150 Years of Reformed Instruction: What "Being Reformed" Means at Calvin Theological Seminary

In this episode of the Forum Podcast, Phillip Palacios, Director of Communications, sits down with Dr. Karin Maag, Director of the Meeter Center for Calvin Studies and Adjunct Professor of the History of Christianity, and Dr. Ronald Feenstra, Professor of Systematic Theology, to discuss a new edited volume they have co-edited together. Their conversation explores how the project began as a series of faculty discussions around a central question: what does Calvin Theological Seminary mean when it says it is Reformed? What started as internal reflection gradually became a collaborative collection of essays from across the faculty, offering readers a thoughtful and accessible window into the seminary’s theological identity. Along the way, Maag and Feenstra reflect on key emphases of the Reformed tradition, including the sovereignty of God, covenantal thought, confessional identity, and God’s redemptive work in all creation. They also discuss how the project helped faculty better understand one another’s teaching and created a stronger sense of coherence around student formation. As Calvin Seminary enters its 150th year, this volume serves as a timely snapshot of the seminary’s identity, commitments, and vision. It is a rich conversation for alumni, prospective students, pastors, church leaders, and anyone interested in Reformed theological education.