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Mary L. Vanden Berg

Mary L. Vanden Berg

Professor of Systematic Theology

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy, Calvin Theological Seminary (2008)
Master of Theological Studies, Calvin Theological Seminary (2002)
Bachelor of Science, Calvin College (1981)

About

Mary Vanden Berg joined the faculty of Calvin Theological Seminary on July 1, 2008. She has taught as an adjunct professor at Kuyper College, Western Theological Seminary, and Calvin Theological Seminary. Her graduate work focused on atonement theology. Mary’s goal as a professor is to not only help her students understand the truths of theology, which can often seem abstract and difficult, but also to help them understand that theological understanding and piety are intimately intertwined.

Mary lives in Hudsonville, Michigan with her husband, Skip. She has three married children and three grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, camping and downhill skiing. She also writes on her blog: Life, God, and Other Mysteries.

“My students will tell you that I always ask the ‘So what?’ question. When I teach a concept, no matter how abstract it might seem, I try to give my students an idea of why it’s helpful for ministry, for understanding God, and for moving through life… My kids have taught me that if it doesn’t touch them in some way, what good is it?”

Courses Taught

Christian Theology in Reformed Confessions
Systematic Theology

Areas of Expertise

Atonement Theology

Speaking Topics

Prayer: The Chief Exercise of Faith
Disappointment, Despair, and God
Basic Christianity: The Niceano-Constantinopolitan Creed
Loving Your Neighbor With Dementia
Covenant as the Foundation of Renewed Community
Make Me Like a Tree: A Look at Psalm 1

Videos

Christ-Centered Pathways of Reconciliation in Christian Life & Worship

Blog and Forum Contributions

Featured Publications

Her blog: Life, God, and Other Mysteries