Panel: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES ON ABRAHAM KUYPER AND PUBLIC THEOLOGY



441.2 - ABRAHAM KUYPER'S SEMINAL CONCEPTS SHAPING PUBLIC THEOLOGY: FRUITFUL YET INCHOATE.

AUTHORS:
Lillback P. (Westminster Theological Seminary ~ Philadelphia ~ United States of America)
Text:
Abraham Kuyper, a prominent Reformed theologian and statesman, made significant contributions to public theology that bridged intellectual rigor, theological depth, and practical relevance. Key concepts central to his thought include palingenesis (spiritual rebirth), antithesis (the opposition between belief and unbelief), common grace (God's universal grace for all people), and sphere sovereignty (the division of authority across distinct social spheres). This paper examines the role these ideas play in Kuyper's understanding of the Christian faith's public witness and explores their ongoing relevance in engaging with secular society. Additionally, it argues that Kuyper did not fully clarify how these concepts interact, which has led to their occasional misapplication by Christian thinkers and leaders.