Belgic Confession

The Dutch Creed - often also called Latin Confessio Belgica - together with the Heidelberg Catechism and the Canons of Dort, the three formulas of the unity of the Reformed churches. It was written in 1561 by Guido of Bray in the then southern part of the Spanish Netherlands, which now belongs to Belgium, from which derives the second name.

In the Belgic Confession is addressed to the Spanish King Philip II petition. This could follow the Protestants in his dominions, which together with its despotism would later give rise to the Eighty Years' War. In the petition, the Reformers are against the accusation that they were heretics and rebels defended. The will to obey the authority over is expressly affirmed, but just as clearly demanded the right to the pursuit of their own faith. To this end, an attempt is made in the petition, to strengthen the argument as far as possible through the Bible.

Thematic outline

The Dutch Creed consists of 37 items that are divided thematically as follows:

Effect

On Philip II, the petition had no effect, he continued his policy of persecution continued. Nevertheless, it was spread throughout the population. In the last three decades of the 16th century, the Dutch Creed of different national synods was accepted and took place during the 1618 and 1619 held in the years Synod of Dort final input as Reformed confession.

Born from similar political situations and related content closely with the Confessio Belgica are two confessions, which are also available in the Geneva theological tradition of Calvinism: the Confessio Gallicana the French Huguenots from 1559 and the Confessio Scotica ( Scottish Confession) of 1560th