Abraham Kuyper's Sphere Sovereignty with Vincent Bacote

Abraham Kuyper’s Sphere Sovereignty with Vincent BacoteIn this episode of the Trinity Forum Conversations podcast, host Brian Daskam and guest Dr. Vincent Bacote explore Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper’s contributions to Reformed theology, with particular emphasis on his concept of sphere sovereignty:“Kuyper helps us to see that we can be Christian in public spaces without having to turn those public spaces into churches and that we don't have to have a triumphalistic aspiration in order to be faithful in those spaces.” - Dr. Vincent Bacote Kuyper believed that different domains of life, such as church, government, education, and family, each have their own integrity and should operate independently within their God-given roles. As Dr. Bacote argues, Kuyper's ideas can help modern Christians engage more faithfully and imaginatively in public life without succumbing to triumphalism or tribalism. They also address Kuyper's controversial views on race and how to critically appreciate his positive contributions despite his flaws.This podcast is an edited version of a conversation recorded in fall of 2024. Learn more about Vincent Bacote.00:00 Introducing Dr. Vincent Bacote, professor and Trinity Forum Senior Fellow00:57 Who is Abraham Kuyper?01:54 Understanding Kuyper’s Concept of Sphere Sovereignty04:33 Sphere Sovereignty in Practice14:35 Kuyper's Views on Race21:36 Applying Kuyper's Ideas Today32:10 Vince’s Thoughts on Christians Shaping CultureAuthors and books mentioned in the conversation:The Spirit in Public Theology, Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper, by Vincent BacoteContours of the Kuyperian tradition, by Craig BartholomewRelated Trinity Forum Readings:Sphere SovereigntyWrestling with God, Simone WeilChildren of Light and Children of Darkness, by Reinhold NiebuhrPolitics, Morality, and Civility,  by Vaclav HavelThe Origins of Totalitarianism, by Hannah ArendtThe Federalist PapersA Practical View of Real Christianity, by William Wilberforce,Who Stands Fast? by Dietrich BonhoefferRelated Conversations:Hope Beyond Tribalism with James MumfordFaith, Fear & Conspiracy with David FrenchThe Fall, the Founding and the Future of American DemocracyHow to Be a Patriotic ChristianExtremism and the Path Back to Peace with Elizabeth NeumannDemocracy & Solidarity with James Davison Hunter and David BrooksTo listen to this or any of our episodes in full, visit ttf.org/podcast and to help make content like this possible, join the Trinity Forum SocietySpecial thanks to Ned Bustard for our podcast artwork.