Biographical Notes
Arminius, Jacobus (c. 1560–1609): Dutch pastor and originator of the form
of Protestant theology rejected by the Calvinists at the Synod of Dordt and
now called “Arminianism.”Arndt, Johann (1555–1621): German Lutheran pastor and author of True
Christianity (1606–1609), the most important precursor to the German
Pietist movement.Athanasius (c. 293–373): Bishop of Alexandria and early proponent of the
Nicene doctrine of the Trinity.Augustine (354–430): Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most inÀ uential
theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including
related doctrines of original sin and predestination.Baius, Michael (1513–1589): Also called Michael du Bay, professor at
the University of Louvain. The Vatican in 1567 condemned this Catholic
theologian for his denial of the supernatural and radical doctrine of the
corruption of human nature. Baius submitted to the condemnation and later
became chancellor of the University.Balthasar, Hans Urs von (1905–1988): Swiss priest and Roman Catholic
theologian, friend of Henri de Lubac, Karl Barth, and Adrienne von Speyr,
is known for his emphasis on beauty as the theme of theology. Balthasar
proposed a controversial new theology of Holy Saturday, which is connected
with a hope for universal salvation.Barth, Karl (1886–1968): Swiss Reformed pastor and professor, founding
¿ gure of Neo Orthodoxy and probably the most inÀ uential Protestant
theologian of the 20th century. He was known for a Christocentric theology
highly critical of Protestant liberalism.Basil of Caesarea (c. 330–379): Older brother of Gregory of Nyssa and
leader of the Cappadocian Fathers, who advocated a reformulation of Nicene
theology that prevailed at the Council of Constantinople 381.