Barmen and Belhar in conversation – a South African perspective

Authors

  • DJ Smit

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17570/ngtt.2006.v47n1.a27

Keywords:

Confession of Belhar, Barmen Theological Declaration, struggle, apartheid

Abstract

Claiming that the South African Confession of Belhar should be understood in the tradition of the Barmen Theological Declaration, the paper points to historical continuities, formal similarities and shared theological viewpoints. A central section therefore focuses on the theses of Barmen, to reflect on the question why Barmen influenced and inspired so many South African Christians in the struggle against apartheid. A final section then considers the possible contemporary relevance of Barmen and Belhar by asking three questions concerning their potential impact and influence today, namely if their claims are still regarded as true, how they could be embodied, and whether they could contribute to a new language.

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Published

2006-06-30

How to Cite

Smit, D. (2006). Barmen and Belhar in conversation – a South African perspective. NGTT | Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 47(1&2). https://doi.org/10.17570/ngtt.2006.v47n1.a27

Issue

Vol. 47 No. 1&2 (2006)

Section

Articles | Artikels

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