Tulips on Fire: The Blazing Piety of the Dutch Calvinists

by Ben Zornes

In the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation a movement emerged amongst the Dutch Calvinists. This movement became known as the Nadere Reformatie. It sought to diligently apply the vibrant doctrines of the Reformation, as expressed at the Synod of Dort, to every sphere of human life.

Whereas many modern Christians tend to oscillate between legalistic moral codes or libertine antinomianism, the leaders of the Nadere Reformatie offer a helpful path for standing firm upon the doctrine of justification by faith alone while pursuing true holiness by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is not found in the legalist's furrowed brow of self-effort, nor is it to be avoided by those who wave a false banner of grace over their pet sins. Instead, when we look at the example and teaching of this group of Dutch Christians from the 17th-18th century we find that we can rejoice in a salvation that is not won by our good works, while being spurred on to live out the implications of that salvation wherever we go, from the garden, to the dining table, from our workplace to the baseball diamond. Christ bought us and set us apart for holiness, and by His Spirit He truly brings about holiness within us, for our good and God's great glory.

Genres: Theology, History

87 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read. I didn't feel the need to do a whole research project on the Dutch Reformed but I have been wanting to learn more about them. Ended up getting a whole-spectrum picture of the distortions of Calvinist piety that resulted in the two extremes we see most in our day: rampant sin and abuse of grace (sometimes the victim mindset rather than victorious living; sometimes simple antinomianism), and legalistic perfectionism with strict adherence to arbitrary rules (usually involving some idea of victorious living that ends up stratifying Christians and redefining sin). This was one of the best books I've read this year, in that it included enough historical context for me to see behind the scenes of the modern representation of what the various Protestant denominations believe (e.g. the blurbs on church websites or the charts from Wikipedia), yet summarized with a broad enough approach that I didn't get totally lost in the historical and theological nitpicky details.

The later chapters of the book truly inspired me to redouble my pursuit of holiness in my personal life and to be truly grateful for Christ's gift of grace. Tears in my eyes!

And, honestly, I'm not a huge history buff but I might develop a special interest in the Dutch Reformed...

[Tim Zornes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting, brief history into the Dutch reformation and their zeal for holiness. Pleasant, short read.

[Caleb M. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid book on a topic that I hadn't studied much before. A little bit of history, a whole lot of class A piety. Recommended.

[Jessica McFall · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.8/5 stars:

The only reason this doesn't get a full 5 stars for me is that I do wish the author went into more practical detail about what the piety of the Dutch Calvinists looked like. There was minimal historical description on that point. I understand that perhaps his main goal was to make applications from the Dutch Calvinists' theological treatises in the modern Christian context. This he did wonderfully and consisly, but I did feel like there was more time spent unpacking theoretical doctrine than real world application.

Ultimately, though, the goal of the book was accomplished, and I was left more motivated to put my faith into practice relying fully on God's power and provision!

[Cadi Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second favorite thing about this book was how concise and unwasteful the author was with each chapter. My favorite thing was witnessing the glorious marriage of deep theology and practical piety, a gorgeous union of orthodoxy and orthopraxy. 🤌🏼🌷

So much to think about 🤯: faith shaping the ordinary, the real actions of justification and sanctification in the Christian upon salvation, the tension between legalism and liberality, understanding our totally depraved hearts alongside a renewed heart empowered to walk in the good works God has prepared for us, grace and our pursuit of holiness, and so much more. 🙌🏼

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good history of the Dutch reformers.

[Bradley Endsor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does your doctrine impact how you live? In this hsort book Ben looks at some of the errors and heresies (my view) of theology such as antinomianism and perfectionism and shows how a full orbed theology really can lead to a victorious liberty in christian life from sin and rules. Not sure I can get behind his reading of Romas 7 but this was a great little book.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben Zornes writes a delightful little book explaining the explosive mixture of sound doctrine and applied piety that came out the reformation, focusing particularly on the Dutch reformed. This was a beautiful reminder of how sound reformed theology never leads to complacency but faith filled action.

[Caleb Levi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the introduction to the continental reformed.

[Garbanzo Beans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great brief synopsis on the joy and resounding call to piety Calvinists have always had, marred and distorted by perceived cold-rigid puritanicalism.

[Emma R. Pilcher]

Zornes drew an intriguing connection from Wesleyan Perfectionism and Keswick theology to the radical individualization of faith. And this stood in contrast to the pious Dutch Calvinists.