Dr. Frank van der Pol is professor of Church History emeritus at the Theological University Kampen, the Netherlands.
Dr. theol. William den Boer ist Dozent für niederländische Kirchengeschichte an der Theologischen Universität Apeldoorn, NL.

Prof. Dr. George Harinck ist Hochschuldozent für Kirchengeschichte an der Theologischen Universiteit Kampen und der Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam mit dem Schwerpunkt Geschichte des Neocalvinismus.

Herman J. Selderhuis ist Professor für Kirchengeschichte an der Theologischen Universität Apeldoorn, Direktor von Refo500, Wissenschaftlicher Kurator der Johannes a Lasco Bibliothek sowie Präsident des Internationalen Calvinkongresses.

Church history is described in the context of political and social developments. The contributes collected by H.J. Selderhuis not attempt to give a recitation of facts, but rather to tell the story of the Christian church as an integral part of the fullness of life. The authors have sought to describe both the faith as it has been learned and as been believed, both the faith of the priest and the congregants.Each section begins with a brief historiographical overview. At the same time, ecclesiastical events are always set within a greater framework of political, social, and cultural developments for which reason each author has taken the liberty to describe its own method.

The story of the Christian church in the Netherlands in its cultural and socio-political context.

A new and overall history of the church in the NetherlandsIn a clear language and organized for use in classrooms as well as for reference

Herman Selderhuis as editor of this volume has brought together a team of experts, resulting in a unique approach since each chapter is co-written by a catholic and a protestant author, who have all integrated the latest research results. Each section begins with a brief historiographical overview. The same time, ecclesiastical events are always set within a greater framework of political, social, and cultural developments for which reason each author has taken the liberty to describe its own method. The user will find in this book tables, diagrams, and illustrations. Also many source texts are integrated in the narration. Theses texts are intended to bring the described events and people closer to the reader and, as it were, to let them speak the words.The name of the book as "Handbook of the church history of the Netherlands" immediately brings to mind three problematic complexes which are relevant to its user. First, there is the nature of a handbook, that is intended to be a good tool but also has its limitations: it stimulates and necessitates the use of further books. Second, the area. The Netherlands is a plurality and that is also noticeable in its church history, for each region, town, and village has its own church history. Third, the history of the church for sure is the most important aspect, but this history can only be understood if it is described in the context of political and social developments.