Dr M. Steyn

Marileen Steyn is a postdoctoral researcher at the Protestant Theological University. She is part of the Soil project as a practical theologian, researching the (dis)connection between Christian congregations' liturgical expressions and their theologies of soil. This is done in collaboration with Oscar Grootveld, a PhD candidate in systematic theology. Their work focusses on mapping congregational theologies and practices of soil to contribute to the central research question of the Soil project: What are the qualities of a responsible, context-sensitive, embodied theological view on ground in the Netherlands, in light of 21st-century climate and ecological challenges? Marileen's study of congregational practices involves empirical research within congregational contexts, a field familiar to her through previous studies. 

Marileen also fulfills other roles at the PThU. She teaches liturgy and practical theology, which she regards as an opportunity for co-creation with students and something she particularly enjoys. In addition, she serves as project manager of the Soil project, where she is responsible for practical coordination and supporting the project team.

Originally from South Africa, Marileen Steyn studied theology at the University of Pretoria, where she soon developed an interest in Practical Theology and especially empirical research in a theological context. She obtained her BTh, MDiv (Homiletics) and MTh (Liturgy) from the University of Pretoria. After five years in ministry, partly serving as a minister, she experienced a call to the academy. In 2023, she received her PhD degree at the University of Stellenbosch, under the supervision of Prof. Cas Wepener and Prof. Christo Thesnaar. Her PhD, entitled Death, Conflict and Scandal: a practical theological study of the role of rituals in congregations following the loss of the minister, concerns ritual-liturgical studies within the contexts of congregational trauma. 

Aside from her work at the PThU, Marileen is also a research fellow at Stellenbosch University. Additionally, she is working on a project on ritual techniques in racialised memorials, museums and monuments in South Africa and the US. This is done in collaboration with Prof Kimberly Belcher from the University of Notre Dame. 

For a complete overview of her publications and academic background, please refer to her ORCID page.