As practical theologian, Dr. Habil. Mirella Klomp is fascinated by the question of how faith is embodied and how materiality and physicality participate in it. She grew up among the meadows in a village full of Reformed faith communities with a focus on the spiritual. Therefore, she is excited about the research topic of soil, which feels 'close' to her. She is fond of interdisciplinary theology on pressing issues and takes shape in collaboration.

Prof. dr. Thijs Tromp is member of the research team Soil from a diaconal perspective. Diaconate is about care, traditionally for people in need, but in the light of current ecological developments, also about caring for animals, plants, soil and water. His focus is on churches and diaconal organisations considering sustainable management of the land they own.  

Prof. Dr. Arnold Huijgen is engaged in the project as systematic theologian. He participates in methodical and substantial discussion, and supervises one of the PhD-candidates, who connects philosphical and theological traditions, and ecotheology to contribute to a theological vision on soil. 

Dr. Gert van Klinken acts as advisor for Church History. He investigates the ideas of the Republican theologian Jacobus Uilkens (1772-1825) and his circle, where the focus is on Biblical ethics, public education, farming and later also on abolitionism. 

Dr. Eward Postma, theologian and supervisor, participates in team Soil with a view to the professional and spiritual formation of pastors. He focuses on the integration of relationships with the soil in theology that pastors develop and use in their local context. 

Dr. Ciska Stark is involved in the Ground project from the disciplines of Homiletics and Supervision / Coaching. She focuses on how faith communities communicate language of ritual, sermons and mutual conversation as it comes to faith and soil. 

Prof. dr. Maroesjka Versantvoort is extraordinary professor of Work and Meaning. Her research focuses on people’s motives and incentives. The Soil project aims to identify which behavioral effects can be expected from possible climate policies, and which (religious) considerations play a role in this. Maroesjka is affiliated with both the PThU and the Netherlands Institute for Social Research. 

As project manager, practical theologian Nelleke Plomp keeps track of the processes within the project. She supports the project leader and makes sure internal and external stakeholders are connected. She is motivated to make the valuable results of this project sustainable for society and church.  

Within the Soil project, Mariëlle van Es MA conducts research into Christian farmers, their relationship with land and how this relates to their faith. She has a background in international land and water management and is interested in issues surrounding agriculture, sustainability and faith. 

Erik Oevermans MA is involved as a PhD candidate in the Soil project. As a philosopher, carpenter and theologian, he investigates the question of which theological and philosophical notions and perspectives help determine Christian theologies with regard to land. Together with a PhD candidate in Practical Theology, he also investigates how theology from the past and present can guide the future when it comes to our handling of land. 

Soil beneath my feet, soil to cherish, to utilise, to walk on, to sow, to cultivate, to harvest. Soil that teems with life, where worms, mice, or other creatures work the soil. Soil where stewardship and responsibility are the foundation beneath your feet. This soil provides a fascinating research perspective for the PThU.

There is a lot of discussion today about soil and land use, especially in our densely populated country. What does it mean that God is the Creator and Owner of this earth? And what are the implications for humanity as stewards of it? It is valuable that the PThU examines this from a theological perspective.

When I published "Groene theologie" (Green Theology), my intention was to broaden theology from a focus on God and humans to encompass the entire creation. It's great that the PThU is now taking 'soil' as its starting point. This project will demonstrate that theologians contribute something essential to finding a way out of the ecological crisis.

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