, Colleen Soderholm and band. and others. “It’s obscure to me,” said Wolterstorff, Toronto. Reinders, Raymond The Alberta Family Con- “why liberal theorists hold that there must be such a (Top) Nicholas Wolterstorff, Professor Emeritus of the Louter, Grace Moes ference was once again held in freestanding neutral source of for the Philosophy of Religion at Yale University. Would you like regular and Ken Dryfhout. Deer Valley Meadows, Alberta, workings of liberal democracy; and it’s even more (Above) Paul Weithman, Professor of Philosophy at the email updates on events at and ran from August 2-5. John obscure to me why many of them hold that, when it University of Notre Dame. ICS? You can subscribe to Suk was also the featured keynote comes to specific pieces of coercive legislation, the our Events list by sending speaker at this conference based on the “Ambassadors of coercion is justified only if our reason for all thinking us an email to Reconciliation” theme as well. In addition to Suk’s it’s a good thing is, or would be, a one for all reason.” [email protected] keynotes, which were an extended two-part version of the In concluding, Wolterstorff advocated that the …the exclusivist position with the following talk which he delivered at the Ontario Summer entire debate over “justifying coercion” be redirected. “ message: Conference, the theme was explored in 3 workshop The reason being that the direction pursued by the wrongly assumes that subscribe eventslist sessions. Mel Huizinga, a mediation expert, spoke on exclusivist position wrongly assumes that freestanding mediation as a healing alternative; Jeffrey Dudiak, ICS reasons, as some kind of “homogeneous human freestanding reasons, as some alumnus and professor of Philosophy at King’s College nature,” are actually a possibility. In his closing kind of “homogeneous human presented some alternatives for reforming the prison comments Wolterstorff stated, “What people do system, and Harry Van Belle, emeritus professor of believe is going to have to count for more; what they nature,” are actually a possibility. Christ’s ambassadors of reconciliation. Jennifer Parker, Psychology at King’s spoke on reconciliation within would believe, for less.” ‘What people do believe is going former contributing editor to The Banner, provided a families. ICS President Harry Fernhout delivered the Going into the early evening the dialogue was Christian perspective on responding to cinematic Sunday morning message, and the worship team from St. opened up with a panel discussion which included to have to count for more; what depictions of violence; Lou Tamminga, former CRC Albert’s Christian Reformed Church led conferees in Professors Weithman, Wolterstorff and Hoekema – denominational Director of PastorChurch Relationship, praising God in music. monitored by Chaplin. Those in attendance were they would believe, for less.’ examined broken relationships within our churches; Jim We look forward to next year’s Alberta and Ontario invited into the discussion with questions and Olthuis, therapist and ICS professor, looked at broken ICS conferences where we will meet again to be chal- comments. In all, the event was quite a telling and personal relationships from a therapeutic perspective; Bill lenged with new ideas from a Christian perspective, and intriguing introduction of, and interaction with, the Chu, founder of Canadians For Reconciliation, shared celebrate God’s faithfulness to ICS and its supporters. current trends and conversations in philosophical ” personal stories of his work with the Aboriginal political theory. Perspective / VOLUME 36 / NO. 3 / SEPTEMBER 2002 / 8 5/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES seems to put its finger on the ways people are oppressed research agenda, but not in terms of my teaching On July 1st Dr. Lambert Zuidervaart took over the post of and are suffering under current conditions – ways that program. The way I see my teaching program is very are much more direct and powerful than a lot of closely related to the research agenda. I see my teaching Systematic Philosophy held by Henk Hart for nearly 35 reformational thought has been able to do. I’ve also program as first of all needing to help students orient years. Zuidervaart has a proven record as an academic, a drawn on some strands of Anabaptist thought, themselves and reorient themselves, within the tradition particularly as it’s worked out in the Mennonite of reformational philosophy, but doing that by testing its teacher and an administrator in Canada and the United tradition. The Politics of Jesus by John Howard Yoder was relevance for contemporary issues. I’ll be trying to do States. He is a highly published scholar, and has worked in a book that I read carefully and have taught a couple of that especially in the foundations course. Secondly, I see times. I found that it was refreshing because it got me my role as helping my colleagues connect up with each the Philosophy Department at Calvin College in Grand beyond questions of structural critique and structural other across sub-disciplinary and disciplinary boundaries. relationships to questions of community life and how we I’ll be trying to foster interdisciplinary dialogue from Rapids for over 20 years. Recently, ICS student Luke Moord try as a community to provide an alternative. Outside of within my own expertise, but also with a view to the An interview with sat down with him to talk about the he will bring the Christian tradition proper I’ve devoted a good deal of expertise of the faculty. A third thing then goes back to my professional life to studying and reflecting on and my research interests. Lambert Zuidervaart to this position and his vision for working at ICS. interacting with Critical Theory – particularly the first Up until now the Institute hasn’t had a really strong Moord: How did you first encounter reformed philosophy – was – I was against the Vietnam War and was very generation of the Frankfurt School, and particularly presence in the social sciences and philosophy of the what were its beginning influences on your life? much apart of that protest movement. But I had a Adorno. The first generation of that school was harshly social sciences, or more broadly, social theory and sense that there were some other sets of issues beyond critical of the West. Prophetically they were way ahead political or economic theory. And because I’m interested QZuidervaart: I grew up in the& reformed environment, A the war that needed to be addressed – structural issues of their time. And that, when I first was working on it, in those areas and because I think the Institute needs to was born in the Christian Reformed Church, went to having to do with how society was set up. I found that shook me up. But it also gave me new things to work do more work in those areas, I will be trying, on a regular Christian schools in the Calvinist day school reformational philosophy gave me a way of thinking with in terms of the degree of the situation and I’m still basis, to address key texts and key problems in what is movement from grade one to grade twelve, and had about those issues, structural issues, and it didn’t seem using a lot of that impetus. Then the second generation, called social philosophy. So a couple years out I’ll be lots of catechism in reformed theology – so I was very to be something that other strands of thought were Habermas in particular, provided me with all kinds of doing a course that’s really devoted to Habermas’s theory much in the environment of reformed thought in a very good at, or were actually giving orientation for. insights and things to work with – particularly how of communicative action, which is his retelling of the very general way. But I didn’t get exposed to reformed Existential philosophy was attractive to me at the time Habermas works with language and communicative story of modernization – trying to think about what are philosophy as philosophy proper until I went to Dordt because at least it said that not everything is well and action as a way to understanding how human the key structural problems of society today. And then I College. And the first true exposure to that was when wholesome in the West. Nevertheless, it didn’t seem relationships are built, and how all kinds of problems will be emphasizing in a way that hasn’t been emphasized I took my first course in philosophy with John to have a way of providing structural critique of with theory and social theory can be so much in the past, and theories Vandyke at Dordt, and suddenly this whole world society. The dominant Anglo- addressed. So I’ve actually been able to use some of that of information and communication, which will then be opened up to me and a new understanding of the seemed always to be working on small problems and in my own systematic work. my way of getting into questions of and tradition I grew up in, and also a new sense of why never getting at the big issues, and beyond those . I will be coming at them much more from certain questions I’d been puzzling over for a long camps of philosophy, which were really the two major Moord: This goes along with what you’ve already stated, but the angle of philosophy of language, hermeneutics, time as an adolescent were worth puzzling over in a camps of philosophy when I was a student – most of throughout your career has there been a running thread of theories of information and communication, and trying more sophisticated way as a philosopher. So that’s the other stuff just seemed like it was outdated and interest lining your philosophical and endeavors? Do to work on some positive proposals in those areas. how I really got into philosophy, by way of going to a just didn’t seemed to be in touch with where things you see yourself being guided by a certain interest, or have reformed college where the primary course in were at. Reformational philosophy gave me a real your pursuits been more explorative? Moord: What is your “vision” for ICS? Do you have any new philosophy, the intro course, the philosophy that sense of an alternative – an alternative way to think contributions to offer – are there any new ideas that you would everyone had to take, was being taught by someone about the issues and understand the structural Zuidervaart: I think I’ve been both. I tend to pursue like ICS to explore as an institution? who was a follower of Dooyeweerd and Vollenhoven. …the most connections. And probably the most important what I find really interesting in various major “ insight in that line has always been the of philosophers, and work out my ideas in conjunction with Zuidervaart: One thing I hope is that we can gradually Moord: What features of the reformed tradition do you important ‘sphere of sovereignty’ or ‘structural pluralism’. them and dialogue with those major philosophers – in open greater and greater dialogue with other most value – that is, what is it about the reformed tradition That’s of course more than a philosophical notion, that sense it’s explorative. But on the other hand I have a philosophers in North America. It’s going to be a that has given you access in your scholarly task and aided in insight … has but it goes back to Kuyper, and Kuyper gets it from pretty strong sense of what the key issues are for me to balancing act because we are affiliated with the Toronto your personal development as a scholar? always been thinkers and social activist and church leaders. But work at and now, because I’m bringing two books to School of Theology, and although I’m sure the people in the way it’s worked out in Vollenhoven and completion, I know very well what I’m going to work on those other schools are really appreciative of the fact that Zuidervaart: I think the first thing that struck me the notion of Dooyeweerd I think has tremendous reach, and for the next dozen years. One book I just finished in the we do philosophy, they are not concentrated on when I was studying at Dordt was that reformational tremendous scope, and could be used flexibly. People last couple of weeks is on the notion of and art, and philosophy the way the Institute is. So it’s a question of philosophy actually saw all of culture and society and ‘sphere of like Goudzwaard I think have used it flexibly in the second one is on the political and economic functions how you find other links, which don’t absorb too much human life as intrinsically worthwhile, intrinsically sovereignty’ or interesting ways. And so those are things that got me of art in society. The first book is really a window into time, to people who are doing philosophy proper. I think good, although broken and distorted by the fall, really excited. the general theory of truth, which is a central theme of we need to build those links with people in the needing repair and so on, yet, intrinsically good and ‘structural The other thing that got me excited was the sense Western philosophy, and very contested, and that’s one reformational tradition proper. We need to build links worth giving attention to and worth being involved in. pluralism’. … it in reformational philosophy that knowledge is much of the things I’ll be working on for the next twelve or with Catholic philosophers, and not just Catholic I had been trained significantly in music as a classical broader than what the logicians and standard thirteen years. The key issues in the second volume have theologians, but Catholic philosophers, and we need to musician – very involved in that as a kid and teenager. goes back to philosophers had made it out to be. So then, in my to do with theories of public spheres and civic society. do it with a whole wide range of people who are not When I went to Dordt I thought that I wanted to get case, where I was very much interested in the arts, Those are two very crucial problem areas in political religiously based, or at least not based in the Christian involved full time in the Lord’s work so I was going to Kuyper, and music, and visual arts, literature and so on – these theory and social theory right now for people coming religion when they do philosophy. So there is a lot to be become “pre-sem” and be a minister. But when I Kuyper gets it areas of activity could also be seen as areas in which from different camps. But then, those are two issues that done, and lots of opportunities. I guess another thing is started taking philosophy I realized that I didn’t have we come to know things that are important to us, need to be rethought in light of globalization. So, I think to get clear about the kind of school we are. There are to become a church worker in order to be significantly from thinkers even if they don’t measure up to the standards of a lot of my work is going to be on theories of always going to tensions in that regard, but we can’t do involved in God’s work – I could just as well be in and social science or empirical observational knowledge. That globalization, and what is the impact of globalization, everything well. I think we will always have an music, or philosophy, or something else. And so I actually turned into a major theme for me in my however we understand it, on public spheres and civil interdisciplinary emphasis – I think it’s one of the suddenly switched my orientation. So that was a very activist and subsequent work. society. I’ll be doing work both in generally the area of strengths of the school, it’s one of the strengths of the important breakthrough for me, personally as well as philosophy and discourse epistemology and roughly tradition, but we can’t represent all the disciplines, so it’s intellectually. Then beyond that I found that church leaders. Moord: Are there any aspects of reformed thinking that social philosophy, with those two themes in – truth a of what are the disciplines and sub-disciplines reformational philosophy gave me a way of sorting out you’ve found inadequate in comparison to other traditional in one hand and globalization/civil society on the other. that are going to do the strategic work of being some of the major problem areas in society and models of philosophy and/or theology, where those other interdisciplinary in a way that’s fruitful for the tradition culture, it gave me way of thinking about the necessity traditions have helped you in your thinking? Moord: As the new senior member of Systematic Philosophy at we’re in and also for religious scholarship in North of social change, but also the need for principles for the institute, what projects do you plan to explore and what America and around the world. ” scholarly goals do you envision yourself accomplishing? guiding and understanding social change. Zuidervaart: Yes, within the Christian tradition I’ve I was a college student in the sixties and seventies – a drawn quite a bit from some strands of Catholic time of great upheaval in American society where I thought, particularly Liberation Theology because it Zuidervaart: I’ve already covered that in terms of

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