Introducing TULIP Mania: A Blog Rooted in Reformed Theology and More

In the early 17th century, the Netherlands experienced an economic and cultural phenomenon that would go down in history as Tulip Mania. At the height of the Dutch Golden Age, the speculative frenzy over tulip bulbs drove prices to absurd heights before the inevitable crash. Though often exaggerated in popular retellings, Tulip Mania serves as a cautionary tale about the power of ideas—both good and bad—to captivate a culture.

But at the same time that the Dutch were losing their minds over flowers, another kind of TULIP was taking shape—one that would not fade with the market. The Synod of Dort (1618–1619) laid the foundation for what we now call TULIP, the five points of Calvinism. These five doctrines—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints—were formulated as a response to the theological challenges posed by the Remonstrants, ensuring that the Reformed faith would be defended and proclaimed with clarity. Unlike the fragile petals of an overvalued flower, the doctrines of grace would endure, becoming a defining feature of Reformed theology.

It is in this spirit that TULIP Mania, this new blog, is born. Not as a speculative gamble, nor as a fleeting trend, but as a place to explore and apply the riches of Reformed theology in today’s world. Here, we will delve into the doctrines of grace, church history, theology, and contemporary issues facing believers. But TULIP Mania will not be limited to theology alone—like the 17th-century Dutch, who were known not just for their tulips but for their trade, art, and exploration, this blog will also engage with broader topics of history, philosophy, culture, and even the occasional deep dive into personal interests like astronomy, genealogy, and the art of fine tobacco.

At its core, TULIP Mania is a celebration of Reformed Christianity’s enduring truth, set against the ever-changing landscape of the world. Just as the Synod of Dort stood firm against theological drift, this blog will seek to hold fast to the timeless truths of Scripture.

So, welcome to TULIP Mania! Stay tuned for reflections on faith, theology, and the world around us—always with an eye toward the sovereignty of God, who ordains all things according to His perfect will.

Soli Deo Gloria.