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The great Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) was famous for his study of many disciplines, including psychology. The pinnacle of his studies in theological psychology is Biblical and Religious Psychology. The book is divided into two parts which work in harmony to cultivate a theological anthropology that attends to who man psychologically is, in relation to God, according to both special and general revelation. Both readers acquainted with Bavinck and new readers will be captivated by the author’s typically rich and erudite style. 

Biblical and Religious Psychology, translated by Herman Hanko and edited by Gregory Parker Jr, with revisions by Annemarieke Ryskamp, is an enlightening and stimulating work that will help all readers think more deeply about the relationship between theology and psychology and appreciate the theological complexities of being human.

What others are saying about the book:

In recent years there has been a renewal of interest in a “theological psychology.” While a rift may have existed in the recent past between theology and psychology, this has not always been the case. Herman Bavinck was one of many theologians who thought deeply about the connection between these two disciplines. He did this in a time when psychology was asserting itself as a science. For anyone interested in how one can put the words “biblical” and “psychology” together, this is an important work to consider. The readers will find themselves challenged and encouraged to take up the task of constructing a “theological psychology” anew. – Cameron Clausing, lecturer in applied theology and missional engagement at Christ College (Sydney, Australia)

This book showcases Bavinck’s attentiveness to the empirical granularity of biblical teaching on humanity. Further, the text represents Bavinckʼs mature writings on these topics, so readers who want a fuller picture of his reflections on the issue cannot neglect reading these texts. The editors and translators should be celebrated for bringing this accessible yet profound work to a wider audience, and the incisive introduction by John Bolt makes it all the more worthwhile. Take up and read! – N. Gray Sutanto, assistant professor of systematic theology of Reformed Theological Seminary (Washington D.C.), author of God and Knowledge: Herman Bavinck’s Theological Epistemology, cotranslator and coeditor of Herman Bavinck’s Christian Worldview

Bavinck spent his career as a theologian thinking about the human subject. Here you get his final thoughts on the psyche, consciousness, and particularly what the Bible teaches about human beings and how we respond to God’s presence. This is the work of the mature Bavinck, which makes it worth paying attention to. – Cory Brock, minister in the Free Church of Scotland at St. Columba’s (Edinburgh) and lecturer in systematic theology and preaching at Edinburgh Theological Seminary

As the 20th century dawned, the discipline of psychology celebrated its emancipation from the Bible and theology. As the new psychology was explaining more and more of the human experience, the rich, previously theologically informed constructs such as soul, spirit, and heart were being reduced to mere consciousness that could be measured in a laboratory. The divorce between psychology and theology seemed to be final. However, thanks to the work of Hanko, Ryskamp and Parker, we now know this was not the case. In their very readable translation of Bavinckʼs Biblical and Religious Psychology, we see that Bavinck was still trying to carve out a place for a theological informed psychology. Not only will this volume be of historical benefit, but Bavinck’s treatment of the human soul in all of its fullness can and should inform contemporary psychology-theology integration discussions. – Bryan N. Maier, associate professor of Psychology and Counseling at Cairn University

When framed in a biblical anthropology, psychology as the study of human soul activity is a necessary and valuable tool for educating children. – John Bolt, "Introduction," professor emeritus of Calvin Theological Seminary and editor of Herman Bavinck's Reformed Dogmatics (Gereformeerde Dogmatiek)

I consider this material to be of such interest and help, especially to those who are engaged in the work of teaching covenant children, that a translation and publication of it is worthwhile in spite of elements with which I disagree. Bavinck did work in the area of Christian psychology which is not to be found in any English writings. – Herman Hanko, "Translator's Foreword," professor emeritus of Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary

Read reviews by John Jambura, @reformedandreading, and @biblebookstheology.

HERMAN BAVINCK (1854-1921) was a Dutch Reformed theologian. He earned his doctorate from the University of Leiden in 1880. He taught at the Theological School in Kampen and Free University of Amsterdam. He is well regarded as the foremost theologian of neo-Calvinism.

• 288 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-06-7
  
• Release date: February 2024

eBook version available

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For many, the term “ancient” implies drudgery and irrelevance. However, the outset of this book will dispel any such notions. The ancient age brims with interest, instruction, and encouragement for today’s readers. This was an age of miracle-working apostles, fearless martyrs, and stalwart church fathers; an age that preserved the scriptures, prescribed the creeds, and produced timeless Christian classics; an age when the church was buffeted by fierce waves of persecution and assailed by heresies of every sort. Through this volume and the ones that follow, the Lord Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the church, sovereignly shepherded his beloved church by his word and Spirit.

In this first volume of Christ and His Church through the Ages, author and historian Herman Hanko tells the fascinating story of the ancient church during the first six centuries of the New Testament dispensation. He relates how Christ faithfully guided the church from the ministry of the apostles through the fall of the Roman Empire. Highlights of this history include the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles, the persecution of the church under Roman emperors, the deliberations of the ecumenical councils, and the battle for the truth of sovereign grace.

Through this and future volumes, students of church history and interested readers alike will surely grow in their love and appreciation for the saga of Christ’s church. They will find church history to be, as the author once affectionately described it, “the exciting adventure of the marvelous work of grace.”

Read a review by Prof. Doug Kuiper (The Standard Bearer) and Martyn McGeown (PRCA).

Herman Hanko (1930-2024) served as a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1955 to 1965, when he was appointed to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, MI. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2001. Until his passing in April 2024, he continued to lecture widely in the USA, the United Kingdom, and other countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. He is the author of several RFPA books.

Dan Van Uffelen is a church history teacher at Covenant Christian High School in Walker, Michigan. He has taught church history for almost two decades.

• 272 pages
• hardcover
  
• ISBN 978-1-944555-75-7
• Release date: 2018, 2021

eBook version available

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Rewards.

For many Christians, this word is a cause for fear and suspicion. It suggests doctrines of merit and a salvation based on works, as well as other ideas at odds with the teachings of the Christian faith.

But that need not be so.

In this accessible book, Brian Huizinga offers a rare historical and theological exposition of the biblical and Reformed teaching on the oft-neglected topic of the rewards of grace for the saints—in both the present life and in the life to come. Excluding any merit, and in full harmony with his sovereign and particular grace, the Lord indeed promises to reward the good works of believers. Far from unbiblical or dangerous, the truth of rewards occupies a surprisingly large and important place in Scripture. As such, it demands our attention. Crowning His Gifts will help all believers better grasp this topic by deepening their understanding of salvation in Christ and by offering fresh encouragements for a renewed life of godly zeal, to God’s glory.

What others are saying about the book:

"The relation between our good works and God’s rewards is unavoidable because our Lord himself often made this connection. Today, also because of the prosperity gospel, many are confused. In this book, with its wonderfully fitting title, Brian Huizinga builds on the spiritual and theological wisdom of Augustine, Calvin, Francis Turretin, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, and Herman Hoeksema, among others, and provides a reliable guide through the tricky shoals of this subject. Huizinga’s treatment is biblically grounded and confessionally sound in its careful distinctions, clear definitions, and appropriate cautions. This is a groundbreaking, thorough, practical, and timely book."
– John Bolt, Professor emeritus of systematic theology, Calvin Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, MI), editor of Herman Bavinck’s English editions of Reformed Dogmatics and Reformed Ethics


"The author shows that the doctrine of God’s rewards for our works is in line with the Reformed tradition…Crowning His Gifts is a solid, biblical, Reformed study of our covenantal relationship with God. Pick up this book and read it carefully!"
– Jürgen-Burkhard Klautke, Akademie für Reformatorische Theologie (Academy for Reformed Theology, Giessen), Evangelisch-Reformierten Gemeinde (Confessing Evangelical-Reformed Congregation, Giessen), Germany

Brian Huizinga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Theological School of the Protestant Reformed Churches in Wyoming (MI). He is also an editor of the Standard Bearer magazine. Before his appointment to professorship, he served for eight years in the pastoral ministry in Redlands, California. Crowning His Gifts is his first book.

• 288 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-959515-00-5
• Release date: May 2024

eBook version available

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As the Son of God, Jesus had it all—perfect communion with both the Father and the Holy Spirit and the glories of heaven. But Jesus left it all behind to humble himself, taking on our human flesh and suffering his whole life long and especially at the cross.

In life Jesus faced humiliation through outright rejection. Even as he preached the gospel and performed mighty miracles, his enemies falsely accused him and even took up stones to kill him (John 5–9).

So, why would the Son of God become a humble, suffering servant?

Because Jesus cares deeply for you and all his people—those who know themselves to be spiritually blind, lame, and hungry. Read from the gospel of John and meditate on how he gave himself so that you might be made whole and be nourished unto eternal life.

Click here to review or buy the first book in this series, Who is Jesus?

Abby Van Solkema has been writing devotionals for young people since 2018. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and lives with her husband, Tedd, and their four children in Byron Center, Michigan. Follow Abby on Instagram @the.left.fork.

• 106 pages
• paperback
• ISBN 978-1-959515-18-0
• Release date: April 26, 2024

eBook version available

Other books in the Devotions on the Gospel of John series: COMING SOON! Subscribe to our email list to stay informed of new teen book releases and sales!

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What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

I Belong is a picture book (ages 4-7) that explains each comforting phrase of Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 to young children, in language that they understand. Colorful illustrations of a diverse group of children will capture readers’ imaginations as they learn what it means to belong to their faithful Savior.

This book can be used as a short book of devotions for families with younger children or can be read by older children on their own.

It’s comforting to belong to God because you know he will care for you. The Bible tells you that when you pass through the deep waters and when you walk through the fire, God will be with you.

Read reviews by Annemarieke Ryskamp (The Outlook), Amanda DeBoer (Clarion), and Kristin Stiles (Books at a Glance)! Also, learn more about the book by checking out our post on Challies.com!

Joyce Holstege has taught kindergarten at Heritage Christian School, located in her hometown of Hudsonville, Michigan, since 1995. Joyce holds a BA in English: Education from Grand Valley State University. She enjoys reading, gardening, and all things arts and crafts.

Meagan Krosschell lives in Randolph, Wisconsin. She studies graphic design at Madison College and enjoys drawing, camping, and ice hockey.

• 50 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-7368154-1-0
• Release date: 2022

Click below for a speech given by the I Belong author at the annual Reformed Free Publishing Association meeting on September 22, 2022.

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The parables form a substantial part of our Savior's ministry, and this is ample reason for us to give good attention to them. With simple and familiar earthly pictures, Jesus tells us what the kingdom of heaven is like.

"The author takes each parable and by careful exegesis opens up its rich seam of spiritual instruction, and gives a faithful and solidly Reformed interpretation. He shows us gospel mysteries of immense beauty, power, encouragement, practical relevance, and everlasting worth for citizens of a kingdom that is not of this world."

Herman Hanko (1930-2024) served as a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1955 to 1965, when he was appointed to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, MI. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2001. Until his passing in April 2024, he continued to lecture widely in the USA, the United Kingdom, and other countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. He is the author of several RFPA books.

• 432 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-82-6
• Release date: January 12, 2015

eBook version available

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This collection of short biographies details the lives of fifty-two professing believers who lived and died for Christ. Read about old favorites, such as Augustine and Luther, and learn about the obscure, though equally influential Christians, such as Cocceius and Olevianus. Not sentimental or fictionalized, these accounts tell what Christians actually said and did during difficult times, and they prepare the reader to face opposition today.

What others are saying about the book:

"While Portraits of Faithful Saints may not make the official textbook lists in some seminaries, students are going to latch on to Hanko's latest as an indispensable cheatsheet on the biography of theologians—the Halley's Handbook of its field."—Christian Observer

Herman Hanko (1930-2024) served as a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches from 1955 to 1965, when he was appointed to serve as professor in the Protestant Reformed Seminary in Grandville, MI. He served in that capacity until his retirement in 2001. Until his passing in April 2024, he continued to lecture widely in the USA, the United Kingdom, and other countries, including Singapore and the Philippines. He is the author of several RFPA books.

• 464 pages
• hardcover 
• ISBN 978-1-944555-24-5
• Release date: 1999, 2018

eBook version available

This book teaches children...

• what God’s law is: his ten words to his people
• how we obey God's law: by loving him and our neighbor
• why we keep God's law: to thank him for delivering us from our sin, to be assured that he has made us his children, and more

This book explains and applies each commandment in two to three chapters, covering both what God forbids and requires. Chapters include discussion questions, a Bible memory verse, and a related psalm to be sung.

Read reviews by Amanda DeBoer (Clarion), Judy Joyce (Embracing a Healthy Family), Abby VanSolkema (The Left Fork), Dawn Peluso (Schoolin' Swag), Vanessa Le (The Outlook), and Todd and Nicole Kooienga (The Grandville Gleaner)! Also, check out our feature on Challies.com here!

Ronald L. Cammenga is professor of dogmatics and Old Testament studies at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Wyoming, Michigan. Ten Commandments is his first children's book.

Ana Sebastián is a digital illustrator and visual development artist based in Madrid, Spain. 

• 63 pages
• Hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-30-7
• Release date: May 2023

Find other Reformed children's books here.

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Other books in the Doctrine for Children series: COMING SOON!

eBook version available