Research Articles (Church History and Church Policy)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2449

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The genealogical-paternity succession model : the "mother of all succession models in African initiated churches"
(Unisa Press, 2024-12) Duncan, Graham A.; Magaracha, Joseph Tendai
The nexus between the genealogical and paternity models of leadership succession in African Independent Churches (AICs), also known as father-to-son, and generations of familial inheritance, respectively, are prevalent yet divisive. These models are rooted in African traditional customs, where the church is viewed as an extension of the founder’s intellectual property, to be inherited by children or relatives upon their death. The founder’s family and relations regard the church as their estate, leading to economic determinism and materialism, influencing disputes and splits within AICs. Economic determinism, a concept coined by Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels in 1848, posits that economic factors shape historical events and societal structures. In the context of AICs, this means that the distribution of material resources and goods within the church is central to understanding historical events and power struggles. The founders’ numerous sons from polygamous marriages and the complications brought about by the involvement of extended relations often led to struggles over the church and its resources and, hence, battles for control and ownership. To gain ascendancy, family members construct and manipulate various leadership succession models, favouring their own ascendency. This leads to the proliferation of traditions and factions within AICs, ultimately resulting in splits and divisions. The church becomes a site of economic struggle, where family members vie for control over its human, material, and spiritual resources. This is what this article critically highlights in view of patriarchal and capitalist values, prioritising family lineage and economic interests over spiritual values. This is an intersection of economics, politics, and religion that acknowledges the complex web of power dynamics that shape these organisations. For this study, the genealogical-paternity may be both singular and plural as the model/s represent similar but differing perspectives of the nucleus and extended family among the Shona. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The nexus of the genealogical-paternity models of leadership succession in AICs relate to ecclesiology, missiology and soteriology as Church History has historical, anthropological, sociological, psychological, philosophical, political, hermeneutical, ecclesiological, eschatological, ethical, and practical perspectives of the history and theology of the Church.
The life and work of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa : the doctrinal dimension of baptism
(Unisa Press, 2024-06) Duncan, Graham A.; graham.duncan@up.ac.za
A perduring theological and practical problem of the universal church relates to the doctrine of baptism. This article investigates hermeneutical and historical issues in relation to what it means to be a member of Christ’s church and the implications thereof in the specific context of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa (PCSA). The debate has arisen in relation to the options of infant and believer’s baptism, or believer’s baptism. Within Christian denominations there are often conflicts regarding exclusive and inclusive policies. While the PCSA followed the main trend of the sixteenth century Reformation churches, there is disagreement among some of its members on various points. The article is based primarily on a literature review of primary sources. It is structured in terms of its origin, history, and external influences, namely: the charismatic renewal; the sacrament of Holy Communion and rebaptism; the covenant and baptism; and the South African context.
Church unity or ecumenism : the perspective of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa 1967-2022
(Unisa Press, 2024-06) Maseko, Xolani
Right-wing politics is re-emerging all over the world, challenging the church to defy this trend and be true to her nature of oneness and Catholicism. This brings to the fore the question of unity and the ecumenical spirit. It is from this understanding that this article, which is an exercise in contemporary church history, seeks to contribute to the Reformed Church scholarship in the face of the current context of mission. The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), as part of Reformed Churches, has a rich history of union. This discussion stems from the hermeneutical considerations of the reformed understanding of church unity, and particular focus is given to the UCCSA’s understanding of unity and ecumenism. After articulating what ought to be happening, the article delves into the historical considerations of the UCCSA and Church unity.
Polarisation beyond the pandemic? Fissures within the German public and the role of public theology
(University of Stellenbosch, 2024) Wabel, Thomas
After some initial background information on the relation of church and state in the German context, the article examines reactions by churches and other Christian groups in Germany to the Covid-19 containment measures. While representatives of mainline churches focussed on consolation in the crisis and support state measures, a minority of radical voices acted in a polarising way, offering interpretations in terms of spiritual warfare, betrayal of the gospel, and conspiracy theories, and regarding themselves as victims of health policy. It is argued that the Christian tradition is in itself ambiguous and can be used in destructive ways, and that clarification of concepts is a task of public theology. The paper concludes by pointing out opportunities for the contribution of religions to a critical assessment of the handling of this crisis in the state and society.
Die gevolg van die Loedolff-saak van 1862 : ’n rigtingwyser vir die herorganisasie van die NGK-verband na 200 jaar
(University of Stellenbosch, 2024) Van der Merwe, J.M. (Johan Matthys); Johan.vdmerwe@up.ac.za
On the 2nd of November 1824, the first General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) convened in Cape Town. The unity that was established through synodical ties did not last long. In 1862 the denomination was thrown into turmoil when an elder of the church took the church to court. HH Loedolff challenged the participation of congregations outside the Cape colony to be part of the General Synod. After the court ruled in his favour, congregations of the church in the Transgariep established three individual synods, namely, Orange Free State (1864), Natal (1865) and Transvaal (1866). Two hundred years after the first General Synod, the DRC again finds herself in troubled waters with the denomination. Due to decisions taken by the General Synod, regional synods, presbyteries, and congregations want to sever their ties with the General Synod. To save the unity of the church, this can lead to a reorganisation of the church. This article focuses on the events and consequences of the ruling of 1862 to find directives for the current challenges in the church. The author makes use of the study of important literature which entails both primary and secondary sources to explore the topic. Many of the original documents were consulted online from the archives of the Dutch Reformed Church in Stellenbosch.
Belangrikheid van troos in die Heidelbergse Kategismus
(AOSIS, 2024-01-25) Janse van Rensburg, Antoinette
It is known that the Heidelberg Catechism is one of the many catechisms that originated during the 16th-century Reformation. It is also known that the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism made use of existing catechisms. The Heidelberg Catechism consists of three sections, with the famous introduction dealing with us as humans our only comfort in life and death, and that our body and soul belong to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Knowledge of this consolation is divided into three sections: knowledge of our sin and misery, knowledge of our deliverance, and knowledge of how we should be thankful for our deliverance. Throughout the Catechism, the theme of comfort plays an important role. Furthermore, the core of the Heidelberg Catechism deals with our comfort as human beings, as Barth formulates the question: ‘Who is the person who is comforted and how is this comfort given and what does it consist of?’ The question, ‘How is humankind comforted?’ is also a central question, with the answer that through Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are comforted. Therefore, this article focuses on the importance of comfort as a central theme in the Heidelberg Catechism, and even though we know that comfort plays an important role in the Catechism, it is important to be reminded thereof. This article provides a short overview on the Heidelberg Catechism and focuses on the importance of comfort. The findings of the article are clear that comfort plays an important role in the Heidelberg Catechism and to be comforted by Jesus Christ, gives us peace in our everyday life, as stated in the Heidelberg Catechism. This is not new information, but in the light of the fact that the celebration of the Reformation is around the corner, it is important to remember and to celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism and the importance thereof in Reformed theology. CONTRIBUTION : This article focuses on the importance of comfort throughout the Heidelberg Catechism by means of a literature study, highlighting the theme of comfort and the importance thereof. The emphasis on comfort makes the Heidelberg Catechism a unique document and this gives the Catechism its own accent.
Miroslav Volf's theology of memory in relation to Zimbabwean social narratives
(MDPI, 2025-02) Useni, Joseph Chifuniro
The issue of the theology of memory has been acknowledged in a number of Miroslav Volf’s publications, including “The End of Memory”. In light of Volf’s public theology of memory, this article addressed the issue of what should be done for Zimbabweans who witnessed the public tragedies of Gukurahundi, Fast Tracked Land Reform Programme, Murambatsvina, and election-related conflicts and death. Every one of these people has a slightly unique story to tell. Stories on social injustice in Zimbabwe can be told from different kinds of angles. Aspects of Volf’s theology of memory that encourage the development of both new narratives and memories of social injustice narratives are discussed in the article’s conclusion. This article examines social justice in Zimbabwe through an interpretation of Miroslav Volf’s public theology of memory. Miroslav Volf’s theology will be used as a point of departure and critique in this article, along with a mixed approach to qualitative research and the gathering and analysis of the relevant research literature.
“A prince among men” re-examining the relationship between the Church of England in South Africa (CESA), Hedrick Frensch Verwoerd, and the Apartheid State (1954–1966)
(Church History Society of Southern Africa and Unisa Press, 2025-02-03) Mbebe, Daluxolo Gerald; mbebe.dg@tuks.co.za
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was constituted to help South Africa deal with the crime of apartheid. Faith communities were called to account for their actions or inactions because they, too, were actors during the apartheid era. The Church of England in South Africa (CESA) argued that it had been politically neutral. It defended its participation at Prime Minister Hedrick Verwoerd’s funeral as an act of Christian charity and not an indication of its support of the state. This article interrogates this assertion in light of primary written archival sources. It will be argued that the church was not politically neutral during the apartheid years but actively sided with the state and opposed the Church of the Province of South Africa’s (CPSA’s) prophetic stance towards the state. It assisted Verwoerd in political disputes with the Anglican Church and, after his death, mourned him as a friend, not just a statesman. It will be argued that contrary to its submissions and its classification in the TRC Report, the Church of England in South Africa was a supporter of apartheid.
Church and poverty in South Africa : historical analysis and missional ecclesiology
(AOSIS, 2024-12) Prinsloo, Christoffel B.; Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim)
Poverty remains a critical socio-economic challenge in South Africa, deeply rooted in the country’s history of colonialism and apartheid. This article examines the multifaceted role of churches in poverty alleviation efforts in South Africa, spanning both historical and contemporary contexts. Through analysis of historical records and contemporary literature, it argues that while churches have significantly addressed poverty, a more comprehensive and transformative approach is needed. The study proposes adopting a missional ecclesiology framework to enhance the effectiveness of church-led poverty alleviation initiatives, offering insights into how churches can engage more deeply and sustainably in the fight against poverty. CONTRIBUTION: This research contributes to existing scholarship by: (1) Providing a comprehensive historical analysis of church involvement in poverty alleviation in South Africa. (2) Critically examining challenges and opportunities in contemporary church-led poverty alleviation efforts. (3) Proposing missional ecclesiology as a framework for enhancing church-based poverty alleviation initiatives. (4) Offering practical recommendations for churches to address poverty within South Africa’s unique socio-economic context.
Teologie van hoop vir die NG Kerk : ’n vergete versugting?
(AOSIS, 2024-06-07) Kruger, Pieter
During Prof. Piet Meiring’s discussion of the Dutch Reformed Church’s ‘Year of Hope’ in 2001, he argued that the societal issues of reconciliation, poverty and moral regeneration on which the church focused that year, necessitated a theology of hope towards which theologians of different disciplines should contribute. In this article is explored whether to pursue such an endeavour more than two decades since the Year of Hope. Therefore, from a church historiographic viewpoint, aspects of Jürgen Moltmann’s ideas on a theology of hope within a context of injustices are revisited to assert their current relevance. In addition, more recent theological developments concerning the horizontal dimension of Christological hope within society are considered as well. In this regard reference is made to relevant ideas of the Emergent Church movement and its historical continuance. Reflecting on the current South African context and its socio-political, economic and environmental challenges, the need for a theology of hope is considered relevant to the church in order to establish credible relationships and engage strategically with society in need of hope itself. INTRADISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This article contains reviewed material of historical relevance and is, therefore, conducted within the field of Church Historiography. In further consideration of a Theology of Hope the opportunity arises for interdisciplinary collaboration of theological disciplines such as Systematic Theology and Practical Theology.
Theology, philosophy and technology : perspectives from the Hervormde Kerk
(AOSIS, 2024-05) Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim); wim.dreyer@up.ac.za
This contribution is located in the field of Historical Theology. It gives an overview (postWorld War II) of the philosophical-theological discourse on technology and humanity, articulated by academics who were members and ordained ministers of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA). It serves to illustrate the close relationship between theology and philosophy within the theological tradition of the NHKA. The author concludes that there is a growing realisation that it is not primarily about technology anymore, but about humanity. In theology, there is a fundamental concern for the well-being of humanity. Theologians would forsake their responsibility if they would stay quiet on something, which is not only transforming our world view and morality, but humanity itself. CONTRIBUTION: The current discourse on technology tends to be dominated by economists, engineers, information technology specialists, jurists and medical specialists. As a result, technology takes the centre stage, emphasising the benefits of technological progress. Because of the radical impact of technology on humanity, disciplines such as history, philosophy, sociology, psychology and theology are becoming increasingly important discussion partners.
The mission theology of P.S. Dreyer and his contribution to the Maranatha Reformed Church
(AOSIS, 2024-01) Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim); wim.dreyer@up.ac.za
At the University of Pretoria, Historical Theology consists of various sub-disciplines, that is, History of Christianity, History of Doctrine, History of Theology, History of Missions, Church History, and Church Polity. This article is located in History of Missions, as a contribution to the centenary celebration of the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ (MRCC). The main focus of this contribution is an analysis of Prof. P.S. Dreyer’s mission theology as reflected in his publications, and how it shaped the mission policy of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) and the growth of the MRCC. For 35 years (1954–1989), Prof. Dreyer was a member and chairman of the Mission Board of the NHKA. As part-time Superintendent of Mission and chairman of the Board, he not only had many administrative and financial responsibilities, but he also played a role in the establishment of at least 60 congregations in black communities, as well as the theological education of more than 200 MRCC students and ministers. All of this was based on a clear understanding of the nature of the church, as well as the responsibility and calling of the church to proclaim Jesus Christ to all people. CONTRIBUTION: This article addressed the role of theology and individual theologians in the history of the church and mission in South Africa, and how it impacted upon the relationship between different race groups and the development of an indigenous Christianity.
Hagar’s spirituality prior to and after captivity : an African and gendered perspective
(AOSIS, 2024-05) Maseko, Xolani; Soko-de-Jong, Thandi
This study is an exploration of the Hagar narrative from the perspective of African Womanist Theology. The article focuses on the spirituality of Hagar before and after her captivity (Gn 16). The research takes an Afrocentric perspective and uses a postcolonial lens to comment on the preceding text as well as consider how this story is captured in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. At the core of the article is an attempt at reclaiming the African in Hagar who is largely portrayed in the stories of Sarah and Abraham within a Hebrew perspective which itself is arguably imperial. The aim is to inspire modern African women (and in the diaspora) to reclaim their African spirituality within their stories and experiences. Summarily, the article is a critique of the colonial project, slavery and its legacies in dehumanising and disenfranchising people and African knowledge systems. The article is structured as follows: firstly, it introduces the Hagar and/or Hajar traditions from the perspectives of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Secondly, it takes a step back to consider Hagar’s identity as an Egyptian princess before she encountered Sarah and Abraham. The article also discusses how Hagar’s past in Egypt had a bearing on her spiritual encounters when she and her son Ishmael and/or Ismail were exiled. Finally, the article concludes with a recommendation for continued reflection on an African spirituality narrative of the Hagar traditions alongside the predominant narratives from Abrahamic religions. CONTRIBUTION: This article demonstrates that the religious scriptures must be read from liberation perspectives such as the postcolonial paradigm to inspire the recovery of authentic experiences of the oppressed and displaced, and it is an inspiration to African women to reclaim their true identity and spirituality.
Anti-racism and the fight against discrimination today
(Wiley, 2024-07) Pillay, Jerry; Gunda, Masiiwa Ragies
This article explores the efforts of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in combating racism and discrimination, emphasizing the importance of anti-racism rather than non-racism. The article underlines the intersection of racism with climate change and economic inequality, including its compounded impact on marginalized groups. It highlights an epistemology that gave primacy to Western knowledge and ways of knowing and that became a fundamental tool in making enslavement and colonization acceptable to enslaving and colonizing empires. The article outlines the WCC's commitment to anti-racism – which includes awareness campaigns, capacity building, and global advocacy against systemic racism – and underlines the WCC's role in fostering justice and reconciliation within diverse communities.
Augustine on Israel and Jerusalem
(Routledge, 2023) Van Oort, Johannes (Hans)
This essay is written in view of the heartbreaking crisis in the Middle East, especially the terrible Gaza war. What did the influential (and for many still authoritative) church father Augustine think about Israel and Jerusalem? From his entire oeuvre, the texts in which he discusses Israel and Jerusalem have been examined. The conclusion is that he considers their material significance to be of only temporary value: he emphasises their “spiritual” and “eternal” significance. In close connection with his view of salvation history, Augustine never speaks of a lasting land promise for Israel in Palestine: the true Israel is a spiritual entity, as is the true spiritual Jerusalem. Based on his Christian views, Augustine would reject any Zionist zeal for present-day Israel and Jerusalem; and, a fortiori, any current war practice.
Called to Transformation
(Wiley, 2023-07) Pillay, Jerry
Against the background of the document Called to Transformation – Ecumenical Diakonia, published in June 2022 by the World Council of Churches and ACT Alliance, this article argues for a comprehensive approach to diakonia in which community projects and programmes, education, and training should emphasize social justice, people's participation, and the role of people's movements and the need for networking between them. This approach also stresses that diakonia must go beyond mere service, charity, and relief and engage in radical transformation.
Black and slave? 'Mestizo' Augustine on Ham
(AOSIS, 2023-09-20) Van Oort, Johannes (Hans)
After discussing the so-called Ham myth in South Africa, my focus is on the African church father Augustine (354–430). All texts from his immense oeuvre in which he mentions biblical Ham are reviewed in chronological order. In Against Faustus, the story of Noah and his sons is mainly explained as being Christological: Ham figures as a type of the unbelieving Jews who consented to the murder of Christ, but he is also a type of the Jews because he is ‘the slave of his brothers’ carrying the books by which the Christians may be instructed. Later Augustine corrects his confusion of Ham with the slave Canaan. The story of Ham (and Canaan) is most extensively discussed in the City of God. Neither here nor in the Expositions on the Psalms, Ham is described as being black or a slave. The same goes for a number of his other writings. In Augustine’s late works Against Julian and Unfinished Work against Julian, he thoroughly goes into the question of why (although Ham sinned) ‘vengeance was brought upon Canaan’. Augustine perceives God’s prophecy: from Canaan stems the cursed seed [semen maledictum] of the Canaanites. Nowhere, however, he claims that Ham or his descendants would have been cursed to be black or that all of his offspring were condemned to slavery. CONTRIBUTION : This article demonstrates that the Ham myth does not occur in Augustine. It argues that the ‘mestizo’ African Augustine might have been extra sensitive to questions of race and colour.
God, vertroue en twyfel : die vroue in die konsentrasiekampe tydens die Anglo-Boereoorlog
(AOSIS, 2023-09-11) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
Many books and articles have been written on the religious concept of the Afrikaner women who suffered in and survived the concentration camps during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902) in South Africa. It seems as if nothing has been written, though, on their image and understanding of God. This article is an attempt to close the gap in the research. These women’s understanding of God was mainly shaped by the Old Testament. They saw the two Boer republics as the new people of God, elected to exist in freedom, as independent states. To them, God was the God of justice and righteousness, who will defend his chosen people from oppression. The defeat on the battlefield caused a crisis of faith among many women. The war diary of Johanna Brandt (née Van Warmelo) offers useful information about the women’s faith and the shattering of their faith. In the second part of this article, Lutheran perspectives on the God of the Bible and man-made idols are provided as a Christian alternative to the faith of our forefathers. The Psalms and the prophets are also revisited to point out the presence of God, as well as the ethical consequences of the Jewish-Christian religion. CONTRIBUTION : This is probably one of the first articles written on women’s understanding of God, women who were confined to the concentration camps during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899–1902. The main emphasis falls on Johanna Brandt (née Van Warmelo), who was an assistant nurse in the Irene camp, on the outskirts of Pretoria. She formulated her and the other women’s belief in the God of justice. Their understanding of God motivated them to endure the hardships and thousands of deaths in the camps.
Expanding our horizons for new discourses about ʾIslam and Islamic living
(AOSIS, 2023-10-16) Scatolini, Silvio S.S.
This article echoes the calls for systemically revisiting the theo-ontology and epistemology from which discourses on ʾIslām and Islamic living are construed. It highlights some Qurʾānic ideas that could contribute to founding this endeavour and approaches revelation from the Qurʾānic semiotics of divine revelation. Despite referring to the Qurʾānic Text, this contribution is not exegetical. CONTRIBUTION : This article represents a reflection on Islamic fundamental theology. Although the revelation of the Qurʾān has ended, the process of reading, interpreting, and living continues.
Divine omnipresence and human suffering
(Brill Academic Publishers, 2024-02) Antombikums, Aku Stephen
Traditionally, it is believed that God is all-powerful and omnipresent. Given the notion of divine omnipresence, why does it seem like God is absent amidst suffering? This paper presents a philosophical and theological analysis of God’s omnipresence. I hope to show how we may construe a robust and viable doctrine of divine omnipresence amidst suffering. I argue that although God’s presence results in divine action, given that divine action is mostly experienced in a relational, covenantal context, his presence does not always lead to the absence of suffering. Although God is ontologically and maximally omnipresent, he is specially and covenantally present only with those who are open to a relationship with him. His presence with worshippers can be both interventional and noninterventional. In the former, he might remove suffering; in the latter, only inner peace and comfort might be experienced.

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