Lectures on Calvinism
by Abraham Kuyper
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This book, originally authored by Abraham Kuyper, explores Calvinism as a comprehensive worldview that extends beyond theological doctrines to influence various aspects of life, including religion, politics, science, and art. Kuyper, a prominent Dutch theologian and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, delivered these lectures at Princeton University in 1898, known as the Stone Lectures. His work emphasizes the relevance of Calvinist principles in addressing contemporary challenges and show more advocates for a return to Calvinism as a solution to current societal and philosophical conflicts. The book is intended for readers interested in the intellectual and philosophical foundations of Calvinism and its application in modern contexts. show lessTags
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This book is the collection of transcripts of a lecture series that Kuyper gave in 1898. Though outdated on a number of points, he compellingly argues for Calvinism as a life system, rather than just a set of beliefs (or a single belief about fore-ordination). The Calvinistic views of the sovereignty of God and the doctrine of common grace form the pillars for a system which infuses and interprets all of life.
In "Calvinism A Life-System," he argues that Calvinism fulfills the requirements of a life-system, which are that it shape our relationship to God (God enters into direct fellowship with people and communes with his people "from eternity to eternity" because of election), to other people (we stand as equals together, all in direct show more relationship to God), and to the world (we are to serve God in the world, rather than running from it).
In "Calvinism and Religion," Kuyper says that regeneration saves not just individuals, but the entire organism of the human race, although "many branches and leaves fell off of the tree."
In "Calvinism and Politics," Kuyper argues that Christians are to push the development of the world continually forward, but allow the government to maintain sovereignty in its sphere as the church does in its own sphere. show less
In "Calvinism A Life-System," he argues that Calvinism fulfills the requirements of a life-system, which are that it shape our relationship to God (God enters into direct fellowship with people and communes with his people "from eternity to eternity" because of election), to other people (we stand as equals together, all in direct show more relationship to God), and to the world (we are to serve God in the world, rather than running from it).
In "Calvinism and Religion," Kuyper says that regeneration saves not just individuals, but the entire organism of the human race, although "many branches and leaves fell off of the tree."
In "Calvinism and Politics," Kuyper argues that Christians are to push the development of the world continually forward, but allow the government to maintain sovereignty in its sphere as the church does in its own sphere. show less
Chuck Colson recommended this book in an interview. I like it how he integrates Calvinism within his worldview. He has a high view of Calvinism, frequently says it is the reason for many changes in Western Society. This is interesting; However I couldn't find sources to back his claims.
Kuyper emphasizes giving God everything, an unflinching service; He adds saying, In everything God is present, our thoughts, our actions. He explains influence of Calvinism in Protestant countries, concepts of Sovereignty, Liberty underpins or comes from Calvinism. I was surprised to read about French Revolution in his book.
He starts with, three main relationship for every Calvinist.
Man's relationship with God
Man's relationship with other Men
Man's show more relationship with whole World.
This gives Man an authority and his role in the world.
A good read, I would recommend this to most Christians.
--Deus Vult
Gottfried. show less
Kuyper emphasizes giving God everything, an unflinching service; He adds saying, In everything God is present, our thoughts, our actions. He explains influence of Calvinism in Protestant countries, concepts of Sovereignty, Liberty underpins or comes from Calvinism. I was surprised to read about French Revolution in his book.
He starts with, three main relationship for every Calvinist.
Man's relationship with God
Man's relationship with other Men
Man's show more relationship with whole World.
This gives Man an authority and his role in the world.
A good read, I would recommend this to most Christians.
--Deus Vult
Gottfried. show less
Chuck Colson recommended this book in an interview. I like it how he integrates Calvinism within his worldview. He has a high view of Calvinism, frequently says it is the reason for many changes in Western Society. This is interesting; However I couldn't find sources to back his claims.
Kuyper emphasizes giving God everything, an unflinching service; He adds saying, In everything God is present, our thoughts, our actions. He explains influence of Calvinism in Protestant countries, concepts of Sovereignty, Liberty underpins or comes from Calvinism. I was surprised to read about French Revolution in his book.
He starts with, three main relationship for every Calvinist.
Man's relationship with God
Man's relationship with other Men
Man's show more relationship with whole World.
This gives Man an authority and his role in the world.
A good read, I would recommend this to most Christians.
--Deus Vult
Gottfried. show less
Kuyper emphasizes giving God everything, an unflinching service; He adds saying, In everything God is present, our thoughts, our actions. He explains influence of Calvinism in Protestant countries, concepts of Sovereignty, Liberty underpins or comes from Calvinism. I was surprised to read about French Revolution in his book.
He starts with, three main relationship for every Calvinist.
Man's relationship with God
Man's relationship with other Men
Man's show more relationship with whole World.
This gives Man an authority and his role in the world.
A good read, I would recommend this to most Christians.
--Deus Vult
Gottfried. show less
A powerful book worth reading over and over again.
From Daniel Christensen
1898 Lectures at Princeton University
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Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) is a significant figure in the history of the Netherlands and modern Protestant theology. A prolific intellectual, he founded a political party and a university, and served as the prime minister of the Netherlands from 1901-1905. His enduring passion was to develop a theology for the general public, particularly through show more his extensive elaboration of the doctrine of common grace. show less
Some Editions
Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- The Stone Lectures
- Original title
- Calvinism : six Stone-Lectures
- Alternate titles*
- Conferencias sobre el Calvinismo; Het Calvinisme : zes Stone-lezingen in oktober 1898 te Princeton (N.J.) gehouden (N.J.)
- Original publication date
- 1899
- Important places*
- Princeton (N.J.)
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
- Genres
- Religion & Spirituality, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 291 — Religion Other religions [Formerly: General Religious Topics]
- LCC
- BX9422 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Christian Denominations Christian Denominations Protestantism Other Protestant denominations Reformed or Calvinistic Churches
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 1,318
- Popularity
- 18,270
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (4.05)
- Languages
- Dutch, English, Portuguese
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 32
- ASINs
- 28


















































