Herman Bavinck’s review of Kuyper’s Encyclopaedia of Sacred Theology Volume 1 from Da Bazuin

 A quick and dirty, provisional translation.

Herman Bavinck. "Review of Encyclopaedie der Heilige Godgeleerdheid. Deel I, by A. Kuyper", De Bazuin 42:13 (1894).

Encyclopaedie der Heilige Godgeleerdheid. Deel I [Encyclopaedia of Sacred Theology], by Dr. A. Kuyper. Part I, Introductory part. Amsterdam, Wormser 1894.

This Encyclopaedia, as we read in the preface, stands on the principles of Reformed theology, which the author professes with full conviction. For this reason alone, the appearance of this work is an event that will not fail to make its impact felt within and outside the circle of Reformed churches. There was no shortage of encyclopaedias of various principles and directions. There was a pressing need for a Reformed Encyclopaedia, and this need was felt more deeply as time went on.

By encyclopaedia, one understands that science which chooses science itself as the object of its research and reflection. This meaning of the encyclopaedia is demonstrated comprehensively and clearly in the first 50 pages of this part. The name, the idea, and the concept of the encyclopaedia are discussed successively, and then the concept of the Theological Encyclopaedia is developed.

From this, the great importance of this science and also of the work that Dr. Kuyper brings to light is already apparent. The deepest questions of science, the principles of Theology, are discussed. The task of the encyclopaedia is to make us aware of the sciences' principles, objects, goals, and coherence. Science is also an organic whole with its own life. The encyclopaedia attempts to trace that life; to highlight the members of that organism, i.e., the various fields in their organic connection; and to identify and combat the errors and shortcomings that also occur in this organism.

The general encyclopaedia attempts to do this with science as a whole. The specialized encyclopaedias, of law, letters, etc., do this concerning a particular group of fields or sciences that are organically related. Among these, the Theological Encyclopaedia strives to make us understand the organism of Sacred Theology in its principles and coherence.

Therefore, encyclopaedic study is an indispensable requirement for anyone who strives not merely for knowledge and scholarship but for science in the true sense. In it, science first comes to full self-awareness, reflecting on its own nature and essence. It is the ultimate, the highest, the science of sciences.

We cannot be grateful enough to the esteemed author for this work. He was the designated man for it, both in breadth and depth of vision. Moreover, this work also has current relevance. Little has been done in our circles in terms of encyclopaedic study. Hagenbach briefly glanced at the beginning of theological study to get an overview of the number of fields and the literature that had appeared on them. But there was hardly any real study. This certainly explains the misunderstandings and confusion about the principles and essence of Theology in our circles. Everyone thinks of Theology in their own way. Dr. Kuyper's work, especially the second and third parts, will undoubtedly provide the necessary clarification on many questions.

Of course, this does not mean that from now on, one should simply accept this work and say yes and amen to everything the author asserts and claims. A work like this is not primarily intended to be learned and parroted, but to be studied and thoughtfully considered. The greatest blessing from this work will come if the rich and deep thoughts of the author stimulate our own thinking and lead us to independent insight and judgment.

Nevertheless, this Encyclopaedia will promote agreement on the principles and fundamental ideas of Theology among us. The author's insight into the true character of Reformed Theology is so accurate that anyone who has studied it to some extent cannot withhold their agreement.

Therefore, it is to be hoped that all our students and ministers will acquire this work. Fifteen guilders is quite an expense for many, but the price is extremely low for such a comprehensive scientific work. And by owning such a work, one gains access to many other books and brochures.

The first part, after dealing with the concept of the encyclopaedia, extensively covers the history of this science. It testifies to enormous diligence. The search for and mastery of many books necessary for this must have cost a great deal of effort. A whole series of authors on the encyclopaedia passes before our eyes. One might almost say it was "too much of a good thing." But a somewhat complete history of this field had not yet been given. And in the evaluation of each author, not only does Dr. Kuyper's own standpoint become clear, but also the relationship in which he stands in other directions. Furthermore, the appreciative tone, even in serious criticism, is striking. Everywhere, the voice of the true scholar is heard, who is solely concerned with the truth. This will also contribute to the appreciation of his work in wide circles. Finally, the style is never dull or dry, but vigorous, clear, and captivating from beginning to end. May it find many readers and win many disciples for the Reformed principles.

H. BAVINCK.