Kaspar Olevianus

1536-1587. [[Reformed]] theologian. Born at Trèves ([[Trier]]), he studied at [[Paris]], [[Orléans]], and [[Bourges]], where he accepted [[Reformation]] ideas. The drowning of a [[friend]] impelled him to become a [[preacher]]. He studied theology in [[Geneva]], [[Zurich]], and [[Lausanne]], becoming acquainted with [[Farel]], [[John Calvin|Calvin]], [[Peter Martyr]], [[Beza]], and [[Bullinger]]. He returned to Trèves to teach in the [[Latin]] school (1559), but his fervent preaching led to imprisonment. Invited by Elector [[Frederick III]] to [[Heidelberg]], he became pastor of [[St. Peter's Church]] and helped to reconstruct the church on Reformed lines. With [[Zacharias Ursinus]], he drafted the final revision of the [[Heidelberg Catechism]]. He was involved in an “[[Arianism|Arian]]” controversy and voted for the [[death penalty]] for the “[[Blasphemy|blasphemers]].” Banished during a Lutheran reaction under [[Louis VI]], he went to [[Berleberg]], [[Wittgenstein]], and to [[Hernorn]], [[Nassau]], where he established a complete [[Presbyterian]] organization. He also wrote [[New Testament]] commentaries.