Dordt University to host theologian Dr. N Gray Sutanto for public lecture on Herman Bavinck

Dordt University invites the public to a lecture by Dr. N. Gray Sutanto, associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., on Monday, Nov. 9, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sutanto’s lecture, "What Does It Mean to Be Human? Herman Bavinck and Anthropology," will be held in the Overlook, located in the Campus Center at Dordt University.  

In an age of AI, there is perhaps no more pressing question than this today. Drawing from his new book on a biblical account of humanity (For Us and Our Salvation) and the work of Herman Bavinck, this lecture retrieves a theology of the image of God that highlights human uniqueness and embodiment from the Reformed tradition. 

A leading scholar of Bavinck and neo-Calvinism, Sutanto is the author of God and Humanity: Herman Bavinck and Theological Anthropology and co-author, with Cory Brock, of Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction. Most recently, he co-authored The Essential Herman Bavinck: A Reader and Commentary (Baker Academic, 2026) with Dr. Gayle Doornbos, associate professor of theology at Dordt University. The volume gathers Bavinck's essential theological writings in one place, arranged to trace the development of his thought, with introductions and commentary that make it an accessible starting point for new readers.

“We are grateful that Dr. Sutanto is coming to campus," says Todd Zuidema, director of church relations at Dordt. “His insightful scholarship on Herman Bavinck aligns closely with the ‘all areas of life’ ethos that guides Dordt University’s distinctive approach to Christian higher education, a perspective grounded in God’s sovereignty over all things. As Dordt’s vision statement puts it, ‘all of the students’ intellectual, emotional, and imaginative activities shall be permeated with the spirit and teaching of Christianity.’” 

The lecture is free and open to the public. Copies of The Essential Herman Bavinck will be available for purchase, and Sutanto and Doornbos will be available to sign books following the lecture.  

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.