Arnold Huijgen Books

Arnold Huijgen analyses und assesses the idea of divine accommodation in John Calvin’s theology. He proves that Calvin’s idea of accommodation was terminologically influenced by Erasmus, while its content originated in patristic theology. Though Calvin’s idea of accommodation is multifaceted, Huijgen subsumes and analyzes it in the light of the two main perspectives of pedagogy and revelation. The pedagogical aspect relates to Calvin’s understanding of salvation history, and the relation between the Old and the New Testament. In this perspective Christ as the mediator holds a central position. The aspect of revelation focuses on Calvin’s comprehension of God’s nature which for him is behind God’s revelation. Calvin’s understanding of accommodation implies a distinct dynamic to revelation, which is disrupted by its static, hierarchical ontology. Huijgen points out the weaknesses of Calvin’s idea of accommodation on the basis of modern critiques by Karl Barth, Isaak August Dorner, and Harry M. Kuitert; he also explores the viable points for present day theology.

At the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism, an international conference on the spirituality of the Heidelberg Catechism was held at the Theological University Apeldoorn, 21-22 June 2013. This publication offers the plenary papers presented, and a selection of the short papers. While the papers center on the Catechism's spirituality, a wide range of topics is covered, from both historical and theological perspectives. These topics include: the roles of Ursinus and Olevianus, controverse theologians, anabaptist spirituality, comparisons with Calvin's Genevan Catechism and the later Synopsis of Purer Theology. Also, the distinct spirituality of faith, regeneration, the trinity, the law and prayer in the Heidelberg Catechism are scrutinized, besides the idea of mystical union and the art of dying and living. Three contributions reflect on the controversy on the Eucharist which has stamped the Heidelberg Catechism. From a practical-theological perspective, the preaching and teaching of the Catechism are discussed, as well as the mode of gospel presentation and the permanent character of catechetical instruction. So, this volume offers a broad range of scholarly perspectives on the Catechism. Its spirituality is famous for the first question and answer, on the only comfort in life and death: That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.""

Gerard C. den Hertog hat es als niederländischer Theologe verstanden, das Werk des deutschen Theologen Hans und Theologinnen zugänglich zu machen. Freunde aus dem Iwand-Kreis, internationale Kollegen und Weggefährten haben sich zusammengefunden, um den Hertog mit dieser Festgabe zur Emeritierung zu grüssen. Der Titel "Schuld und Freiheit" gibt einen Hinweis auf zwei Themen, die Den Hertog in seinem Bedenken der Iwandschen Theologie ebenso wie in aktueller Vergegenwärtigung wohl am meisten am Herzen liegen.