Oene Noordenbos

Oene Noordenbos (5 July 1896 – 24 June 1978) was a Dutch humanist, historian, and politician. He was a prominent figure in the Dutch humanist movement, who published widely on various subjects. He also participated in the founding of the Pacifist Socialist Party (PSP), and served as a member of the Dutch House of Representatives for the PSP from 1962 to 1963.

Early life Oene Noordenbos was born on 5 July 1896 in Bozum, a small village in Friesland, to Klaas Noordenbos, a teacher, and Sjitske Wagenaar. After attending secondary education in Leeuwarden, he began studying theology at Leiden University in 1917, both on a scholarship founded by 18th-century Frisian preacher Klaas Tigler. In 1922, he married Geertruida Johanna de Klerk, with whom he would have 4 children. As an MP, he spoke primarily on matters of education, foreign affairs, defence, economic affairs and social affairs. He chose not to run for re-election in the 1963 Dutch general election because of his advanced age. Despite his membership of the PSP, a pacifist political party, Noordenbos was not completely opposed to violence, speaking out in favour of violent resistance against Apartheid following the Sharpeville massacre in 1960.

Later life After his retirement, Noordenbos continued writing about theological developments. Oene Noordenbos died in Amersfoort on 24 June 1978.