South African Church Research Articles

Calvin on the sacraments and church unity

Calvin’s ecumenical passion has often been documented by scholars (section 1). This article argues that these practical en- deavours were based on Calvin’s ecclesiological conviction that there is only one church (section 2), based on the communio of believers with Christ and with one another (section 3), in which the sacraments, particularly the Lord’s Supper, play a crucial role as the bonds of communio (section 4). For Calvin, this concretely implied that believers who participate in the cele- bration of the Supper should also love one another, as quota- tions from the 1559 “Institutes” powerfully demonstrate (section 5). Given the ambiguous legacy of Calvin in South Africa, these views of Calvin present a continuous challenge to South African churches in his tradition (section 6).

Isaiah Shembe's Theological Nationalism, 1920s–1935

This article situates the early twentieth-century writings of the South African Nazaretha1 church and its founder, Isaiah Shembe, within a broader context of Zulu nationalism. Accounts of Zulu nationalism in this period have focused on the role of the Zulu king as a unifying symbol. The Nazaretha church, however, developed a strong polemic against the monarchy, and instead positioned its own leader, Isaiah Shembe, as the unifying national figure of the Zulu. In a fraught relationship between the two institutions, the church denounced the contemporary king, Solomon kaDinuzulu, as well as the historical monarchy, as sinful. By contrast, chiefly converts to the church were used as a template of virtuous political leadership for the nation. This study of Nazaretha ‘theological nationalism’ – a discourse that, to legitimate itself, posited national unity on ideas of virtue, healing, peacefulness, repentance and submission to Jehovah's dictates – suggests that Zulu nationalism could be a medium for criticising the African kholwa-monarchical élite of the day. Shembe's nationalism also demonstrates the importance of Independent churches to public debate in early twentieth-century Natal and Zululand. 1 ‘Nazaretha’ denotes members of the Ibandla lamaNazaretha (Church of the Nazaretha).

Die korrespondensie van J.J. Venter met H.A.L. Hamelberg: ontleding van ’n sendingbeskouing

The correspondence of J.J. Venter with H.A.L. Hamelberg: an analysis of a view of mission The controversy regarding the view of missionary work has recurred in South African church history from time to time. This was also the case in the Reformed Church in the Orange Free State during the nineteenth century. It becomes apparent from the 1879 to 1881 correspondence of J.J. Venter with H.A.L. Hamelberg, the then Consul-General of the Free State in the Netherlands. Venter wrote to Hamelberg about his dis- appointment with the reverend Dirk Postma, the first minister of the Reformed Church in South Africa. According to Venter they had been misled: they had asked for a preacher and got a missionary instead. Venter’s view of mission is based on a peculiar view of the doctrine of predestination: he approved of missionary work only if the fruit of election becomes apparent in the lives of the objects of the missionary work. Venter wrote particularly to Hamelberg, a “fellow-tribesman” more than a religious think-alike. This fact, as well as the correspondence reveals Venter’s actual view on the doctrine of predestination and it is clearly shown in this article. Although Venter’s own writings speak of a Pietistic “Busskampf”, his view of mission is rather in line with orthodoxy’s insistence on a structural link between church and state. Cross-cultural mission was therefore unthinkable, unless there is proof of a change in the other culture.

The reception of the Barmen Declaration in South Africa

The reception of the Barmen Declaration in South Africa

Jesus in South Africa—Lost in Translation?

AbstractWithin South African circles, Jesus is seen, interpreted, and understood in diverse and complex ways. It is almost impossible to provide any representative overview of these many ways in which the message concerning his person and work has been and still is being appropriated and claimed in South African churches and communities. This paper briefly surveys four of the dominant discourses about Jesus in contemporary South African society; namely, Jesus in the popular news and newspaper debates, academic circles and scholarship, the worship and spirituality of congregations and believers, and public opinion concerning social and political life. In all cases, major trends are pointed out, which raises the question of whether these developments perhaps involve forms of betrayal, and ways in which the figure and message of Jesus may be lost in these diverse forms of translation.

Die rol en taak van die kerk ten opsigte van begrafnisgebruike

The modern trend to keep death at a distance has a negative impact on Christians. It seems as if the Church is following this societal pattern and is incompetent to provide sufficient information and preparation to church members. This can be one of the reasons why people who are confronted by the trauma of death, are not able to coupe or find comfort and security in their faith. The historical development of funeral rites, as well as the viewpoint of the different South African sister churches regarding funerals, are responsible for the current gap in ministry to the bereaved. This gap can be filled by redirecting the theological focus of the church, also by providing information, training and guidance to both church members and support groups, and by reforming funeral rites.

Of Lions and Rabbits: the Role of the Church in Reconciliation in South Africa*

AbstractThis essay uses an old African fable about lions and rabbits in order to launch, illustrate, probe and explore the role of the churches in the complex South African process of reconciliation since the end of apartheid, and the election, thirteen years ago, of Nelson Mandela as the first democratic president of the Republic of South Africa. It is argued that both the challenges encountered and the solutions sought in the search for reconciliation have been and remain far from simple. Nor has the role of the churches been simple and straightforward. The author thematically traces the complex role of the church in the equally complex processes that have catapulted South Africa from tyranny to democracy. He argues that the question of reconciliation has always been on the agenda of the South African church. Sometimes this has been overtly present, sometimes covertly, sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly. Even when reconciliation was absent in the discourse and proxy of the church, it was nevertheless present through its absence.

Gendered Leadership in South African Churches: Case Studies of African Instituted Churches and the Dutch Reformed Church

Gendered Leadership in South African Churches: Case Studies of African Instituted Churches and the Dutch Reformed Church

The angle of incidence of Paul Roux's catechism - a study on the theology of a French refugee at the Cape: research

With the Belijdenis of Paul Roux we have an indigenous document of early eighteenth century theological reflection among some French refugees of the first generations at the Cape. It provides us with useful opportunities to analyse the theology of an important part of the history of the Huguenots. In this study, attention is given to the matter of the introductory question of this catechism book with regard to its importance as well as its content. It is argued that the angle of incidence of this catechism is pointing to a shift away from the reformed heritage towards the Aufkl?rung and Rationalism. Whether this applies to the rest of the Belijdenis in its entirety is not object of this analysis, though. Keywords: South African Church History, Suid-Afrikaanse kerkgeskiedenis, Paul Roux, Huguenots, Hugenote, Catechism book, Kategismusboek Acta Theologica Vol.22(2) 2003: 26-42

Education and Segregation in a South African Mission Church: The Merger of the Anglican Church and the Order of Ethiopia, 1900-1908

Education and Segregation in a South African Mission Church: The Merger of the Anglican Church and the Order of Ethiopia, 1900-1908

Gebed: 'n Proses wat verandering bemiddel

Prayer is an integral part of the believer's communion with God. It reflects different dimensions and functions in the faith-relationship between God and man. Worship, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, petition, confession and trust are only a few to be mentioned. A neglected aspected of the prayer experience is the lament. Prayer is, in this sense, an exposure of the self and the circumstances of the petitioner before God. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the theological meaning of the lament as prayer for the individual and the faith community. Prayer is also understood within the broader scope of different expressive human deeds. It is a process which mediates perspective and essential change in the life of the believer and faith community. In a final application it is argued that the lament-prayer can contribute to change and renewal in a transitional and disturbed South African church and society.

Die Pendulum-effek tussen ortodoksie en vernuwing in die Suid-Afrikaanse Kerkgeskiedenis met spesiale verwysing na die tydperk 1850 tot 1950

The pendulum effect between orthodoxy and renewal in South African Church History with special reference to 1850-1950 Since the beginning of Church History, a typical phenomenon has occurred, in which certain extremist movements were formed in reaction to each other. This has led to a pendulum effect between the two extremes - one, where the emphasis falls on the emotions, and the other, which carries a more intellectual character.

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH THE CENTRE FOR CONSTRUCTIVE THEOLOGY

Women in the South African context South Africa has a history of disempowering the majority of its people on the basis of race, class and gender. This year (i.e., 1999, Ed.) South Africa celebrates five years of democratically elected government by the majority of the people. The major issue facing South Africa today is how to empower its previously disadvantaged people so that they can have dignity and self-identity. The aim of this paper is to show how the programme on Women in the Church and Society of the Centre for Constructive Theology attempts to make a contribution towards the empowering of South African church women from different classes and racial groups through it various activities. From the outset, it is important for me to declare my own identity as it may colour the interpretation of the situation of women in the South African context. As a Malawian professional lay woman growing up in the Presbyterian and Pentecostal urban area, I stand out from among the majority of African women. They mainly live in rural areas and exist under very difficult economic, social and spiritual conditions. For the majority of African women, it is issues of survival that concern them most rather than discussions about their gender. Therefore, as observed by Denise Ackermann: Gender exists, but does not do so alone. It has to be understood in the context of other factors that make up our identity, our race, class, economic status, religion, culture, sexual preference and so on. Women are different and our differences divide us from one another. For example, women are divided according to class. The differences between privileged women who are able to exercise choice over the course of their lives and women who struggle to subsist (even if they are of the same race) are prodigious. [1] Thus, women's experience of discrimination (by men or other women) on the basis of their sex varies from woman to woman. The variety of women's experiences must be taken into account when setting the agenda for women's discussions about themselves. The Centre for Constructive Theology The Centre for Constructive Theology (CCT) is an initiative of the Faculty of Theology at the University of Durban-Westville, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. It is now housed in the Centre of Religious Studies as a unit within the Faculty of Humanities. It was established in 1996 and is funded by various churches within South Africa and abroad. The CCT seeks to play a significant role in responding to the challenge of transformation and reconstruction in the new South Africa. It does so by providing concrete mechanisms for outreach and advocacy, which are informed by theological reflection. Although this reflection arises from a Christian base, the CCT intentionally promotes openness to and dialogue with other faith communities. The CCT endeavours to bridge the gap between formal academic theological enquiry and the practical needs and concerns of communities whose faith perspectives on the critical issues confronting South Africa have been undervalued in the past. The CCT does this by facilitating contextually relevant theological responses to the unfolding social, political and religious situation in the country and region. The work of the CCT involves coordinating the research, learning and outreach efforts of its various programmes. Currently these include the programme on Women in the Church and Society, the programme on Non-Formal Theological Education, and the programme on Justice and Peace. The CCT publishes the results of its programmatic undertakings, such as curricular resources, research projects, and a bi-annual Journal of Constructive Theology. The programme on Women in the Church and Society In my ministry as coordinator for the programme on Women in the Church and Society, I work with women in ecumenical groups. I am also invited to address men and women as well as women only in particular denominations. …

History reconstruction: Third century parallels to 20th century South African Church 'History Origen Adamantinus

History reconstruction: Third century parallels to 20th century South African Church History - Origen Adamantinus. In this paper a possible third century contribution to Church History reconstruction is considered. This is employed as an example for South African church historians who are dedicated to history interpretation, whether it be from the perspective of: acceptance on face value; justification; verification; criticism or renunciation of twentieth century historical events and the WG)'S in which they have influenced the prophetic task of the church in South Africa. To this end, a parallel is drawn between third century Origen and a few South African church figures from the twentieth century, which will highlight the church's continuing prophetic ministry.

Carl Borchardt en die Suid-Afrikaanse kerkgeskiedenis

Carl Borchardt and South African church historyCarl Borchardt was in the first instance a general church historian who specialised in the field of the Early Church. However, born as a South African, he did not only do some research in the field of South African church history but he even partook in some crucial events in modem South African church history. This article attempts to describe and explain his interest and involvement in South African church history.

"Met watter gesag se U hierdie dinge?" Opmerkings oor kerklike dokumente oor die openbare lewe

"What authority do you have to say these things?" Remarks on church documents about public issues. For a number of reasons it has become important for South African churches to reconsider the ways in which they were accustomed to speak about public issues. In the first part of the article some of these reasons are pointed out. In the second part an important study of the German Protestant Church, the EKD, addressing these issues, is analysed. In the third part an assessment is made of the contribution the German study makes to the debate on church declarations on public issues in the South African context.

Hoe Christene in Suid-Afrika by mekaar verby praat. Oor vier morele spreekwyses in die Suid-Afrikaanse kerklike konteks

Are Christians in South Africa speaking at cross purposes? On four varieties of moral discourse in the context of South African churches The thesis of the article is that the use of different types of moral discourse contributes to the misunderstanding and conflict that typify the theological and church debate on socio-political issues in South-Africa. The distinction of the well-known American ethicist James M Gustafson of four varieties of moral discourse (prophetic, narrative, ethical and policy) can he used to categorise the different types of moral discourse used in South Africa. Acknowledgement of the fact that these varieties of moral discourse are used in South Africa can contribute to better understanding of and participation in the theological and church debate on socio-political issues.

CRUCIAL ISSUES FOR CHRISTIAN MISSION — A MISSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICA

International Review of MissionVolume 83, Issue 328 p. 21-36 CRUCIAL ISSUES FOR CHRISTIAN MISSION — A MISSIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CONTEMPORARY SOUTH AFRICA Nico Botha, Nico Botha Nico Botha is a lecturer in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister in the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, presently serving as a pastoral assistant in the Eersterus (Pretoria) parish.Search for more papers by this authorKlippies Kritzinger, Klippies Kritzinger Klippies Kritzinger is an associate professor in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister of the Melodi ya Tshwane congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa, in Pretoria.Search for more papers by this authorTinyiko Maluleke, Tinyiko Maluleke Tinyiko Sam Maluleke is a junior lecturer in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister of the Tembisa Parish of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa.Search for more papers by this author Nico Botha, Nico Botha Nico Botha is a lecturer in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister in the Dutch Reformed Mission Church, presently serving as a pastoral assistant in the Eersterus (Pretoria) parish.Search for more papers by this authorKlippies Kritzinger, Klippies Kritzinger Klippies Kritzinger is an associate professor in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister of the Melodi ya Tshwane congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa, in Pretoria.Search for more papers by this authorTinyiko Maluleke, Tinyiko Maluleke Tinyiko Sam Maluleke is a junior lecturer in the Department of Missiology at the University of South Africa and a minister of the Tembisa Parish of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in South Africa.Search for more papers by this author First published: January 1994 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-6631.1994.tb02336.xCitations: 1 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume83, Issue328January 1994Pages 21-36 RelatedInformation

Geskiedenis en gesigshoek met besondere verwysing na die rol van die profete in Kronieke

The writing of history can not be separated from the point of view of the historian. Objective historiography, therefore, remains an illusion. This problem is examined in this paper, with the treatment of prophets in Chronicles as an example. In the discussion of the role of prophets in Chronicles, attention is given to the prophets mentioned in regnal résumés and in sections with and without parallels in the Deuteronomistic History. In Chronicles the new view of the roles of prophets is demonstrated. The point of view of the writer(s) of Chronicles in the Persian period must be kept in mind to understand the book's message, because this point of view has resulted in a different perception of the role of the prophets than that of the Deuteronomistic History. Chronicles contains a new message in a new time pointing to a new way into the future. The importance of point of view for the writing of history is also demonstrated by way of a discussion of one episode in South African church history.

Die teologiese gerigtheid van die Departement Kerkgeskiedenis 1957-1992

The theological character of the Department of Church History 1957-1992 The theological character of the Department of Church History at the Theological Faculty (Sec A) of the University of Pretoria is closely connected to the life and work of prof dr A D Pont. He accepted the call to the chair as a commission of the Church. His thought represents an extract of biblical and reformational theology enriched by a wide spectrum of theological thinking from the past and the present by great theologians like Kohlbrugge, Hoedemaker, Barth, Cullmann and Noordmans. The theology of the Reformation, however, is taken as the criterion of comparison for the history of the church before and since. With regard to South African Church History, Pont laid the foundations for a typical theology of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, emphasising the close relationship between the Church and the Afrikaner.