Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) is one of the most extraordinary public theologians in modern Christian history. A prolific theologian and public intellectual, he wrote books for scholars and for everyday Christians, founded the Free University in Amsterdam, taught theology, started a national newspaper, served as a member of Parliament and as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.

Leading out on issues at the intersection of Christianity, politics, and public life, he devoted a substantial and coherent Reformational public theology. His sought to understand and engage culture faithfully through a Christian worldview. His work has influenced countless Christian leaders, including Francis Schaeffer, Chuck Colson, and Alvin Plantinga.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the Kuyper’s books, you might recognize his most famous quote: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”

For Kuyper, this deep awareness of God’s sovereignty had vast implications for daily life. Throughout his writings, he wrestled with how to reconcile the sovereign presence of God in this beautifully created world while witnessing the fallenness and brokenness of the present. The modern church still struggles to navigate this tension between the spiritual life and the secular world. That’s why, despite being a century old, Kuyper’s theology of everyday life is still relevant today.

Kuyper’s public theology can be summarized in this brief statement: “Be present where God is present.” If God is present in all arenas of life, then Christians too should be present there. And just like God isn’t passively present in the world, Christians should not be passive either.

Kuyper was not a perfect man, but he was a faithful and exemplary public theologian. I, for one, have benefitted in an extraordinary way from reading his writings on public theology. For that reason, I commend Kuyper’s Collected Works in Public Theology. Never before available in English, these works will introduce a new audience to the scholarship of one of Christianity’s most thoughtful public theologians.

Comprised of 8 key works spread over 12 volumes, this series will be made available in both a high-quality hardback edition and an enhanced electronic Logos edition:

To learn more, visit abrahamkuyper.com. To purchase the series directly from the publisher, click here. To purchase the volumes that have been released thus far via Amazon, click here.

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