Theology As Doxology: Herman Bavinck and His Legacy

On October 24-25, Erskine Theological Seminary was honored to host the Rev., Dr. Henk van den Belt, Professor of Systematic Theology at the Faculty of Religion and Theology at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Dr. van den Belt is a world-renowned scholar of the Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck, and his lecture at Erskine, “Theology As Doxology: Herman Bavinck and His Legacy”, focused upon the influences that shaped Bavinck’s theology and, subsequently, how Bavinck’s theology has shaped Reformed theology over the last century.

Alumnus Rev. Brett Blackman (MDiv., ’13; ThM., ’18), currently a PhD. candidate at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, studying the theology of Herman Bavinck under professor Dr. Henk van den Belt, offered his thoughts on our esteemed lecturer and his topic:

“Some of the most important figures from the church’s past remain some of the most significant and necessary voices today. Among these, I would argue, is Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck (1854-1921), as is shown by the resurgence of appreciation he has been receiving in recent years, especially in the English-speaking West. Among other reasons for this renewed esteem, two aspects of his thought and approach are often highlighted—reasons why I also think he is so relevant in our day. First, bridging the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Bavinck desired to deeply engage with the theological, philosophical, and societal issues of his day—both inside and outside the church—from a Reformed theological perspective. This engagement was fueled by his confidence that all truth is rooted in God’s revelation. He was bold in his conviction that Christianity is amply suited to address, in the most comprehensive and satisfying way, the questions and concerns of contemporary culture. Second, while rooted in the Reformed tradition, Bavinck often addressed central issues facing the broader Church universal, resulting in a rich and irenic catholicity that pervades much of his writing. I believe Herman Bavinck to be a significant, relevant voice and model for the Church today, and there is no better guide to his theology and legacy than Dr. van den Belt.”