The Synod of Dordt (1618–1619) and the Canons: Historical Perspectives

28 August 2025

In this book, readers gain valuable historical perspective from Donald Sinnema, the world’s leading authority on the Synod of Dordt. Sinnema opens with a helpful overview, summarizing the agenda and proceedings of four phases of the synod to capture the scope and magnitude of the gathering. Then Sinnema tackles various aspects of the synod with astounding detail and analysis. You will learn of procedural wranglings, dealings of church and state, how the Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism were involved, disagreements among the delegates, and plenty about the consensus document known as the Canons of Dordt. A standard resource on the synod for years to come.

Contents

Preface

1. The Synod of Dordt (1618–1619): An Overview
2. Procedural Wrangling in the Remonstrant Case at Dordt
3. The Belgic Confession at the Synod of Dordt
4. The Heidelberg Catechism at the Synod of Dordt
5. The Doctrine of Election at the Synod of Dordt
6. Disagreements and Doctrinal Dissension among Delegates at the Synod of Dordt
7. Church–State Entanglements at the Synod of Dordt
8. The Missing Correspondence between the States General and Its State Delegates at the Synod
9. Reformed Scholasticism and the Synod of Dordt
10. The Church Order of Dordt in Historical Perspective
11. Calvin and the Canons of Dordt
12. Calvin as Viewed by Remonstrants at Dordt
13. The Drafting of the Canons of Dordt
14. The Canons of Dordt: Historical Context and Theology
15. The Canons of Dordt: From Judgment on Arminianism to Confessional Standard
16. Distortions of the Canons: The Tilenus Abbreviation, the Five Points of Calvinism, and TULIP

Appendix 1: Overview of Dordt Sessions
Appendix 2: Editions of the Canons of Dort (1619–2019)
Appendix 3: Bibliography of Sinnema Writings
Bibliography of Sinnema Writings
Name Index
Subject Index

Author: Donald Sinnema