Trinity and Organism: Towards a New Reading of Herman Bavinck's Organic Motif

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This book explores the organic motif found throughout the writings of the Dutch Calvinist theologian Herman Bavinck (1854-1921). Noting that Bavinck uses this motif at key points in the most important loci of theology; Christology, general and special revelation, ecclesiology and so forth; it seems that one cannot read him carefully without particular attention to his motif of choice: the organic. By examining the sense in which Bavinck views all of reality as a beautiful balance of unity-in-diversity, James Eglinton draws the reader to Bavinck's constant concern for the doctrine of God as Trinity. If God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Bavinck argues, the creation must be more akin to an organism than a machine. Trinity and organism are thus closely linked concepts. Eglinton critiques and rejects the 'two Bavincks' (one orthodox and the other modern) hermeneutic so commonplace in discussions of Bavinck's theology. Instead, this book argues for a reunited Herman Bavinck as a figure committed to the participation of historic orthodox theology in the modern world.

Reviews

Herman Bavinck must rank as one of the most creative modern interpreters of the Calvinist tradition. James Eglinton matches this creative capacity with a bold and persuasive new reading of Bavinck's doctrine of God, showing how a critical deployment of nineteenth century organic thought enabled the theologian to produce a Trinitarian vision of the unity in particularity of all creation. -- Professor George Newlands, University of Glasgow, UK
'By changing the dominant trend in the sphere of Herman Bavinck research, James Eglinton has accomplished something major. The trend in question assumes a tension between Bavinck's orthodoxy and his openness to modernity, resulting in a tension between 'two Bavincks', and for example, in a dualistic view of Scripture. Taking his starting point in one of the key issues of Bavinck's theology, the idea of the organic, Eglinton argues convincingly that this idea is not so much related to nineteenth century culture, as it is to the triunity of God as expressed in His creation. Eglinton does not deny tensions in Bavinck's thought, but rejects the option that they are irreconcilable. The theological character of the term organic implies a unity in Bavinck's thought and life that characterises his worldview and looks promising and fruitful in a new phase of Bavinck research.' - Professor George Harinck, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands -- George Harinck
'James Eglinton's study reflects the recent growth of scholarly interest in the the theology of Herman Bavinck. Setting his work in the context of 19th century Dutch theology and church life, Eglinton explores the recurrence of the 'organic' motif which informs Bavinck's robust defence of Reformed dogmatics in its modern setting. By demonstrating the underlying unity of Bavinck's theology, he challenges some of the standard criticisms that it has attracted. Eglinton has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the leading Dutch theologian of the modern era.' - Professor David Fergusson, University of Edinburgh, UK -- David Fergusson

Author Bio

Dr James Eglinton is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Kampen Theological University in the Netherlands. His current postdoctoral research concerns the relationship of Scottish and Dutch Calvinism.