Beginning with the church's formation in 1571 during the upheavals of the Reformation, Karel Blei's "Netherlands Reformed Church" follows a dynamic path through over 400 years of history, culminating in the landmark ecumenical joining of 2004. Blei explores the many dimensions of the Netherlands Reformed Church's story, from the famous splits of 1834 and 1886 to the colorful and divisive theological camps to the hopeful renewal of the church in the mid-twentieth century. Also included are incisive explorations of such topics as new confessions, church order, and liturgical renewal.Originally written for a series introducing the Dutch public to religious groups in the country, this volume presents a unique oppportunity for the English-speaking world to hear Dutch Reformed history told from inside the Netherlands.