ABSTRACT
Sebastian Castellio's theological views can to some extent be ascertained from the well-known works on toleration of 1554–55. However, a series of contemporary and later writings add to and modify the overall picture. In Castellio's view, the doctrine of predestination not only makes God the creator of sin, but negates the fact that he loves his creatures and is, indeed, a God of love. Logically, Castellio also had to address the question of the definition of faith, which he does in the dialogue 'De fide'. As one would expect, it is the practical implications of the doctrine that are to the fore – what Carla Gallicet Calvetti has aptly termed 'la struttura pragmatistica della fede'. The most essential elements of Christian religion and its practice are, for Castellio, imprinted on every human heart, a priori. For Castellio, human life and thought is based decisively on experience, and experience is derived from impressions gained via the senses and intellect.
