Something for the Unreformed: The Abridged Edition of Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics

The English translation of Bavinck’s 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003-2008) has seen quite a return for its efforts. Already there have been a small handful of conferences with more on the way, a growing number of papers and articles, even a Bavinck Society. And there’s more. John Bolt has edited an abridged version that has already received praise as a highly accessible introduction to Bavinck’s theology. And for those just outside of the ‘upper-case’ Reformed movement this volume is especially recommended for two reasons: grace and maturity.

Of so many quality volumes in systematic theology, few have tackled the problems between certainty of faith and modern cynicism with more force and maturity. For mid-career pastor’s wrestling with purpose and vision or tend to it weekly in the lives of those under their ministries, temptation to apathy runs high. Bavinck’s solution? God has spoken and it is the great work of the church to examine her confessions of faith with scripture. Bavinck never offers pat or simple answers to hard questions –although Bolt has smoothed out some of the rigor– or hides in the conclusions of a long line of scholars. “To live and die in the comfort and blessing of salvation,” writes Bavinck, “we need a word from God.” In order for the church and her ministers to move from knowledge to understanding: “faith and reason belong together.” In other words a fresh, organic approach to scripture begins with knowing that God has spoken and that ministry proceeds (or should proceed) as an expression of thankfulness and worship.

The abridgement is tidy and well managed, although sometimes it feels too polished. Dr. Bolt’s summary outlines in the larger work, which guide each section like a fine overture, have been cut and may have been equally valuable here. The abridged Reformed Dogmatics is a perfect step up from the popular Our Reasonable Faith (1956), and a step back from the four volume work; All the more reason to move forward with this excellent theology in hand.