Has anyone read Berkouwer's Studies in Dogmatics? http://www.logos.com/products/details/2548 Thoughts?
I've read a bit.
Reasonably helpful. From what I've heard from others, his later works progressively reflected more of a Barthian/neo-orthodox perspective, to the extent that different on issues like revelation/the Word of God, etc.
From what I've heard from others, his later works progressively reflected more of a Barthian/neo-orthodox perspective, to the extent that different on issues like revelation/the Word of God, etc.
I've heard the same thing. It's actually why I posted my question in the forums.
Has anyone read Berkouwer's Studies in Dogmatics?
In America and Canada probably yes, but here in the Netherlands you'd better ask "Does anyone know who Berkouwer is?"
Although I have the Dutch original in print, I can't say I have read much of it. I know that some of the volumes of his Studies in Dogmatics/Dogmatische studiën are still being recommended by Systematic Theology professors, but it depends on the topic you want to study. Orthodox calvinists generally warn against the volume on Holy Scripture.
I scanned through the bibliography of Reformed Confessions Harmonized* to see if there were any references to Berkouwer's Studies in Dogmatics.
I hope the following quotes are helpful:
- "G.C.Berkouwer interacts with Dutch Reformed theologians in his thought-provoking General Revelation .... Especially enlightening are Chapters 7 and 10, the latter titled, "The Controversy Regarding Article II of the Belgic Confession." As usual, however, Berkouwer asks more questions than he answers." (page 248).
- "A word of warning: Avoid G.C.Berkouwer, Holy Scripture .... Berkouwer qualifies inerrancy by disassociating it from historical and scientific exactness. He neglects to spell out the dangerous consequences of tolerating arbitrary rejection of selected Scriptures." (page 250).
- "Two twentieth-century monographs on providence are noteworthy: Gerrit C. Berkouwer, The Providence of God, ... asks thought-provoking questions about providence in relation to knowledge, sustenance, government, concurrence, history, miracles and theodicy." (page 253). [The other noteworthy monograph is by Benjamin B.Farley.]
- "The best twentieth-century works from a Reformed perspective on our creation in God's image are Gerrit C.Berkouwer, Man: The Image of God ...." (page 254).
- "See also Gerrit C.Berkouwer's probing 600-page work, Sin, ... Berkouwer is particularly helpful on the relationship of sin to the law (Chapter 6) and to the gospel (Chapter 7)." (page 255).
- [on Divine Election:] "... imbalanced on election and weak on reprobation ...." (page 256).
- [on The Person of Christ and The Work of Christ:] "... They provide an in-depth discussion of Christ's work in the states of humiliation and exaltation. While Berkouwer is fully abreast of current theological literature, he is too often influenced by it, and takes a position too moderate or vague on many issues. The value of Berkouwer lies in his grasp of Reformed thinkers and presentation of isssues in theology. He asks and begins to answer some of the most difficult questions." (page 258).
- [on Faith and Justification:] "Helpful but ambiguous in places." (page 261).
- [on The Church:] "Indecisive and provocative in places, it is enlightening and edifying elsewhere." (page 264).
- "More detailed but not always as reliable are John S.Stone .... and Gerrit C.Berkouwer, The Sacraments ... Berkouwer provides an able critique of the teaching of Romanism and Lutheranism as well as various contemporary views of the sacraments." (page 268).
- I also found two short references to Faith and Sanctification (page 262) and to The Return of Christ (page 271).
* Joel R.Beeke & Sinclair B.Ferguson, Reformed Confessions Harmonized. With an Annotated Bibliography of Reformed Doctrinal Works, Baker Books 1999. (Not available in Logos!)
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