About Life Under the Word
A theology blog by Keanu Heydari on Barth, apocalyptic Paul, and Reformed witness in public
Life Under the Word is where a historian by training writes theology: essays, sermons, and working notes, offered from within the Reformed tradition.
- Ph.D., History
- University of Michigan
- M.Div. student
- Princeton Theological Seminary, Francis Grimké Scholar
- Deacon
- First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, 2024–2026
- Inquirer for ordination
- Ministry of Word and Sacrament, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Recurring subjects
Who writes here
I’m a historian by training and received my Ph.D. in History from the University of Michigan. I am currently pursuing an M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary. I have served as deacon at my home church, First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, and I am an Inquirer for ordination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). My main website, with my historical work and CV, is keanuheydari.com.
What I write about
Here, I write on Karl Barth and apocalyptic readings of Paul, always attentive to the Reformed confessional tradition. The questions my historical work raises about exile and human dignity also shape how I read scripture and the theologians who taught me to read it: Barth, J. Louis Martyn, Beverly Gaventa, and Douglas Campbell, among many others.
What you’ll find
Essays, sermons, devotionals, liturgies, and translations, usually one substantial piece a month. Most writing is free; paid subscriptions sustain the work.
Questions, corrections, and disagreements are welcome: get in touch.