The Remonstrants

The Remonstrants were a group of Dutch Calvinists who, in the early 17th century, protested against certain aspects of Calvinist doctrine, particularly the idea of predestination—that only a select few are chosen for salvation. They formulated a document called the Remonstrance in 1610, arguing for free will and the belief that God's grace is available to all people. This led to a significant theological debate with their opponents, known as the Synod of Dort in 1618-1619, which ultimately rejected their views, establishing the more rigid interpretations of Calvinism. The Remonstrants' beliefs continue to influence certain Christian denominations today.