PThU Professor Arnold Huijgen Named New Theologian of the Netherlands
Arnold Huijgen, Professor of Dogmatics at the PThU, was named Theologian of the Netherlands 2025–2026 during the Night of Theology on 13 November. For a full year he will represent theology within Dutch society and give it a public face. Prof. Dr Martha Frederiks, Rector of the PThU, responds with delight: “As PThU we are pleased and proud that a PThU professor receives this honour. He truly deserves it. With great dedication and conviction he shows how relevant theology can be for society, and he does not shy away from difficult themes.”
Theologian of the Netherlands
The Theologian of the Netherlands is chosen for a period of one year, with the aim that he or she acts as an ambassador for theology in the Netherlands throughout that year. A key criterion in the selection is that the theologian must have a clear and, above all, a broad vision of the role of theology in contemporary society. The theologian must be able to explain complex theological matters in an accessible way and translate them into themes relevant to daily life. In addition, it is essential that the theologian holds a PhD, has strong communication skills, and is able to speak publicly about theological issues. The choice for Arnold Huijgen was unanimously supported by the appointing committee.
Ambassador for Theology
Huijgen is delighted with the recognition: “I am surprised and honoured — and I am looking forward to bringing theology into view as its ambassador, to highlight it, and to search for the places where God shows up in our world, which is his world. Theology has something to say in our time. Rather than closing our eyes to the misery of the climate crisis, wars and suffering, we face their catastrophic effects. Theology offers language to name hell honestly, to persevere, and to hope for what we do not yet see.”
Going Deep
“The coming year for me is about ‘going deep’,” Huijgen says. “It is a cycling term for drawing on your last reserves, when your legs burn, your head spins, and yet you keep going on Mont Ventoux or whichever mountain pass. But ‘going deep’ is also a theological notion. In the depths we meet ourselves, and sometimes also God. Scripture speaks of the depths of the sea into which Jonah descends; of the psalmist who cries, ‘Out of the depths I call to you’; and of Christ, who himself descended into the deepest depth of our abandonment. Theology is meant to go deep.”
Travelling as Theologian of the Netherlands
For Huijgen, theology on the road means being ready to respond to whatever presents itself: the theologian as a travelling companion, in writing or in conversation. In addition, Huijgen is working on Theology in the Lift. In short contributions — elevator pitches — he aims to make clear what is at stake in theology. He also intends to ‘go deep’ himself by cycling with people and entering into conversation to search out that depth. Where do you turn when your reserves are depleted and you hit the wall?
