Abraham Kuyper and natural theology

• Published in: Koers (Potchefstroom, South Africa) Vol. 89; no. 1
• Main Authors: Bishop, Steve, Kristanto, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 04-10-2024
• DOI: 10.19108/KOERS.89.1.2547
• EISSN: 2304-8557
• ISSN: 0023-270X

This paper explores Kuyper's approach to natural theology and general revelation. Kuyper's view of natural theology was that it is important but limited. Kuyper rejected the view that general revelation provides the foundations for special revelation as it results in the autonomy of reason. Furthermore, he rejected natural theology as rational proof or argument for the existence and nature of God. He distinguished but did not separate general and special revelation from each other. Kuyper also accepted "creational revelation", which is a better term for his view of general revelation. Opsomming Hierdie artikel ondersoek Kuyper se benadering tot natuurlike teologie en algemene openbaring. Kuyper se siening van natuurlike teologie was dat dit belangrik maar beperk is. Kuyper het die siening verwerp dat algemene openbaring die grondslag vir spesiale openbaring bied, aangesien dit tot die outonomie van die rede lei. Verder het hy natuurlike teologie as rasionele bewys of argument vir die bestaan en aard van God verwerp. Hy het tussen algemene en spesiale openbaring onderskei, maar dit nie van mekaar geskei nie. Kuyper het ook “skeppingsopenbaring” aanvaar, wat 'n meer gepaste begrip vir sy siening van algemene openbaring is.