Comenius in the Context of his Epoch

Abstract

In this contribution I would like to consider Comenius’ relationship to Socinianism. Comenius held protracted polemics with Socinians, mainly the antitrinitarian physician Daniel Zwicker, who denied the divinity of Jesus. Comenius’ polemics with the Socinians have been edited by Erwin Schadel, a researcher in the field of the history of triadistic thinking. These writings are illustrating Comenius’ philosophical development. Comenius’ anti-Socinian activity is a logical result of the defense of triadistic thinking, which is the essence of his metaphysical system. Comenius’ metaphysics is essentially triadistic. The triadistic system has its roots in St. Augustine and goes through Bonaventura all the way to Cusanus. Comenius is thus defending not only traditional triadic theology, but also the triadic conception of reality.