Groen van Prinsterer (1801-1876), born in an aristocratic family, became a dedicated Protestant in his younger years and one of the leaders of Dutch and European Christianity, gaining an influential role as pioneer in international Christian thought and parliamentary action. He criticized the secular ideas of the French Revolution in his Unbelief and Revolution (1847). This book has been (and still is) widely read. Two years later he was elected in the Dutch parliament, where he became the leader of his Antirevolutionary Party. He fought for Christian education and democratic rights. As a historian he wrote several books highlighting the merits of the Reformation and God's guidance in the lives of the nations. He became the spiritual father of many Christian leaders, especially of Abraham Kuyper, who shaped this Protestant political movement to be one of the most influential in Dutch history. His legacy shaped thinkers like Herman Bavinck and Herman Dooyeweerd, the founder of reformational philosophy.
Industry Reviews
“In a compact historical biography of Groen van Prinsterer, Roel Kuiper has the quality of highlighting his ideological significance in his context. He masters his subject like few others and convincingly presents Groen as one of the first Protestants who fervently unmasked the ideas of the revolution of 1789 as a rival worldview of Christianity. Kuiper describes Groen vividly as he develops his anti-revolutionary ideas, that have been an inspiration to many.”
—George Harinck, professor of history of Neo-Calvinism, Theological University Utrecht and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
“This captivating biography brings to life Groen van Prinsterer’s enduring legacy and pivotal role in shaping modern Christian political thought. A must-read for those interested in European history, faith, and the roots of Neo-Calvinism.”
—John Choi, professor, Handong Global University, South Korea
“Roel Kuiper’s biography of Groen van Prinsterer shows clearly why the life of this extraordinary Hollander meant so much to those who knew him personally and why it came to mean perhaps even more through his legacy as founder of the Anti-Revolutionary Party. Insights that Groen van Prinsterer gained through his work as a historian, service as a politician, and faithfulness as a lay Christian shaped his writings about the character of Christian faith and the hope of Christian civilization. That life and those writings would, in turn, inspire Abraham Kuyper and a host of others who shared his vision that the Christian gospel pointed the way to social health now as well as to everlasting life.”
—Mark Noll, co-author of Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity
“Groen van Prinsterer (1801-1876) provides inspiration worldwide to public intellectuals offering principled critiques and alternatives to ruling ideologies. He also inspired the social entrepreneur, public theologian, and statesman, Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920), whose global influence is growing. But in contrast to Kuyper, relatively little is known about Groen’s life. This authoritative biography tells its fascinating story, and places Groen’s writings in context. It will be welcomed by audiences of thinkers and change-makers around the world.”
—Peter S Heslam, University of Cambridge
“Groen van Prinsterer was a brilliant scholar-statesman who had a profound influence on nineteenth century Dutch political and religious thought. Unfortunately, little has been known about him in the English-speaking world. Now we have the much-needed corrective in this impressive study of Groen’s life and thought, authored by Roel Kuiper, himself a gifted Dutch scholar-statesman!”
—Richard Mouw, former president, Fuller Seminary
“This biography of Groen van Prinsterer, who faced the challenges of rationalism and liberal theology in his time with a Christian spirit, is a great inspiration and encouragement to modern Christians. The results of Dr. Kuiper’s professional study of Groen van Prinsterer’s letters adds greater trust and expectation to readers. In the present age, where human desire and reason are still absolutized and the created world is being destroyed, Christians around the world in the twenty-first century —especially Christians in various Asian countries suffering from growing pains amid rapid economic growth—will be able to gain valuable insight into how Christian faith can reform the areas of politics and education.”
—In-Sub Ahn, Chongshin University and Theological Seminary, Seoul, South Korea
“This biography of the unique and influential character of Willem Groen van Prinsterer is as urgent as it has been long overdue. A true ‘whisperer behind the throne’ of the new Dutch King, Groe
