The Essential Herman Bavinck: A Reader and Commentary - Hardcover

Gayle E. Doornbos; Sutanto, N. Gray

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1540968480 ISBN 13: 9781540968487

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2026

Synopsis

This book brings together Herman Bavinck's essential theological writings in one volume. Gayle E. Doornbos and N. Gray Sutanto, both respected scholars of Bavinck and neo-Calvinism, introduce the texts and provide commentary to help readers understand Bavinck in his historical context and grasp his theological vision.

In addition to covering one of the most important theological works of the twentieth century, Reformed Dogmatics, this book includes other important texts written by Bavinck that mark his theological development and the shape of his thought. The texts are arranged chronologically from Bavinck's earliest writings to selections from Reformed Dogmatics to his Amsterdam writings, which focus on applying theology to other areas of life. The authors include selections from Reformed Dogmatics that go beyond historical narration to display Bavinck's own contributions and judgments. As the authors introduce Bavinck's classic texts, they abridge and explain the primary source material in understandable terms.

This book will be of use to students of Bavinck, neo-Calvinism, or modern theology as well as readers looking for a one-volume resource that introduces them to Bavinck and his theology.

About this title

About the Authors

Gayle E. Doornbos (PhD, University of St. Michael's College) is associate professor of theology at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. She is the author of numerous chapters and journal articles on neo-Calvinism.

N. Gray Sutanto (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He has translated, edited, or written numerous books, including The Essential Herman Bavinck (with Gayle E. Doornbos) and Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction (with Cory C. Brock).

From the Back Cover

"The remarkable range and depth of Bavinck's theology is now on full view in one accessible volume."

This book compiles Herman Bavinck's essential theological writings into one volume. The authors introduce the texts and provide commentary to help readers understand Bavinck in his historical context and grasp his theological vision.

"This volume of judiciously selected texts guides readers through a delightful array of riches in the work of Bavinck. Complete with helpful introductions and insightful annotations by the supremely qualified editors, this volume represents a wonderful introduction and helpful resource for all those seeking to encounter or reencounter this Dutch master."
--Paul T. Nimmo, King's College, University of Aberdeen

"To Bavinck, theology was timeless and timebound. Times change. New intellectual and social questions arise. At the turn of the twentieth century, they did so at breakneck speed. Bavinck saw Reformed orthodoxy as a tradition equipped to be sure-footed on shifting terrain. The texts drawn together by Doornbos and Sutanto show us that way of writing theology in real time, from Bavinck's early to mature years. We are much in their debt."
--James Eglinton, University of Edinburgh

"I have frequently been asked whether there is one book with which to begin studying Bavinck. From now on I will enthusiastically recommend this comprehensive single volume of essential Bavinck material. The editors' careful introductions and annotations make it a constructive piece of Bavinck scholarship that will be essential for all Bavinck students."
--John Bolt, Calvin Theological Seminary (emeritus)

"This judicious selection from Bavinck's most important writings will further enhance the interest in his work. The remarkable range and depth of Bavinck's theology is now on full view in one accessible volume."
--David Fergusson, University of Cambridge

"This reader is a gift to all theology enthusiasts who are eager to sit at the feet of, and learn from, a theological giant. Doornbos and Sutanto provide clear, orienting introductions that situate Bavinck's essays both historically and theologically. Highly recommended!"
--Jessica Joustra, Redeemer University

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1540968480
• ISBN 13: 9781540968487
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 560