It has been over nine decades since Karl Barth coined the term “theological existence". In an impassioned pamphlet, he expressed to the German church and to the German theologians of 1933 that all that was at stake now was to do theology, and nothing but theology; that it was all-important now to speak about God and to be obedient to nothing but this task: to let the one God of the Old and New Testament be the only Lord. In the precarious political circumstances of those days, this should define the attitude of the church; it should also be the personal responsibility, theologically and professionally, of every theologian, and their all-embracing “drive”. 

Some thirty years later, Barth used the term “theological existence” again, this time in his valedictory lectures at the University of Basel. The focus was now on the faith life of the theologian. What drives us to be a theologian at all times, to be fully invested in the matter of theology? His answer: wonder, concern, commitment. This personal commitment of every theologian to the subject of theology – God himself, and the divine Word – is the great presupposition of Barth's theology, without always making it explicit. It seems worthwhile to examine this presupposition more extensively.

In an era, in which a theological existence in the academy and in society no longer has an obvious voice – and in a time when church and politics have a complicated, polarised relationship – it seems worthwhile to return to the fundamental question: what does a theological existence mean today? What does it require of church leadership, and of theological education?

• Prof. dr. Gerard den Hertog (Apeldoorn), There is a time for everything. “Theological Existence To-Day!” as parole in Summer 1933 (Historical introduction into the genesis of Barth’s tekst) (Wednesday)
• Dr. Ashley Cocksworth (London/Roehampton), The Joy of Existing Theologically (On Commitment in Theology and Theological Education) (Thursday)
• Dr. Kees van Ekris and Dr. Juliane Schüz, From Church Politics to the Church – public evening; interview about being a member of church boards and being theologically responsible (Thursday)
• Dr. Christine Svinth-Værge Põder (Copenhagen), Theological Existence Today: The Political Actuality of Barth’s Contribution Discussed (On the question as in to what extent Barth’s insights in Theological Existence Today are still relevant in the issues of our time) (Friday)

It is possible to buy a ticket for the full conference, or for the Thursday only, or for the Public event (Thursday night) only. Student entry for a reduced prize.

This conference is organized by Katya Tolstaya (VU Amsterdam), Niels den Hertog (Theological University Apeldoorn), Marco Visser and Edward van ‘t Slot (both Protestant Theological University).

In this conference, there will there be the opportunity to present and discuss short papers (approx. 2000 words) on subjects connected to the theme of the conference. We cordially invite all those who may be interested, especially post-graduate students, to submit proposals (max. 500 words) for short papers before the end of August 2026 (31.08.2026).
Please send your proposal to prof. dr. Edward van ’t Slot, evantslot@pthu.nl

Wednesday, October 28^th

• 1-2 pm                           Arrival
• 2.15 pm                         Welcome – Chapel – Opening statement
• 2.45-4.15 pm                Lecture I, discussion:

Prof. em. dr. Gerard den Hertog, Apeldoorn
There is a time for everything. “Theological Existence To-Day!” as parole in Summer 1933

• 4.30-6 pm                      Short papers 1/2
• 6 pm                               Dinner
• 7.15 pm                          Coffee/Tea
• 7.30-9 pm                       Reading Groups A,B,[C] (Start)

 A.      English text group:
          TET and parts from Evangelical Theology…

B.      German text group:
          THE und Vorlesungen aus Einführung …

 C.       English tekst group:
           TET and the situation in Russia and Ukraine…

•  9pm                                  Chapel
  
  

 Thursday, October 29^th

• 9.15 am                          Chapel
• 9.30-10.30 am               Reading groups (cont.)

 Break Coffee/Tea

• 10.45-11.45 am            Lecture II, discussion: 

Prof. Dr. Ashley Cocksworth, London (Roehampton)
The Joy of Existing Theologically

• 12.00                               Lunch
• 1.30-3.15 pm                 Reading groups (cont.)

 Break Coffee/Tea

•  3.30-5.30 pm                Excursion

 Jan Willem Stam, guidance

• 5.30 pm                          Dinner
• 7.45-9.30 pm                 PUBLIC EVENT      

From Church Politics to the Church
PUBLIC EVENT with Kees van Ekris - Juliane Schütz

• 9.30 pm                          Chapel
  
  

Friday, October 30^th

• 9.15 am                           Chapel
• 9.30-10.30 am                Reading groups (concl.)

Break Coffee/Tea

• 10.45 am-12.30 pm    Lecture III, panel discussion 

Prof. Dr. Christine Svinth-Værge Põder, Copenhagen
Theological Existence Today: The Political Actuality of Barth’s Contribution Discussed

• 12.30 pm                        Evaluation, Announcements
• 12.45 pm                        Chapel
• 1 pm                                Lunch, departure