Student chaplain Michiel Peeters awarded his PhD on the story of ’the prodigal son’

Student chaplain Michiel Peeters obtained his doctorate at the theological faculty with a dissertation on the prodigal son, a parable from the Bible. Peeters started his research out of personal interest, but the research can also help in his work with students.

The title of the dissertation for which Peeters received his doctorate on 28 August, Tam pater nemo: Understanding Luke 15:11–32 as a Story of Education, is quite technical. But the story itself, about the prodigal son, will ring a bell with many people.

The parable of the prodigal son is about a father who is happy, and throws a party, when his youngest son returns home after years. The eldest son does not think this is fair, because the youngest has squandered his inheritance, while the eldest has always been frugal and has obediently assisted his father.

Pastoral care

Peeters works as a pastor in the Maranatha Church. The pastoral care is open to students with all kinds of life questions: ‘Sometimes it can be nice to talk to someone, for example about events in life, study or relationships. I offer a listening ear,’ explains Peeters.

The story about the prodigal son comes in handy in his conversations with students, Peeters thinks: ‘The story has multiple meanings and is not just about forgiveness. The youngest goes out into the wide world and throws the family fortune down the drain. But it is precisely because of this that he discovers what he really wants and what his father means to him, unlike the eldest who has always obediently followed his father.’

Peeters: ‘What students can learn from it is that making mistakes is part of life, and can even make you a richer person. By going your own way and discovering things yourself, you really make your experiences your own. And for educators it is a great lesson: by giving space, and not chewing everything up, you can actually be very involved.’

_{Advertenties.}