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Franciscus Sonnius (van der Velde) [Author]
Franciscus Sonnius’ third book of the Demonstrationes continues his theological defense of the Roman Catholic faith by systematically countering Protestant (especially Calvinist) interpretations of Scripture. Written in Latin for a learned clerical audience, Book III builds upon the first two books, which established general principles of Christian doctrine and the authority of the Church.
In Book III, Sonnius focuses primarily on:
The Sacraments – He offers detailed exegetical arguments for the seven sacraments, defending the Catholic understanding against the Protestant reduction to only two (baptism and the Lord’s Supper). He emphasizes the sacramental nature of grace and the necessity of apostolic succession in their administration.
The Eucharist – A major portion is devoted to defending the doctrine of transubstantiation and the sacrificial nature of the Mass, citing both Scripture and early Church Fathers.
Ecclesiastical Authority – Sonnius argues for the hierarchical structure of the Church, including the authority of bishops and the Pope. He contends that Scripture, rightly interpreted within the tradition of the Church, affirms papal primacy.
Tradition and Scripture – He maintains that divine truth is communicated not by Scripture alone (sola scriptura, which he rejects), but through both Scripture and apostolic tradition, inseparably bound.
The Rejection of Protestant Heresies – Throughout the book, Sonnius directly addresses and refutes Protestant theologians by name, using a combination of scriptural exegesis, logic, and patristic citations. His tone is polemical but scholarly.
Purpose and Significance
Book III serves as both a theological manual and a polemical weapon of the Counter-Reformation, aiming to reaffirm Catholic doctrine in a time of intense religious conflict in the Low Countries. It reflects the broader Catholic strategy of intellectual engagement, rooted in humanist scholarship and careful biblical interpretation.
The coat of arms is of the de Bethune family, probably Jean-Baptiste Charles de Bethune
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