Anton ten Klooster (born 1983) is a Dutch Catholic theologian and priest, currently affiliated with the Tilburg School of Catholic Theology (TST), the only theological institution in the Netherlands officially recognized by the Vatican.[1] Ten Klooster is noted for his work in moral and pastoral theology, particularly his engagement with contemporary issues within the Catholic Church, including sexuality, moral conversion, and pastoral care. His academic and pastoral work is deeply rooted in the theological framework of Thomas Aquinas.
Education and academic career
editTen Klooster completed his PhD at TST in 2018, where he defended his dissertation titled Thomas Aquinas on the Beatitudes: Reading Matthew, Disputing Grace and Virtue, Preaching Happiness. His research focused on the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, viewed through Aquinas' theological lens. The dissertation was awarded cum laude and reflected his strong focus on connecting traditional theological perspectives with modern pastoral concerns.
He has since taken on a teaching position at TST, contributing to both academic discourse and theological education. His work is recognized for bridging the gap between rigorous theological study and practical pastoral applications.
Contributions
editTen Klooster’s theological contributions span a range of topics, including moral theology, scripture, and the pastoral mission of the Church. His works often focus on how theological traditions, particularly those of Aquinas, can be applied to modern moral and societal questions.
He has authored several books, including:
- Thomas Aquinas on the Beatitudes: Reading Matthew, Disputing Grace and Virtue, Preaching Happiness (2018)
- Op de weg van het geluk: de zaligsprekingen als leidraad voor je leven, a book that delves into the Beatitudes as a guide for living a fulfilling Christian life.
- He also contributed to the Initiation and Mystagogy in Thomas Aquinas collection, presented at the Sixth Conference of the Thomas Institute at Utrecht.
His theological outlook is often noted for its pastoral sensitivity. Ten Klooster emphasizes the importance of guiding believers to deepen their personal connection with Jesus Christ through structured spiritual exercises and reflections.
Debates
editIn recent years, Ten Klooster gained attention for his involvement in discussions surrounding the book De band van de liefde by Cardinal Wim Eijk, which focuses on Catholic teachings about sexuality. The book became controversial for its release, coinciding with International Coming Out Day in October 2022.[2] Ten Klooster was set to speak at the book's presentation alongside other theologians, but the event was canceled amid criticism from progressive segments of the Church who felt that the book’s publication timing was provocative and ill-considered.
Ministry
editBeyond academia, Ten Klooster has contributed to devotional literature. He co-authored prayers for the book De achtste dag alongside other prominent religious figures, including Jakob van Wielink and Henk Rothuizen. The book offers spiritual reflections and prayers intended to help believers deepen their Christian faith and their relationship with Jesus Christ. His pastoral work, as reflected in De achtste dag, shows a commitment to helping Christians engage with their faith on a personal, introspective level.[3]
Bibliography
editAs per OCLC WorldCat.
- A Guide to Reading Aquinas' Academic Sermons: A review of Randall B. Smith’s Reading the Sermons of Thomas Aquinas.
- De Erfenis van Benedictus XVI: A reflection on the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI.
- Initiation and Mystagogy in Thomas Aquinas: A study presented at the Thomas Institute.
- Moral Conversion in Scripture, Self, and Society: A theological discussion on moral conversion.
- Op de weg van het geluk: A reflection on how the Beatitudes can guide one’s life.
- The Enduring Significance of Thomas Aquinas: Essays in honor of scholars Henk Schoot and Rudi te Velde.
- The Good of the University: A discussion of the role of universities in society, published in 2022.
- Willibrord door de eeuwen: A historical and cultural reflection on the missionary St. Willibrord, the patron saint of the Netherlands.
References
edit- ^ "Welke lessen kunnen kerken uit de coronacrisis trekken? 'Elke crisis schept ook kansen'". VOLZIN (in Dutch). 2020-10-21. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ "'Eijk provoceerde door zijn boek over seks aan te kondigen op Coming Out Day'". VOLZIN (in Dutch). 2022-10-26. Retrieved 2024-09-19.
- ^ "Recent verschenen boeken - Alain Verheij, Jakob van Wielink en David Hume". VOLZIN (in Dutch). 2022-05-24. Retrieved 2024-09-19.