Orthodox Yet Modern: Herman Bavinck's Use of Friedrich Schleiermacher

by Cory C. Brock

Herman Bavinck showed that othodox theology continues to speak authoritatively today.
Since the English translation from Dutch of Herman Bavinck's magisterial 4-volume Reformed Dogmatics , there has been a blossoming interest in Bavinck's theology. Readers have been drawn to Bavinck for his faithfulness to the Reformed tradition while also engaging the questions of 19th-century Europe. Far from simply revisiting the older dogmatic systems, Bavinck faithfully engages modern trends like historical-criticism, the epistemological problems raised by Kant, the rationalism of the philosophes , and the radical changes ushered in through the French and European revolutions.
The question then is, was Bavinck orthodox, modern, or both ?
In Orthodox yet Modern , Cory C. Brock argues that Bavinck acts as a bridge between orthodox and modern views, insofar as he subsumes the philosophical-theological questions and concepts of theological modernity under the conditions of his orthodox, confessional tradition. By exploring the relation between Bavinck and Schleiermacher, Orthodox yet Modern presents Herman Bavinck as a theologian eager to engage the contemporary world, rooted in the catholic and Reformed tradition, absorbing the best of modernity while rejecting its excesses. Bavinck represents a theologian who is at once orthodox, yet modern.

Genres: Theology, Philosophy

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2020

Reviews

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and fascinating. Brock’s work is rich not only because Bavinck and Schleirmachar are endlessly interesting on their own right, but also because he engages in the topic with all the care it deserves. It raises really good questions about the legitimacy of borrowing the grammar of modern philosophies and running them through a reformed grid. If we approve wholesale, one can imagine how this might raise questions about the legitimacy of doing the same with postmodern philosophies. There, however, it is sticky, for it is hard to determine how it is possible to use postmodern grammar through a reformed structure when the postmodern structure is its grammar. Then again, can the same not be said about the modern philosophies Bavinck made use of, whilst (as Brock demonstrates) retaining his orthodox soul? Again, this book helpfully raises really important questions for theology today.

It also highlights that, despite the surge of interest Bavinck studies have enjoyed these last 20 years, there is still much, much more to explore. We have not even begun to grapple with how fascinating of a figure Bavinck is. He is known as a dogmatician, for good reason. But Brock (along with Eglinton’s recent work) demonstrates that he could have easily been christened in our ecclesial imagination as a social commentator, an ethicist, an apologist, or a philosopher. Indeed, maybe he still should be.

*Lexham press was kind enough to give me this book. I was asked to write an honest review, not a positive one*

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Bavinck is orthodox yet modern insofar as he subsumes the philosophical-theological questions and concepts of theological modernity under the conditions of his orthodox, confessional tradition.”

[Hayden Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this work is dense and high-level, I immensely enjoyed reading it. Brock is to be commended for his detailed and fair analysis of both Bavinck and Schleiermacher. He obviously read both in the original, attending to primary sources, instead of depending on secondary assessments.

Although I will need to return to this work in years to come to figure out all the nuances of Bavinck's relationship to Schleiermacher (and other mediation theologians), some brief takeaways will suffice. I greatly appreciate Bavinck's Reformed catholicity, a model of theologizing which I aspire to, but which seems to be absent from many within my camp. Bavinck is a great example of a confessional theologian who paid attention to the needs of his time. He did not back away into biblicism and attack straw men of modern philosophy. No, he engaged with the greatest minds of his day and worked to understand them. His famous saying was: "There's an element of truth to that." Bavinck was not a Thomist, or a Platonist, or an Augustinian, or a Schleiermacherian. He was a Christian who "plundered the Egyptians." Where there is truth, there it is... Perhaps the eclectic method is the best...

Brock's summary statement is helpful: Bavinck teaches "the student of dogmatics that in every generation attention must be paid to the philosophical milieu, to the needs of the times, to the precise nature of the modernity of today, to write dogmatics that is indeed for the church in a given time" (269).

I was also convinced that "there is no pristine era of theology," a view I had previously held to. Yes to retrieval. No to repristination.

Lexham Press has done a wonderful job with these SHST volumes. This is my second read in the series (after LaPine's Logic of the Body). Both projects have challenged me, deepened my understanding of particular subjects, and widened my appreciation for the Christian community producing high-quality scholarship. Also, just a minor thing, but the books are beautiful (cover art, typesetting, everything!).

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brock brings helpful insight into the theology of Bavinck by tracing his educational experiences and then his influence on seceding theologians. The thesis that Bavinck was orthodox, yet modern is clearly defended through the work by illustrating that despite his modern approaches and positions that resembled that of Schleiermacher. Brock identifies that his critique of the modern is fundamentally orthodox. This coupled with Bavinck’s positions being critiques by his followers is to exemplify the adamant orthodoxy of the great Dutch theologian.

[John Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a phenomenal read. Not only does Brock demonstrate a thorough-going commitment to scholarship in his handling of Bavinck and Schleiermacher, but the overall aim of the book -- which seems to clearly be more than just an investigation into Bavinck's assimilation of German idealism -- is highly commendable. To be Orthodox yet Modern is, in the fantastic way Brock words it, to stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us. Especially "even surprising shoulders for those amid the confessionalist context."

I've never liked the Christian tendency to reject and ridicule modern philosophy or to pigeonhole and dismiss theologians who don't fit their particular confessional mould. Brock shows how Bavinck embraces the 'yes' and the 'no' of theology. Embracing common grace and the fruits that come with it. Learning, admiring, and exploring the world around us through language both old and new. This is the exciting task of the theologian and Brock does an excellent job of giving us insight into how Bavinck participated in this work.

Theology, if it is to be of any value, must take up the monstrous task, each generation, of straddling contemporary philosophic struggles with orthodox and confessional faith. To show the world around us that we don't blindly cling to tradition, but that our catholicity allows us to embrace each generation with grace and insight.

Bring on Brock's next work.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly interesting book on Bavinck and Schleiermacher. Bavinck’s use was highly nuanced; though critical in his dogmatics, his appropriation of Schleiermacher’s language suggests he wasn’t just purely negative on F.S. This book has some great room for discussion, particularly as it relates to the relationship of theology and philosophy, as well as how we may appropriate from other thinkers (whom we may not be sympathetic to) in order to better formulate truth.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute titan of a book! Marvelous.

[Noah Lykins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful to see how Bavinck uses Schleirmacher’s language and ideas, also the ways he misunderstood S. as a thinker and theologian — makes engaging with Dogmatics richer. Dry writing though!