Panel: DISCERNING DIVINE PRESENCE: IN HISTORY



85.7 - FAITH, POLITICS, AND EDUCATION: ABRAHAM KUYPER'S INFLUENCE ON DUTCH SCHOOLS

AUTHORS:
Kong E.S. (VU ~ Amsterdam ~ Netherlands)
Text:
This paper explores Abraham Kuyper's profound impact on Dutch education through his role in the 'school struggle' (schoolstrijd), a movement that sought to secure equal financial support for private Christian schools. The study traces Kuyper's journey from pastor to politician, highlighting his strategic use of media, his founding of the Anti-Revolutionary Party (ARP), and his legislative work as a member of parliament. His efforts culminated in the 1917 constitutional reform, which guaranteed financial equality for public and private schools. By examining the intersection of faith, politics, and education, the paper reveals how Kuyper's theological convictions drove him to pursue political change. His legacy as an educational reformer continues to inspire reflections on the cost of freedom, the role of religion in shaping public policy, and the ongoing relevance of these issues today. This case study sheds light on how religious conviction can drive socio-cultural transformation, offering parallels to contemporary debates on religious autonomy, such as those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.