Browsing by Author "De Beer, J. C."

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    Prof. B.B. Keet, 1885 tot 1974, leraar en hoogleraar in die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1992) De Beer, J. C.; Brown, E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematical Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This scientific biography deals with the life of Prof. Barend Bartholomeus Keet. An attempt is made to penetrate to the fundamental characteristics of his life, and to establish why Prof. Keet found it necessary on occasion to take a stand which brought him into conflict with the church and society. His influence on others in this regard .is not ignored either. The course of his life is described in its historical context. Events and discussions in which he took part are identified and discussed with a view to reaching a synthesis. The conclusion arrived at is that Prof. Keet's life was governed by his interpretation of his calling, namely to verbalise the will of the Lord for society according to the Scriptures. Three of his personality traits, namely his formidable reasoning abilities, his sense of justice and his aversion to dissension, played a decisive role in this respect.It was therefore vitally important to him, as a theologian, always to be accountable to the Scriptures and the reformed tradition. Prof. Keet's influence was especially evident in his introduction into the Dutch Reformed Church of the theological principles set by the Free University of Amsterdam. He was very particular, however that advocacy of these principles should not lead to a pedantic approach. For forty years he instructed future ministers in these principles. When he retired, he could take pleasure in the fact that all the lecturers at the Theological institutions at Stellenbosch and Pretoria were past students of his! As an ethicist he exerted his influence to great effect to convince the Dutch Reformed Church that the State's policy of apartheid could not be substantiated by the Scriptures. In conclusion it can be said that his own words "The church must not allow itself to be led by others; it should rather show others the way", serve to describe the fundamental principle of his life. That is why the text used at his funeral was so appropriate: "It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to 'them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the Lord Almighty."(Mal.2:7)