The Spirit in Public Theology: Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper

by Vincent E. Bacote

According to Vincent Bacote, Christians need to know how to follow Jesus in every area of life. In The Spirit in Public Theology, Bacote shows how the Dutch politician and church leader Abraham Kuyper lived a thoroughly Christian life. He then explains why Christians need to follow Kuyper by taking their faith into the public sphere. Identifying the characteristics of a true Christian worldview, Bacote demonstrates the need for a public theology that stresses engagement between the church and the world. The Spirit in Public Theology should be required reading for pastors, students, and all Christians who want to take their faith beyond the four walls of the Church.

Genres: Theology, Biography

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. Vincent Bacote is an Associate Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.

He is a regular columnist for Comment Magazine and contributes to other magazines, including Books and Culture, Christianity Today, Think Christian and re:generation quarterly, and journals such as Christian Scholars Review, Urban Mission and the Journal for Christian Theological Research.

He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Christian Ethics.

He resides in the Chicago area with his family.

Reviews

[Josh Kannard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very eclectic book, but it seems that's exactly Bacote's point about Kuyper: he was a genius of eclecticism. Lots to consider in just about every realm of theology here (systematics, historical, practical), but the core call to an awareness of how we are appropriating our theology to our contexts while remaining faithful to Scripture (as Kuyper did) is essential for us today.

[Rick Hogaboam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful contribution from a Kuyper scholar. Createivelty challenged in my public theology and its practical application in shaping culture.

[Jordan J. Andlovec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bacote's synthesis of Kuyper's main contributions to theological practice and public engagement is quite helpful for anyone interested in a nuanced and Trinitarian approach the public theology.

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what to think. I'm still chewing on this one.