Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion

“Herman Bavinck’s Guidebook for Instruction in the Christian Religion is by far his shortest articulation of Christian theology, but in no way should be regarded as less rich than his longer works. Indeed, since this was written later than either his full dogmatics (for the academic) or his Magnalia Dei (for college educated professionals), in some ways the Guidebook represents his mature thought. It is his presentation of the Christian faith for the widest audience. I’ve been working through it and it is a delight to see so much profound learning made so accessible.”

“A welcome treasure…Geared towards a broader audience than his Reformed Dogmatics, this work is just as faithful to God’s word but more accessible. The introduction is a great overview, and the clarity of the translation conveys the beauty as well as truth of Bavinck’s prose. This book is ideal for personal and group study...A welcome treasure.”

“A profoundly simple and simply profound introduction to the catholic faith of the Reformed churches. Parker and Clausing’s translation is elegant and easy to read, assuring its usefulness to Bavinck’s intended audience (high school students). At the same time, the book’s scholarly apparatus guarantees its usefulness to a growing field of Bavinck studies. My sincere hope is that this edition will be widely purchased, widely read, and widely taught in Christian churches, schools and homes”

“In addition to English translations of Bavinck’s Dogmatics and Ethics for academics and pastors and Bavick’s Wonderful Works of God for the college-educated, we now have this competently translated and richly annotated Guidebook prepared for high school students. Arguably, as an entry-level introduction to the riches of Reformed Christian faith, it may be the most important of the tree. It is a wonderful introduction to a great modern-era Reformed theologian; a tribute to the longing of a learned professor to pass on the riches of the faith to the next generation at an early stage in their religious development. In his preface, Bavinck describes conditions of the educational world of his day that bear eerie resemblance to ours. The publication of this volume deserves three cheers.”

“He is one of those rare theologians who was soaked in classic orthodoxy and yet could speak in creative, deeply learned, and rich ways as he took both Scripture and his present day seriously. But what we have here is a distinct gift: writing for a broader audience, including younger adults, he distills his theological prowess in a way that is brief and accessible yet not simplistic and naive. Using pages and paragraphs rather than chapters and books, he quickly covers vast terrain with ease and speed. Along the way, he seems to follow Augustine’s model of keeping a focus on the heart rather than merely the head as he unpacks theological truths. Thanks to the wonderful work of Clausing and Parker, it is a joy to commend this book to all, especially those who have heard about Bavinck but have found the size of his larger volumes overwhelming. Here is a first step, but hopefully not the last one.”