Tolerant, overtuigend en actueel. De Synode over gewetensvrijheid (1582) van Dirck Volkertszoon Coornhert

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.