Keeping up with Calvin: The Dutch and Calvinism

Interior of St. Bavo Church in Haarlem by J.S. Berckheyde 1665, Frans Hals Museum (© public domain)

Chris Chambers explores the relationship between the Netherlands and the philosophy of the Protestant religious reformer John Calvin. Calvinism has been a major and formidable influence on the Dutch since the 17th century and has helped shape the modern Dutch nation, but the last hundred years has seen a considerable decline in that influence. However, remnants of Calvinist thinking still pervade the Dutch collective psyche. Exactly how much is a question that still provokes considerable debate in modern Dutch society.

Producer: Chris Chambers

Broadcast: October 10, 2003