"Making history for the coming generation" – on the theological logic of Russel Botman’s commitment to transformation
Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust
Abstract
The late rector of Stellenbosch University, Russel Botman, was widely known for
his commitment to transformation. In the first Memorial Lecture to commemorate
his legacy, it is argued that he had already been committed to transformation from
early on in his life as student, minister, church figure and theologian and that this
commitment was based on what he described as his “theological logic.” This logic is
then explained in terms of four key notions in his life and work, namely vocational
spirituality, responsible discipleship, complex obedience, and hopeful agency. It is
shown how he developed this logic already in his doctoral dissertation, in creative
engagement with Dietrich Bonhoeffer. From this encounter grew his own conviction
that transformation is making history for the coming generation.
Description
CITATION: Smit, D. J. 2015. "Making history for the coming generation" – on the theological logic of Russel Botman’s commitment to transformation. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(2):607–632, doi:10.17570/stj.2015.v1n2.a29.
The original publication is available at http://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za
The original publication is available at http://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za
Keywords
Transformation, Botman, H. Russel, Bonhoeffer, Dietrich, 1906-1945, Hope, Ethics, Christian life
Citation
Smit, D. J. 2015. "Making history for the coming generation" – on the theological logic of Russel Botman’s commitment to transformation. Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 1(2):607–632, doi:10.17570/stj.2015.v1n2.a29.