An Apologia – A Word to My Network of Detractors

In I Peter ch 3 v 15 the Christian church is confronted with the words: “always being prepared to make a defense (apologia) to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Writing here on this platform, which is my personal space for reflection, I set out to offer a defense—of that which informs my theological orientation—for the hope that is in me.

On MA Plaatjies-Van Huffel

Yesterday I was completely unsettled, the news of the passing of Prof Mary-Anne Plaatjies van Huffel rendered me utterly speechless. I could not find any adequate language to give expression to the sense of I loss I had and am experiencing – sophistry provided not sympathy, and euphemisms no empathy. Amidst these uncertain times, while we search for new forms of mourning; I still feel pressed to pen some thoughts on the life of Prof MAP – who has now joined the realm of the living dead. In an article titled ‘A History of Gender Insensitivity in URCSA’ (2019), she reflects on her own life—and I think it may be wise to return to this when reflecting on her life and legacy in the days to come.[1] This reflection, then, is an attempt at eulogising an iconic theologian, and is grounded in my experiences.

URCSA 25 Years Later

Sunday, 14 April 2019, marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA). On this historic day, in 1994 days before the first democratic election, a section of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa and Dutch Reformed Mission Church would unite. This union would usher in the unification within the greater …

On Russel Botman

Written as creative assignment for the module Systematic Theology 444, Modern and Contemporary Theology: Thinkers and Themes. Later this month the fourth annual Russel Botman Annual Lecture will be held at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Theology. This commemoration nudges the South African religious community to reflect anew on the life and work of Hayman Russel …

Scripture and Sexuality?

I always employ some sense of suspicion when in conversation the Bible is considered point of departure for discussing sexuality. Still, there are those who – out of genuine faith – hold the Bible to be the inspired Word of G-d. With this as frame, I now attend to the discuss what the Bible may …

On James Cone

Few would disagree that the work of the American Black theologian James Cone shook the very foundations of theology. In like manner, the passing of the father of Black Theology challenges us anew our commitment to the practice of justice. If anything, the present moment may well be better understood in light of Cone’s words: …

On Karl Barth

Across the various disciplines of theology, few twentieth century theologians are held in a high regard as the Swiss-born Karl Barth (1886-1968). Barth’s contribution to theology cannot be overstated. A serious grappling with his thought and the tradition in which he located himself warrants a discussion. As such, the present article notes the three keys …