Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 24:1 (Nov 1961)
Article: Bavinck the Theologian: A Review Article
Author: Cornelius Van Til

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WTJ 24:1 (Nov 61) p. 48

Bavinck the Theologian:
A Review Article

Cornelius Van Til

As the title indicates, this work [R. H. Bremmer: Herman Bavinck als Dogmaticus. Kampen: J. H. Kok N. V. 1961. XI, 457. Fl. 18.75] deals with Herman Bavinck primarily as a dogmatician. A companion volume, to be published later, will be primarily biographical.

The book is divided into three sections. The first of these sections has three chapters. The first chapter of this section considers Bavinck’s relation to Abraham Kuyper. The second chapter deals with Bavinck’s relation to such “ethical” theologians as Chantepie de la Saussaye and J. H. Gunning. The third chapter takes up Bavinck’s controversies with such modern theologians as B. D. Eerdmans, C. B. Hylkema and Snouck Hurgronje.

This first section is of great historical value. Bremmer had access to much unpublished material. This fact enabled him to trace Bavinck’s theological development with great care. This fact also enabled him to delineate Bavinck’s true greatness of character. Humble before God and courteous to his fellowman, Bavinck always refused to compromise his Saviour whose voice He heard in the Scriptures.

In four chapters the second section gives a detailed analysis of Bavinck’s theological views, especially as these are expressed in his monumental work, the Gereformeerde Dogmatiek. Bavinck was deeply concerned to make the Christ of the Scripture speak to his age. In this sense he was a truly modern theologian. He studied the development of modern philosophy and science with great care. He knew that true unity of thought and harmony of life could come to man only if he made every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. But he also knew that those who did not center their life and thought in Christ had, in spite of this, much to teach him. As a true Protestant he learned much from Romanism and as truly Reformed he honored

WTJ 24:1 (Nov 61) p. 49

Luther. Bavinck’s magnum opus shows true catholicity of spirit as well as unswerving loyalty to the truth as he saw it.

In section three Bremmer gives an evaluation of Bavinck’s theology as a whole. It is difficult, says Bremmer, to overestimate the value of Bavinck’s work. His theology reflects his own deep spiritual struggle. The Reformation was to him a deeply spiritual movement and, as such, of the greatest significance for himself. On his view Romanism signalized a degeneration of the Christian faith. But in his very commitment to Reformation principles Bavinck’s breadth of outlook evinced itself. His was a truly ecumenical spirit. He wrought out his theology in line with the great councils of the church (p. 386).

The perma...

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