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There's some contention over the issue. William was brought up a Lutheran, but converted to Catholicism in the service of the Holy Roman Empire Charles V.
This could of course be seen to be a purely political move, in order to gain promotion and not be penalised by the growing Catholic "counter reformation" and he was thus a 'crypto protestant': effectively pretending to be Catholic.
However, one must not be too quick to judge. When the Eighty Year's War broke out and he became a prominent (soon to be the most well known name of all the leader) he didn't renounce his Catholicism, rather focusing on the idea of religious freedom.
Explanations for this may have simply been he was against the worst excesses of Philip II's (who succeeded Charles V as ruler of the Hapsburg Netherlands) infamous inquisition and thus began to believe in personal belief not being ascribed by the state, or it may be that he was simply a Christian and not interested in its forms. I personally think it was more likely to be the former, considering the general intellectual currents of the time the latter would be very radical indeed, but that is as much a hunch as a substantiated claim.
In short, we will never know for sure.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
William the Silent, also known as William of Orange, was a Dutch nobleman who played a key role in the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs. He was a Protestant and a leader in the fight for religious freedom in the Netherlands.
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What religion is William Randolph Hearst?
William Randolph Hearst was raised in the Protestant faith, specifically belonging to the Episcopalian denomination.
What was William Tecumseh shermans religion?
William Tecumseh Sherman was originally raised in a Presbyterian household, but he did not practice any specific religion as an adult. He considered himself more of a spiritual person rather than belonging to any organized faith.
What was the religion of William III?
William III was a Protestant, belonging to the Dutch Reformed Church. He was a prominent defender of Protestantism against Catholicism during his reign as King of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
What religion was William Averell Harriman?
William Averell Harriman was raised in the Episcopal Church. However, he later converted to Roman Catholicism in 1968.
What colony kept the government separate from religion?
Pennsylvania, established by William Penn, kept the government separate from religion with its commitment to religious freedom and no established church. Penn sought to create a colony where individuals of all faiths could practice freely.
When was William the Silent born?
William the Silent was born on 1533-04-24.
William the silent defended the Protestant cause in?
william the silent defended the prostant cause in where?
Who Led the Dutch revolt?
William of Orange (William the Silent)
Why is William of orange called the silent prince?
William the Silent (also called William of Orange, but not the English king of that name) was called "the Silent" because he had a legendary ability to keep his opinion to himself. There is a link below for more information.
What religion is William penn?
his religion was quaker
What has the author William C Donaghy written?
William C. Donaghy has written: 'Our Silent Language'
What has the author William Grassie written?
William Grassie has written: 'The new sciences of religion' -- subject(s): Religion and science, Religion, Study and teaching
Did William higginbotham have a religion?
No
What is William moseley's religion?
William Moseley's religion is not publicly known as he has not disclosed his religious beliefs or affiliations.
What religion was William of Rubruck?
William of Rubruck was Roman Catholic.
What religion was William Tyndale?
William Tyndale was a protestant reformer
Who wrote the William Monk novel The Silent Cry?
Anne Perry
