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Reformed Dogmatics
Reformed Dogmatics
Herman Bavinck's four-volume "Reformed Dogmatics" is one of the most important theological works of the twentieth century. The recently completed English translation has received wide acclaim. Now John Bolt, one of the world's leading experts on Bavinck and editor of Bavinck's four-volume set, has abridged the work in one volume, offering students, pastors, and lay readers an accessible summary of Bavinck's masterwork. This volume presents the core of Bavinck's thought and offers explanatory materials, making available to a wider audience some of the finest Dutch Reformed theology ever written.
864 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2008
114 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Herman Bavinck
110 books190 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 24, 2023
This work of systematic theology is a testimony to the mastery and brilliance of Herman Bavinck. His breath of interaction and depth of knowledge in Scripture, history, and philosophy stands out in his book, and for that reason will be my standard for a rich systematic theology. His interactions with Medieval, Reformed, and Enlightenment thinkers was most impressive and deeply helpful in discussing the biblical doctrines of the Christian faith.
November 14, 2020
A very good systematic theology and summary of the Reformed faith. I definitely recommend this abridged version rather than the multiple unabridged volume - those (rightly) interacted with people and ideas that were contemporary to him. I would classify this as a next level systematic theology. Not a good introductory text, but once you know the vocabulary and concepts (read Grudem or Erickson for that purpose), Bavinck will take your thinking up a notch.
November 30, 2021
Possibly the greatest systematic theology I've ever encountered in modern Christendom. Flowing from the Doctrine of God, Bavinck constructs a theology rooted in the historic church that edifies the modern believer. Can't recommend enough.
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed this ST. It sharpened my mind and nourished my soul. Other STs I will reference again. But I may reread again.
Want to read
June 29, 2023
February 24, 2023
For those who want to read Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics but may find that his 4 volumes are too much for them, do consider picking this abridged version instead. And even for those who are ambitious enough to read his 4 volumes, I would still recommend them to read this abridged version first before the 4 volumes. That's because it's very easy to be lost in the details from the 4 volumes and lost sight of the big picture, hence I recommend reading this abridged version first.
This abridged version is also better than Bavinck's Our Reasonable Faith/Wonderful works of God because it's more technical and deeper. Almost all the words in this abridged version are taken directly word for word from the 4 volumes themselves.
From this abridged edition, most of the historical theology details are removed except for the more prominent ones like Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and so on. And most of the core biblical and theological arguments were kept in this abridged edition. So in essence, readers wouldn't lose out much on Bavinck. In fact, I would argue that this abridged edition would be sufficient for most people. In my opinion, reading the 4 volumes are not necessary, one can probably choose to move on to Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology after this abridged edition which is way more deeper and technical than the 4 volumes of Bavinck which I think might be better. But there is no harm in reading all 4 volumes after this abridged edition if one would like to learn more about historical theology and some additional theological arguments which are omitted from this abridged edition.
You don't need the 4 volumes to see how brilliant Bavinck is. Just this abridged edition is more than enough. Theologians like him who write brilliant systematic theology do not appear in every generation or century. They only come once in a few centuries, like Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin. In this volume, one can see that not only Bavinck is well versed in biblical languages, biblical studies, and systematic theology, but he is also very good at interacting theology with science, history, philosophy, psychology, legal system, humanities, ancient near east culture, critical biblical studies, different denominations, and different religions.
Personally, while I still think Berkhof's one-volume systematic theology is the best, this volume is nevertheless a very close second and it will complement Berkhof's nicely.
Those who are familiar with modern systematics (like Grudem/Frame) or biblical studies work might find Bavinck's exegesis on some difficult topics to be quite lacking. To my knowledge, this is because he used a different approach. For some of these topics, instead of trying to exegete an unclear passage, he will interpret the unclear with a clearer passage, or if not, use good and necessary consequences (aka logical deduction/infer) deduced from scripture to justify his theological position. Just for comparison, his contemporary, Geerhadus Vos will take a more exegetical approach, especially on highly debatable and unclear passages to justify his theological position. In my opinion, I think Bavinck's approach is much better because I find myself disagreeing with Vos' exegesis quite a number of times, though Vos' Reformed Dogmatics is still good and worth reading.
Finally, I like to say that Bavinck's theological reflection is very devotionally warm and pastoral, more so than Berkhof, Vos, and Letham. This aspect is not a necessity for me since I don't expect a systematic theology genre book like this to be a Christian living devotional book. Just like how I don't expect my first-year biblical Greek textbook to be as devotional as John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Nevertheless, this is a huge bonus for me. I especially like his theological reflections on eternal punishment.
This abridged version is also better than Bavinck's Our Reasonable Faith/Wonderful works of God because it's more technical and deeper. Almost all the words in this abridged version are taken directly word for word from the 4 volumes themselves.
From this abridged edition, most of the historical theology details are removed except for the more prominent ones like Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and so on. And most of the core biblical and theological arguments were kept in this abridged edition. So in essence, readers wouldn't lose out much on Bavinck. In fact, I would argue that this abridged edition would be sufficient for most people. In my opinion, reading the 4 volumes are not necessary, one can probably choose to move on to Francis Turretin's Institutes of Elenctic Theology after this abridged edition which is way more deeper and technical than the 4 volumes of Bavinck which I think might be better. But there is no harm in reading all 4 volumes after this abridged edition if one would like to learn more about historical theology and some additional theological arguments which are omitted from this abridged edition.
You don't need the 4 volumes to see how brilliant Bavinck is. Just this abridged edition is more than enough. Theologians like him who write brilliant systematic theology do not appear in every generation or century. They only come once in a few centuries, like Augustine, Aquinas, and Calvin. In this volume, one can see that not only Bavinck is well versed in biblical languages, biblical studies, and systematic theology, but he is also very good at interacting theology with science, history, philosophy, psychology, legal system, humanities, ancient near east culture, critical biblical studies, different denominations, and different religions.
Personally, while I still think Berkhof's one-volume systematic theology is the best, this volume is nevertheless a very close second and it will complement Berkhof's nicely.
Those who are familiar with modern systematics (like Grudem/Frame) or biblical studies work might find Bavinck's exegesis on some difficult topics to be quite lacking. To my knowledge, this is because he used a different approach. For some of these topics, instead of trying to exegete an unclear passage, he will interpret the unclear with a clearer passage, or if not, use good and necessary consequences (aka logical deduction/infer) deduced from scripture to justify his theological position. Just for comparison, his contemporary, Geerhadus Vos will take a more exegetical approach, especially on highly debatable and unclear passages to justify his theological position. In my opinion, I think Bavinck's approach is much better because I find myself disagreeing with Vos' exegesis quite a number of times, though Vos' Reformed Dogmatics is still good and worth reading.
Finally, I like to say that Bavinck's theological reflection is very devotionally warm and pastoral, more so than Berkhof, Vos, and Letham. This aspect is not a necessity for me since I don't expect a systematic theology genre book like this to be a Christian living devotional book. Just like how I don't expect my first-year biblical Greek textbook to be as devotional as John Bunyan's Pilgrim Progress. Nevertheless, this is a huge bonus for me. I especially like his theological reflections on eternal punishment.
September 21, 2024
This is the best systematic theology I have read.
May 14, 2013
It's hard to get tremendously excited about systematic theologies, but Bavinck performs admirably. A very helpful reference book, and he does a good job of giving short explanations of historic debates in order to shed light on their modern manifestations. Also, I don't really trust the abridgement. I bet it would have been better (and less simplistic seeming) in its fullness.
May 25, 2021
So, so good. It's apparent that Bavinck was first and foremost a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, in addition to being a deep thinker, wide reader, and keen interpreter not only of God's Word, but of the world around him.
There were a number of parts where I wished he would dive a little more into what a doctrine was instead of what it wasn't, but that's probably what I get for reading the abridged version instead of the full, 4-volume work.
The only real gripe I have with the book is that, for all of his piercing insight and biblical argumentation, there are times where Bavinck veers so far off into unsupported, unscriptural discussions of baptism and covenant children that I audibly groaned. But like any systematic theology, any serious reader will probably disagree with some points and still find it a helpful and engaging tool for study.
I don't speak Dutch, so I have no idea how faithful Bolt's translation is to the original, but I will say the language is incredibly clear and easy to grasp. I was struck in some parts by just how approachable the language is given its complex subject matter and the always imperfect process of translation.
It can be a dense read with a lot of historical theology, so I wouldn't recommend it for just any reader, but anyone who wants to take a serious study into a Reformed systematic study cannot do better than this book.
There were a number of parts where I wished he would dive a little more into what a doctrine was instead of what it wasn't, but that's probably what I get for reading the abridged version instead of the full, 4-volume work.
The only real gripe I have with the book is that, for all of his piercing insight and biblical argumentation, there are times where Bavinck veers so far off into unsupported, unscriptural discussions of baptism and covenant children that I audibly groaned. But like any systematic theology, any serious reader will probably disagree with some points and still find it a helpful and engaging tool for study.
I don't speak Dutch, so I have no idea how faithful Bolt's translation is to the original, but I will say the language is incredibly clear and easy to grasp. I was struck in some parts by just how approachable the language is given its complex subject matter and the always imperfect process of translation.
It can be a dense read with a lot of historical theology, so I wouldn't recommend it for just any reader, but anyone who wants to take a serious study into a Reformed systematic study cannot do better than this book.
August 6, 2021
Every time I opened up this book, no matter the topic, I was thoroughly engaged by a fair minded, winsome, and comforting theologian. So far (in my mind) Bavinck is the stand alone model for how to do theology, polemicize, and reach a wide range of people from many cultures and backgrounds in a Christlike manner.
The organism, unity-in-diversity, and trini-form motifs have shaped my thinking and are invaluable when it comes to shaping a Christian worldview. Bavinck succeeds in breaking down ones presuppositions and cultural blinders when it comes to viewing the world and Christianity as a whole.
I praise God for using Bavinck to help me start seeing all of life and theology as a reflection of the unity-in-diversity in the triune Godhead.
The organism, unity-in-diversity, and trini-form motifs have shaped my thinking and are invaluable when it comes to shaping a Christian worldview. Bavinck succeeds in breaking down ones presuppositions and cultural blinders when it comes to viewing the world and Christianity as a whole.
I praise God for using Bavinck to help me start seeing all of life and theology as a reflection of the unity-in-diversity in the triune Godhead.
April 3, 2023
This will be the standard of what I think systematic theology/dogmatics should output. Bavinck interacts with the breadth of the Christian tradition with charity, the developments of Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment philosophy with discernment, and Holy Scripture with insight. There are passages that are dense and heavy, but many that are utterly beautiful. His intelligence and astuteness are staggering. When hard questions arise in the future I’ll be coming back to Bavinck as a student comes to a guide looking for advice.
September 10, 2019
A great abridgment of Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics.
November 21, 2020
Only read the abridged. 10/10. Would love to get the unabridged, four-volume set to keep going deeper into Bavinck's theology and thought.
March 29, 2024
Always useful in every theology paper. Always useful to dwell on God. Thankful for Bavinck.
July 21, 2024
Finished! Systematic theology at its best. Bavinck and Calvin by my side is enough. What a gift this abridged translation is for the church!
January 14, 2025
Read some for school.
July 17, 2025
Finishing this book felt like saying goodbye to a friend. Glad I have the four-volume set I will surely look to in the future :)
June 3, 2022
An excellent book for getting a grasp on systematic theology. Plenty of scripture references along with good, practical application. There were some parts I didn't agree with such as Bavinck's views on infant baptism, but I do appreciate his thorough explanation of every subject.
February 28, 2016
And yes I finished this abridged monster of a dense, Dutch theologian. Not as much fun as Calvin, but there are few places here where you could disagree with him without falling into heresy.
For those certain friends who question whether or not they should finish the book, here are some of his better quotes at the end:
On Chilianism, a doctrine that sounds like Dispensationalism:
"It cannot even stand before the tribunal of Old Testamnet prophecy, a court to which it loves to appeal. Chilianism is guilty of the greatest arbitrariness in interpreting prophecy; it is devoid of all rule and method and arbitrarily calls a halt, depending on the subjective opinion of the interpreter. It is capricious to take one freature of the prophetic picture literally and another "spiritually."
On Denying Hell:
"It is mere human weakness and wimpiness and, when projected onto God, an invention of the human brain."
For those certain friends who question whether or not they should finish the book, here are some of his better quotes at the end:
On Chilianism, a doctrine that sounds like Dispensationalism:
"It cannot even stand before the tribunal of Old Testamnet prophecy, a court to which it loves to appeal. Chilianism is guilty of the greatest arbitrariness in interpreting prophecy; it is devoid of all rule and method and arbitrarily calls a halt, depending on the subjective opinion of the interpreter. It is capricious to take one freature of the prophetic picture literally and another "spiritually."
On Denying Hell:
"It is mere human weakness and wimpiness and, when projected onto God, an invention of the human brain."
October 30, 2024
Not quite good enough to be 4 star but better than 3.
Major discussions on weather infants are saved. They are according to bavink those in the covenant of grace and elect infants.
Disagreed with his amillianist view of the end times. Did not deal with Jesus pranked describing the spread and growth of the kingdom.
But did recognise that scripture says that there will be both little faith on earth and that many will be saved.
Good regeneration emphasising communion with God and then life follows.
Mad some doctrines sound dry though.
Good book
Major discussions on weather infants are saved. They are according to bavink those in the covenant of grace and elect infants.
Disagreed with his amillianist view of the end times. Did not deal with Jesus pranked describing the spread and growth of the kingdom.
But did recognise that scripture says that there will be both little faith on earth and that many will be saved.
Good regeneration emphasising communion with God and then life follows.
Mad some doctrines sound dry though.
Good book
September 4, 2024
Coming back to this all the time.
“Good theology puts this knowledge of God on public display. It resists allowing theology to degenerate into rhetoric, a theology of merely words; it seems the heart of the matter, knowing God in order to worship him, love him, and serve him. Such theology is never a dry and academic exercise; it is eminently practical and superlatively fruitful for life.” pg 148
“Good theology puts this knowledge of God on public display. It resists allowing theology to degenerate into rhetoric, a theology of merely words; it seems the heart of the matter, knowing God in order to worship him, love him, and serve him. Such theology is never a dry and academic exercise; it is eminently practical and superlatively fruitful for life.” pg 148
July 7, 2014
This is the abridged (much cheaper and smaller) Reformed Dogmatics of the great Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck. Very thorough and easy to use as a reference. My new favorite Systematic Theology. Covers all of the normal subjects that Systematic books cover.
Recommend to those interested in the historic Reformed theology (not the Mark Driscol/John Piper brand).
Recommend to those interested in the historic Reformed theology (not the Mark Driscol/John Piper brand).
July 21, 2022
One does not simply leave a review for Herman Bavinck. However, this is the best systematic/dogmatic theological work that I have ever read. After finishing it I only desire to read the unabridged.
Spent significant and slow time in it under the Theo i and Theo ii classes of Dr. Matthew Barrett at Midwestern Theological Baptist Seminary.
Spent significant and slow time in it under the Theo i and Theo ii classes of Dr. Matthew Barrett at Midwestern Theological Baptist Seminary.
December 31, 2014
Really, really great. Like a more readable St. Thomas.
Well, except for the 40 or so pages on the sacraments. His ridiculous lack of logic prompted much scrawling over the margins and, in one instance, straight up over the text itself. Ugh.
Well, except for the 40 or so pages on the sacraments. His ridiculous lack of logic prompted much scrawling over the margins and, in one instance, straight up over the text itself. Ugh.
May 19, 2013
Good translation, excellent systematics.
September 22, 2016
Really appreciated this book. Was definitely difficult to get through and understand at times, but worth the read for a textbook.
October 23, 2025
excelent.
thorough but not suffocating
academic and poetic
loved the chapters on faith.
the chapters on humanity are eye-opening
I highly recommend it to any serious follower of Christ.
thorough but not suffocating
academic and poetic
loved the chapters on faith.
the chapters on humanity are eye-opening
I highly recommend it to any serious follower of Christ.
June 13, 2012
Very helpful distillation and overview of reformed theology and its counterparts.
November 7, 2017
A must read for all Christians, even if you are not reformed, this is just biblical understanding alongside the acknowledgement of historic theology!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews