Abstrakt
In this article it is argued that the Dutch humanist Dirck Volckertszoon Coornhert (1522–1590) consolidates his previous anti-dogmatic thoughts about religious tolerance in his imaginary Synod on the Freedom of Conscience (1582). In this pivotal and still relevant work, situated in a place called Freetown, leading West-European Calvinists, Roman-Catholics and biblical persons – including the sage Gamaliel, Coornhert’s alter ego – vividly discuss the absolute freedom of conscience, religion and press. Furthermore, this article argues why Coornhert’s use of the Dutch language makes the Synod still relevant today.