Our Worship

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies

by Abraham Kuyper, Harry Boonstra (Editor)

Few modern figures in the Reformed tradition are as widely influential as Abraham Kuyper, whose views on theology, politics, and Christian culture are renowned. His writings on worship, however, are not as well known. This new English translation of Onze Eredienst fills that gap, offering Kuyper’s clearest thinking on worship and liturgy. Though written nearly a hundred years ago, his perspectives on worship are amazingly relevant to our time. / In a substantive introduction Harry Boonstra outlines Kuyper's life and the historical context in which he wrote. Adding even more luster to the volume are concluding essays by John Bolt, Bryan Spinks, Geoffrey Wainwright, and Nicholas Wolterstorff.

411 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2008

About the author

Abraham Kuyper was a Dutch politician, journalist, statesman and theologian. He founded the Anti-Revolutionary Party and was prime minister of the Netherlands between 1901 and 1905.

Reviews

[Sean Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this at the recommendation of Doug Wilson and I'm really glad I followed his counsel.

There is much in Our Worship that a more rigorous edit would benefit. Yet, at its core, it is an essential push toward thoughtful liturgy for the "assembly of believers."

In some ways I'm ashamed to have graduated from Bible college and seminary, not to mention having helped to lead congregational worship for some years, without having worked through more of the liturgical issues Kuyper raises.

[David Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this. Although a bit out of date and of course very Dutch - I found it stimulating and thought provoking. In particular the emphasis on the church service as being the assembly of the Lords people, coming collectively into the presence of God. For example this from p.15 "We cannot reiterate too ofte: true religion is to have fellowship with the living God. That fellowship is richly enjoyed together 'with all the saints.' And the goal of all worship services must be to let the assembled congregation taste that fellowship with their God."

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well worthwhile. What a read. While some of the abuses in worship that Kuyper was responding to are not with us today, thankfully, the principles he lays down are really important. From liturgy to church architecture, Kuyper hits it all.