116 - James R. Wood on How Kuyper Lost the Nation and Sidelined the Church

Summary

In this conversation, Chase Davis and James Wood discuss the origins and spread of Neo-Calvinism, with a focus on the role of Abraham Kuyper. They also explore the critique of Kuyper by Philippus Jacobus Hoedemaker and the concept of ecclesiocentrism. The tension between the church and the state is examined, highlighting the importance of the church's role in shaping society and promoting the truth. In this conversation, Chase and James R. Wood discuss the tension pastors face in meeting the expectations of their congregations. They explore the importance of leading public worship and the public significance of liturgical practices. They also delve into the role of the church in addressing social issues and empowering people to care for the homeless. The conversation highlights the need for pastors to speak wisely and apply the word of God to real human issues. They conclude by recommending resources for further reading on these topics.

Takeaways

Neo-Calvinism originated with Abraham Kuyper and spread through Dutch immigrants to North America.

Philippus Jacobus Hoedemaker critiqued Kuyper's approach, particularly his view on the relationship between the church and the state.

Ecclesiocentrism emphasizes the role of the church in shaping society and promoting the truth.

The tension between the church and the state requires careful consideration and a recognition of the church's unique social role. Pastors often face the tension of limited capacity in meeting the expectations of their congregations.

Leading public worship is considered the most important thing the church does, with significant public implications.

The word of God addresses everything and should not be limited to internal conscience forgiveness.

The church can play a role in answering social issues and empowering people to care for the homeless.

Pastors should speak wisely and apply the word of God to real human issues, providing a distinctly Christian witness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:40 James Wood's Ordination and Role

02:23 Neo-Calvinism and Personal Experiences

07:23 The Origins and Spread of Neo-Calvinism

13:18 Abraham Kuyper and His Context

19:57 Philippus Jacobus Hoedemaker's Critique of Kuyper

29:21 Ecclesiocentrism and the Role of the Church

37:29 The Tension Between Church and State

44:57 The Tension of Limited Capacity

45:30 The Importance of Leading Public Worship

46:29 The Public Significance of Liturgical Practices

47:21 The Word and Its Addressing of Everything

48:36 The Church's Role in Answering Social Issues

49:53 Empowering People to Care for the Homeless

50:49 Pastoral Responsibilities and Speaking Wisely

52:21 Responding with the Categories of Scripture

53:19 Resources for Further Reading

Support the show!! - https://www.patreon.com/chasedavis

“How Abraham Kuyper Lost the Nation and Sidelined the Church” - https://adfontesjournal.com/church-history/how-abraham-kuyper-lost-the-nation-and-sidelined-the-church/

“Can the Church Still Speak?” - https://comment.org/can-the-church-still-speak/

James R. Wood on Twitter (X) - https://twitter.com/jamesrwoodtheo1