Reformed Dogmatics (4 vols.)

by Herman Bavinck; John Bolt; John Vriend

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2003–2008

Overview

Reformed Dogmatics is hailed by editor John Bolt as biblically and confessionally faithful, pastorally sensitive, challenging, and still relevant. This magnum opus of the renowned Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck is now fully translated into English. This volume includes a combined index of all four volumes as well as discussions of the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the Church, the Sacraments, and Eschatology. A welcome resource for scholars, students, pastors, and theological libraries.

Theologians have long appreciated Herman Bavinck's four-volume masterpiece, Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, published in 1895–99, for its comprehensive treatment of dogmatic theology. Unfortunately, this magnum opus from the great Reformed theologian has only been available in Dutch, and therefore has been inaccessible to most readers. Now, thanks to the Dutch Reformed Translation Society and the work of translator John Vriend and editor John Bolt, the entire four volumes of Bavinck's magisterial Reformed Dogmatics is available in English for the first time.

With Logos Bible Software the entire Reformed Dogmatics set is fully searchable and easily accessible. Scripture references are linked to your favorite Bible translations and original texts, and important theological concepts are linked to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the wealth of resources in your digital library.

Key Features

• An introduction to Bavinck and Reformed Dogmatics by series editor John Bolt
• An extensive bibliography
• Comprehensive and enhanced footnotes
• Every chapter features an insightful introduction

Praise for the Print Edition

Arguably the most important systematic theology ever produced in the Reformed tradition. I have found it to be the most valuable. English-speaking theology throughout the 20th century until now has been singularly impoverished by not having at its disposal a translation of Bavinck's Dogmatiek in its entirety. The appearance of these volumes will be an incomparable boon for generations of students, pastors, teachers, and others, serving to deepen understanding and enrich reflection in both historical and systematic theology.

—Richard B. Gaffin, Jr., professor of biblical and systematic theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

Bavinck's Dutch masterwork was the Everest of which the textbooks by Louis Berkhof and Auguste Leoerf were foothills and Berkouwer's studies in dogmatics were outliers. Like Augustine, Calvin, and Edwards, Bavinck was a man of giant mind, vast learning, ageless wisdom and great expository skill. Solid but lucid, demanding but satisfying, broad and deep and sharp and stabilizing, Bavinck's magisterial Reformed Dogmatics remains after a century the supreme achievement of its kind.

—J. I. Packer, professor of theology, Regent College

Despite all the important contributions that Dutch Calvinists have made to North American Protestantism, Herman Bavinck remains an obscure figure, lagging behind the influential Abraham Kuyper. With the translation and republication of Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics, this unfortunate situation should change for the better. These four volumes demonstrate the importance and mastery of Bavinck's own contribution to Reformed theology, while providing a useful and striking point of comparison with the best-known twentieth-century Reformed dogmatics, that of Karl Barth. At a time when the scholastic nature of systematic theology has come under serious criticism, Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics reveals the advantage of careful and sustained reflection on Christian truth that is both faithful to the church and engaged with the academy. Readers will discover more than Bavinck the theologian in these volumes; they will learn about the God whom he worshiped and served.

—D. G. Hart, author of The Lost Soul of American Protestantism

Product Details

• Title: Reformed Dogmatics (Gereformeerde Dogmatiek)
• Author: Herman Bavinck
• Translator: John Bolt
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Volumes: 4
• Pages: 3,008

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1: The Prolegomena

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 685

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this, prefatory volume to the Reformed Dogmatics, Bavinck discusses the science, method, and organization of dogmatic theology. He gives deep insight into the differences that exist between the dogmatic theologies of Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and Reformists. Bavinck adeptly sets up the rest of his Reformed theology by defining his terms and his understanding of the nature of divine revelation and particularly God’s revelation in scripture.

This masterwork will appeal to scholars and students of theology, research and theological libraries, and pastors and laity who read serious works of Reformed theology.

A welcome addition to the works of Bavinck in English. Of special interest is Bavinck's insightful critique of the role of apologetics in establishing certainty in faith.

—Donald G. Bloesch, emeritus professor of theology, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2: God and Creation

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2004
• Pages: 697

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Bavinck thoughtfully and systematically discusses man’s ability to know God despite his incomprehensibility. Throughout this volume, Bavinck lays out his theology in a very methodical fashion through analysis of God’s attributes, development of a Trinitarian dogma, God’s will, creation, providence and the Imago Dei.

Herman Bavinck has often been unjustly overshadowed by Abraham Kuyper, especially in the English-speaking world. The unavailability in English of his crowning work, Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, has been a particularly significant lack. Bavinck's breadth, thoroughness, rigor, ecumenical interests, and spiritual fervor are clearly on display in this careful and readable translation. It is a splendid gift to theological studies and will contribute to redressing the neglect of this faithful servant of Christ and his church.

—Stephen R. Spencer, Wheaton College

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 685

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ looks at the fallen nature of Creation through a reformed microscope. Bavinck dissects and lays open the origin, nature, and punishment for sin. In the second section of this powerful work, Bavinck introduces us to the Covenant nature of grace and then to the person of Jesus Christ. Bavinck then expounds on the work of Christ; his humiliation and exultation, and concludes with the finished work of salvation in Christ.

Bavinck is one of the premier Reformed theologians, but till now much of his magnum opus has not been accessible to English-language readers. We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who have made the treasures of Bavinck's thought available to a new world of appreciative hearers.

—Donald K. McKim, editor, Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 685

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

In this, the final volume in the landmark Reformed Dogmatics series, Bavinck examines the role of Christ in a believer's life. In Part I he develops the Reformed views of Calling, Regeneration, Faith, Conversion, Justification, Sanctification and Perseverance. The doctrine of the Church becomes the discussion in Part II as Bavinck looks at the Church’s Spiritual Essence, The Church’s Spiritual Government, The Church’s Spiritual Power, Proclamation, Sacraments, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Lastly, Bavinck wraps up his magnum opus with a dissertation of the believer's hope in Christ, His return, and the renewal of all things.

This is one of those seminal works that embodies a significant portion of our Reformed theological heritage. We all should rejoice to see this material finally available in English!

—Samuel T. Logan Jr., Westminster Theological Seminary

About Herman Bavinck

Herman Bavinck was born in 1854 in the Netherlands. He studied at Kampen Theological Seminary and the University of Leiden, and graduated in 1880. Bavinck returned to Kampen in 1881 as the newly-appointed Professor of Dogmatics. In 1902, Bavinck moved to Amsterdam to teach at the Free University, and was also appointed to the parliament in the Netherlands.

Along with Abraham Kuyper, Bavinck figured prominently in the nineteenth century Dutch Calvinist revival and contributed to the resurgence of Reformed theology. He was a prolific writer, and published numerous books and articles. His most well-known publications include his 4-volume Reformed Dogmatics and The Philosophy of Revelation.

Herman Bavinck died in 1921.