Justin Holcomb » Systematic Theology Dead Guys Doctrine Church History Recommended Books

We’ve previously written about the “other Reformed theology” that is often forgotten by those in the Reformed resurgence.

As we pointed out, there are numerous streams of Reformed theology that developed out of the work of John Calvin. One of those streams, the Scottish tradition, has a strong focus on doctrines of salvation, the ordo salutis, and the so-called five points of Calvinism. But another important dimension is found in the Dutch Reformed tradition, which celebrates Reformed doctrines of salvation but also emphasizes worldviews, cultural engagement, and the lordship of Jesus over all aspects of life.

If we ignore the work of the Dutch Reformed theologians, we will miss out on the full, rich heritage of Reformed thought. I recently wrote a series of articles about three of the most prominent Dutch Reformed theologians over at The Gospel Coalition:

1. Abraham Kuyper

During the course of his 57-year career, Abraham Kuyper started two newspapers, founded an influential political party, helped create a new denomination, started a university, was elected as his nation’s prime minister, and authored numerous important books. Kuyper spurred church, social, cultural, and political change by advancing Reformed views of education, the church, and the state.

2. Herman Bavinck

J.I. Packer put Herman Bavinck on the level of Augustine, Calvin, and Edwards, and called him “a man of giant mind, vast learning, ageless wisdom, and great expository skill.” In addition, Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics has been called “the most important systematic theology ever produced in the Reformed tradition.”

3. Louis Berkhof

Louis Berkhof was a master at organizing and explaining Reformed theology. Berkhof was convinced the church has a role to play in social reform and ought not to be separatistic toward culture. As Zwaanstra puts it, for Berkhof, “The church was God’s chosen instrument not only to save individuals and to prepare them for eternal life, but also to implement as much as possible the kingdom of God on earth.”

Some further reading on Dutch Reformed theology:

• Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition, by James K.A. Smith
• Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution, by Alister McGrath
• Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof
• Dutch Reformed Theology, by David Wells

« Newer Older »