Nadere Reformatie
Encyclopedia
Nadere Reformatie is a Dutch term that refers to a period of church history in the Netherlands
, following the Reformation
, from roughly 1600 until 1750. The term is most often translated into English as either "Dutch Second Reformation" or "Further Reformation," with the latter translation being preferred.
In broad terms, the period and its representatives are known for their desire to apply the principles of the Reformation to their day — their homes, churches, and, indeed, all sectors of Dutch society in the seventeenth and early eighteenth century. In their balance and value of both orthodoxy as well as piety, the Nadere Reformatie resembles English Puritanism
. In fact, Puritanism had much influence on the Nadere Reformatie. Many Puritan works were translated into Dutch during this time.
The two leading figures of the period are a professor, Gisbertus Voetius
, and a pastor, Wilhelmus a Brakel
. Brakel's main work, the Redelijke Godsdienst, an explanation, defense, and application of the Reformed faith, has been translated into English (see below).
While much had been written on the period in Dutch language church historical literature in the past decades, very little can be found in English. Dr. Joel Beeke of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
is one of few scholars who has written in English on the subject. Several students of Dr. Richard Muller, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary
, have also shown interest in the period. One wrote a dissertation in 2003 on a lesser known, but representative figure from the period, Simon Oomius.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, following the Reformation
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
, from roughly 1600 until 1750. The term is most often translated into English as either "Dutch Second Reformation" or "Further Reformation," with the latter translation being preferred.
In broad terms, the period and its representatives are known for their desire to apply the principles of the Reformation to their day — their homes, churches, and, indeed, all sectors of Dutch society in the seventeenth and early eighteenth century. In their balance and value of both orthodoxy as well as piety, the Nadere Reformatie resembles English Puritanism
Puritan
The Puritans were a significant grouping of English Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. Puritanism in this sense was founded by some Marian exiles from the clergy shortly after the accession of Elizabeth I of England in 1558, as an activist movement within the Church of England...
. In fact, Puritanism had much influence on the Nadere Reformatie. Many Puritan works were translated into Dutch during this time.
The two leading figures of the period are a professor, Gisbertus Voetius
Gisbertus Voetius
Gisbertus Voetius was a Dutch Calvinist theologian.-Life:...
, and a pastor, Wilhelmus a Brakel
Wilhelmus à Brakel
Wilhelmus à Brakel , a contemporary of Voetius and Witsius, was a major representative of the Dutch Further Reformation . This movement was contemporaneous with and greatly influenced by English Puritanism...
. Brakel's main work, the Redelijke Godsdienst, an explanation, defense, and application of the Reformed faith, has been translated into English (see below).
While much had been written on the period in Dutch language church historical literature in the past decades, very little can be found in English. Dr. Joel Beeke of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
The Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is a conservative Calvinist seminary located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The seminary's self-stated distinctive among Reformed seminaries in North America is a focus on experiential preaching and teaching. PRTS is the official seminary of the Heritage...
is one of few scholars who has written in English on the subject. Several students of Dr. Richard Muller, professor at Calvin Theological Seminary
Calvin Theological Seminary
Calvin Theological Seminary is a seminary affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and closely tied to Calvin College, though each institution has its own board. Rev...
, have also shown interest in the period. One wrote a dissertation in 2003 on a lesser known, but representative figure from the period, Simon Oomius.
Chronological Listing of Notable Representatives of the Further Reformation
- Jean Taffin (1529-1602),
- Guilelmus Amesius (1576-1633),
- Willem TeellinckWillem TeellinckWillem Teellinck was an influential Dutch pastor during the Further Reformation in the Netherlands.- Biography :...
(1579-1629), - Godefridus Udemans (1582-1649),
- Gisbertus VoetiusGisbertus VoetiusGisbertus Voetius was a Dutch Calvinist theologian.-Life:...
(1589-1676), - Theodorus à Brakel (1608-1669),
- Petrus Wittewrongel (1609-1662),
- Cornelis Gentman (1617-1696),
- Andreas EsseniusAndreas EsseniusAndreas Essenius was a Dutch Reformed theologian, controversialist and academic. He became professor of theology at the University of Utrecht.-Life:...
(1618-1677), - Jodocus van Lodenstein (1620-1677),
- Franciscus Ridderus (1620-1683),
- Petrus de Witte (1622-1669),
- Willem Sluiter (1627-1673),
- Guiljelmus Saldenus (1627-1694),
- Simon Simonides (1629-1664),
- Petrus van Mastricht (1630-1706),
- Simon Oomius (1630-1706),
- Gregorius Mees (1631-1694),
- Jacobus Koelman (1631-1695),
- Florentius Costerus (1635-1703),
- Hermanus Witsius (1636-1708),
- Wilhelmus à BrakelWilhelmus à BrakelWilhelmus à Brakel , a contemporary of Voetius and Witsius, was a major representative of the Dutch Further Reformation . This movement was contemporaneous with and greatly influenced by English Puritanism...
(1635-1711), - David Knibbe (1639-1701),
- Melchior Leydekker (1642-1712),
- Abraham Hellenbroek (1658-1731),
- Jacobus Fruytier (1659-1731),
- Bernardus Smytegelt (1665-1739),
- Johan Verschuir (1680-1737),
- Friedrich Adolph Lampe (1683-1729),
- Aegidius Francken (1699-1743),
- Wilhelmus Schortinghuis (1700-1750),
- Theodorus van der Groe (1705-1784),
- Alexander Comrie (1706-1774)
The Further Reformation on the Internet
Primary sources in English
- Ames, WilliamWilliam AmesWilliam Ames was an English Protestant divine, philosopher, and controversialist...
. The Marrow of Theology. Translated by John Dykstra Eusden. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1997. - Brakel, Wilhelmus a. The Christian's Reasonable Service, 4 vols. Translated by Bartel Elshout. Morgan, Pennsylvania: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1992.
- Koelman, Jacobus. The Duties of Parents. Translated by John Vriend. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2003.
- Taffin, Jean. The Marks of God's Children. Translated by Peter Y. De Jong. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2003.
- Teellinck, Willem. The Path of True Godliness. Translated by Annemie Godbehere. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2003.
- Voetius, Gisbertus and Johannes Hoornbeeck." Translated by John Vriend and Harry Boonstra. Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Academic, 2003.
- Witsius, Herman. The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man. 2 vols. Translated by William Crookshank. Reprint. Escondido, California: The den Dulk Christian Foundation, 1990.
- Witsius, Herman. The Apostles' Creed. 2 vols. Translated by Donald Fraser, 1823. Reprint. Escondido, California: The den Dulk Christian Foundation, 1993.
- Witsius, Herman. The Lord's Prayer. Translated by William Pringle, 1839. Reprint. Escondido, California: The den Dulk Christian Foundation, 1994.
Secondary Literature about the Period
- Beeke, Joel R. The Quest for Full Assurance: The Legacy of Calvin and His Successors. Carlisle, Pennsylvania: Banner of Truth Trust, 1999.
- Beeke, Joel R. “Insights for the Church from the Dutch Second Reformation,” Calvin Theological JournalCalvin Theological JournalCalvin Theological Journal is an academic journal published by Calvin Theological Seminary....
28 (1993): 420-424. - Brienen, T., K. Exalto, et al. De Nadere Reformatie: Beschrijving van haar Voornaamste Vertegenwoordigers. ‘s-Gravenhage: Uitgeverij Boekcentrum B.V., 1986.
- Brienen, T., K. Exalto, et al. De Nadere Reformatie en het Gereformeerd Piëtisme. ‘s-Gravenhage: Uitgeverij Boekensentrum B.V., 1989.
- Brienen, T., K. Exalto, et al. Theologische Aspecten van de Nadere Reformatie. Zoetermeer: Uitgeverij Boekencentrum B.V., 1993.
- de Reuver, Arie. Sweet Communion: Trajectories of Spirituality from the Middle Ages through the Further Reformation. Trans. James A. De Jong (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007).
- Elshout, Bartel. The Pastoral and Practical Theology of Wilhelmus à Brakel. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 1997.
- Heppe, Heinrich. Geschichte des Pietismus und der Mystik in der Reformirten Kirche, Namentlich der Niederlande. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1879.
- Muller, Richard. Scholasticism and Orthodoxy in the Reformed Tradition: An Attempt at Definition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Calvin Theological Seminary, 1995.
- Schuringa, Gregory D. "Embracing Leer and Leven: The Theology of Simon Oomius in the Context of Nadere Reformatie Orthodoxy." Grand Rapids, Michigan: Ph.D. dissertation, Calvin Theological Seminary, 2003.
- Shantz, Douglas H. Between Sardis and Philadelphia: the Life and World of Pietist Court Preacher Conrad Bröske. Leiden: Brill, 2008.
- van Asselt, W. J. and E. Dekker, eds. De Scholastieke Voetius. Zoetermeer: Boekencentrum, 1995.
- van Asselt, W. J. Reformation and Scholasticism: An Ecumenical Enterprise. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2001.
- van Lieburg, Fred. From Pure Church to Pious Culture. The Further Reformation in the Seventeenth-Century Dutch Republic In Later Calvinism. International Perspectives, edited by W. Fred Graham (Kirksville, 1994).
- van 't Spijker, W., et al. Oude Schrijvers. Houten: Den Hertog, 1997.