Botha, JG

University of Stellenbosch

‘We owe the world good theology’: On Reformed faith and public theology

ABSTRACT

In this article certain perspectives found in the numerous publications by Dirkie Smit are related to three emphases in the legacy of German pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In thought as well as in praxis, Bonhoeffer 1) emphasised the importance of being there for and with others and 2) responded to the challenges of the immediate, complex context – the world – in which he was called to live and witness. 3) Finally Bonhoeffer, as a dedicated student of theology, emphasised the need for good theology in order to make a well-informed and well-grounded response to public discourse and life.

“Good theology connects that which is enduringly important with what is currently urgent”

(Wolfgang Huber, 2004:39. Italics – JGB)

1. INTRODUCTION

In this tribute to Dirkie Smit I present a perspective on Reformed faith and public theology as it is evident from his life and work.1 Aspects gleaned from a selection of his numerous publications2 are related to three emphases that are evident in the legacy of the well known German pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer.3

In his thoughts and praxis Bonhoeffer firstly emphasised the importance of being there with and for others. Secondly, his theological reflection and praxis were always related to the challenges of the immediate, complex context – the world – in which he was called to live and witness. Thirdly, he emphasised the need for good theology, as a well informed and responsible response to public discourses and life.

Through the years I observed similar emphases to Bonhoeffer’s in the theological work of Dirkie Smit. He too consciously developed his own theological witness through serious conversation with numerous others. Secondly, he also thoroughly considers his context, the public within which he has to make choices and contribute theologically. Thirdly, Smit consistently produces thoroughly discerned theological perspectives of high standard.4 In what follows I will show the existence of these three emphases – which can be summarised in the statement in the title of this article: We owe the world good theology – in the methodology and content of Smit’s theology.

2. WE OWE THE WORLD GOOD THEOLOGY …

2.1 In 1929, in his doctoral dissertation Sanctorum Communio (The Community of the Saints) (SC), Bonhoeffer – only 21 years old at the time! – discerned the core foundations for living, for being involved in and for doing theology together, in community. The young scholar convincingly argued that the metaphysics of sociality forms the foundation of human community (SC 229). One becomes a person only in relationship with others. The individual does not exist alone but only “through others.” Bonhoeffer was convinced that one’s entire spirituality is interwoven with sociality and is founded on the basic relationship of you and I5. This existence in relationship with one another (mit einander) is a God ordained togetherness. It is a sharing of love; a longing not to have more than the other; a being Christ for one another.6 In his 1933 work, Schöpfung und Fall (Lectures on Creation and Fall) (SF), Bonhoeffer also insisted that one only has freedom in relation to others since one only is free “for the other,” i.e. for God and for the neighbour. This freedom is constituted by the image of God in each of us (SF 39-44; cf. also Botha 1992:46ff).

In his lectures on the nature of the church (Gesammelte Schriften V (GS V) 227-275) Bonhoeffer relates theology, i.e. knowledge of God, with knowledge of the congregation, acknowledging the congregation and the togetherness of its members, as a pre-requisite for theology and as the triumph over erroneous Protestant subjectivism (ibid 239). At a time when the German ideology and theology of superiority and separation grew in popularity, Bonhoeffer argued that it is on the basis of the “we,” the togetherness of the congregants, the consciousness of being in community mit einander (with one another) and für einander (for one another), that theology becomes possible and meaningful.

2.2 The manner in which Dirkie Smit fulfils his task as student and teacher of theology reveals how highly he appreciates, values and practises this being in community. It resembles his own conviction that knowledge of God, i.e. thorough, good theology is to be sought with other

believers, with other members in the body of Christ, with other scholars in the field of theology.

Smit’s 1988 tribute to his predecessor in the chair of systematic theology at Stellenbosch, Willie Jonker, clearly underscores this point of departure.7 It gives a clear and informative account of the broad and very influential teachings of Jonker. Furthermore, it serves not only as an excellent example of Smit’s ability to identify the core arguments in the theological contributions of others, but also shows how frequently he himself chooses to defend the truth and applicability of their theological insights in contexts in which he himself works and is called to witness. At the same time the tribute clearly reveals Smit’s own theological roots as well as his sensitivity for the foundational, catholic and inclusive nature of the church.8 Smit, for example, reminds the reader of Jonker’s conviction that Reformed theology in essence is catholic in its striving to hold on to the complete truth (“die katolisiteit van die waarheid”) (Smit 1989:21). Thus, in Reformed theology, we are taught to listen with fairness to viewpoints which, in our sincere efforts to comprehend fully, may be in conflict with our own, and to accept that they may contain hidden truths overlooked by ourselves. We have to listen carefully, stay constantly vigilant and guard against one-sidedness in our own perspectives and tendencies to adhere to only one truth or favourite subject since truth is more than only some important themes. In fact, we should invite dialogue and critique as it is essential in order for theology to stay alive. This is also why Smit recalls Jonker’s outspoken pathos for the One Church of Jesus Christ, his continued positive attitude towards membership of the SACC by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC)9 and his insistence that the ties between the DRC and the Dutch churches should be cultivated and not be broken. At a time when others strongly advised against it, Jonker was convinced that the DRC should participate in broader ecumenical involvement because he believed that: a church that separates her from others dies (In Smit 1989a:20. Italics – JGB). Differences of opinion may often lead to a clearer vision of the truth, since no single person or tradition has sole ownership of the truth. There therefore exists a certain tension in the relationship between truth and unity (cf. Jonker in Smit, ibid).

However, an important caveat in Jonker’s theology that Smit mentions – and something that surely played a role in his own career when confronted with the situation facing the church that lead up to the formulation and acceptance of the Confession of Belhar – is that if the drive for unity, based on non-theological grounds, stands in the way of the truth, in Jonker’s words, “the truth should have preference” (cf. Jonker 1987a on catholicity, unity and truth; cf. also Jonker 1984 specifically in the context of the Confession of Belhar).10 This attitude of Jonker’s and Smit’s also reminds one of Bonhoeffer who in 1935 opposed the notion in the ecumenical dogma of the time that claimed that each part of the Christian community contributes its perspective to the whole and that truth therefore only exists in unity.11

What Smit learnt from and clearly appreciates in his mentor’s theological oeuvre is evident in his own. Smit is highly respected in the church and by colleagues throughout the theological world for his ability to grasp historical and contemporary trends in the vast field of theology; for his impressive knowledge of so much of the theology that has been and is still produced today; for his sharp insight into contemporary debates and discourses; for his ability to discern and to integrate the insights contemporary theologians and of those from former times; and particularly, for his ability to relate fundamental theological insights to contemporary challenges and thus to facilitate the development of necessary discernment in the church. Despite this, Smit consciously and deliberately prefers not to work on his own, for himself. He prefers to do-theology-with-others, in community, with an openness to others, whom he sees as co-workers and co-witnesses to the truth, conscious of and continuously recognising that which is of value and worth in able older and younger voices.

As to his motives for working with and for deliberately giving credit to others for their contributions, Smit’s inaugural address in 2002 at the Theological Faculty of Stellenbosch also serves an outstanding example.12 The impressive subtext of this intriguing address is developed in numerous elaborate footnotes through which he indicates his relation to, his gratitude towards and appreciation of his fellow-theologians over the years. He for example, quotes Wainwright (1981)13 with approval saying that the theology we practice in essence occurs towards God (2002a:126), and uses Jean Leclercq’s (1988)14 phrase to describe theology as something that unites the love of learning with the desire for God (ibid). Theology thus has to do with our worship of God and with our vocation. The study of theology, Smit continues, can only be done ‘in service of the languages of Canaan,’ in community and tradition; in and for discipleship; with friends and for friends; and, with reference to Noordmans (1980)15, for sinners and beggars, for the world.

3. WE OWE THE WORLD GOOD THEOLOGY …

3.1 From works by Bonhoeffer it is evident that his theology, though originally more philosophical and academic in nature, e.g. Sanctorum Communio (1929) and Akt und Sein,(Act and Being) (1931) it became more focused from within and towards the church, as was the case with Das Wesen der Kirche (The nature of the church) (1932) and Schöpfung und Fall (Creation and Fall) (1933), Nachfolge (The cost of discipleship) (1933) and Gemeinsames Leben (Life together) (1938) and it eventually developed into a fully involved public theology as one finds in Ethics (1940-1943) and Letters and Papers from prison (1943-1945). Bonhoeffer’s theology informed his relationships with and for others as well as his choices and actions during extremely trying times (e.g. to become actively involved in the German resistance movement). He clearly understood that we owe our theology, our knowledge of God, to the other, to the public, to the world.

To put it differently: At no point is Bonhoeffer’s theology understandable without pointing to the 2here and now” of his time (Bethge 1979:144, 149; Botha 1992a:116ff). De Gruchy (1972:59) makes a similar remark when he indicates that although Bonhoeffer’s theology supersedes the situation in which it was formed because of the quality of truth it usually carried, it can only be fully grasped in relation to its original context. Thus his biographer Bethge could convincingly show how Bonhoeffer’s theology was essentially related to the questions of his day. For example, according to Bethge, in the 1920s Bonhoeffer said to the theologians: Your theme is the church! In the 1930s he said to the church: Your theme is the world! And, in the 1940s, Bonhoeffer said to the world: Your theme of abandonment is God’s own theme and with that He does not trick you from experiencing full life, but indeed unlocks it for you! (cf. Bethge 1955:7-25; Botha 1992a:6-19)

3.2 Dirkie Smit, in a tribute to P.C. Potgieter (2002b), former professor of systematic theology at the University of the Orange Free State and moderator of the General Synod of the DRC, emphasises the fact that, unlike many other faith communities, the very nature of Reformed faith, its deepest convictions and pathos, makes it impossible for Reformed Christians to avoid involvement in society but obliges them to be consciously at the service of renewal and change (ibid 126). The essay demonstrates how a dual emphasis, of simultaneous affirmation and critical renewal, is rooted in the heart of the Reformed vision itself. The latter Smit describes, with reference to John Leith (1981),16 as “a way of being the Christian community in the world, before God” (ibid 127; cf. also Smit 2004d). No wonder that Smit, especially within the broader ecumenical context, over the years often reflected on the question of the contextualisation of Reformed theology and the importance of the contextualisation of theology from a Reformed perspective (cf. 1987a, 1989b, 2003a).

With this conviction of Smit’s in mind, on closer scrutiny of some of his other publications since the 1980s, it is easy to identify certain prominent themes in his work which also mirrors some of the burning issues and challenges that faced South African society over the past almost three decades. A few examples will have to suffice: At a time of tremendous ideological and theological conflict in the country, Smit (1986) addressed a UNISA conference on reconciliation and construction, reflecting on the symbol of reconciliation and ideological conflict. In 1994/5 he took part in the public discourse on ethics, producing a series of four papers on the issue of the public morality: (a) discussing the question on what kind of ethics would be appropriate in this new era (1994); (b) asking whether we need a common moral language (1995a); (c) reflecting on developing suitable grammar for a life together (1995b); and (d) pondering on the nature and authority of church documents on public life (1995 with D.E. de Villiers; cf. also Smit 1997). Being deeply committed to the Bible as the revealed Word of God,17 Smit also focused on its relation to the ethos of the new South Africa, in particular the relationship between the ethics of the New Testament and life in our country (e.g. 1991, 1992b).

Other complex and important issues caught Smit’s attention late in the 1980s and early in the 1990s. Of particular importance was the development of his thoughts on the guilt question, for example with reference to the theology and praxis of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Equally important were his insights on guilt in the light of the truth and reconciliation process, the function of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (1995a), and his fundamental perspectives on truth and reconciliation from the Christian tradition – the latter includes reflections on memory and confession; confession and guilt; guilt and truth; truth and forgiveness; confession to and forgiving one another; public confession and objections to confession-guilt-truth-and-forgiveness (1996a).

The unique public role of the church (1996b, 1996c, 2003c, 2004a, 2006a); our vocation as Christians in the world of work (2001, 2002d); social challenges, such as poverty, that face or faced the church have and still receive Smit’s attention (2004c, 2004e). In addition, regarding economic challenges, he reflected on the matter of Reformed ethics and economic justice (1996d); gave a Reformed perspective on the challenges facing Protestantism and ecumenism in a time of global transformation (2002c); discerned the need for a possible confession in relation to justice and the global economy (2003b); commented on the question of whether human dignity and human rights can be applied as possible guiding principles for the economy (2004 with Nico Koopman). Finally, Dirkie Smit has for years provided substantial and precious spiritual guidance to Christians by way of the popular press in his weekly column, Geestelike Waardes, in a major Afrikaans daily newspaper.18

All of the above convincingly illustrates Smit’s deep conviction that theology also has to do with what occurs in the world around us and should therefore be highly interested and deeply involved in what goes on in society, in the fullness of culture, in economy and politics. Theology wants to serve the open and public church, public life in the polis and the salvation of the world. Although it should always clearly present its contributions with humility, faith - and therefore theology - is irrevocably contextual, meant for everyday life. Theology can and should help the faithful to see the fullness of life, to reflect on it and to discuss it according to the grammar of faith, the rules of the gospel for speech and life. This should be done within the community of the faithful as well as in society at large. Theology must result in the communication of the gospel. But this communication has to be filled with a good grasp of the essence of the matter, of that which essentially matters, of the content of the gospel (cf. Smit 2002a). This brings the good theology that we owe the world into focus.

4. WE OWE THE WORLD GOOD THEOLOGY …

4.1 Dietrich Bonhoeffer emphasised the need for good theology. In the July 1932 Bonhoeffer, amidst extremely dangerous developments within and outside Germany, in reading these ‘signs of the times,’ addressed a youth conference on peace in Ciernohorské Kupele in Czecho-Slovakia. His contribution was titled: “On the Theological basis of the work of the World Alliance.” (Bonhoeffer referred here to the World Alliance of Churches, a forerunner of the WCC.)19 Even if, according to Eberhard Bethge (1985:183ff), his contribution may have seemed unimportant and tedious to some in the audience, it was however extremely important to the ecumenical movement and with that to the Christian witness of the time. In his address Bonhoeffer was critical of the lack of thorough theological discernment in the ecumenical movement. His introductory statement, “there is no theology of the ecumenical movement” made this abundantly clear (cf. GS I, 159-161). He criticised the older leaders of the ecumenical movement for refraining from establishing a theological foundation for their work and judged ecumenical committees to be ad hoc bodies that depend on the changes in political climate (Bethge 1985:184). Without an ecumenical theology, Bonhoeffer was convinced that the ecumenical movement was defenceless against attacks on world peace from political powers. Bonhoeffer argued that at the time, i.e. the early 1930s, ecumenical thinking was clearly dependant on political influences like nationalism and internationalism and in this context he pleaded for greater theological responsibility. He stated that the down-playing of theology by its “practitioners” should be stopped and appealed for good theology on behalf of the German youth who were living in extremely difficult and dangerous socio-political times. In 1933 the National-Socialist Party of Adolf Hitler won political power in Germany and nationalism associated with denominationalism was propagated by German theologians with high public standing, such as Althaus and Hirsch (Bethge ibid, 183ff). Bonhoeffer realised that the ecumenical movement did not give the youth any theological anchors against these waves that rolled over them from all sides, since those within the movement neglected to produce the substantial theological guidance within which ecumenical work should be done (cf. GS I 141).

The address above was given not long after Bonhoeffer was prompted to take ethics more seriously and ascribe greater value to social involvement during his studies at Union Theological Seminary in the USA in 1931/2 – this did however not prevent him from being deeply troubled by what he perceived as a lack of real theological discernment in the training of the American theological students.20 In his later lectures on the essence of the church, Bonhoeffer reiterated that no Protestant sermon or confession is possible without theology. For him theology was the first task of the church. He was convinced that neither creed nor cult nor real religiosity brings forth a good sermon and so he judged an arrogant attitude towards theology as both misplaced and distasteful (DWK in GS V 260).

In 1933, when the so-called ‘German Christians’ took over the government of the German Evangelical Church, Bonhoeffer stopped teaching theology at the University of Berlin and became a congregational pastor in London. As a small parting gift Bonhoeffer gave his students a fine essay titled What must a student of theology do today? (cf. Bethge 1985:251; Rothuizen 1970). In it he expressly forbade them to speak contemptuously of theological learning, urged them to test the spirits of the Church, and ‘… to live not by superior knowledge or self-righteousness, but by forgiveness alone’ (Bethge 1985:252).

Later, in June 1934, when Bonhoeffer was requested to teach theological students for the Confessing Church, his remarks in a letter to his friend Sutz are significant. In it one sees not only that he thought the teaching of theology was important, but was convinced ‘… that young theologians ought now to be trained throughout in conventional seminaries where the pure doctrine [orthodoxy – JGB], the Sermon on the Mount [orthopraxis – JGB] and worship [doxology – JGB] are taken seriously as they never are at a university’ (Bethge 1985:334).

4.2 As with Bonhoeffer, Dirkie Smit does not only take the current context very seriously, but is equally serious about understanding the fundamental theological questions that have bearing on the challenges that face the church in the world today. This can again be substantiated by taking note of some of the recurring emphases found in his publications since the 1980s. I will illustrate this with reference to Smit’s development of three of these emphases in fundamental theological reflection.

Over time Dirkie Smit developed a keen interest in hermeneutics, in how we come to know and really grasp the meaning of the Biblical text we read. Smit frequently endeavoured to shed light on the complicated hermeneutical process, not only because of the differences in which individual believers, churches, and traditions read and understand Scripture, but also because of the possibilities these differences present for discussion, communication and mutual understanding as well as for real community, for life together and for working together. At the same time the question as to the boundaries of tolerance of differences in understanding, as to where the limits of the meaning of Biblical texts in one’s own community and traditions are overstepped also occupied Smit’s mind. (cf. 2002:111).

The thorough research and reflection that characterise all of Smit’s work is also evident in the various articles and books he published on this topic (cf. e.g. Smit 1987b, 1998a, 1998b). In his recent, highly acclaimed and informative book on hermeneutics, Neem, lees! Hoe ons die Bybel hoor en verstaan (2006b), Smit explores the ways in which the Bible relates to our everyday lives and indicates how Scripture, as God’s Word, speaks to multitudes of people finding themselves in different circumstances with real, life-changing effect21 He also aligns himself with Willie Jonker’s view that for the Reformation, the Bible alone had the highest and final authority for the life and teaching of the church – it was the norm by which everything else is measured, the last referee in all disputes, the source and norm for the confession and proclamation of the church (2006b:182).

A second frequent emphasis in Smit’s published works is on the identity and nature of Reformed theology and spirituality (cf. e.g. 1989c, 1998c, 2002b). Well aware of the multifaceted and complex character of the Reformed tradition he recently again picked up on the theme he addressed earlier, namely Reformed theology as a story of many stories (cf. 1992c, 2004f). However, as is clear from another recent article, he also continues to deal with the important question whether or how we can still be Reformed in our encounter with the broader ecumenical church (cf. 2003d).

Finally, Smit served the church locally (in particular the churches in the DRC family) and internationally (particularly those within the World Alliance of Reformed Churches) with his valuable and informative reflections on the nature and reception of confessions in general (cf. 1984a, 1984b, 1998d, 2000, 2002e, 2006d). In addition to this Smit, as co-author of the Confession of Belhar (1982), diligently and skilfully explain its origin, content, reception and relevance for Reformed churches. This he does in lectures to his students and to the church at large in addresses in various church forums and in regular, illuminative publications (cf. esp. 1984a, 1984b, 1984c, 2006c). Smit’s continuous efforts in this regard are particularly valuable and meaningful because confessions, always focus our attention on the heart of the Biblical teaching, on the heart of our faith. In addition, deliberations on and decisions in favour of or against the adoption of a particular confession by churches, their individual members or congregations, as was the case with Belhar in (1982), diligently and skilfully explain its origin, content, reception and relevance for

Reformed churches. This he does in lectures to his students and to the church at large in addresses in various church forums and in regular, illuminative publications (cf. esp. 1984a, 1984b, 1984c, 2006c). Smit’s continuous efforts in this regard are particularly valuable and meaningful because confessions, always focus our attention on the heart of the Biblical teaching, on the heart of our faith. In addition, deliberations on and decisions in favour of or against the adoption of a particular confession by churches, their individual members or congregations, as was the case with Belhar in the former DRMC and is currently the case in the wider Reformed family, ask for exceptional discernment and wisdom.22

5. CONCLUSION

In a recent publication Was ist gute Theologie?, of which he also was the editor, Wolfgang Huber (2004:39) argues that good theology connects that which is enduringly important with what is currently urgent. Good theology, he writes, serves the Christian faith in drawing from the latter’s origins and historical shapes in its encounter with the consciousness of truth in the present. Furthermore, according to Huber, good theology involves itself in this process with a scientific spirit (Wissenschaftlicheit) in order to discern wisely. In good theology: accuracy is as appropriate as intelligibility; both passion and the sober gaze of scientific critique imprint the quest for God (Gottesfrage); serves both those who are at home (beheimatet) in the faith as well as the many who do not know this home. Good theology subjects itself to the norms of good science, but at the same time it is open to public debate; it knows that theology is not the only language of faith, since the language of prayer points beyond it, and it knows what the differences are between the languages of theology and prayer; and finally, good theology does exist. However, continues Huber, it is clear that there is no over-supply thereof, as those who read theological texts, are involved with theological examinations, or hope for discernment at theological conferences, are indeed conscious of.

In my opinion Wolfgang Huber accurately captures the essence of good theology and it applies remarkably well to the theological legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as well as to the theological contributions of Dirkie Smit. It is obvious – from the issues Smit chose to reflect upon amidst a myriad of contenders for his theological attention, from his methodology of consciously doing theology with others, and the contents of his reflections – that his theology continuously connects that which is enduringly important with what is currently urgent.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bethge, E. 1979. Bonhoeffer – An illustrated introduction. London: Collins.

1955. Die mündige Welt I. München: Kaiser Verlag.

1985. Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Theologian, Christian, Contemporary. London: Collins.

Bonhoeffer, D. 1927. Sanctorum Communio – Eine dogmatische untersuchung zur Soziologie der Kirche. München: Kaiser Verlag.

1964. Akt und Sein. München: Kaiser Verlag.

1965-1974. Gesammelte Schriften I-VI. Eberhard Bethge (ed). München: Kaiser Verlag.

1953. Letters and Papers from Prison. Eberhard Bethge (ed) (translated by Reginald E. Fuller and Frank Clark). London: SCM.

1978. Ethics. London: SCM Press.

1933. Shöpfung und Fall. München: Kaiser Verlag.

Botha, J.G. (et al) (eds). 1989. Confessing guilt in South Africa – the responsibility of churches and individual Christians. Johannesburg: SACC.

1992a. Confessing guilt and vicarious action - A systematic-theological research about the role of the guilt question in the thoughts and praxis of Dietrich Bonhoeffer between the years 1924-1945. Doctoral thesis University of the Western Cape, 1989. Published in Teks en Konteks series, no. 5. Belville: UWC.

1992b. “Skuldbelydenis – die weg tot ‘n nuwe begin. Belangrike perspektiewe uit die lewe en werk van Dietrich Bonhoeffer tussen 1924 en 1938.” Apologia, Vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 26-43.

1996. “On dealing with South-Africa’s past - Bonhoeffer and guilt.” Unpublished address delivered at the International Bonhoeffer Conference, Cape Town. 10 January 1996.

Botha J.G. & Naudé, P. 1998. Die Belydenis van Belhar – goeie nuus vir gister, vandag en more. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Botha J.G. & Smit D.J. 1991. “Skuldbelydenis en plaasbekleding in die denke en praxis van Dietrich Bonhoeffer.” NGTT, Vol. XXXII, No 1, Maart 1991, pp. 86-101.

G. D. Cloete, G.D. & Smit, D.J. (eds). 1984. A moment of truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans/ ‘n Oomblik van waarheid. Kaapstad: Tafelberg.

De Gruchy, J.W. 1972. The dynamic structure of the church. An exposition and comparative analysis of the ecclesiologies of Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Unpublished doctoral thesis. Pretoria: Unisa.

De Villiers, D.E. & Smit, D.J. 1995. “‘Met watter gesag sê u hierdie dinge?’ Opmerkings oor kerklike dokumente oor die openbare lewe.” Skrif en Kerk, Jrg 16 (1), pp. 39-56.

Huber, W. (ed). 2004. Was ist gute Theologie? Stuttgart: Kreuz Verlag. Godsey, J. 1960. The theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. London: SCM Press.

Jonker W.D. 1984. “Response on: The characteristics of heresy and the defense of apartheid as Christian. B. Gayba.” In Smit DJ (ed), Theology – Confession – Politics, Teks and Konteks series, no. 3. Bellville: UWC, pp. 115-119.

– 1987. Catholicity, unity and truth. Grand Rapids, MI: REC.

Koopman, N.N. & Smit, D.J. 2004. “Human dignity and human rights as guiding principle for the economy? Comments from a theological perspective.” Paper read during Consultation between Beyers Naudé Centre and Evangelical Academies of Bad Boll and Arnoldshain, Bad Boll, Germany, Dec 1-4, 2004. Rothuizen, G.Th. 1970. Wat is theologie? Bonhoeffers laatste woord tot zijn studenten. Kampen: Kok.

Smit, D.J. 1984a. “... in a special way the God of the destitute, the poor and the wronged...” In Cloete, G.D. & D.J. Smit (reds). 1984. A moment of truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans/ ‘n Oomblik van waarheid, Kaapstad: Tafelberg. pp. 5366, 127150.

– 1984b. “What does status confessionis mean?” In Cloete, G.D. & D.J. Smit (eds). 1984. A moment of truth. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, pp. 732.

1984c. “A status confessionis in South Africa?” JTSA Vol 47, pp. 2146.

1986. “The symbol of reconciliation and ideological conflict.” In Voster, W.S. (ed). 1986. Reconciliation and construction. Pretoria: UNISA, pp. 79112.

1987a. “Contextualizing Reformed theology.” RES Theological Forum, Nov 1987, Vol. XV/4, pp. 1417.

1987b. Hoe verstaan ons wat ons lees? ‘n Dink- en werkboek oor die hermeneutiek…vir predikers en studente. Kaapstand: NG Kerk-Uitgewers. Cape Town: NG Kerk-Uitgewers.

1988. “Wat is Gereformeerde spiritualiteit?” NGTT, April 1988/2, pp. 182193.

1989a. “‘..om saam met al die heiliges Christus te ken.’ Persoonlike indrukke van ‘n ekumeniese waarheidsoeke.” In Theron, P.F. & J. Kinghorn (reds). 1989. Koninkryk, kerk en kosmos: huldigingsbundel ter ere van Prof. W.D. Jonker. Bloemfontein: Pro-Christo Publikasies, pp. 11-32.

1989b. “Contextualising Reformed Theology.” In Van Houten, R (ed). Christ’s rule: A light for every corner. Grand Rapids, MI: REC, pp. 107114.

1989c. “Kan spiritualiteit beskryf word?” NGTT 1989/1, pp. 83-94.

1991. “The Bible and ethos in a new South Africa.” Scriptura, 37, pp. 51-67.

1992a. “Kerkeenheid in die ekumene.” Apologia, vol.7, 1&2, pp.43-52.

1992b. “Oor ‘Nuwe Testamentiese etiek’, die Christelike lewe en Suid-Afrika vandag.” In Breytenbach, C. & B.C. Lategan (reds). 1992. Geloof en opdrag. Scriptura S9a, pp. 303-325.

1992c. “Reformed theology in South Africa: A story of many stories.” Acta Theologica 12/1, pp. 88-110.

1994. “Etiek na Babel? Vrae rondom moraliteit en die openbare gesprek in Suid-Afrika vandag.” NGTT, 1994/1, pp. 82-92.

1995a. “Het Suid-Afrika ‘n gemeenskaplike morele taal nodig?” HTS , 51/1, Maart 1995, pp. 65-84.

1995b. “Oor die skepping van ‘n grammatika van saamleef.” HTS 51/1, Maart 1995, pp. 85-107.

1995c. “The truth and reconciliation commission - Tentative religious and theological perspectives.” JTSA, 90, 1995/1, pp. 3-16.

1996a. “Confession-Guilt-Truth-and-Forgiveness in the Christian tradition.” In Botman, H.R . & R.M. Petersen (eds). 1996. To Remember and to heal, Theological and Psychological Reflections on Truth and Reconciliation Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, pp. 96-117.

1996b. “Oor die kerk as ‘n unieke samelewingsverband.” Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe, Jaargang 36/2, pp. 119-129.

1996c. “Oor die unieke openbare rol van die kerk.” Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe, Jaargang 36/3, pp. 190-204.

1996d. “Reformed ethics and economic justice.” NGTT, XXXVII/3, pp. 438-455.

1997. “Liturgy and life? On the importance of worship for Christian ethics.” In De Villiers, D.E. (ed). 1997. Christian Ethics in South Africa.” Scriptura, 62, pp. 259-280.

1998a. “Biblical Hermeneutics: the first 19 centuries.” In Maimela, S & A. König (eds). 1998. Initiation into Theology. The rich variety of theology and hermeneutics. Pretoria: Van Schaik, pp. 275-296.

1998b. “Biblical hermeneutics: the 20th century.” In Maimela, S. & A. König (eds). 1998. Initiation into Theology. The rich variety of theology and hermeneutics. Pretoria: Van Schaik, pp. 297-317.

1998c. “Wat beteken ‘Gereformeerd’?” In Boesak, W.A. & P.J. Fourie (reds), Vraagtekens oor die Gereformeerde integriteit. Kaapstad: LUS, pp. 20-37

1998d. “Das Bekenntnis von Belhar: Entstehung, Inhalt, Rezeption, Relevanz.” In Das Bekenntnis von Belhar und seine Bedeutung für die reformierten Kirchen in Deutschland,. 1998. Detmold: Lippische Landeskirche, pp. 17-33.

2000. “Social transformation and confessing the faith? Karl Barth’s views on confession revisited.” Scriptura 72, 2000:1, pp. 76-86.

2001. “Church and Work? Questions concerning the Christian view of calling.” In Botha, J.G. (ed). 2001. Work as Calling and Worship. Challenging thoughts for our day. Wellington: Lux Verbi-BM, pp. 9-32.

2002a. “In diens van die tale Kanaäns? Oor sistematiese teologie vandag.” NGTT, 43, no’s 1&2, Maart & Junie 2002, pp. 112-123.

2002b. “Christ transforming culture”? Nagedink oor die aard van die gereformeerde geloof.” In Essentialia et Hodierna.Oblata P C Potgieter. (Acta Theologica Supplementum 3), pp. 125-149.

2002c. “Protestantism and ecumenism in a time of global transformations: a Reformed perspective.” Reformed World, Vol. 52, Number 3, September 2002, pp. 107-117.

2002d. “Oor roeping en arbeid in Protestantse etiek.” Verbum et Ecclesia, 23 (2), pp. 481-501.

2002e. “Bely en beliggaam.” In Coertzen, P. (red). 350 jaar Gereformeerd/350 Years Reformed. Bloemfontein: CLF, pp. 357-371.

2002f. “Deel van ‘Kerk’ deur die eeue? – die werklike kerk op soek na die ware kerk.” In Burger, C.W. & I. Nell (reds). 2002. Draers van die waarheid: Nuwe Testamentiese visies vir die gemeente,. Matieland: Buvton, pp. 243-258.

2003a. “ ‘No other motives would give us the right’– Reflections on contextuality from a Reformed perspective.” In Brinkman, M.E. and D. van der Keulen (eds). 2003. Studies in Reformed Theology 8. Christian Identity in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Zoetermeer: Meinema, pp. 130-159.

2003b. “A time for confession? On the WARC project “Reformed faith and economic justice.” NGTT, 44, no.’s 3&4, Sept & Des 2003, pp. 478-499.

2003c. “Openbare getuienis en publieke teologie vandag? Vrae oor verskeie vanselfsprekende voorveronderstellings.” Scriptura, 82, pp. 39-48.

2003d. “Can we still be Reformed? Questions from a South African perspective.” In Alston, W. & M . Welker

(eds). 2003. Reformed theology: Identity and ecumenicity. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, pp. 233-253.

2004a. “On the impact of the church in South Africa after the collapse of the apartheid regime.” In Bediako, K. (et al) (eds). 2004. A new day dawning. African Christians living the gospel. Zoetemeer: Boekencentrum, pp. 128-149.

2004b. “Could being Reformed have made a difference? On practical theology and ethics in South Africa.” Contribution at Third Consultation of the Center of Theological Inquiry. Princeton, on Reformed theology: Identity and Ecumenicity, April 2004.

2004c. “Oor die kerk en maatskaplike uitdagings in ons land.” NGTT, 45, 2. Supplementum, pp. 350-362.

2004d. Stukkies van die hemel op aarde.Wellington: Lux Verbi.BM.

2004e. “Sien, nadink, doen? Oor teologie en armoede.” NGTT, 45, 2. Supplementum, pp. 180-196.

2004f. “On adventures and misfortunes – more stories about Reformed theology in South Africa.” Studies in Reformed Theology, pp. 208-235.

2006a. “Christian public witness and human freedom denied? A response from the perspective of Reformed public theology in South Africa.” Kuyper Lecture on Reformed Theology and Public Life, Kuyper Center for Public Theology, Princeton New Jersey, 7 April 2006 (to be published).

2006b. Neem, lees! Oor die hooren verstaan van die Bybel. Wellington: LuxVerbi-BM.

2006c. “Barmen and Belhar in conversation – A South African perspective.” NGTT 47, 1&2, pp. 291-302.

2006d. “‘Bevrydende waarheid?’ – Nagedink oor die aard van die Gereformeerde belydenis.” Acta Theologica 26/1, pp. 134-158.

2007. “On Belonging – Doing Theology Together.” (to be published).

Wainwright, G. 1997. Worship with one accord – Where liturgy and ecumenism embrace. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Curriculum Vitae – Dirk Jocobus Smit. (Online) http://academic.sun.ac.za/theology/Profiles/profile_documents/CV_DJ_Smit_Complete.doc Accessed 26 February 2007

KEY WORDS

Dirkie Smit, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theological contribution and methodology, Public theology, Reformed faith

TREFWOORDE

Dirkie Smit, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Teologiese bydrae en metodologie, Publieke teologie, Gereformeerde geloof

Dr JG Botha

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7535 BELLVILLE

Tel.:(021) 975 7184

E-pos: kga2@kaapkerk.co.za