Hiemstra, John
Professor of Political Studies
The King's University
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
john.hiemstra@kingsu.ca
+1 780-465-3500 extension 8040 (office)
+1 780-454-0568 (home)
Webpage: http://www.kingsu.ca/about-us/staff-directory/contact_id/346
Dr. John Hiemstra is Professor of Political Studies and a former Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at The King's University, Edmonton, Alberta. He completed a Ph.D. in public policy and political philosophy at the University of Calgary, and an M.Phil. in political theory at the Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto. He has taught for 24 years, including courses in Public Policy Analysis, Canadian Politics, Global politics, Oil/tar sands developments, and Christian social and political movements (since the French Revolution). Dr. Hiemstra's research has focused on the interplay of faith, diversity, philosophy, and public-policy making. In particular, what is government's role in dealing justly with pluralism in policy areas, such as, broadcasting, schooling, faith-based social and health NGO policy, poverty, and university scholarship? He has published Worldviews on the Air: The Struggle to Create a Pluralistic Broadcasting System in the Netherlands (1997) and a wide variety of academic and popular articles. Over the past seven years his research has shifted to the tar/oilsands where he is analyzing the deeper cultural and religious dimensions of these developments-what do they say about who we believe we are and what society and the economy are all about? He is also writing on the question: what is the state's role in creation care in view of the growing ecological crises? Professor Hiemstra is an active member of the Christian Reformed Church. He has served on various boards including: the policy advocacy group Citizens for Public Justice; the International Association for Promotion of Christian Higher Education; the "Transformative Theological working group" of Oikotree, (sponsored by Council for World Mission, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and World Council of Churches); the "Social Action Commission" of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; and on local groups such as the KAIROS-Edmonton working group.
Areas of Interest
Energy and Environment
Public Policy and Faith-based Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Religion and Politics