Akademik

(1340–1384)

   Theologian. Born in Deventer in the province of Overijssel, Groote studied theology and law at the University of Paris. He was influenced by the mystic Jan van Ruus broec. As a preacher, he criticized the shallow religiosity of the church. Groote founded the congregation of the Brethren of the Com mon Life at Windesheim near Zwolle. His life and the movement of devotio moderna were described by Thomas a Kempis, author of The Imitation of Christ.