I have landed on the doctrine of Common Grace as my study project for 2025. I feel that so many theological, ecclesiological, and counseling debates in the modern age revolve around understandings of the doctrine of common grace. While I have a rudimentary understanding of the doctrine a 12 month study will certainly give me the chance to expand and deepen that understanding.
As a part of my study I will be focusing particularly on the contributions of the Neo-Orthodox scholars Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck among others. I have not done a ton of reading of either of these men so this will be a great introduction to them.
In addition, if you’d like to participate in the study, for the first time ever I am going to be announcing my outline for each month’s focus. Each month I will highlight my focus for the study, a primary text to read, a secondary text to read, and where appropriate an academic article. I will also add a specific reflection question that I will want to answer that month. If you join in on the study let me know; I’d love to hear how the it goes for you and what you find fascinating from the reading. Below is my outline for January:
Introduction to Common Grace
Focus: An overview of the doctrine of common grace.
Primary text: Common Grace: God’s Gifts for a Fallen World (vol. 1) by Abraham Kuyper
Secondary text: The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Book II. Chapters 1-3. by John Calvin
Theological Article: “The Goodness of God and Common Grace” by Sam Storms
Reflection questions: In what way does Abraham Kuyper build on the ideas of John Calvin? What apologetic is there for the necessity of this doctrine?
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 