Ask a Dutchman!

[Takhisis]

You are assuming that the Dutch at some point were overwhelmingly Protestant?

Not quite, or you wouldn't have had all those religious wars. But I did think there was a greater majority of Protestants.

 

[Hygro]

I met two Dutch and one Flemish person on my Utah/Colorado/Arizona summer tour so far. I think I'm buying my tickets to the Nederlands today!

 

[Tahuti]

Not quite, or you wouldn't have had all those religious wars. But I did think there was a greater majority of Protestants.

However, Protestantism in the Netherlands was always horribly fractured. During the 1610s (yes, while we were fighting the Spanish off) Maurits of Nassau banned Remonstrantism which was in competition with Calvinism. In the 19th century you had the break off the "Liberated Reformed Church" from the "Dutch Reformed Church", which later became the "Protestant Church of the Netherlands" (together with several Lutheran churches who existed since the 1500s), which triggered another break off, the "Restored Reformed Church", which is particularly popular in the Bible belt a.k.a. where the Dutch Calvinist Waha'abis live.

 

[Takhisis]

Yes, many people just took Protestantism to show their rejection of their unwanted temporal rulers, just like in earlier times many Churches split, especially in the East. It's only recently that bishops have had no temporal authority.

 

[Agent327]

Well, pretty much since the Dutch Revolt/80 Years War. The 2 predominantly Catholic regions of N. Brabant and Limburg weren't represented in the States General, and Catholicism as such was tolerated, but not much more than that.

However, Protestantism in the Netherlands was always horribly fractured. During the 1610s (yes, while we were fighting the Spanish off) Maurits of Nassau banned Remonstrantism which was in competition with Calvinism.

The 12 Year Truce (1609-'21) was the scene of some religious infighting, if you will. But the only actual religious war the Republic got involved with was the 30 Years War - and that only indirectly. The Truce might even had resulted in a permanent peace had not the war party won out.

If there ever was a Protestant majority, the State religion was restricted to the Calvinist strain, and most provinces had Catholic minorities as well.

 

[SS-18 ICBM]

What are some perceptions of Afrikaners in the Netherlands?

 

[Tahuti]

What are some perceptions of Afrikaners in the Netherlands?

They speak a language similar to ours. Not much else is noted on them in Dutch society. Except Apartheid of course.

 

[Agent327]

CNN has discovered Dementia Village in the Netherlands. They are broadcasting daily about it every day this week. Similar plans for such villages are under development in Germany and Switzerland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ijHMSV7XUJE

Meanwhile, completely unrelated, in response to a highly localized outbreak of measles the SGP (Political Reformed Party) leader said obligatory vaccination is a violation of privacy. He said literally "Everybody should think responsibly and on their own about vaccination and not follow tradition without question."

The SGP leader was being interviewed by the Evangelical Network (EO) following a public call by, amongst others, PM Rutte, to reverends to have their children vaccinated. The party leader was critical of this, calling it "remarkable" and insisting that it should not be repeated. So far 321 cases of measles have been detected.

 

[Hygro]

Goedemorgen, I am flying into Amsterdam in a week! I have no idea what I'm doing or where in the Netherlands I am staying, but I am very excited to absorb as much Dutch as I can in the 3+ weeks I am there. If any of you want to meet up while I am in Holland, let me know. If anyone knows of a place I might be able to stay for a night or few, that'd be super rad too.

 

[dutchfire]

I'd like a meet-up. Preferably on a weekend (or in Nijmegen on a weekday).

 

[Part_Time_Civer]

Goedemorgen, I am flying into Amsterdam in a week! I have no idea what I'm doing or where in the Netherlands I am staying, but I am very excited to absorb as much Dutch as I can in the 3+ weeks I am there. If any of you want to meet up while I am in Holland, let me know. If anyone knows of a place I might be able to stay for a night or few, that'd be super rad too.

If you're going to Amsterdam, I'd like to meet for some beers. Maybe you can sleep on my couch (I'd have to convince my wife to be ok with that though).

 

[Takhisis]

Why? Do you sleep with her on the couch as well?

 

[Hygro]

If you're going to Amsterdam, I'd like to meet for some beers. Maybe you can sleep on my couch (I'd have to convince my wife to be ok with that though).

Dank u! That'd be great. I have references from downtown, Whomp, and Godwynn that I am a good guest if your wife needs them!

I'll send you a PM soonish

 

[dutchfire]

By the way, you should probably consider getting a cheap burn phone (or bringing an old one) and a pre-paid card.
Have you looked into public transport already? I think that nowadays getting an OV-chipkaart is almost required if you want to travel by bus.

 

[really]

I was there for a week last week.

Do you all like liquorice?

 

[Hygro]

By the way, you should probably consider getting a cheap burn phone (or bringing an old one) and a pre-paid card.
Have you looked into public transport already? I think that nowadays getting an OV-chipkaart is almost required if you want to travel by bus.

You are proooobably saving my life right now.

 

[Hygro]

I'm heeeeeeeere! "Holland" at me haha I'm so funny.

First night out and I managed to find the only Dutch girl who doesn't speak much English. Got her number by speaking Dutch

 

[Hygro]

Mijn nummer voor mijn vakantie 06-57-68-5820

 

[dutchfire]

Je hebt in ieder geval goed weer meegenomen

At least you brought good weather

 

[Takhisis]

What's da feeling on the King's brother dying?