Jan Bavinck’s (1826-1909) Reformed Piety: Experiential and Holistic

Abstract

This article introduces the theology of a neglected figure in the Dutch Reformed (Gereformeerde) tradition of the nineteenth century: Jan Bavinck (1826-1909), the father of Herman Bavinck (1854-1921). The approach to his theology is done by describing his definition of piety (vroomheid or godzaligheid), a fundamental subject within the Reformed tradition. The relevance of piety is briefly described in the theology of John Calvin (1509-64) and the Nadere Reformatie in order to argue for the necessity of exploring Jan Bavinck’s description of the nature and application of godliness. After analysing some primary sources, I argue that Jan Bavinck’s theology of piety can be described as experiential and holistic. In this way, it may be considered, in general terms, as a bridge between the praxis pietatis of old Calvinism – characterised by Calvin and the Nadere Reformatie theologians – and neo-Calvinism, represented by Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) and Jan’s son Herman Bavinck.