Science & Philosophy Cannot Obsoletize Religion (Herman Bavinck)

An excerpt from Herman Bavinck’s Reformed Dogmatics, vol. 1, chapter 8:

[T]hough religion and philosophy are related, there is also a world of difference between them. Although they frequently have the same content and object, these objects are viewed in each domain from a very different perspective. The aim of science is knowledge; in religion it is comfort, peace, salvation. … Even the most profound philosopher, therefore, for all his knowledge does not rise above religion; he can never meet his religious needs by science. Though science may tell him that God is and what God is, it is only by religion that he knows that that God is also his God and his Father. Science may teach him that sin and grace exist, but it is only by religion that he takes part in the blessedness of religion and the sonship of God. Even if science could know all things and solve all metaphysical problems, it would still only yield theoretical knowledge and not personal participation in the benefits of salvation. For salvation is bound up with believing, not with knowing. But it is far from true that science and philosophy can attain this benefit. There are still many people, to be sure, who continue to expect all salvation from science and to consider religion superfluous. … Nonetheless, a turnabout is in progress. Prominent men of science are beginning to see that science fails to answer the most important questions of life. … In the natural sciences the mysteries are not diminishing but increasing, and the philosophy of nature is again raising its voice. … And, further, the numerous manifestations of superstition evident today demonstrate that humankind cannot live by the bread of science alone but need every word that comes from the mouth of God. Indeed, science does not tell us what God is or what humanity is; it leaves us ignorant of the origin, essence, and goal of things. It can therefore never replace religion, nor ever compensate for its loss.

A Vision of the Son of Man (Revelation 1:9-20)

Dan and Kirk dive deeper into the details of the vision of the son of man in Revelation 1:9-20 to ask, “How does this vision — and its “big” view of Jesus — empower us for faithful endurance?”

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Sermon Preview – Revelation 1:9-20

Before we get into the messages to the seven churches (Rev 2:1-3:22), John begins by capturing our attention with a big view of Jesus (Rev 1:9-20). The assumption seems to be, if we are to have any ability to carry out the call to the churches in 2:1-3:22, we need to be captivated by a big view of Jesus as found in 1:9-20.

Or to reverse this logic, when we fail to “patiently endure,” as John and the book of Revelation call us to, it’s because our view of Jesus is too small. Do we go after false teaching? Our view of Jesus is too small. We do not view him as sufficient and true. Do we crumble under the pressure of opposition? Our view of Jesus is too small. We don’t trust he is faithful or consider him worth the cost. Are we tempted with materialism and affluence? Our view of Jesus is too small, as we fail to find our satisfaction in him. Are we putting our hopes in things like politics and the state of society? Our view of Jesus is too small, because we are not finding our confidence and hope solely in him.

A Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1-8)

In this episode, Kirk and Dan talk about some additional interpretive and theological matters we encounter in Revelation 1:1-8. We consider how this passage introduces some key themes for the rest of the book. We ask, what is an OT allusion and how do we go about attending to these in the book of Revelation? Finally, we reflect on the meaning of this passage’s message for our every day lives.

Access the episode here. (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more).

See all other content in this series.