Chains of Suffering, Chains of Christ: An Introduction into Prison Theology

Study day and annual McClendon Lecture

When: Wednesday January 22 2025,
Where: to be determined
What? A challenging, academic conversation on Prison Theology, focusing particularly on the life or Romanian pastor Richard Wurmbrand
For whom? We warmly welcome pastors, academics, and students.
Registration: In order to receive the right information ahead of time, please register for free:

Mihai Nemeti

Mihai F. Nemeti, from Bistrita Romania, did his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in 2023, on the The Political Theology of Richard Wurmbrand.

Corneliu Simuț

Corneliu C. Simuț (PhD in Ecclesiastical History, ThD in Dogmatics, DD in Systematic Theology, and DrHabil in Religious Studies) is Professor of Theology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences within Aurel Vlaicu University, Romania.

Draft Program

10.30

Introduction Prison Theology and the life of Richard Wurmbrand; Lectures by Mihai and Corneliu, hosted by Henk Bakker, in an informal, conversational style
13.00

Lunch
14.00

Opening of the McClendon Lectures
14.10

Lecture Mihai Nemeti
14.35

Lecture Corneliu Simuț
15.00

Break
15.30

Three responses (to be determined)
16.00

Plenary conversation
16.30

Closing and drinks

Richard Wurmbrand

Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001) was a Romanian Christian pastor and author best known for his outspoken advocacy for religious freedom and his suffering under the communist regime. Born into a Jewish family, he converted to Christianity and became a Lutheran minister. Wurmbrand was imprisoned and tortured for his faith by the Romanian communist authorities for over 14 years, enduring physical and psychological abuse. His experiences led him to found The Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to supporting persecuted Christians worldwide. His writings, including his memoir Tortured for Christ, continue to inspire believers with their powerful testimony of unwavering faith in the face of extreme hardship.

McClendon Lectures

Each year, the James Wm. McClendon Chair for Baptistic and Evangelical Theologies at the Vrije Universiteit, in partnership with IBTS, hosts the McClendon Lectures. These lectures center on topics closely aligned with the perspectives of James Wm. McClendon and are followed by critical academic responses and an interactive discussion with the audience.

James Wm. McClendon (1924-2000) was an influential theologian known for bridging European and American theological thought, particularly through the lens of the baptistic tradition. His three-volume systematic theology demonstrates a rich synthesis of Free Church values with Barthian, Mennonite, and narrative-hermeneutical insights. McClendon’s work was a groundbreaking and timely articulation of baptistic theology as a way of living and embodying the truth of Christ.

On Prison Theology... some introductory remarks from prof. Henk Bakker

Some stories encapsulate the collective experience of an entire people, as does the story of Jesus in the gospels. For the early church, living in imitation of Christ became a central focus. Church leaders were regularly seen as exemplary followers, demonstrating not just wisdom, moral leadership, but also resilience in times of hardship, scarcity, and suffering. This commitment reflects what it means to "take up the cross"—the essence of following Christ.
Prison theology, or carceral theology, draws on the lives of Christians who have suffered for their faith. Experiences of captivity, suffering, and facing death have frequently sparked profound insights into both life and theology. Consider the important theological works from prison, of the apostles Paul and John, early church leaders like Ignatius and Perpetua, anabaptist writer Hubmaier, and, in more recent times, Corry ten Boom, Etty Hillesum, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr.
Christian suffering appears to be deeply rooted in a shared participation in Christ's own suffering—both physically and mentally (cf. Col. 1:24). A church that endures persecution or hardship becomes a visible sign of Christ’s presence, with its leaders often expected to embody this commitment. Those who suffer for Christ relive stories that serve as enduring examples for the Church, even unknowingly. In this way, all Christians have heroes or saints, including those from traditions like the Baptists. These stories are retold for inspiration, as the book of Hebrews reminds us: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for” (11:1-2). Christians who suffer are surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses" who have endured suffering as well (Hebr. 12:1). They are not alone.