oa [The Gouda Catechism, De Goudse catechismus]

With the publication of the Gouda catechism in 1607 the polemic between supporters and ‘citicasters’ of the Heidelberg catechism reached a new climax. The supporters of the Heidelberg catechism perceived the Gouda catechism as an attack on the Heidelberg catechism. Their polemic against the Gouda catechism is a striking example of the arguments they used to have their catechism introduced in the Dutch reformed church. Transforming recent Dutch history, they presented themselves as the true inheritors of the reformation. According to them the Heidelberg catechism had always been an essential part of the reformed tradition. They became a majority by presenting themselves as if they had always been a majority.