The double image from Christ's parables of the pearl and the leaven, was one of Herman Bavinck's favorites and aptly captures the depth, grand scope, and nuance of his theological vision. The gospel of the kingdom is a pearl of great price, a treasure beyond compare for which we must be willing sacrifice everything. The Lord who gave his all for it asks that his disciples also give their all.

It is also a leaven, an invisible change agent that leaves nothing it touches unaltered. Leaven, like salt, is not a dramatic or triumphalist metaphor. Rather it points to the sure and primarily inward renewal of the person and the social bonds that join a people together.

This conference proceeds from a conviction that Bavinck's theology and its practical application to church and society provides us today with valuable insight and wisdom for theology and Christian discipleship. Bavinck's commitment to the truth of Scripture, his profound piety, his catholic vision of Christian discipleship and openness to what is good in the modern world, remain constructive standards for Christian vocation today. In addition, he lived in turbulent times, a time of great industrial change and social dislocation, a time of war-all which contributed to an apocalyptic environment in which optimism and pessimism competed for the allegiance of western peoples. In short, a time not unlike our own.

The conference will consider Bavinck's times, his theology, his contribution to the ecclesiastical, social, cultural and political life of his day, and its relevance for Christian vocation in the 21st century.

We also gather at this conference to celebrate the Centenary of Bavinck's 1908 Stone Lectures at Princeton Seminary, The Philosophy of Revelation; the completion of the English translation project of Bavinck's four-Volume Reformed Dogmatics (Baker); and the publication of the English translation, Herman Bavinck, Essays on Religion, Science and Society (Baker).

Five first place (and five runner-up) scholarships are available to pastor theologians and graduate students (Ph.D.) in theology, history, or religious studies. The scholarships are closed to those who earned doctoral degrees prior to January 1, 2007.

Submission of Proposal:

500-750 word proposal for a 5000-7500 word scholarly essay on an aspect of or related area to Bavinck scholarship such as (examples only):

• Historical context and/or comparison with other theologians
• A review of Philosophy of Revelation as a contribution to 20th century discussions on revelation
• Some aspect of Bavinck's doctrinal system in the Reformed Dogmatics
• Bavinck's social, political, or educational views
• Bavinck's theology of sacraments and church/worship
• Bavinck on inter-religious dialogue, especially with Islam

All who submit proposals will receive a complimentary copy of Volume 4 of the Reformed Dogmatics when released.

Prizes:

• 5 First place winners:

  • $1,000
  • Travel, lodging, meals and conference registration to the pre-conference discussion and the international conference, September 18-20, 2008, in Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Presentation of paper and participation in discussion with Bavinck scholars at pre-conference event
  • Publication of paper in book of Bavinck essays (Edwin Mellen Press)

• 5 Runner-up Winners:

  • Lodging, meals and conference registration to the pre-conference discussion and international conference, September 18-20, 2008
  • Participation in discussion with Bavinck scholars at pre-conference event

Procedure:

Proposals due February 15, 2008.

• Include your name, school of record, degree program, e-mail address, mailing address, and phone number
• Email to continuing.education@calvin.edu with "Bavinck Scholarship" in subject line or mail to:

  Bavinck Scholarship
  Office of Continuing Education
  Calvin Theological Seminary
  3233 Burton St. SE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  

The Conversation:

The following scholars will serve as respondents to individual papers and will join in the day-long pre-conference conversation with the winners of the Ph.D. level Bavinck Scholarship Competition:

• John Bolt, Calvin Theological Seminary
• Ron Gleason, OPC
• Eugene Heideman, Western Theological Seminary
• Albert Wolters, Redeemer University College, Ancaster
• Cornel Venema, Mid-America Reformed Seminary
• A Van de Beek, Free University of Amsterdam
• G Harinck, Free University of Amsterdam
• H Van de Belt, Leiden University
• Cornelis Vander Kooi, Free University of Amsterdam
• Dirk Van Keulen, University of Leiden

Five first place (and five runner-up) scholarships are available to students in seminaries, divinity schools, and faculties of theology outside North America.

Submission of Papers:

2500-3500 word paper on a theological or doctrinal topic that includes a significant engagement with Bavinck's treatment of the topic in Reformed Dogmatics.

Prizes:

• 5 First place winners:

  • $250
  • Registration (including meals) to international conference, September 18-20, 2008
  • Featured participation in a conference session dedicated to seminary students
  • Complimentary copy of Bavinck's Essays on Religion, Science, and Society (Baker, 2008)

• 5 Runner-up winners:

  • Registration (including meals) to international conference, September 18-20, 2008
  • Featured participation in a conference session dedicated to seminary students
  • Complimentary copy of Bavinck's Essays on Religion, Science, and Society (Baker, 2008)

Procedure:

Papers must be received by June 15, 2008

• Accompanied by a brief letter of recommendation from student's professor on institutional letterhead.
• Mail to:

  Bavinck Scholarship - Seminary
  Office of Continuing Education
  Calvin Theological Seminary
  3233 Burton St. SE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49546
  

Papers will be judged and students notified by August 15, 2008.

The Bavinck Scholarship Competition is co-sponsored by:

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Free University of Amsterdam
• Princeton Theological Seminary

Five first place (and five runner-up) scholarships are available to undergraduate students in Christian colleges and universities who are taking courses in Bible, theology, religious studies, philosophy, or history.

Submission of Papers:

1500-2500 word paper on a theological or doctrinal topic that includes a significant engagement with Bavinck's treatment of the topic in Reformed Dogmatics and/or Our Reasonable Faith.

Prizes:

• 5 First place winners:

  • $150
  • Registration (including meals) to international conference, September 18-20, 2008
  • Featured participation in a conference session dedicated to undergraduate students
  • Complimentary copy of Bavinck's Essays on Religion, Science, and Society (Baker, 2008)

• 5 Runner-up winners:

  • Registration (including meals) to international conference, September 18-20, 2008
  • Featured participation in a conference session dedicated to undergraduate students
  • Complimentary copy of Bavinck's Essays on Religion, Science, and Society (Baker, 2008)

Procedure:

Papers must be received by June 15, 2008

• Accompanied by a brief letter of recommendation from student's professor on institutional letterhead
• Mail to:

  Bavinck Scholarship - Undergraduate
  Office of Continuing Education
  Calvin Theological Seminary
  3233 Burton St. SE
  Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Papers will be judged and students notified by August 15, 2008.

The undergraduate scholarship fund is co-sponsored by:

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
• Dordt College
• Kuyper College
• Redeemer University College
• Trinity Christian College

8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (includes lunch and dinner) - PCC, Hickory Room

Scholars will join in a day-long conversation with the younger Bavinck scholars who are winners of the Ph.D. level Bavinck Scholarship Competition.

The Pre-Conference Bavinck Conversation is co-sponsored by:

• Calvin Theological Seminary
• Free University of Amsterdam
• Princeton Theological Seminary

Registration

• $100/individual
• $30/students (from co-sponsoring schools)

Thursday, September 18

7:00 p.m. - PCC, Great Hall

7:30 p.m. - PCC, Great Hall

Refreshments in the Fireside Room

Friday, September 19, 2008

8:30 - 10 a.m. - PCC, Great Hall

Refreshments in the Fireside Room

10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Lunch in the Great Hall

1:00 - 2:15 p.m.

2:30 - 3:45 p.m.

Refreshments in the Fireside Room

4:15 - 5:30 p.m. - PCC, Great Hall

Dinner in the Great Hall

8:00 p.m. - PCC, Great Hall

Refreshments in the Fireside Room

Saturday, September 20, 2008

8:30 - 10 a.m. - PCC, Great Hall

Refreshments in the Fireside Room

10:30 - PCC, Great Hall

11:00 a.m. - PCC, Great Hall

12:00 p.m. - PCC, Great Hall

12:30 p.m.

A special worship service will be held at Pillar Church, Holland, Michigan

Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., preaching
Text: Matthew 13: 33 combined with Matthew 44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like a leaven and also like a treasure and a pearl of great price.

These two images are Bavinck's favorites for describing the twofold character of the kingdom of God in its fundamental tension. It is first of all that which is most valuable-the greatest treasure in the world for which a wise person gives up everything. Secondarily, it is also the important godly influence in the world. The Christian must regard the kingdom of God with both these images image in mind: we must give our all for it; we must desire and seek to promote its renewing effects in people's souls and in the world.