The Pieterskerk in Leiden served as the site for the baptism of Abraham Capadose on October 20, 1822, an event marking his formal entry into Christianity. Born in 1795 in Amsterdam to parents Isaac Haim Capadose and Esther Mendes da Costa, he navigated a path from a prominent Portuguese-Jewish background to become a physician and a prominent figure in the Dutch Réveil.
Medical Education and Early Career
Following studies at the Latin School, Capadose attended the Amsterdam Athenaeum for two years to focus on medicine. He subsequently transferred to Leiden University, where he spent four years completing his formal training. In 1818, he earned his medical degree and established his initial practice as a physician in Amsterdam.
Religious Conversion and Social Circles
During his residence in Leiden, where he stayed with his uncle, the physician Immanuel Capadoce, he encountered the influence of Willem Bilderdijk. Through private instruction provided by Bilderdijk and the guidance of Isaac da Costa, he explored the Bible and reached the conclusion that Jesus of Nazareth was the predicted Messiah. This conviction led to his 1822 conversion and baptism alongside the Da Costa family.
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Capadose became an active participant in the Dutch Revival movement, or Réveil, associating with figures such as Willem de Clercq. This group defined itself in opposition to the liberal and revolutionary ideologies of the era, with Capadose holding the view that democratic principles challenged the Creator. In his later medical career, he became recognized for his vocal resistance to cowpox vaccination. In 1866, he distanced himself from the Dutch Reformed Church, concluding that its doctrine lacked sufficient rigor, and remained unaffiliated with any specific religious community thereafter.
Personal Life and Published Works
In 1829, he married Adriana van der Houven, with whom he had three children. Following a move to Scherpenzeel in 1831, he relocated to The Hague, where he spent his final years. He traveled to Switzerland in 1836, during which his first wife died. In 1839, he married Hendrika Jacoba Abrahamsz. His literary contributions include Aan Mijne Geloofsgenooten in de Ned. Hebr. Gem., Overdenkingen over Israel's Roeping en Toekomst, and Rome en Jerusalem.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 August 1795, Amsterdam
- Died: 16 December 1874, The Hague
- Nationality: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Education: Leiden University
- Religious affiliation: Dutch Réveil
- First spouse: Adriana van der Houven
- Second spouse: Hendrika Jacoba Abrahamsz
- Occupation: Physician and writer
Questions readers ask
What was Abraham Capadose's stance on medical practices?
He was a notable opponent of cowpox vaccination.
Which religious movement was he associated with?
He was a member of the Dutch Réveil, a circle that resisted the liberal and revolutionary ideas of the time.
When did he convert to Christianity?
He was baptised on October 20, 1822, at the Pieterskerk in Leiden.
