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What Is Christianity?
In this book, Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) provides a historical sketch on the nature of Christianity and the unifying power of Christ. He proceeds from unity to diversity―on where the Christian church agrees to the areas where it differs. It is apologetic and evangelistic, ecumenical and Reformed, and historical and theological in scope. In this succinct book, Bavinck traces the history of Christian doctrine and life, distinguishing the East from the West, and then focusing on the West through the Reformation to the twentieth century. Both at the beginning and the end of the book, he places before the reader what he deemed the most important religious and theological question of the Who is Jesus?
“It is no small task which Dr. Bavinck has undertaken, to tell in sixty-two small pages all that Christianity is, and that, in a series in which it is brought into comparison with other ‘great religions’. He has fulfilled this task, however, in a most admirable manner. His method is, first, to point out what all Christians are agreed upon; and then to give an historical account of Christianity in its origins and it its progressive manifestations in the great forms of the Orthodox Eastern, the Romish, the Lutheran, Reformed Churches, with further descriptions of the forms it has taken since, in Anabaptism and Socinianism, and the New Protestantism rooted in the Enlightenment. His plan thus resolves itself into an informal sketch of the historical development of Christianity. This sketch is written with remarkable grasp of details and an equally remarkable power of synthesis. We cannot imagine how the work could be done better.” ―B.B. Warfield
“It is no small task which Dr. Bavinck has undertaken, to tell in sixty-two small pages all that Christianity is, and that, in a series in which it is brought into comparison with other ‘great religions’. He has fulfilled this task, however, in a most admirable manner. His method is, first, to point out what all Christians are agreed upon; and then to give an historical account of Christianity in its origins and it its progressive manifestations in the great forms of the Orthodox Eastern, the Romish, the Lutheran, Reformed Churches, with further descriptions of the forms it has taken since, in Anabaptism and Socinianism, and the New Protestantism rooted in the Enlightenment. His plan thus resolves itself into an informal sketch of the historical development of Christianity. This sketch is written with remarkable grasp of details and an equally remarkable power of synthesis. We cannot imagine how the work could be done better.” ―B.B. Warfield
- GenresTheology
100 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2022
8 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Herman Bavinck
113 books197 followersHerman Bavinck (1854-1921) succeeded Abraham Kuyper as professor of systematic theology at the Free University of Amsterdam in 1902.
His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.
His nephew was Johan Herman Bavinck.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 12, 2022
Bavinck is brilliant. This is a little work of historical theology that sets forth the beauty of historic Christianity.
His section on Roman Catholicism is worth the price of the book. But, his section on the glory and beauty of Jesus are even better.
This is a quality introduction to Bavinck as the historical theologian.
His section on Roman Catholicism is worth the price of the book. But, his section on the glory and beauty of Jesus are even better.
This is a quality introduction to Bavinck as the historical theologian.
July 31, 2023
Lucid and overflowing with a sincere love of the catholic Christian faith.
July 10, 2022
Wonderfully edifying. catholic, Reformed, persuasive, stimulating… What more could you ask for in 60 pages! Bavinck offers here a great introduction to the Christian faith but even more, he gets to the essence of the faith: the identity of the God-man Jesus Christ. He expresses well both the diversity and multiformity of Christianity throughout the ages, and it’s singular and unified confession concerning Jesus Christ as the only hope and savior of the world.
June 17, 2022
Bavinck’s short book is a great introduction to the scope of the Christian faith. It about 80 pages, he is able to articulate and explain the common faith, church history, and practicality very charitably. His comparison of Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Reformed church is fair while acknowledging his bias towards reformed doctrine.
The end of the book was great as well. It really captured the faith of the whole Church. He lightly worked his way through the Apostle’s Creed and filled in some of the thought and reasoning for it. As a special note, I appreciated his writing and intimate personification of the Holy Spirit. He took care to make sure He was spoken about personally and experientially and not abstractly and deistically like many do by accident.
I highly recommend for any one where wants a refresher of the commonality of our faith.
The end of the book was great as well. It really captured the faith of the whole Church. He lightly worked his way through the Apostle’s Creed and filled in some of the thought and reasoning for it. As a special note, I appreciated his writing and intimate personification of the Holy Spirit. He took care to make sure He was spoken about personally and experientially and not abstractly and deistically like many do by accident.
I highly recommend for any one where wants a refresher of the commonality of our faith.
January 15, 2024
Bavinck is always wonderful.
May 29, 2022
Full disclosure: Greg Parker is my bestie, and I got this book for free.
I really enjoyed this book. Bavinck really nails the core of Christianity in an amazingly brief treatise. I highly recommend this book to all churches, particularly the last section of the book. This is a reread for sure.
I really enjoyed this book. Bavinck really nails the core of Christianity in an amazingly brief treatise. I highly recommend this book to all churches, particularly the last section of the book. This is a reread for sure.
June 7, 2022
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 (rounded up)
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY ABOUT?
These are two short works by the noted Dutch Theologian newly translated into English. The second piece is an essay he wrote in 1883 called "The Christian Faith" (and because it's the way my mind works since it was written first, I had to read it first).
The first piece is a small book called Christianity that was published in 1912 as part of a series of books called Great Religions. In this work, he starts by talking about who Jesus is, then covers the life of Jesus and those aspects of the Christian faith common to all its branches. From there he gives a survey of this history of doctrine that is both concise and thorough (in a way I wish I could emulate), before landing on and summarizing a Reformed Protestant understanding of the Faith.
A NICE TOUCH
Before the text, Parker reprinted a brief review from The Princeton Theological Review of Christianity. It was nice to see a contemporary take on the work from a trusted name to see that what people think of Bavinck now is pretty much what people thought of him then.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
These are apologetic works to be sure, but they aren't aggressive or all that assertive. Bavink is clear and convincing without being combative. Typically for him, he displays a catholicity in his approach—he's clearly Reformed Protestant, but he doesn't disparage other views.
Bavinck has a reputation (somewhat deserved) as being a difficult author to read and comprehend. This small book demonstrates pretty conclusively that he's not always difficult.
I don't know he accomplishes all he does in so few pages—there's a lot of subtle theological and apologetic work, here. But there's also a lot that's just easy to digest, clear and helpful. Bavinck gives his readers a Christ-centered, Christ-focused definition and description of Christianity (you'd think that'd be a given, but...). As Warfield put it, "We cannot imagine how the work could be done better."
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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After all, [mankind's] deepest needs always boil down to the fact that all that is finite rests in the Infinite and Eternal One, who cannot be thought of in any other way than as a just and holy God who hates sin and is far removed from wickedness. But if there is to be any talk of comfort and peace for mankind, then this just and holy God must also be a merciful and gracious Father, who reconciles and forgives sin, frees us from guilt, and accepts us as his children out of grace. And finally, he must also be the Almighty and Faithful One who can realize what he promises and who, in the course of regeneration and sanctification, transforms the world and mankind into a kingdom of God.
These are the ineradicable needs of the human heart. But they are also the basic ideas of Christianity, which stand before us in historical facts as monuments. The apostolic benediction of the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and of the fellowship of the Holy Spirit is the core of the universal, undoubted, Christian faith [2 Cor. 13:14].
WHAT'S WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY ABOUT?
These are two short works by the noted Dutch Theologian newly translated into English. The second piece is an essay he wrote in 1883 called "The Christian Faith" (and because it's the way my mind works since it was written first, I had to read it first).
The first piece is a small book called Christianity that was published in 1912 as part of a series of books called Great Religions. In this work, he starts by talking about who Jesus is, then covers the life of Jesus and those aspects of the Christian faith common to all its branches. From there he gives a survey of this history of doctrine that is both concise and thorough (in a way I wish I could emulate), before landing on and summarizing a Reformed Protestant understanding of the Faith.
A NICE TOUCH
Before the text, Parker reprinted a brief review from The Princeton Theological Review of Christianity. It was nice to see a contemporary take on the work from a trusted name to see that what people think of Bavinck now is pretty much what people thought of him then.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT WHAT IS CHRISTIANITY?
These are apologetic works to be sure, but they aren't aggressive or all that assertive. Bavink is clear and convincing without being combative. Typically for him, he displays a catholicity in his approach—he's clearly Reformed Protestant, but he doesn't disparage other views.
Bavinck has a reputation (somewhat deserved) as being a difficult author to read and comprehend. This small book demonstrates pretty conclusively that he's not always difficult.
I don't know he accomplishes all he does in so few pages—there's a lot of subtle theological and apologetic work, here. But there's also a lot that's just easy to digest, clear and helpful. Bavinck gives his readers a Christ-centered, Christ-focused definition and description of Christianity (you'd think that'd be a given, but...). As Warfield put it, "We cannot imagine how the work could be done better."
December 6, 2022
What did Bavinck see as the basic background of Christianity? In What is Christianity? Herman Bavinck presents a brief theological and historical sketch of Christianity.
What does one make of Christ?
Published by Hendrickson Academic, this 128-page softcover book includes Bavinck’s “Christianity” (1912) and “The Christian Faith” (1883) for the first time in English. Together they paint a picture of the nature of Christianity and the primacy of Christ.
The question that echoes throughout the book is “What does one make of Christ?” In subsequent chapters, Bavinck presents the Jesus of Christianity, the Confession of Christianity, the Diversity of Christianity, the Rise of Modernity and Christianity, and the Respite of Christianity.
Christ Calms our Cultural Storms
I was most interested in Bavinck’s description of the three streams of the Protestant Reformation: Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. They all tackle the law in different ways, and Bavinck ultimately lands on Calvin as the heart of the Reformation.
I was most moved to see Bavinck describe his times using language that would be fitting of our own. He regrettably says that “the main question is not what is permitted but what is possible, not what is good but what is useful.” I was reminded that Christianity and Christ will weather any storm. In fact, Christ will calm them. And what we must make of him is to see him in awe, and bow down in worship.
I received a media copy of What is Christianity? and this is my honest review.
What does one make of Christ?
Published by Hendrickson Academic, this 128-page softcover book includes Bavinck’s “Christianity” (1912) and “The Christian Faith” (1883) for the first time in English. Together they paint a picture of the nature of Christianity and the primacy of Christ.
The question that echoes throughout the book is “What does one make of Christ?” In subsequent chapters, Bavinck presents the Jesus of Christianity, the Confession of Christianity, the Diversity of Christianity, the Rise of Modernity and Christianity, and the Respite of Christianity.
Christ Calms our Cultural Storms
I was most interested in Bavinck’s description of the three streams of the Protestant Reformation: Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli. They all tackle the law in different ways, and Bavinck ultimately lands on Calvin as the heart of the Reformation.
I was most moved to see Bavinck describe his times using language that would be fitting of our own. He regrettably says that “the main question is not what is permitted but what is possible, not what is good but what is useful.” I was reminded that Christianity and Christ will weather any storm. In fact, Christ will calm them. And what we must make of him is to see him in awe, and bow down in worship.
I received a media copy of What is Christianity? and this is my honest review.
June 14, 2022
Bavinck is wonderful!
In the first section is lays out a deft history of Christianity, which was helpful and unifying,
And maybe I would have given it 4 stars,
But his second small treatise within, “The Christian Faith” was beautiful and my favorite part.
So Bavinck is up to 5 stars, which he deserves! Haha
In the first section is lays out a deft history of Christianity, which was helpful and unifying,
And maybe I would have given it 4 stars,
But his second small treatise within, “The Christian Faith” was beautiful and my favorite part.
So Bavinck is up to 5 stars, which he deserves! Haha
January 25, 2025
What an incredible little book. With his typical depth and clarity, Bavinck surveys the history of the church and the nature of faith in less than 80 pages. Mad.
July 15, 2022
A refreshing read that slowly grows on you as it opens new horizons of theological understanding. Bavinck is timeless and very readable. His summary of Roman Catholicism in a portion of this book is irenic, accurate, and devastatingly clear.
February 25, 2025
Herman Bavinck the pre-eminent…historian? The more I read Bavinck’s work, the more amazed I am at the breadth and depth of his scholarship. This is a tiny book, sitting under 100 pages. And honestly, that’s the weakness (if there is one). There’s so much more that Bavinck could have said and that I wanted him to develop! But he has, just elsewhere. This book is actually split into two separate tracts.
The first one, much longer than the second, is essentially a historical-theological apologia for the Christian Faith. Specifically, Bavinck is responding to his own context (which he always does so remarkably well), and thus the focal points of the short course reflect 19th century debates about historical criticism, ruptures and fracturing within (mostly Protestant) Christianity, the rise of natural science and evolution, etc. But the points he makes are as relevant today as they were then. Bavinck argues that the “essence” of Christianity is Christ! Though, before you go off thinking how unremarkable this may sound, understand that it is the way in which Bavinck makes his case that makes this little work so valuable. You’ll get a short course on early heresies, the rise of Eastern and Western Christianity, the emphasis of the Reformation and the distinctives of *historic* Protestantism, all in service to making the case for the unity of the Church without sidestepping even an ounce of her diversity. For all our differences, we really do share a great deal.
The second one, about twenty pages or so in length, read to me like a sermon. How splendid it was! Here, Bavinck speaks less about dogmatics and more about what real, living faith in Jesus the Christ looks like in everyday life. It was the perfect way to end the book - the perfect pairing for the former selection. (I also enjoyed Richard Lints’ afterword which summarized and quickly applied the core of Bavinck’s work here for the present day.)
This would be one of the better places to start reading Herman Bavinck if you hadn’t already begun doing so. Enjoy!
The first one, much longer than the second, is essentially a historical-theological apologia for the Christian Faith. Specifically, Bavinck is responding to his own context (which he always does so remarkably well), and thus the focal points of the short course reflect 19th century debates about historical criticism, ruptures and fracturing within (mostly Protestant) Christianity, the rise of natural science and evolution, etc. But the points he makes are as relevant today as they were then. Bavinck argues that the “essence” of Christianity is Christ! Though, before you go off thinking how unremarkable this may sound, understand that it is the way in which Bavinck makes his case that makes this little work so valuable. You’ll get a short course on early heresies, the rise of Eastern and Western Christianity, the emphasis of the Reformation and the distinctives of *historic* Protestantism, all in service to making the case for the unity of the Church without sidestepping even an ounce of her diversity. For all our differences, we really do share a great deal.
The second one, about twenty pages or so in length, read to me like a sermon. How splendid it was! Here, Bavinck speaks less about dogmatics and more about what real, living faith in Jesus the Christ looks like in everyday life. It was the perfect way to end the book - the perfect pairing for the former selection. (I also enjoyed Richard Lints’ afterword which summarized and quickly applied the core of Bavinck’s work here for the present day.)
This would be one of the better places to start reading Herman Bavinck if you hadn’t already begun doing so. Enjoy!
June 7, 2022
A short book which is really two short works of Bavinck published together, What is Christianity is a concise look at the Christian faith. The first work which is labeled "Christianity" in this work is really a historical and theological look at Christianity and Jesus and the church through the ages. The second work, The Christian Faith is a small work examining the outline or main points of the apostles' creed - believing in God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, the Holy Spirit, and the holy catholic church.
July 14, 2022
Sweet gospel meditations from The Bible and Church history. Also, some very helpful historical context/implications from the Great Schism of 1054.
"With Him there is no question of falling down and getting up, of faltering and standing up; his prayer, even in the deepest and heaviest suffering, never includes a confession of sin or a plea for forgiveness." p.15
"With Him there is no question of falling down and getting up, of faltering and standing up; his prayer, even in the deepest and heaviest suffering, never includes a confession of sin or a plea for forgiveness." p.15
December 22, 2025
Exceptional book. As always for Bavinck, I found it extremely succinct and easy to understand. Great translation work as well. There is a section on Roman Catholicism that helped me to understand its beliefs more clearly than I have before.
May 26, 2022
Bavinck never disappoints.
I was mainly interested in Bavinck’s brief overview of historical theology/church history which is the first of the two brief works in this book.
I was mainly interested in Bavinck’s brief overview of historical theology/church history which is the first of the two brief works in this book.
December 28, 2023
*Please note, I received an advance review copy for free.
Bavinck is the timely voice needed in our current cultural context of polarization, fear, and outrage. Greg Parker brings to life this accessible and theologically rich work, translated for the first time into English. The resource and wisdom it provides for pastors, teachers, growing Christians, and uncertain seekers are invaluable. Speaking to both intellect and heart, Bavinck winsomely summarizes the whole of Christianity, instructively utilizing the Scriptures and history to force the reader to grapple with, "what do you make of Christ."
-Douglas Tharp, Senior Pastor at Mercy Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX
Bavinck is the timely voice needed in our current cultural context of polarization, fear, and outrage. Greg Parker brings to life this accessible and theologically rich work, translated for the first time into English. The resource and wisdom it provides for pastors, teachers, growing Christians, and uncertain seekers are invaluable. Speaking to both intellect and heart, Bavinck winsomely summarizes the whole of Christianity, instructively utilizing the Scriptures and history to force the reader to grapple with, "what do you make of Christ."
-Douglas Tharp, Senior Pastor at Mercy Presbyterian Church in Dallas, TX
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews