Andries Knevel

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Andries Knevel is a Dutch theologian, author and TV/radio presenter, born on 13 February 1952 in Naarden. From 1993 to 2006 he was the television director of Evangelische Omroep (EO), a Dutch broadcaster with Protestant roots.

Early life and education
Knevel grew up in a Christian-Reformed family. His father was a civil servant and his mother stayed at home. He studied economics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he became a devout Christian after a moment in an economics lecture. He decided to become a minister and switched to theology, studying first at VU and then at Utrecht University, where he graduated in 1979. While studying, he taught theology and social sciences at the Farelcollege in Ridderkerk (1976–1978).

Media career
In 1978 Knevel started as a freelance reporter for EO, joined the staff in 1979, and became head of informative programs in 1989. He began presenting Het Elfde Uur (The Eleventh Hour) in 1992 and later served as one of EO’s directors (1993–2006). He hosted Knevel op Zaterdag (2001–2004) on Saturdays and Andries Radio on the airwaves. From 2007 to 2014 he co-hosted Knevel & Van den Brink with Tijs van den Brink, and they ran Moraalridders (Moralists) from 2010 to 2012, plus other EO programs. In 2013 he started a series about religion, first called Andries, then Andries en de Wetenschappers (Andries and the Scientists), focusing on religion and science.

Public prominence and views
Knevel became nationally known for Het Elfde Uur. His style was direct and sometimes provocative, and his raised index finger became a familiar symbol. In 2009 he was made an Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Views on creation and controversy
In 2005 Knevel said he no longer accepted a literal six-day creation and that Genesis 1 should not be read as strict historical fact. This was notable because EO had long promoted creationism. In 2009 he caused further controversy by signing a TV document saying he did not literally believe in creationist teachings and that Darwin's theory might be true; he apologized for implying that his personal view represented EO.

Writing and other work
Knevel wrote several books on theology and television, kept a diary (2007–2008), and served as editor of Koers, a Christian opinion magazine. He also wrote columns for evangelical and Catholic magazines.

Personal life
He is married with three children. Knevel is a member of the Christian Reformed Churches and attends the Crossroads evangelical church in Amstelveen, where he also preaches in many churches.