Recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in Abraham Kuyper as a public theologian, but with Kuyper’s Dictaten Dogmatiek now being translated, there is an exciting opportunity to delve further into Kuyper as a constructive, creative theologian in his own right, working at a dynamic point in history. The retrieval of Kuyper’s work is quickly being tied to partisan debates around the role of faith in public life. This raises the unique question of how Kuyper’s theology is being (mis)used.
Primary Discipline(s): Systematic Theology
Base Community: Staff
Leader: Michael Wagenman
Primary Author(s): Michael Wagenman
Collaborators: George Harinck (TUU); Dennis Greeson (BibleMesh)
Acknowledgements: n/a
Partner Organisations: n/a
Funding: Partial (grant)
Problem: Much attention has been paid to Abraham Kuyper as a public theologian but with the translation currently being done on his Diktaten Dogmatiek an opportunity exists to investigate “Abraham Kuyper as a theologian” (as a kind of parallel to recent efforts on Herman Bavinck’s theology). This project will examine Abraham Kuyper’s works (mostly in English translation) to discern the shape, scope, context, and content of his dynamic theology.
Process: First, a wide-ranging review of Kuyper’s works to get a sense of his theological method and context. Second, an examination of his newly translated Diktaten Dogmatiek. Third, a comparison with other 20th century Dutch Reformed theologians (like Herman Bavinck).
Aims and Outcomes: To uncover in greater clarity and detail Kuyper as a theologian. To situate Kuyper in the development of 20th century Dutch Reformed theology. To reflect on the contemporary state of theology in dialogue with this major figure. To inspire further examination of Kuyper’s theology.
Production Goals: Publication of a book.
[Auto generated] Preliminary engagement with the project has involved mapping the current landscape of Kuyperian scholarship, particularly literature that situates Kuyper within modern debates on public theology. This has included reviewing recent journal articles and monographs that respond to Kuyper’s political and theological legacy, as well as early commentary on the Dictaten Dogmatiek translation project. At this stage, the focus has been on identifying thematic trends—such as Kuyper’s theology of sovereignty, grace, and ecclesiology—that are often mobilized in contemporary cultural discussions.
Where the project team requires the help of collaborators on a component of the research, such requests will be listed here. Those who assist on the project will be recognised as collaborators (for published work) or in the acknowledgements (for unpublished help).
When the team produces research components and additional resources that may be of public interest, these will be made available here.
Next Public Meeting: None set
Projected Completion: Spring 2028
Quick Notes: (1) Seeking additional funding
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