The first in a series of three conferences exploring the approaches of Evangelicalism and Neo-Calvinism will take place in Sao Paulo this May, at which the historical development and future of both theological approaches will be considered by a panel of experts.
The event, organised by a collaboration of scholars from the University of Edinburgh, Fuller Theological Seminary and the Theological University of Utrecht, takes place at Mackenzie University, Sao Paulo following an invitation from the Mackenzie Chancellery. It will focus on the different approaches of both positions, and the growing influence of Neo-Calvinism around the world, before follow-up events are hosted in Asia and Africa.
Keynote speakers, including L’Abri Fellowship Brazil director Guilherme de Carvalho, Mackenzie Presbyterian University chancellor Dr Robinson Grangeiro and associate professor of Religion and Theology at Redeemer University, will discuss historical, theological and ethical questions relating to both positions, before exploring how the two traditions might impact upon each other in the future.
Event organisers told en that their overarching goals for the conference include increasing awareness of their research projects, increasing opportunities for international collaboration and “reforming and reimagining” Neo-Calvinist scholarship in light of global realities.
Guilherme de Carvalho said that being invited to speak at the event is “an honour” and a “great opportunity for Brazilian evangelicals,” and he hopes it will “enhance personal connection” amongst Brazilian evangelicals through the “sharing of fresh ideas”.
An article on the US Gospel Coalition website by Cory Brock and N. Gray Sutanto explains: “Neo-Calvinism refers to a theological and ecclesial movement in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which developed into a theological tradition that’s alive today. Its founders were Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck. They sought to retrieve and apply Reformed orthodoxy for the modern, ever-changing world in which they lived. …
“The church often asks: ‘How do we stay faithful to our confession while being engaged in the world? How should we develop distinctly Christian communities and yet be fruitful for society and for the common good? How might we make sense of the diversity of the Christian church and the unity that binds us?’
“We suggest that Neo-Calvinism, especially as articulated by the first-generation leaders, holds resources for Christians to navigate these difficult and perennial questions while resisting the temptation of either world flight (separatism) or world conformity (compromise).”
