The Protestant Reformed Churches: Their beginnings (3): Common grace becomes the issue
This historical article by Russell Dykstra traces the origins of the common grace controversy within the Christian Reformed Church, examining how Dr. Ralph Janssen's higher critical views were connected to the doctrine of common grace in the 1920-22 period. The piece highlights how Revs. Danhof and Hoeksema recognized the theological danger of common grace while tracing its development through influential Dutch theologians Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck, providing essential context for understanding the subsequent 1924 PRC separation.
The Janssen controversy in the Christian Reformed Church (1920-22) concerned the erroneous teaching of a professor in the theological school. Dr. Ralph Janssen's higher critical view of Scripture and his naturalist explanation of miracles were condemned by the CRC Synod of 1922. So serious were his errors that synod removed him as professor. However, his justification for these teachings, namely, common grace, was not addressed either by the special study committee that investigated his...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org