In the Beginning: Foundations of Creation Theology

by Herman Bavinck

Recent discussions of creation have centered on the skirmishes between creationists and evolutionists. However, as the editor of this volume points out, there is much more to the Christian doctrine of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801021901
• ISBN13: 9780801021909
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A Well-Researched Treatise on Creation and Providence

1. Creation: God as Maker of Heaven and Earth Herman Bavinck was a Dutch Reformed theologian at the turn of the twentieth century who was heavily influenced by the Dutch minister and politician Abraham Kuyper. In his treatise In the Beginning, Bavinck sets out to outline the foundations of a creation theology. He begins by affirming that the story of creation is the "starting point of true religion," because it establishes the distinction between the creator and the created. This biblical doctrine of ex nihilo creation can be contrasted with the religious worldviews of pantheism, which explains the world dynamically, and materialism, which explains the world mechanically and scientifically. Both have the result of blind fate "elevated to the throne of the universe" (p. 56). The Scripture, in contrast, defines the universe as the sum of parts that have been created with their own natures and natural laws and that through their diversity are united to the whole in harmony by a providential Creator. This unity simultaneously serves as evidence of the existence of God. While pantheism and materialism can lead to the deification or the unfathomability of nature, Christianity leads to the glorification of God through the contemplation of nature. After establishing that the act of creation is attributed exclusively to God in the Scriptures, Bavarck holds that creation is the work of all three persons of the Trinity working in concert to carry out the work of creation. God "created all things through the Son ... and through the Spirit" (p 40). For example, we read in John 1:3 with respect to Jesus, the Word, that "all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." With respect to the Holy Spirit, we read in Job 26:13 that "by [God's] Spirit He adorned the heavens; His hand pierced the fleeing serpent." What was the purpose or goal of this triune creation? Some would argue that the goal of creation is man; the entire universe was created by God for man. Yet Bavinck contends that, because the universe is not "exhausted by its service to humanity, [it] must have some goal other than utility to man" (p. 53). What is this other goal of creation? Scripture declares that it is to proclaim His praise (Ps. 19:1) and to glorify Him (Isa. 43:7). "All kingdoms will be subjected to him and every creature will yield to him" (p. 53). As Tertullian has said, God has created the world "for the embellishment of His majesty" (p. 54). 2. Man's Origins Chapter 4 of Bavinck's treatise deals with the theme of man as having been created in the image of God. He fleshes out the theory of evolution, points out its inconsistencies, and then brings the reader back to Scripture's story of creation as the only possible true account of the origin of man. He starts by explaining that the theory of evolution is not new at all. Rather, it had been articulated since the time of the ancient Greeks. In its new articulation, however, humanity is explained

A Thoughtful Book on Creation

I found this book about 1 year ago browsing through a book store at the World Trade Center. I have now ordered three more copies to give to pastors at my church. I found this book a welcome change from the anti-scientific rhetoric which characterizes some of the Creationist discussion. Mr.Bavinck is critical of the geology of his time, however. It amazes me to think that this book was first written in Dutch a hundred years ago.While geology is not a strongpoint of this book. The theology which it presents is a based on a thoughtful analysis of the teachings of scripture concerning creation and what it means. At the same time Mr. Bavinck shows the implications of a Biblically-based view of creation in relationship to the thoughts of other scholars both Christian and non-Christian. Mr. Bavinck is solidly rooted in the Reformed tradition.I would not recommend this book to anyone for whom scholarly discussion is of little interest. The book is quite meaty, and I have had to re-read some sections to grasp the meaning. Some Christian theological concepts are referenced via their Latin labels although you don't need to know Latin. For the diligent reader there is much to gain by reading this book.The writer assumes a broad understanding of Christian theology. Much can be gleaned from this book, however, by anyone who wants to know more about the goal of creation, heaven, angels, earth, the image of God, human origins, human nature, human destiny and God's Fatherly care.Mr. Bavinck focuses more on what Creation means rather than on how it happened. He, also, shows, however, that the historical facts of the creation out of nothing by a Triune God, the creation of man in the image of God, Adam and Eve and the fall are critical foundation beliefs for a Christian.I was amazed to realize that the image of God is only realized in man as a community both in creation and redemption. How many times have I read Genesis and missed this point. Understanding more about the image of God will affect how you relate to people and not just how you argue for the truths of Scripture.With other materials I used "In the Beginning - The Foundations of Creation Theology" to develop a series of Sunday school lessons on Genesis which were very well-received. If you are going to preach or teach on Genesis or Creation get this book.Finally, the basic point of the book:"Of him, through, and to him are all things (Rom. 11:36). On this basis Christian theology almost unanimously teaches that the glory of God is the final goal of all God's works" from page 53 of the book.