Sebastian Castellio

Sebastian Castellio (also spelled Châtaillon, Castellión and Castello) (1515, Saint-Martin-du-Fresne - December 29, 1563) was a French preacher and theologian, and an important 16th century proponent of the concept of freedom of religion and conscience. Theologically he is considered anti-trinitarian.

Related Topics:
1515 - Saint-Martin-du-Fresne - December 29 - 1563 - French - 16th century

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Castellio was born in 1515. He was educated at the University of Lyon and worked with John Calvin in Strasbourg and Geneva before doctrinal differences developed which led to his dismissal as rector of the College of Geneva in 1544. In 1553 he became professor of Greek at the University of Basel. Castellio died in ill health in 1563, was buried in Münster. His body was later exhumed and his ashes dispersed.

Related Topics:
1515 - John Calvin - Rector - Geneva - 1544 - 1553 - Greek - 1563 - Münster

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Castellio published De haereticis (Concerning Heretics) in 1554, using the pseudonym Martinus Bellius. Concerning the execution of Michael Servetus, he wrote, "When Servetus fought with reasons and writings, he should have been repulsed by reasons and writings."

Related Topics:
1554 - Michael Servetus

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

J. Frank Schulman, of the Unitarian Universalist Association, said that Castellio is probably "the first person in history who could be called a Unitarian in the modern sense of the word." He advocated religious tolerance, specifically contesting government expulsions of religious nonconformists.

Related Topics:
Unitarian Universalist Association - Nonconformist

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~