Hugo Grotius (1583-1645) was a Dutch theologian and statesman. He studied law under his father and, at the age of 23, became the advocate-general of Holland. His interests in theology led to his involvement with the controversies between the Calvinists and Arminians. He agreed with the latter group that men and women have the right to accept or refuse God’s saving grace through Christ. At the Council of Dort in 1619 the Arminians were condemned and Grotius was sentenced to life in prison. He spent the next two years writing until his wife was able to help him escape. He fled to Paris and later moved to Sweden where he worked in the Swedish government. He died on a trip back to Holland when his ship wrecked. His historical and theological writings, particularly On the Truth of the Christian Religion, were very influential and widely studied.
Dutch
Arminius, Jacob
Jacob Arminius (1560-1609) was a Dutch theologian. Arminius studied and traveled widely during the years prior to his ordination in 1588. After receiving his doctorate he became a professor of theology at the University of Leyden. During this time Calvinism was made the official religion in Holland. He attempted to clarify Calvinism, especially with regard to the perception that humans were nothing more than puppets in the hands of God. He called for a national synod but died before this could take place. His theology, as well as his followers, were later condemned at the Synod of Dort in 1618. His beliefs continue to thrive in denominations like the Church of the Nazarene and other holiness groups.