Neo-Calvinism and the French Revolution

The French Revolution was the scene of much intellectual and social upheaval. Its impact touched a wide range of subjects: the relationship of the church to the state, social relationships, science, literature, fashion, philosophy and theology. Although the French Revolution's momentum was felt across Europe and North America, it met a particularly interesting response in the Netherlands, at that time the scene of a burgeoning neo-Calvinist movement. In that context, the likes of Groen van Prinsterer, Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck responded to the French Revolution's ideals and influence in a variety of intellectual and practical ways.This book approaches that Dutch response from a range of historical and theological perspectives, and in so doing explores the relationship between the French Revolution and the development of neo-Calvinism.

Beginning with historical portraits of Bavinck and Kuyper in relation to the Revolution, the perspectives offered also include, amongst others, the place of multilingualism in neo-Calvinism and the Revolution, neo-Calvinist and Revolutionary approaches to fashion, a dialogue between Kuyperian theology and Kieslowski's Three Colours trilogy, and a contemporary neo-Calvinist critique of French laïcité. This book forms part of a wider Project neo-Calvinism supported by the Theologische Universiteit Kampen and the VU University Amsterdam.

“[This] book poses - and answers - many fascinating questions. This volume will be of use not only to those with an interest in neo-Calvinism but also the French Revolution and in the secularisation of Europe” —An Accidental Blog

“These essays offer us profound neo-Calvinist explorations of the deeply anti-Christian roots of the French Revolution. But they give us much more, with marvelous commentaries on film, fashion, literature, political theory and contemporary Islam--to say nothing of some creative perspectives on important issues in basic theology!” —Richard Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary, USA

“Does Abraham Kuyper's claim that the ideas of the French Revolution were the Original Sin of modernity hold up under the careful scrutiny of contemporary historians? The answer, suggested by this uniformly high-quality collection of essays ranging from discussions of uniformity versus multi-linguisticality to the “terror” of French Revolutionary dress and even to French secularity and the Islamic headscarf, is a qualified “yes.” None of the essayists are slavish disciples of the Kuyperian tradition; all treat it sympathetically and mine it for its contemporary relevance. Students of Dutch neo-Calvinism will find this volume stimulating in its exploration of old and new themes and an indispensable resource for applying the valuable insights of this tradition today.” —John Bolt, Calvin Theological Seminary, USA

“How to reconcile the roots of faith with the potential of modernity? This volume presents fresh and interesting insights into the complicated relationship between calvinism and modern culture. The French Revolution functions as the landmark that launched a plethora of reactions and developments, which were formative for the movement that became known as Neocalvinism. The creative contributions of younger and distinguished scholars show how the questions and answers do not only belong to a distant past, but are vibrant and challenging in our current situation.” —Cornelius van der Kooi, VU University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

“The essays are each high in quality ... [This book is] necessary for one engaged in neo-Calvinistic studies.” -Journal of Theological Studies