A Comparison of Guy de Brès’ Le baston de la foy chrestienne and the Belgic Confession on Church and State

Abstract The development from the first edition (1555) to the final edition (1565) of Le baston reflects the theological growth of de Brès, who was a refugee pastor and theologian. Le baston gradually developed into a comprehensive theological work, reflecting Calvin’s theology. The church and state theory of the Belgic Confession showed a more public and universal character, since it was written in response to the need to systematically defend the Reformed Church’s faith. However, Le baston ’s thoughts on Church and State provided pastoral comfort to the Reformed Church members of the Southern Netherlands who were suffering from persecution by the state, emphasizing that the Reformed Church’s faith was in continuity with the Early Church. Further, it can be said that Le baston allows us to understand that the Dutch Reformed Church has come to stand in the line of Calvin’s theology. It is noteworthy that de Brès’ theology gradually developed in the historical situation of his time, following Calvin’s theological way.