Book Review: Christian Worldview by Herman Bavinck; Nathaniel Gray Sutanto; James Eglinton; Cory C. Brock.

Christian Worldview is the latest translated and published work of Herman Bavinck. Published by Crossway, this short tome is well written and well translated.  Written over 100 years ago, the issues Bavinck addressed then are still with us today. [Paid link]

In depth analysis, clear thinking, and logical conclusions permeate this work. Who are we, how do we see ourselves, and how do we see the world we live in are questions we all ask. Christianity, as the reader will see, is the only answer. 

In only 144 pages the author offers clear and concise analysis. Observe the table of contents

Acknowledgments 

Editors’ Introduction Herman Bavinck for the Twenty-First Century Preface to the Second Edition Introduction   

1   Thinking and Being   

2   Being and Becoming   

3   Becoming and Acting 

General Index 

Scripture Index    

As the translators observe

Worldview, for Bavinck, is neither apriorism nor a tenuous theory for separating public intellectuals into neat compartments. Rather, it is a controlling principle and posture that is first discovered when religion comes to bear on both science and wisdom (philosophy), discovering between them a unity— one which attempts to satisfy both head and heart.

From this premise, Bavinck builds.

From ancient times onward, humanity has pondered how the mind [geest]  in us can have consciousness of the things outside us and how the mind can know [kennen] them— in   other words, what is the origin, the essence, and the limit of human knowledge [kennis]?

From chapters 2 & 3:

The second problem solved in our worldview is that of being and becoming, of unity and multiplicity, of God and world. And for this, Christianity is also of fundamental significance.

The harmony of this worldview [wereldbeeld], however, is interrupted by the sharp contrasts to which we are introduced especially in relation to the third problem, that between becoming and acting [handelen]. Is there, in the stream of occurrences, still a place for personal, independent, and free acting? Can we on good grounds and in confidence continue to say, “I think, I will, I act,”...

As the reader will discover, there is a logical progression to Bavinck's thought and it is well done. His worldview is clearly delineated and and fully applicable to us today.

A possible drawback to this book is that the average reader will need to patient and work through the material presented. Dutch translated to English sometimes has it’s difficulties as not all words translate with their exact original and nuanced meaning. Some help is provided by the translators. Yet, I believe the determined and long suffering reader will benefit greatly.

 

All quoted material is from Herman Bavinck; Nathaniel Gray Sutanto; James Eglinton; Cory C. Brock. Christian Worldview (Kindle Locations 39-47, 1284-1287, 725-726, 340-343,139-141). Crossway.  [Paid link].

Crossway has provided a complimentary copy of this book through Beyond the Page. Thoughts and opinions are my own.