Abraham Kuyper: A Centennial Reader (Paperback)

~ Mr. James D. Bratt (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Kuyper was a 19th-century Dutch Calvinist theologian, politician, and journalist who led a reform movement within the Dutch Reformed Church (NDK). He also served as prime minister of the Netherlands, and his governmental reforms led to the formation of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARN), described as the Netherlands's "first truly modern mass-based political organization." In 1898, Kuyper was awarded an honorary doctorate at Princeton University. While there he delivered his Lectures on Calvinism, which became the best-known statement of his worldview. This anthology commemorates the centennial of the Lectures and is intended to make some of Kuyper's other classic works accessible to a present-day, English-speaking audience. Sixteen separate pieces are grouped into four broad categories: Introductory Documents, Church & Theology, Politics and Society, and Culture and Education. An excellent introductory essay from editor Bratt (history, Calvin Coll.) not only sets Kuyper's work in its 19th-century context but shows the relevance of his ideas to contemporary debates on modernism, evangelicalism, and fundamentalism. A worthwhile addition to specialized collections in history and religion.?Linda V. Carlisle, Southern Illinois Univ., Edwardsville
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Abraham Kuyper (1837 - 1920) is a significant figure in the history of the Netherlands and one of the most remarkable figures in the annals of Calvinism. Kuyper celebrated the Reformed founders, subscribed heart and soul to their teachings, and worked ceaselessly to restore their authority in an age that had either forgotten them or contradicted their word. From their theology, Kuyper extruded a whole worldview, and by that worldview he hoped to refashion the politics, scholarship, art, and social arrangements of his time. "Calvinism" was his soul and system, the purest form of Christianity, the treasure of the past, the hope of the future. This anthology, published in the centennial year of Kuyper's famous Stone Lectures, gathers sixteen key writings by Kuyper never before available in English. Included are his definitive statements on politics, education, culture, and the religious currents and social problems of his time. Also included are Kuyper's own conversion narrative, his critiques of Modernism and of Holiness theology, his proposals on common grace and Calvinist politics, his reflections on a culture in thrall to pantheism and evolution, and his classic address on "sphere sovereignty." In his introduction, editor James Bratt sets Kuyper's work in its 19th century context and shows the relevance of his ideas to contemporary debates on modernism, evangelicalism, and fundamentalism. Bratt also provides helpful explanatory notes and a brief introduction to each piece. Photographs, cartoons, and short excerpts from some of Kuyper's better-known works make this an attractive volume that will stand as the definitive Kuyper anthology for years to come.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (February 13, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802843212
• ISBN-13: 978-0802843210
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #545,870 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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9 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book, June 9, 2000

By	Paul Bratt (Notre Dame, IN) - See all my reviews

What a great Book! Gets at the heart of the dutch calvinist revival.

Very good