The Beets Paper Contest, funded by the late Dr. and Mrs. Henry Beets, annually recognizes outstanding student research papers in historical, theological, or biblical studies within the Calvinist/Reformed tradition.
Open to all students enrolled in a Religion course during the spring and fall semesters, the contest invites papers that explore a historical or systematic theological theme, or a social, cultural, or moral issue, from a distinctively Reformed theological or cultural perspective.
Papers focused on biblical studies should seek to relate their themes to the ongoing vitality and meaning of the Calvinist tradition. All prizes are awarded at the discretion of the Department of Religion.
Submissions from 2025
Cosmic Redemption and Christology: the Timeless Christ-Hymn of Colossians, Rinah Fiol
Submissions from 2024
Hugh of Saint Victor on Reading and Study, Weston Fields
Submissions from 2023
Gregory of Nyssa and Apocatastasis, Weston Fields
Submissions from 2021
Submissions from 2019
Augustine’s Privation Theory of Evil, Emily Jiang
Mathematics of the Infinite God in the Works of Nicholas of Cusa, Lauren Henderson
The Oppressed and the Oppressors in the Fourth Gospel: A Postcolonial Reading, Joshua Polanski
Submissions from 2018
The Idea of the Fall of the Devil in the Theology of St. Anselm of Canterbury, Hannah Gritter
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard., Elena van Stee
The Pastoral Use of the Virgin Mary in St. Ambrose, Joshua Polanski
Submissions from 2014
From the Fathers to Trent: An Examination into the Patristic Grounds for Transubstantiation, Klaas Walhout
Revelation 13 and the Imperial Cult, Chang In Sohn
Submissions from 2013
Religious Images through Protestant Eyes, Julia LaPlaca
Submissions from 2001
Paul’s Ascent to Paradise: 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 in Its Ancient Context, Bethany Tanis
Submissions from 1969
Euthanasia: A Calvinistic Interpretation, Charles Deur