Calvinism and religious toleration in France and the Netherlands, 1555--1609.

摘要

The similarities and connections between the French Wars of Religion and the Dutch Revolt have long been understood by historians. However, despite recognition of these similarities, there has been very little comparative study of the two regions. This thesis compares the Calvinist relationship to the changing views toward and practice of religious toleration within the two regions in an effort to understand how the varying political circumstances affected this religious reform movement. The first chapter outlines the historiography of both regions giving some background on the development of the French and Dutch Calvinist Reformations. The second chapter focuses on French Calvinism showing an increasing support of religious toleration for Roman Catholics as the religious civil wars dragged on, at least until peace could be established allowing for a continuation of Calvinist reformation. Chapter three notes a similar pattern in the Netherlands until around 1580 when Calvinists, who were now favoured with state church status in the northern rebel provinces, abandoned advocacy of toleration for Catholics while seeking to bring about further reformation. However, because of the presence of numerous religious minorities such as the Mennonites, and the reluctance of the government to persecute most religious dissenters, the Dutch Calvinists largely accepted their position in the multi-confessional society of the United Provinces (membership in the national Reformed Church was not compulsory). The final chapter explains the similarities and differences in the two Calvinist movements concluding that Calvinism proved to be very adaptable in its views of toleration. Their views were determined by their political circumstances. To achieve their ultimate goal of complete reformation, the Calvinists were sometimes advocates of toleration, and sometimes opponents.