The publication of Principles of the Theology of the Reformed Church between 1848 and 1850 established Jan Hendrik Scholten as a significant figure in 19th-century Dutch intellectual life. Born in Vleuten in 1811, he built a career centered on theology, philosophy, and academic administration within the Kingdom of the Netherlands until his death in 1885.
Academic Career
Scholten completed his education at Utrecht University before embarking on a career in academia. His professional trajectory included a professorship in theology at Franeker starting in 1840. In 1843, he moved to Leiden University as a professor extraordinarius, eventually advancing to the rank of ordinarius in 1845. He remained a faculty member at Leiden University until 1881, during which time he served as rector magnificus. His contributions to the institution and the field were formally recognized when he became a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1856.
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Initially focused on dogmatic theology and the philosophy of religion, Scholten’s work underwent a significant shift toward radical antisupernaturalism, aligning with German idealistic traditions. Together with Abraham Kuenen, whom he influenced, Scholten helped cultivate a theological movement comparable to the German Tübingen School. His written output was extensive, featuring titles such as the Historical and Critical Introduction to the New Testament, published in segments between 1853 and 1856, and his 1864 work, A Critical Study of the Gospel of John.
Scholarly Publications
Throughout his tenure at Leiden, Scholten explored the origins of biblical texts and comparative religious studies. His list of published works includes The Oldest Witnesses to the Writings of the New Testament from 1866, The Oldest Gospel from 1868, and The Pauline Gospel in 1870. He also authored A Comparative View of Religions. His personal account of his intellectual development appears in the 1881 text Afscheidsrede bij het Neerleggen van het Hoogleeraarsambt, and his life is chronicled in A. Kuenen’s 1885 biography, Levensbericht van J. Henricus Scholten.
Fast facts
- Born: 1811, Vleuten
- Died: 1885, Leiden
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Education: Utrecht University
- Member of: Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (1856)
- Primary Employer: Leiden University (1843-1881)
Questions readers ask
Where did Jan Hendrik Scholten hold his academic positions?
He was a professor at Franeker in 1840 and spent the majority of his career at Leiden University from 1843 until his retirement in 1881.
What subjects did Scholten research?
His research focused on Protestant theology, the philosophy of religion, dogmatic theology, and critical studies of the New Testament.
Achievements
- Held posts at Leiden University, Leiden University and Leiden University
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