pillarization
Quick Summary
Pillarization, or zuilen, was a characteristic aspect of modern Dutch society that began to evolve during its Golden Age (1609–1713). This system involved the vertical separation of society into distinct "pillars" identified with different religions.1
While Calvinist Protestantism was the officially recognized and government-supported religion, a far-reaching toleration was extended to other faiths. Significant Roman Catholic communities existed, and though public practice was forbidden, private worship was rarely interfered with. Small numbers of Lutherans and Mennonites were present, alongside the predominant Calvinists. Additionally, Remonstrants, Collegiants, and Jews, who had settled in the Netherlands to escape persecution, formed other religious groups within society. Despite this religious diversity, the Dutch Reformed Church often expressed criticism of capitalist attitudes, while other tolerated faiths saw their adherents prosper in business.1
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NetherlandsReligion…separation of society into “pillars” (zuilen) identified with the different Dutch religions. Calvinist Protestantism became the officially recognized religion of the country, politically favored and economically supported by government. But the Reformed preachers were thwarted in their efforts to oppress or drive out other religions, to which a far-reaching…
Read More…separation of society into “pillars” (zuilen) identified with the different Dutch religions. Calvinist Protestantism became the officially recognized religion of the country, politically favored and economically supported by government. But the Reformed preachers were thwarted in their efforts to oppress or drive out other religions, to which a far-reaching…
Read More- NetherlandsThe late 20th century
…what was strictly defined as pillarization. Pillarization had received official confirmation in the Pacification of 1917 and removed most of the tinder from Dutch politics, but it also kept ordinary Dutchmen ideologically separated from each other to a greater degree than in most other Western countries. Yet, because the leaders…
Read More…what was strictly defined as pillarization. Pillarization had received official confirmation in the Pacification of 1917 and removed most of the tinder from Dutch politics, but it also kept ordinary Dutchmen ideologically separated from each other to a greater degree than in most other Western countries. Yet, because the leaders…
Read More