Paul J Visser

Heart for the Gospel, Heart for the World: The Life and Thought of a Reformed Pioneer Missiologist, Johan Herman Bavinck, 1895-1964 Paul J Visser

In this study one finds the missiological inheritance of the first Reformed missiologist Johan Herman Bavinck in an organized and systematic form. The following topics are discussed: theology of religion, biblical theology of missions, elenctics (mission apologetics), and practical subjects such as inculturation, ecumenism and the race issue. The context in which Bavinck developed his vision is discussed in an explicit way. Special attention is given to the influence of Hendrik Kramer on Bavinck's development as well as the psychological dimension in his theologizing. The author evaluates the relevancy of Bavinck's missiology for the development of a Reformed missiology. The above is made complete by an extensive biographical sketch shedding light on the background and way of life of this Johan Herman Bavinck.