CALL FOR PAPERS
April 2-4, 2024
Prince Conference Center
Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary
Grand Rapids, Michigan USA
Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary will host the 2024 Kuyper Conference at the Prince Conference Center on the Calvin University campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA) from April 2-4, 2024. The general theme for the conference plenary sessions is “Stewardship in the Kingdom: Business, Academy, and Society.”
This conference is part of a multi-year series of events that have promoted a broad exploration, engagement, and development of the legacy of the Dutch Reformed theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) and the tradition he helped form (commonly known as “neocalvinism”) for theology and public life today across the globe. At this meeting we will focus particularly on the relevance of Kuyper’s thinking about Christian discipleship within the context of Reformed theology in its social expression. The 2024 Kuyper Conference is generously supported by the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion & Liberty, the sponsor of the Abraham Kuyper Collected Works in Public Theology.
The theme of this conference highlights perspectives addressing challenges of faithful discipleship in all areas of life today. We will hear stories of what it means to follow Christ in business, scholarship, corporate worship, and in social reform. The conference theme is intended to foster conversations and reflection on what it means to be good stewards of the gifts Christ has given us and the callings he has called us to, wherever our work is—whether in corporate leadership, classrooms, charities, or correctional facilities.
Kuyper connected the concept of stewardship to Christ’s kingship in its comprehensive dimensions: “Everything that we have has come into our possession through the administration of God’s providence, and all that we have is and remains the property of God and has only been loaned to us. We are stewards over these things. But this stewardship makes us responsible for the way we use and employ these possessions…. But if you have become a subject of Christ, there is a rule for the use of your possessions: namely, that you are not to do with them as you please, but that in these things you are to deny yourself for Christ’s sake.”
In addition to the advancement of scholarship, this conference aims to foster personal and professional networks of scholars, pastors, ministry professionals, civic leaders, and practitioners with interests in Kuyper and neocalvinism as well as Reformed theology and public life. While papers and sessions related to the general conference theme are encouraged, proposals for concurrent sessions are also welcome on topics that engage with aspects of the life and work of Abraham Kuyper, neocalvinism more broadly, and public theology and public life. Papers from historical as well as interdisciplinary, ecumenical, critical, practical, missional, pastoral, and constructive perspectives are welcome. Proposals for short paper sessions (3-4 presenters), roundtables (3-5 discussants), and from students are especially encouraged.
One-page proposals should include a proposed paper title or roundtable theme, a brief description of the focus of the presentation (one to three paragraphs), and the presenter’s institutional affiliation and contact information, including email address. Proposals received after the January 15, 2024, deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
The Kuyper Conference is also being held in conjunction with the Henry Institute Symposium on Religion and Public Life. Discounted registration for both events is available and more information about the Henry Symposium (April 4-6, 2024) is available at the Henry Institute website.
More information about the Kuyper Conference is available at the Kuyper Conference website.
Individual paper and/or complete session proposals, as well as questions about the conference, may be sent to:
Dr. Jordan J. Ballor
Kuyper Conference Coordinator
jordan.ballor@calvin.edu