"Bavinck's bug" or "Van Tilian" hypochondria? An analysis of Prof. Oliphint's assertion that cognitive realism and Reformed theology are in- compatible L Introduction Laurence O'Donnell Calvin Theological Seminary The following is an analysis of two essays by Prof. K. Scott Oliphint wherein he levels criticisms against Herman Bavinck's (1854-1921) formu- lation of realism as the cognitive foundation for non-theo logical knowledge (hereafter: philosophy). I The form of the reply, a loosely-interpreted scho- la stic quaeJtio, reflects Bavinck's own presentation of the topic. 2 A. The question stated The question Oliphint raises is not regarding the principium essendi of theology or philosophy; for he admits that he and Bavinck hold the same view on this point: the triune Lord is the prim'ipium eJJendi of all that exists. The question is not regarding the principium cognomndi of theology; for Oliphint admits that he and Bavinck hold the same view on this point: Ho ly Scripture is the cognitive principium unicum of theology.3 Rather, the question regards the principium cognoscendi of philosophy. It has two parts: (1) whether Bavinck's affirmation of cognitive realism in phi- I Oliphint, "The Prolegomena Principle: Frame and Bavinck," in Speaking the Truth ill Lo/Je: The Theology of John M. Frame, ed. John J. Hughes (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2009), 201-32; Oliphint, "Bavinck's Realism, The Logos Principle, and Sola Scrip- II/ra," Westminster Theo logical Journal 72, no. 2 (2010): 359-90. 2 David S. Sytsma notes that, forma ll y, Bavinck's assertion of realism vis-a-vis ra- I ionalism and empiricism can be read along the lines of a scholastic qNaestio. "Her- man Bavinck's Thomistic E pistemology: The Argument and Sources of his Princip- ia o[ Science," in Five Studies in the Thought of Herman Baviflck, A Creator of Modern {)/Ilc/J Theology, ed. John Bolt (Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen, 2011), 19. \ Cr. ()liphint, "Bavinck's Realism," 361; with Oliphint, "The Prolegomena Princi- pk ," 207-08. 1:19