Abstract: Berend Hakvoord, a close associate of Frederik van Leenhof, was accused of Spinozism and atheism. After evaluating Hakvoord’s standing, as a minor official and lay theologian, within the local community, a closer inspection of his works raises serious questions about the accusations brought against him. His use of Spinoza’s work to elucidate orthodox Reformed teaching demonstrates how at this time philosophy and Reformed theology were entangled and cannot with impunity be studied separately.
