Our first session on the second day was on the Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck and reading his works with James Eglinton, whose biography of Bavinck is soon to appear. After helpfully sketching Bavinck's times and life (a key date here being 1848 when constititutional reform led to toleration for the persecuted seceders from the state church, six years before his birth) Dr Eglinton addressed the question of why and how to read him
1. Why to read him
1. Secularisation
Previously in Holland the state church and the seceders were agreed on what truth is but after 1848 everything became relative. This is an issue that was often engaged with by Bavinck. Eg when he was a student, when he became an MP (the just war, dealing with the poor, etc), as a journalist and in his friendships with unbelievers.
Obvious books to study are Philosophy and revelation (Stone Lectures 1908-1909) and The Christian world view.
2. Scripture
He took it with utmost seriousness. He had an a priori approach - that it was the Word of God. Without this it is impossible to appreciate Scripture for what it really is.
3. Catholicity
A favourite text was 1 John 5:4. He believed that we have obligation now not just historically.. The missionary impulse. was strong in him.
2. How to read him
He is not easy to read. Understanding the structure of his dogmatics will help. Volume 1 (Prolegomena) is probably the hardest to read. Calvin is easier because he did not need to begin with an extended discussion of the philosophical thought of the day post-Kant and post-enlightenment. The volumes that follow use the structure of the Apostles Creed.
It is worth bearing in mind that Bavinck is eager to present his opponents in the clearest terms. He therefore rehearses the argument at length, emphasising their strongest case. Comments and arguments come only later. It is useful to bear in mind.
In the discussion we considered how we confront our secular age and how Bavinck can help us.
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