Abstract

VAN DER WALT, B.J.. Flagging philosophical minefields at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619): Reformed Scholasticism reconsidered. Koers (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.76, n.3, pp.505-538. ISSN 2304-8557.

This article investigates the phenomenon of reformed Scholasticism (of about 1550-1700), as it occurred at the Synod of Dort (1618-1619) and its Canons. More specifically, it focuses on the central problem at the Synod, viz. the relationship between God and human beings, as expressed in the ideas contained in the Canon regarding divine election and reprobation. As illustration the positions of two leading figures in the clash between the Calvinists and the Remonstrants, namely that of Gomarus (1563-1641) and Arminius (1560-1609), are philosophically analysed. In spite of the fact that neither viewpoint was eventually accepted by the Synod, their theologies clearly reflect the dominant scholastic philosophy of the time. This analysis is carried out in the context of the problem-historical method of historiography developed by D.H. Th. Vollenhoven (1892-1978), one of the fathers of Christian philosophy. This contribution provides (in a series of other research publications, cf. 1.2.6 and bibliography) a final evaluation of the Synod and its Canons.

Keywords : Arminius, J. (1560-1609); Christian philosophy; God-human relationship; Gomarus, F. (1563-1641); reformed Scholasticism/Orthodoxy; Synod/Canons of Dort; Vollenhoven, D.H. Th. (1892-1978).

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