De ethische zendingstheologie van François E. Daubanton (1853-1920): revelatie versus evolutie; kerstening versus beschavingswerk en maatschappelijk werk

Abstract

François E. Daubanton (1953-1920) was Professor of Biblical Theology, Practical Theology and the History of Missions at the University of Utrecht. In his well known book Prolegomena van de protestantsche zendingswetenschap (= Prolegomena to the protestant science of missions), 1911, he contributed profoundly to the history of mission studies. This article does not offer a description and analysis of Daubanton’s contribution to the empirical study of missions, but of his contribution to the theology of missions. His theology of missions is not based on the principle of evolution, but on the principle of revelation. This explains why Daubanton regarded preaching the Gospel, founding churches and christianizing cultures rather than civilization, social work or colonization, as the proper purpose of missions. In contrast to his empirical studies of missions, his universalistic theology of missions exerted no demonstrable influence on Christian theology or on the mission fields.