Geuzenvragen, the designation by the Dutch Mennonites of the 12 questions which the magistrates of Utrecht, Deventer, Middelburg, and other towns in several cases laid before Mennonites to examine their faith and to check on possible Socinian or other heresy. The Mennonite ministers usually refused to answer these questions (see Adriaan van Eeghem), arguing that the government had no authority in matters of faith and no right to examine the consciences of its subjects. It is assumed that the questions were drawn up about 1655 by the Reformed clergyman Cornelis Gentman.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, p. 512. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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