In the Beginning: Foundations of Creation Theology

by Herman Bavinck, John Bolt (Editor), John Vriend (Translator)

Recent discussions of creation have centered on the skirmishes between creationists and evolutionists. However, as the editor of this volume points out, there is much more to the Christian doctrine of creation than scientific battles about origins and the age of the earth. To Herman Bavinck, the doctrine of creation, affirming the distinction between the Creator and his creature, is the starting point of true religion. Though Bavincks In the Beginning contains relevant treatments of frequently addressed topics, such as evolution, Darwinism, and the age of humanity, it also broadens the theological discussion of creation by exploring other elements of this essential doctrine, including angels and the spiritual world, the image of God in humans, the destiny of creation and humanity, and Gods providential care over creation. Herman Bavinck stands as one of historys finest Reformed theologians, yet his writings are only now being made available in English. In the Foundations of Creation Theology is the second installment in the Dutch Reformed Translation Societys translation of Bavincks classic Gereformeerde Dogmatiek (Reformed Dogmatics). The first installment is The Last Things.

Genres: Theology, Christian

289 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Herman Bavinck (1854-1921) succeeded Abraham Kuyper as professor of systematic theology at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1902.

His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.

Reviews

[Michael Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when it came out and it is still to this day informative. Bavinck listens to the arguments of his day that appear to contradict the Genesis account, and he is graceful in his responses. His dealings with the cosmic egg thesis is particularly noteworthy. After much consideration of Bavinck and others on the question, it eventually became overwhelming to me that the scientific method is ultimately incapable of proper application to the creation since no man was present to observe the originating process. In that regard, the discipline of science will forever be the servant, at times a hostile servant nevertheless.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bavinck is one of the great Dutch theologians whose Gereformeerde Dogmatiek (Reformed Dogmatics) is being translated into English. This is one of the parts now available. Bavinck has much to offer about the Christian doctrine of creation. I found much that helped my understanding including his starting point of emphasizing the distinction between God as Creator and man as his creature. This and other things I will use with my omnibus class: Building a Christian Worldview as we study Creation. There were some things over my head but I enjoyed being stretched.