Balthasar bekker biography definition

Biography examples Recently viewed 0 Save Search. Balthasar Bekker 20 March — 11 June was a Dutch minister and author of philosophical and theological works. Opposing superstition , he was a key figure in the end of the witchcraft persecutions in early modern Europe. He died in Amsterdam.

Balthasar Bekker facts for kids

Balthasar Bekker by J. Hilarides ()

Balthasar Bekker (20 March – 11 June ) was a Dutch minister and author of philosophical and theological works. Opposing superstition, he was a key figure in the end of the witchcraft persecutions in early modern Europe.

His best known work is De Betoverde Weereld (), or The World Bewitched ().

Life

Bekker was born in Metslawier (Dongeradeel) as the son of a German pastor from Bielefeld. He was educated at Groningen, under Jacob Alting, and at Franeker. Becoming the rector of the local Latin school, he was appointed to his satisfaction in as a pastor in Oosterlittens (Littenseradiel), and started as one of the first to preach on Sunday afternoon.

From he worked in Amsterdam, after being driven from Friesland.

In he travelled to England and France. In two months time Bekker visited London, Cambridge, Oxford, Paris and Leuven, with a great interest in the art of fortification.

Works

An enthusiastic disciple of Descartes, he wrote several works on philosophy and theology, which by their freedom of thought aroused considerable hostility.

In his book De Philosophia Cartesiana Bekker argued that theology and philosophy each had their separate terrain and that Nature can no more be explained through Scripture than can theological truth be deduced from Nature.

Cover of De betoverde weereld

His application of Cartesian metaphysics and reproach of Biblical literalism put him at odds with the Dutch Reformed Church.

His best known work was De Betoverde Weereld (), or The World Bewitched (), in which he examined critically the phenomena generally ascribed to spiritual agency.

He attacked the belief in sorcery and "possession" by the devil. Indeed, he questioned the devil's very existence.

Balthasar bekker biography definition wikipedia Bekker was tried for blasphemy, maligning the public Church, and spreading atheistic ideas about Scripture. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. Jacob defined them as " pantheist , freemasons and repubblicana" characterized by a Radical criticism of religion that "anticipated Dutch 'Patriots' and Enlightment philosophers in the late eighteenth century " [ 11 ]. Bekker was tried for blasphemy, maligning the public Church, and spreading atheistic ideas about Scripture.

He applied the doctrine of accommodation to account for the biblical passages traditionally cited on the issue. Bekker argued that practices decried as witchcraft were little more than fatuous but harmless superstitions. The book had a sensational effect and was one of the key works of the Early Enlightenment in Europe.

It was almost certainly the most controversial.

The publication of the book led to Bekker's deposition from the ministry.

Balthasar bekker biography definition The definition was subsequently popularized by Jonathan Israel. Contents move to sidebar hide. Balthasar Bekker 20 March — 11 June was a Dutch minister and author of philosophical and theological works. Eric Walten came to his defence, attacking his opponents in extreme terms.

The orthodox among Dutch theologians saw his views as placing him among notorious atheists: Thomas Hobbes, Adriaan Koerbagh, Lodewijk Meyer and Baruch Spinoza. Eric Walten came to his defence, attacking his opponents in extreme terms. Bekker was tried for blasphemy, maligning the public Church, and spreading atheistic ideas about Scripture. Some towns banned the book, but Amsterdam and the States of Holland never did, continuing his salary, without formally stripping him of his post.

The World Bewitched is now considered interesting as an early study in comparative religion.

Margaret Jacob coined the term "Radical Enlightment" with regards to Bekker, the brothers Johan and Pieter de la Court, and Baruch de Spinoza, that affirmed the equality of all men based on their common reason.

Balthasar bekker biography definition and examples It was almost certainly the most controversial. The definition was subsequently popularized by Jonathan Israel. Becoming the rector of the local Latin school , he was appointed to his satisfaction in as a pastor in Oosterlittens Littenseradiel , and started as one of the first to preach on Sunday afternoon. Indeed, he questioned the devil's very existence.

The definition was subsequently popularized by Jonathan Israel. Jacob defined them as "pantheist, freemasons and repubblicana" characterized by a Radical criticism of religion that "anticipated Dutch 'Patriots' and Enlightment philosophers in the late eighteenth century "

Later life

In July he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London.

He died in Amsterdam.

Selected publications

De philosophia Cartesiana admonitio candida & sincera. Bekker, Balth.
Balthasar bekker biography definition ap
Biography definition and examples
Balthasar bekker biography definition psychology

/ Vesaliae /