F.L. Schalkwijk, The Reformed Church in Dutch Brazil (1630-1654), (Zoetermeer: Uitgeverij Boekencentrum, 1998). $30.00.

Reviewed by Rev. Wes Bredenhof

If we’re to believe most English-speaking writers on the subject, the age of Protestant missions did not really begin until Pietism and William Carey. Before then, they say, Protestants did not do missions on any meaningful scale—and this was especially true of the Reformed churches. Among other things, this book proves that “they” are quite wrong!

Using careful research and a readable style, Schalkwijk (a long time Reformed missionary and professor in Brazil) gives a vivid picture of religious life in a Dutch colony in the seventeenth-century. Along the way, he makes it clear that Reformed believers of this era saw their missionary mandate very clearly. For instance, Reformed missionaries (at least seven of them in this period, one of whom was a former Augustinian monk) were working among the South American Indians. The Reformed Church was also active in mission to the Jews, the Africans, as well as the Dutch and Portuguese nationals in Brazil. In short, there was intense, active evangelistic activity in this period, giving attention to every people group in northeastern Brazil.

But this book is also noteworthy for other reasons. For example, Schalkwijk gives a fascinating account of the history of Reformed confessions and catechisms in Reformed Brazil. Who knew that a Huguenot confession had been written in Rio de Janeiro in 1558?! The author outlines the degrees to which the Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism were used. The matter of a suitable catechism was especially a hot issue in Brazil during this period. Because the Heidelberg Catechism in its original form was not considered helpful for missions, a new, trilingual Catechism was prepared – in the Tupi (a South American Indian language), Portuguese and Dutch tongues. The author (David a Dorselaer) meant to prepare a faithful summary of the Heidelberg Catechism, but the product of his work was met with suspicion and controversy. The whole account makes for engaging reading and it holds many lessons for those willing to learn from history.

In its original Portuguese edition, this book was a bestseller. It’s easy to understand why. It’s highly readable and addresses an eventful period of Brazilian history. However, I’m excited about it because, without a doubt, this is one of the most important books on history of Reformed missions. It deserves to be read and studied by everyone who cares about the glory of God among the nations then and now. Before ending, I would note that the English edition of this book is very difficult to come by. Godutch.com has a limited number of copies available—I recommend that you don’t put off buying this gem—it may soon be gone (it’s been out of print for several years already).