Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676): Some perspectives on his influence on developments in the South African Dutch Reformed Church’s missiology and mission practice

Gideon Van Der Watt

doi:10.4102/ids.v53i3.2449

Abstract

Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676) played a significant role in the Synod of Dordt 1618–1619. As orthodox Calvinist and leading intellectual in the Dutch Second Reformation, he helped to shape the religious, philosophical and cultural landscape of the 17th century Dutch ‘Golden Age’. He was the first Protestant to have developed a comprehensive ‘theology of mission’. This article reflects on Voetius’ missiology, and specifically its influence on developments in the mission practice and theology in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa. The article also enters into a conversation with Voetius from a current South African missional discourse.

Highlights

In David Bosch’s Transforming mission, he describes Voetius as the first Protestant to have developed a comprehensive ‘theology of mission’ (Bosch 1991:257–258). He concurs with Jongeneel (1991b:78) that, Voetius is ‘hopelessly outdated’, he is surprisingly ‘modern’ with significant relevance for today
From a current South African discourse in missiology, it endeavours to enter into a discussion with Voetius
The Eighty Year’s War with Spain (1568–1648) came to an end and the Republic of Seven United Provinces consolidated their unity and independence. It was an era of material prosperity and cultural flourishing: the United Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, abbreviated to VOC) as well as the West India Company (WIC) dominated trade with foreign countries; Dutch universities were established and excelled; it was the age of Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Hugo Grotius, René Descartes, Baruch Spinoza, Christiaan Huygens and Joost van den Vondel

Summary

Original Research

Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676): Some perspectives on his influence on developments in the South African Dutch Reformed Church’s missiology and mission practice. How to cite this article: Van der Watt, G., 2019, ‘Gisbertus Voetius (1589–1676): Some perspectives on his influence on developments in the South African Dutch Reformed Church’s missiology and mission practice’, In die Skriflig 53(3), a2449. As orthodox Calvinist and leading intellectual in the Dutch Second Reformation, he helped to shape the religious, philosophical and cultural landscape of the 17th century Dutch ‘Golden Age’ He was the first Protestant to have developed a comprehensive ‘theology of mission’. This article reflects on Voetius’ missiology, and its influence on developments in the mission practice and theology in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa.

Introduction

Open Access

Dutch Second Reformation

Influence on South Africa