[A Swiss Calvinist Bernian, Strasbourgian, & Marburgian Protestant Reformer]

Benedictus Aretius

Benedictus Aretius, born circa 1522 in Bätterkinden, within the canton of Bern, was a distinguished Swiss theologian, reformer, and natural philosopher. Originally bearing the surname Marti, he adopted the Hellenized name “Aretius” to reflect his scholarly pursuits. His early education in Latin schools paved the way for advanced studies in theology, astronomy, mathematics, and botany at the universities of Bern, Strasbourg, & Marburg. In Marburg, he served as a professor of logic and dialectics. In 1548, Aretius returned to Bern as a schoolteacher, ascending to the position of rector by 1549. By 1553, he was appointed professor of Greek and Hebrew at the High School in Bern, and in 1563, he succeeded Wolfgang Musculus as professor of theology. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to Reformed orthodoxy and the promotion of ecclesiastical unity. Notably, in 1566, he authored a defense justifying the execution of the antitrinitarian Valentin Gentilis, upholding the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. Aretius's scholarly contributions were extensive. His “Theologiae Problemata” (1573) offered a systematic exploration of Christian doctrines, while his “Examen Theologicum” (1557) underwent multiple editions, reflecting its widespread influence. He produced commentaries on the New Testament (1580), the Pentateuch (1602), and the Psalms (1618), as well as a commentary on Pindar (1587). His interest in natural philosophy led to the “Stocc-Hornii et Nessi Descriptio” (1561), detailing the flora of the Stockhorn and Niesen mountains. Additionally, he authored a Hebrew instructional text for schools (Basel, 1561). Benedictus Aretius passed away on March 22, 1574, in Bern, likely due to the plague. His legacy endures through his theological works and contributions to natural science, exemplifying the integration of faith and reason characteristic of Reformed scholasticism.

Benedictus Aretius, born circa 1522 in Bätterkinden, within the canton of Bern, was a distinguished Swiss theologian, reformer, and natural philosopher. Originally bearing the surname Marti, he adopted the Hellenized name “Aretius” to reflect his scholarly pursuits. His early education in Latin schools paved the way for advanced studies in theology, astronomy, mathematics, and botany at the universities of Bern, Strasbourg, & Marburg. In Marburg, he served as a professor of logic and dialectics. In 1548, Aretius returned to Bern as a schoolteacher, ascending to the position of rector by 1549. By 1553, he was appointed professor of Greek and Hebrew at the High School in Bern, and in 1563, he succeeded Wolfgang Musculus as professor of theology. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to Reformed orthodoxy and the promotion of ecclesiastical unity. Notably, in 1566, he authored a defense justifying the execution of the antitrinitarian Valentin Gentilis, upholding the traditional doctrine of the Trinity. Aretius's scholarly contributions were extensive. His “Theologiae Problemata” (1573) offered a systematic exploration of Christian doctrines, while his “Examen Theologicum” (1557) underwent multiple editions, reflecting its widespread influence. He produced commentaries on the New Testament (1580), the Pentateuch (1602), and the Psalms (1618), as well as a commentary on Pindar (1587). His interest in natural philosophy led to the “Stocc-Hornii et Nessi Descriptio” (1561), detailing the flora of the Stockhorn and Niesen mountains. Additionally, he authored a Hebrew instructional text for schools (Basel, 1561). Benedictus Aretius passed away on March 22, 1574, in Bern, likely due to the plague. His legacy endures through his theological works and contributions to natural science, exemplifying the integration of faith and reason characteristic of Reformed scholasticism.

His Works:

Systematical Theologies:

Sacred Problems of Theology: Common Places of the Christian Religion Methodically Explicated; (Bern, 1604)

Elenctical Theologies:

Examination of Theology: A Brief & Clear, Written Out Method, (Morgiis, 1584)