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Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion
“In writing this Guidebook,” Bavinck says in his preface, “I had in mind, the pupils in the highest classes of our Christian gymnasium, public schools, in the education of teachers, and in normal schools, etc. and moreover those who desire to understand the main content of our Christian, Reformed confession of faith through a not too comprehensive or expensive book.”
Herman Bavinck completed Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion in 1913 and reprinted it in the Netherlands in 1931. He originally intended it for high school students and Christians of every confession. Bavinck’s goal was to make Christians more familiar with the rich, deep thoughts of Scripture as universally expressed in the Christian faith.
Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion is an introductory systematic theology by one of the foremost theologians of the past century. Alongside The Sacrifice of Praise , this is Bavinck at his best doing catechetical theology. To this end, Bavinck sets off to explain in a simplified manner the main contents of the Christian religion, even giving it a title that is a tip of the hat to John Calvin’s Institute of the Christian Religion. While Bavinck’s lengthy Reformed Dogmatics is an academic work, Guidebook for Instruction serves a more egalitarian aim. It is a theological guide for the everyday person in the pew. In this one―and much shorter―volume, Bavinck walks Christian readers through all the major topics covered in Reformed Dogmatics with theological depth and insight.
Herman Bavinck completed Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion in 1913 and reprinted it in the Netherlands in 1931. He originally intended it for high school students and Christians of every confession. Bavinck’s goal was to make Christians more familiar with the rich, deep thoughts of Scripture as universally expressed in the Christian faith.
Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion is an introductory systematic theology by one of the foremost theologians of the past century. Alongside The Sacrifice of Praise , this is Bavinck at his best doing catechetical theology. To this end, Bavinck sets off to explain in a simplified manner the main contents of the Christian religion, even giving it a title that is a tip of the hat to John Calvin’s Institute of the Christian Religion. While Bavinck’s lengthy Reformed Dogmatics is an academic work, Guidebook for Instruction serves a more egalitarian aim. It is a theological guide for the everyday person in the pew. In this one―and much shorter―volume, Bavinck walks Christian readers through all the major topics covered in Reformed Dogmatics with theological depth and insight.
- GenresTheologyDiscipleship
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 8, 2022
36 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Herman Bavinck
105 books187 followersHerman 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.
His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 12, 2023
Very good, despite some clumsy editing. There were numerous typos (69, 118, three on 137, 138). I found distracting the frequent inclusion of the Dutch in in-text parentheses, and found strange the absence of the English term “concurrence” in the section on providence (79)—even if “cooperation” is a more accurate translation of the Dutch, at least refer to the classic term in a footnote. Notwithstanding, this work would serve as a useful entry point to Bavinck as it is shorter than the Magnalia Dei but still has significant overlap with it.
November 30, 2023
Let me cut to the chase: this is one of my favorite books I’ve ever read.
Bavinck’s writing is clear, biblical, and beautiful. This is an introductory work of systematic theology and I think one of the most fruitful works a believer can own and read.
I read it a couple of pages at a time every morning and loved every second.
Bavinck’s writing is clear, biblical, and beautiful. This is an introductory work of systematic theology and I think one of the most fruitful works a believer can own and read.
I read it a couple of pages at a time every morning and loved every second.
January 19, 2023
Bavinck is Bavinck is Bavinck. Great overview of Reformed teaching; great volume for dedicated college students (and maybe even high school juniors and seniors).
October 27, 2024
The is intended as a catechism for high school/lower college age students. Dr. Bavinck is a well known Reformed theologian from Holland (late 1800s/early 1900s). Chapters are broken down into fairly traditional topics for someone trying to cover Reformed theology. Everything was solid theologically. I didn't learn a lot, but it is always good to systematize what you do know. There were a few interesting thoughts and lines of reasoning, often from interesting ways that the Dutch think and express themselves in contrast to modern Americans.
July 26, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S GUIDEBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ABOUT?
That's it in a nutshell—this book delivers the main content of the Reformed Christian thought directed toward those in High School or those without much education.
In twenty chapters of 10 +/- pages each, Bavinck covers things such as the Knowledge of God, General and Special Revelation, the Trinity, Creation, Providence, The Person and Work of Christ, The Holy Spirit, Salvation, The Church, and The End of the World.
There's not much more to say than that, it's shorter and easier to read than Systematic/Dogmatic Theology that I can think of, written by one of the most significant and influential teachers of the Twentieth Century.
GUIDEBOOK AND THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD
While this was an original composition, it is fairly similar to The Wonderful Works of God, published a few years earlier. The Guidebook is streamlined, no doubt, but many passages/paragraphs in both match*, and the translators give footnotes throughout showing that—and when they diverge. There are instances that I've found (and will likely see others in future reading/study) that a similar section in the Guidebook helps clarify a point in TWWoG.
* Bavinck says he "intimately connected" the two.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GUIDEBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION?
It took three afternoons of semi-casual reading for me to read this—I could've done it in two, had I skipped an afternoon nap (much less the three I let myself take over the period). I spent months reading both The Wonderful Works of God and Reformed Dogmatics, I practically gave myself whiplash as quick as this went.
This is incredibly accessible—anyone from fourteen on up should be able to handle it (although parts might take a little work for some—but not often). It covers all the essential matters of Systematic Theology, and occasionally goes beyond. There might be things you'd like him to be a bit more thorough about, but that's what the other works are for. The translators put it this way:
* The translators use the Latin title for The Wonderful Works of God throughout the work.
I recommend this without hesitation—as I do everything I've read by Bavinck—but without having to worry that someone will be intimidated by it, or decide they're not up for the work. Although I still maintain that people shouldn't be as intimidated as they are by him. The translators have given us a gift in making this available to English readers for the first time—as much of a gift as Bavinck gave the church of his time in writing it.
The translators close their Introduction with these words, and I think they're a great way to sum up the book:
---
WHAT'S GUIDEBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ABOUT?
...in writing this guidebook, I had in mind the pupils in the highest classes of our Christian gymnasium, public schools, in the education of teachers, and in normal schools, etc., and moreover those who desire to understand the main content of our Christian, Reformed confession of faith through a not too comprehensive or expensive book.
That's it in a nutshell—this book delivers the main content of the Reformed Christian thought directed toward those in High School or those without much education.
In twenty chapters of 10 +/- pages each, Bavinck covers things such as the Knowledge of God, General and Special Revelation, the Trinity, Creation, Providence, The Person and Work of Christ, The Holy Spirit, Salvation, The Church, and The End of the World.
There's not much more to say than that, it's shorter and easier to read than Systematic/Dogmatic Theology that I can think of, written by one of the most significant and influential teachers of the Twentieth Century.
[His desire is] to discuss the material in a scriptural sense: that it is not only revealed in its teaching but also in its comforting character, and that it is applied to the heart and conscience. Religious instruction must be education in the true sense of the word, and it must be education in the religion—that is, in the most tender and sacred of what a human soul may possess.
GUIDEBOOK AND THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD
While this was an original composition, it is fairly similar to The Wonderful Works of God, published a few years earlier. The Guidebook is streamlined, no doubt, but many passages/paragraphs in both match*, and the translators give footnotes throughout showing that—and when they diverge. There are instances that I've found (and will likely see others in future reading/study) that a similar section in the Guidebook helps clarify a point in TWWoG.
* Bavinck says he "intimately connected" the two.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT GUIDEBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION?
It took three afternoons of semi-casual reading for me to read this—I could've done it in two, had I skipped an afternoon nap (much less the three I let myself take over the period). I spent months reading both The Wonderful Works of God and Reformed Dogmatics, I practically gave myself whiplash as quick as this went.
This is incredibly accessible—anyone from fourteen on up should be able to handle it (although parts might take a little work for some—but not often). It covers all the essential matters of Systematic Theology, and occasionally goes beyond. There might be things you'd like him to be a bit more thorough about, but that's what the other works are for. The translators put it this way:
He traverses a path in which he attempts to bridge the gap between the theology in the academy and theology in the church In doing so, he provides the pilgrim with a theology that is uniquely accessible. For those who found his Reformed Dogmatics alarmingly academic and his Magnalia Dei* intimidatingly thick, Guidebook is the theological porridge that is “just right” for most readers.
* The translators use the Latin title for The Wonderful Works of God throughout the work.
I recommend this without hesitation—as I do everything I've read by Bavinck—but without having to worry that someone will be intimidated by it, or decide they're not up for the work. Although I still maintain that people shouldn't be as intimidated as they are by him. The translators have given us a gift in making this available to English readers for the first time—as much of a gift as Bavinck gave the church of his time in writing it.
The translators close their Introduction with these words, and I think they're a great way to sum up the book:
In his Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion, Bavinck has given a gift to the church. The reader will likely find little that is groundbreaking or novel (as one regularly does in Reformed Dogmatics). However, this book supplies the theology of an academic concerned with the life of the church. It is an example of catechetical theology produced by one of the foremost academic theologians of his time.
Above all, we hope this translation helps fulfill Bavinck’s hope for true theology: that it does not remain an object of the head but penetrates the heart and thus becomes an act of confession and praise. As he writes, “Dogmatics, therefore, is... a hymn of adoration and thanksgiving, a ‘glory to God in the highest’ (Luke 2:14). In this book, Bavinck gives us a songbook: setting God before us and calling us to sing God’s praises.
December 6, 2022
Where can you find an accessible yet classic systematic theology? Herman Bavinck’s Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion is an outstanding work of introductory systematic theology.
Originally intended for high school students, this book will be a blessing for churchgoers young and old. While Bavinck’s 4-volume Reformed Dogmatics is an academic read, this book clearly and succinctly covers the major topics in an approachable way.
God and God Alone
Hendrickson Academic is the first to translate this book into English, and it is thoroughly readable and enjoyable. At just under 250 pages, this handsome hardcover book features a leathery brown color with gold highlights.
Bavinck uses 20 chapters to cover the knowledge of God, justification, the consummation of the world, and more. Interestingly, Bavinck opens his book with the statement: “The highest good of man is God and God alone.” Bavinck’s emphasis on theology that confronts secularism is apparent throughout the work.
Faith and Freedom
I was most interested to see Bavinck explain how faith that rests on God’s grace alone and is certain of the forgiveness of sins is what makes one capable of doing good works. This is the way that our works give glory to God the Father. Freedom is being released form the law in order to live for God. This invigorated my ministry endeavors, eager to serve with the strength of my Savior.
The chapters read quickly, with Dutch words and Bible references throughout. I was most moved to read the chapter on The Person of Christ. He looks at how other religions were founded by particular people (Buddha, Confucius, Zarathustra, and Muhammad). Christianity is completely different, saying that Jesus Christ is Christianity itself. He is the center. He is salvation. I was moved to worship by meditating on this thought.
Good and True
The book ends with a glimpse of God in Heaven, looking over his work and proclaiming “It is all very good!” (1 Cor. 15:24-28). Simple yet profound, this book presents Bavinck earnestly and with vigor. Distinctly reformed while remaining ecumenical, readers of Bavinck will find his work to be a good and true blessing in the faith.
I received a media copy of Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion and this is my honest review.
Originally intended for high school students, this book will be a blessing for churchgoers young and old. While Bavinck’s 4-volume Reformed Dogmatics is an academic read, this book clearly and succinctly covers the major topics in an approachable way.
God and God Alone
Hendrickson Academic is the first to translate this book into English, and it is thoroughly readable and enjoyable. At just under 250 pages, this handsome hardcover book features a leathery brown color with gold highlights.
Bavinck uses 20 chapters to cover the knowledge of God, justification, the consummation of the world, and more. Interestingly, Bavinck opens his book with the statement: “The highest good of man is God and God alone.” Bavinck’s emphasis on theology that confronts secularism is apparent throughout the work.
Faith and Freedom
I was most interested to see Bavinck explain how faith that rests on God’s grace alone and is certain of the forgiveness of sins is what makes one capable of doing good works. This is the way that our works give glory to God the Father. Freedom is being released form the law in order to live for God. This invigorated my ministry endeavors, eager to serve with the strength of my Savior.
The chapters read quickly, with Dutch words and Bible references throughout. I was most moved to read the chapter on The Person of Christ. He looks at how other religions were founded by particular people (Buddha, Confucius, Zarathustra, and Muhammad). Christianity is completely different, saying that Jesus Christ is Christianity itself. He is the center. He is salvation. I was moved to worship by meditating on this thought.
Good and True
The book ends with a glimpse of God in Heaven, looking over his work and proclaiming “It is all very good!” (1 Cor. 15:24-28). Simple yet profound, this book presents Bavinck earnestly and with vigor. Distinctly reformed while remaining ecumenical, readers of Bavinck will find his work to be a good and true blessing in the faith.
I received a media copy of Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion and this is my honest review.
January 2, 2025
It's hard to believe this book was written for high schoolers. Very Augustinian. Like many works that get boiled down from large ones, sometimes it feels like he needed another paragraph or two to really solidify his argument, but that's expected. There are other similar length works that would serve the same purpose, and that are baptistic.
May 30, 2024
A very nice introduction to Reformed theology by Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck.
What made the read even more enjoyable was reading this with an inquisitive high school student over the course of a year or so.
What made the read even more enjoyable was reading this with an inquisitive high school student over the course of a year or so.
December 16, 2022
An excellent, highly scriptural, little systematic. I recommend this with gusto!
February 22, 2023
Good overview of Christian theology, dry, and bad formatting of text.
April 12, 2023
Even when Bavinck writes to high school age students, his writing is fantastic. Theologically rich, culturally engaging, and bathed in history.
December 30, 2023
Fantastic at every point, especially the chapters on justification and the consummation of the world.
January 17, 2024
a classic concise work of systematic theology. It is a great introduction to Bavinck as well as to the Christian faith.
November 12, 2023
Bavinck actually wrote this book for those who have more of a high school level education. This would be a wonderful resource for any of your children who find themselves in high school and you are desiring them to work through a systematic theology. The content in this book should spur on great conversation with them. Or, for anyone new believer who is looking for a concise yet deep systematic theology, this would be a great one to read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews