AFRIKANER CALVINISM Meaning and
Definition
-
Afrikaner Calvinism refers to a religious and ideological movement that emerged among the Afrikaner population in South Africa during the 19th and 20th centuries. It is deeply rooted in the Reformed tradition of Calvinist theology that originated in Europe during the Protestant Reformation. Afrikaner Calvinism combines religious beliefs with cultural and political notions, representing a unique expression of Calvinism within the Afrikaner community.
The core tenets of Afrikaner Calvinism include a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible as the infallible Word of God, and the belief in predestination, which posits that God has predetermined the eternal fate of every individual. This deterministic view has particular implications for the understanding of socio-political issues, often leading to a conservative and traditionalist stance on matters such as race, culture, and social order.
Afrikaner Calvinism played a significant role in shaping Afrikaner identity, particularly during the apartheid era when it became intertwined with political ideologies that supported racial segregation and the preservation of Afrikaner cultural distinctiveness. Its adherents regarded the Afrikaner people as God's chosen nation, called to fulfill a divine mission in South Africa.
While Afrikaner Calvinism has evolved over time and undergone shifts in its influence and prominence, it still holds a place of significance in the religious and cultural landscape of South Africa, with various churches, theological institutions, and intellectual traditions informed by its principles.
Etymology of AFRIKANER CALVINISM
The word "Afrikaner" refers to the group of people of predominantly Dutch descent who settled in South Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries. They developed their own cultural and linguistic identity, combining elements of Dutch, German, and French Huguenot influences.
"Calvinism" refers to the religious doctrine and theological system developed by the French theologian John Calvin during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Calvinism emphasizes the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of Scripture.
The term "Afrikaner Calvinism" combines these two elements. It refers to the religious tradition of the Afrikaner people, based on Calvinist theology. Afrikaner Calvinism played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious identity of the Afrikaner community in South Africa, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
