I was a 23 year old seminary student when I first read about Abraham Kuyper. After I heard about the man, I began reading his works. It was an intellectual spring time. Kuyper was a man in love with Jesus and the Gospel yet he was also a preacher, politician, journalist, statesman, and theologian. Kuyper’s life, his interests, his focus didn’t fit in boxes nicely wrapped under the tree. He was human. Along with Martin Luther, Kuyper’s life and works have influenced me greatly. He has challenged me in the cosmic reality that Jesus is Lord and the implications of that for all of life.

I love Jesus, I am a minister, unashamedly so. But labels are sometimes constricting. I am human. I have interest in seeing every square inch of human life redeemed by what I love most. I live in a religious wasteland where “preachers” are suppose to fit nicely under trees or in church offices under their desks praying for the heathen and being right. If that’s what I must live up to, I will have to pass.

Jesus is Lord. In the church and in the public square.

Over the next few days I will be sharing more about Abraham Kuyper and his influence.