reformational studies: an annotated bibliography of b j van der walt

i

Reformational Studies An annotated bibliography of B. J. van der Walt Edited and compiled by Steve Bishop

allofliferedeemed Bristol, UK

ii

Reformational Studies

An annotated bibliography of

B. J. van der Walt

Edited and compiled by Steve Bishop

Allofliferedeemed

Bristol, UK

1st edn Feb 2009

iii

© Steve Bishop 2009 Published by allofliferedeemed www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk First edition February 2009

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/

iv

In memory of

Harry James Bishop (1994-2005)

v

Acknowledgements This has been an international collaborative project.

I would like to thank my co-collaborators: Bruce Wearne, for encouragement, supplying

many scans of articles and for going the extra mile; the other Antipodean scanners: Chris

Gousmett and Geoff Wilson. The South Africans: Alwyn and Cora Bezuidenhout for

obtaining scan of the Koers and Word and Deed articles; Bennie van der Walt, without

whom this project would literally have been impossible, my thanks to him for supplying

articles and answering my many queries and questions.

Thanks too to Keith Sewell and Ponti Venter for kind offers of help.

Any errors and omissions are mine.

And last but my no means least my family, Susie, Jack and Sophie, for their love and

patience.

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Contents Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. v Biography .............................................................................................................. vii

Annotated bibliography .............................................................................................. 8 1971 .......................................................................................................................... 8 1972 .......................................................................................................................... 9 1973 ........................................................................................................................ 10 1974 ........................................................................................................................ 14 1975 ........................................................................................................................ 16 1976 ........................................................................................................................ 18 1977 ........................................................................................................................ 23 1978 ........................................................................................................................ 23 1979 ........................................................................................................................ 29 1980 ....................................................................................................................... 33 1981 ........................................................................................................................ 36 1982 ....................................................................................................................... 38 1983 ....................................................................................................................... 41 1984 ....................................................................................................................... 42 1985 ....................................................................................................................... 48 1986 ....................................................................................................................... 48 1987 ........................................................................................................................ 52 1988 ....................................................................................................................... 54 1989 ....................................................................................................................... 60 1990 ....................................................................................................................... 64 1991 ........................................................................................................................ 67 1992 ....................................................................................................................... 81 1993........................................................................................................................ 83 1994 ....................................................................................................................... 87 1995 ........................................................................................................................ 94 1996 ....................................................................................................................... 99 1997 ...................................................................................................................... 103 1998 ...................................................................................................................... 112 1999 ...................................................................................................................... 118 2000 .................................................................................................................... 122 2001 ..................................................................................................................... 123 2002 ...................................................................................................................... 127 2003 ...................................................................................................................... 131 2004 ...................................................................................................................... 137 2005 ..................................................................................................................... 140 2006 ..................................................................................................................... 144 2007 ..................................................................................................................... 149 2008...................................................................................................................... 157

Index of subjects .................................................................................................. 163 Index of journals .................................................................................................. 167 Appendix 1: A word on journals and series ........................................................ 168 Appendix 2: IRS F Publications ........................................................................... 172

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Biography

“Can a Christian be a philosopher or a philosopher a Christian? Professor Van der Walt has proven this is possible.”

Desmond M. Tutu

Barend Johannes (Bennie) van der Walt ThB D Phil, was born on 12 April 1939 in Potchefstroom,

South Africa.

He studied theology and

philosophy at the

Potchefstroom University

for Christian Higher

Education (PU for CHE),

Transvaal South Africa

and from 1968-1970 at

the Free University of

Amsterdam, the

Netherlands. He holds a

ThB in Theology and a

doctor’s degree in

Philosophy. His 1968

masters thesis was

entitled Die wysgerie konsepie van

Thoams van Aquino in sy “Summa Contar

Gentiles” met spesiale verwysing na sy

seining van Teologie (Potchefstroom

University for Christian Higher Education,

1968).

From 1970-1974 he was senior lecturer in

Philosophy at the University of Fort Hare,

one of the first black universities in Africa.

In July 1970 he also became the director of

the Institute for the Advancement of

Calvinism at PU CHE. He completed his

DPhil under J A L Taljaard in 1974 with a

Dissertation entitled Die Natuurlike

Teologie met besondere aandag die visie

daarop by Thomas van Aquino, Johannes

Calvyn en die “Synopsis Purioris

Theologiae” 2 vols (917 pages) (1974)

[Natural Theology with Particular

reference to the viewpoint of Thomas

Aquinas, John Calvin and

the ‘Synopsis Puris

Theologiae’.]

From July 1974 to 1999

he was the director of the

Institute for

Reformational Studies

(IRS) at the PU for CHE

and since 1980 he was

also professor in the

Department of

Philosophy at the same

university. He retired in

2002. Though at present he is Research

fellow in the school of Philosophy

(Potchefstroom campus) of the North-

West University, SA.

As this annotated bibliography testifies he

has written many articles and books on

topics as diverse as Africa, Aquinas,

Calvin, Kuyper, Christian education,

integral scholarship, the Reformation,

sport, development, religious diversity,

worldviews, women, marriage, frienship,

idolatry, secularism, secularisation and

economics. He has organised a number of

national and international conferences

and lectured in different parts of the

world. He was involved with IAPCHE from

its inception in 1975 and served for

different terms on its council up to 2000.

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Annotated bibliography

1971

1971.1 ‘The value and task of Philosophy at the university’.

Perspektief: kwartaablad ter bevordering van die Christelike wysbegeerte en

die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe 10 (4): 198-216.

Reprinted in Horizon (1978.4).

Is a philosopher made or born? This is the question addressed in this van der

Walt’s first English article. To answer the question he uses a Dooyeweerdian

modal analysis. The analysis is light-hearted, with regard to the lingual

aspect he notes: ‘A philosopher is one who possess the magnificent gift of

talking about everything with equal authority – note the stress is on the

talking and not on the authority’! He then turns more seriously to the crisis in

the modern university, the value and task of philosophy and the current views

on philosophy. He concludes ‘Perhaps you will not be able to do much with

Philosophy. I hope that scripturally directed philosophy will do much to

you!’.

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdWHorizons9.pdf

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1972

1972.1 ‘Life and world view: a philosophical analysis’.


die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe 11 (2/3): 41-61.


The role, function and structure of worldviews are themes that run through

the work of van de Walt. This is the first time he address the theme in

English. Each of us adheres to one or other worldview; knowledge of it is

important and valuable. It has a social, cultural-historical, personal and

practical value. ‘A life and world view is the pre-scientific comprehensive

view and the fundamental convictions of a group (or community) concerning

reality.’ Different methods of classifying life and worldviews are then

examined. Van der Walt prefers a ‘crossbread of methods’ by combining

Dooyeweerd’s modal aspects and Vollenhoven’s pre-synthetic, synthetic and

anti-synthetic typology.

10

1973

1973.1 ‘Historiography of philosophy - the consistent problem-historic

method’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 9 (4): 163-184.

Also in Perspektief 12 (4) (1973): 16-24

This was reprinted in Heartbeat (1978.3).

This essay provides a clear overview of D H Th Vollenhoven’s Consistent

Problem-Historic Method (CPHM). Other overviews of the CPHM are to be

found in: 1983.1, 1991.1 (2008.1).

Van der Walt is aware of some of the limits of this approach but focuses on

its great advantages.

1973.2 ‘The difference between scientific and pre-scientific knowledge’.


die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe 12 (2-3): 29-42.

1973.3 ‘Eisegesis-exegesis, paradox and nature-grace: methods of synthesis in

Medieval Philosophy’.

Philosophia Reformata 38: 191-210.

Reprinted in Heartbeat (1978.3).

This volume of Philosophia Reformata was also published as:

The Idea of a Christian Philosophy: Essays in Honour of D.H. Th. Vollenhoven

Toronto: Wedge Pub. Foundation, 1973.

Contents

Beyond being, ontology and eschatology in the philosophy of Emmanuel

Levinas / Th. de Boer

Problems of time: an essay / Hendrik Hart

Calvin and Neo-Calvinism on non-Christian philosophy / J. Klapwijk

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Nature and supernature according to Duns Scotus / H. van der Laan

Methodology and practice / J.P.A. Mekkes

Qua via, philosophia? / N.T. van der Merwe

Patristic evaluation of culture / K.J. Popma

Science between presuppositions and decisions / H. van Riessen

Biblical wisdom underneath Vollenhoven's categories for philosophical

historiography / Calvin G. Seerveld

On the contingent and present-day western man / H.G. Stoker

Christian alternatives for traditional ethics / A. Troost

Kuyper's semi-mystical conception / John C. Vander Stelt

Eisegesis-exegesis, paradox and nature-grace: methods of synthesis in

mediaeval philosophy / B.J. van der Walt

A selected and annotated bibliography of D.H. Th. Vollenhoven / K.A. Bril.

This volume of Philosophia Reformata is a fetschrift for D H Th Vollenhoven

to celebrate his eightieth birthday. In it van der Walt elaborates on the

distinction between the methods of synthesis during Patristic and Medieval

philosophy. He examines the reasons for the rise of synthetic thought, the

process of eisegesis-exegesis and the method of nature-grace. Exegesis is not

a neutral activity it starts with eisegesis: ‘foreign ideas clashing with biblical

revelation were first read into the Bible and afterwards taken out again but

now with biblical sanction’. To illustrate this he looks at allegorical

interpretation used by the Greeks, Jews, Arabs, the Patristics and modern

Christians. Another method of synthesis is the two-realm theory of nature-

grace. This was prominent in the thought of Aquinas, but its roots are much

earlier. Elements in Clemens of Alexandria, Origen and Augustine as well as

Aquinas are examined. The result of such ideas is secularism.

12

1973.4 ‘The encounter of Arabic and Christian civilization in medieval

philosophy with particular reference to the conflict between faith and reason.

A comparison between the viewpoints of Averroes and Thomas Aquinas’.


die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe 11 (4) en 2(1): 27-

35.

[According to Heartbeat (1978.3) in 1972 Bulletin die Suid-Afrikannse

Verening vir die Bevordering van Christelike Wetenskap 23: 53-64]


The paper was first prepared for the ‘The encounter of different civilizations

in Medieval Philosophy’ Fifth International Congress of Medieval Philosophy,

Madrid, Gordoba and Granada: 5-12 September 1972.

Averoes (Ibn Rusd 1126-1198) and Aquinas were two great representatives of

Arabic and Christian culture in the Middle Ages. Van der Walt looks at the

religious ground motives of these two thinkers before turning to their view of

the relationship of faith and reason.

Neither of these thinkers were able to solve the problem of the faith-reason

conflict, ‘they only emphasised one or other side of the dilemma’ and ‘never

penetrated to the crux of the problem’. Both attempted to synthesise pagan

and Christian concepts.

Van der Walt concludes by saying that the issue is not between a supernatural

faith and natural reason but between obedience and disobedience to god

with both activities of believing and reasoning. There is no conflict between

faith and reason and the dilemma of faith or reason is a false one.

13

1973.5 ‘Thomas Aquinas’ idea about wonders: a critical appraisal’.

Bulletin die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die vordering van Christelike

Wetenskap 23: 39-53.

Reprinted in Heartbeat (1978.3) and in Atti Congresso Internazionale

Tommaso d’Aquino nel suo settimo centranio Vol 4 (Napoli: Edizione

Domenicane Italiane) pp 468-478.

This was a paper read at the International Congress held at the Seventh

Century Commemoration of the death of Bonaventure, Sept 19-26., 1974.

Van der Walt obviously has a high regard for Aquinas; he describes Aquinas’

mind as ‘supple, encyclopaedic and immensely creative’. Here he looks at

Aquinas’ concept of wonder/ miracle. He disagrees with Aquinas’s approach

of an artificial and contradictory interrelation between wonder and nature.

He concludes with a summary and then ten propositions in which he outlines

the differences between his and Aquinas’ view.

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1974

1974.1 ‘Calvinistic outlook – outline of the Institute for the Advancement of

Calvinism’.

Koers 39 (5/6): 311-322.

See also 1984.8.

The Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism (IAC) began in 1966 with S. C.

W. Duvenage as the director. Van der Walt took over as director in 1974.

This sketch of the IAC was at the request of the editor of Koers for its first

English issue. He describes the character, the aim and the work of the IAC.

Ten pamphlets (nos 77-86) were published, as well as a number of brochures

and larger works. Future proposed projects included looking at the impact of

Calvinism on South Africa. It concludes with a notice of a future conference

and a call for international co-operation.

1974.2 ‘Man, the tension between the transcendent and the non-transcendent

world in the thought of Bonaventure of Bagnorea’.

Philosophia Reformata 39.


This paper was presented at the International Congress held at the Seventh

Century Commemoration of the death of St Bonaventure. Sept 19-26, 1974.

Van der Walt exposes Bonaventure, one of the great Scholastic philosophers

of the Middle Ages, as a synthetic thinker. Bonaventure’s ideas relating to

created reality are examined as they provide a background to his flawed

anthropology. Bonaventure’s anthropology shows ‘the impossibility of fusing

heterogeneous, foreign elements’ with Christian concepts.

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1974.3 ‘The profile of the twentieth century in the seventies - an analysis of the

contours of contemporary Western culture’.


die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe 13 (2/3): 1-17.


Seven typical characteristics of modern culture are first outlined before

looking at the wrong and right attitude to culture. The typical characteristics

identified are: a tendency to internationalism, the unknown welfare, an

emphasis on the sensuous, the forceful dynamics of our time, the serious

clash of idolatries and the increasing power of secularism. Although this was

an analysis of the seventies, much is still applicable thirty or forty years on.

The wrong attitudes are: negativism, neutralism, traditionalism,

progressivism, compromise and revolutionism. The positive attitudes: open-

mindedness, protest, witness-bearing and willingness.

1974.4 ‘In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen: integral Christian scholarship’.

Fort Hare Papers 6(1): 63-79.


In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen, in Thy light we see light, is the motto of the

University of Fort Hare, one of the oldest black universities in Africa. Here

van der Walt looks at the possibility of Christian scholarship. He exposes the

weakness of the faith or science and the faith and science positions before

examining, what could be called, a faith shapes science position. He then

looks at nine propositions that clarify what he means by a Christian scientific

endeavour.

16

1975

1975.1 ‘Radical biblical anthropology: remedy for the crisis of contemporary

society’.

Koers 40 (4-6): 380-401.


This edition of Koers is a Festschrift for the South African philosopher J. A.

Taljaard. It was also published as a hardback volume with the title: Social

Theory and Practice: Crosscuts and Perspectives: Philosophical Essays in

Honour of Prof. J. A. L. Taljaard (Potchesftroom: Koers, 1975).

Van der Walt starts this article by expressing his deep thanks to Taljaard.

Taljaard had supervised van der Walt’s master and doctoral theses. The

purpose of this article is ‘to re-affirm Taljaard’s point of view that traditional

Christian anthropology … cannot be qualified as radically biblical’. To do this

he starts by examining the ‘one-dimensional views’, the –isms. He then turns

to a multi-dimensional views of man – like a diamond catching the light we

can see different facets so too with humans who express themselves in

different aspects ie numerical, spatial, physical, biological, psychical,

analytical, historical, linguistic, social, economic, aesthetic, juridicial,

ethical and pistical.

He then turns to the danger of a dualistic view of man; this creates

anthropological schizophrenia. In the section ‘Man as a unity’ he looks at

man as a soul, as a body, as a spirit, as flesh, as heart. Each of these denote

man as a whole from a specific standpoint, they are not something in or part

of man.

The traditional (scholastic) views are then examined in the light of the

creation, fall and redemption motif - and found wanting.

Van der Walt concludes with a brief critique of Taljaard’s anthropology.

Taljaard rejects the substantialistic and funcionalistic views that resulted in

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dualism and yet van der Walt suspects there may well be traces of dualism

within Taljaard’s anthropology.

1975.2 ‘The relationship of man: a studium generale’.

Bulletin van die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die vordering van Christelike

Wetenskap 47 (Dec): 39-58.


This was part of a lecture ‘Man in philosophical dimension’ delivered in the

series Studium Generale at the University of Fort Hare in 1971.

Van der Walt examines four different relationships of man (it must be recalled

that van der Walt is writing well before the use of inclusive language); to God,

to fellowmen, to nature and to self. The first part deals with the concept of

‘religion’; he maintains that all of life is religion, but all of life is not

necessarily religious. The role of man as office bearer and as the image of God

The relationship with others is not only an ethical one. It involves other

aspects as well. Here he takes a brief look at sphere sovereignty.

He sees the relationship of man to nature as one of mastery. It is perhaps an

unfortunate term in light of today’s environmental issues, but the relationship

envisaged by van der Walt here is not one of domination but of dominion.

Man’s relationship to himself – human freedom is dependent upon the absolute

freedom of God.

1975.3 ‘The Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education: the

university with a surname’.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO

See also 1984.8.

The surname is ‘Christian Higher Education’.

18

1976

1976.1 ‘A comparison between Bantu and Western thought: outline for an

exploratory discussion’.

Philosophy in African Context (1976): 85-123.


The Bantu is the language of some 60 million people who live in the regions

of the equator and down into southern Africa. Here van der Walt seeks to

promote mutual understanding and appreciation, he does so by looking at the

differences between Bantu and western thought. These differences can be

summarised in the table below.

Bantu Western

Hierarchy of forces Search for truth through science

Mythologising thinking Demythologised thinking

Integral religious trends Dualistic tendencies

Closeness to the past Organising the future

Heritage bound Critical discernment

Collective-socialising-participatory thought Individualistic accents

Authoritarian orientation Democratic approach

Direct experience Systematic exploration

Concretely-practical thinking Abstract thought

Sensitive-intuitive identification Intellectual definition

Irrationalistic inclinations Rationalistic disposition

Situational integrity Conceptual fragmentation

Reality of the unknown Scientific nudity

Useful meaning Neutral objectivity

Agrarian situated Industrialised-technocratic dominated

1976.2 ‘Ethics: theoretical or practical science?’.

Koers 41 (5/6): 201-222.


This paper, prepared for the International Congress on ‘Theory and Practice’

held at Genoa and Barcelona 8-15 September 1976, uses ethics as an


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illustration of the problem of theory and practice in philosophy. He starts by

surveying how philosophers through the ages have viewed the problem of

theory and practice. He then critiques traditional viewpoints about ethics

before in the final section presenting in outline a new perspective. He sees

ethics as a science with a limited scope but ‘full of practical relevance’.

1976.3 ‘First International Conference for Christian Higher Education: review

and preview’.

In Christian Higher Education: The Contemporary Challenge. Proceedings

First International Conference of Reformed Institutions for Christian

Scholarship. 9-13 September 1975.

Wetenskaplike bydrae van die PU vir CHO, (2nd edn 1983). Reeks F: Institut

vir die Bevordering van calvinisme Reeks F3: versamelwerke, no 6.

Potchefstroom, Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism, 1976: 407-418.

ISBN 0869903209; 418 pages.

A brief foreword was also published in International Reformed Bulletin 19

(64): 1.

In his review and preview van der Walt examines the when?, where?, who?,

why and what about?, how did things go? and what about the future

questions? He concludes by a look at the tasks for the newly established

Clearing House for the International Alliance of Reformed Institutions for

Christian Higher education based at the Potchefstroom University.

The Free University were initially invited to this conference, but when they

chose to send Beyers Naudé( 1914-2004), a leading Afrikaner anti-apartheid

campaigner, H. J. J. Bingle of the PU for CHE withdrew the invitation (see

1984.9).

Contents

A radical new order? / H.J.J. Bingle

University as it is & as it ought to be / H. van Riessen

Threats to the Christian character of the Christian institution / P. Courthial

Threats to the Christian character of the Christian institution / J.H.

Kromminga

Idea of Christian scholarship / H. Hart

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Contextual possibilities for Christian academic service / J.S. Stone

National & international structure & task of the Christian institution for

higher education / Z. Rittersma, P.G.W. du Plessis & B.J. van der Walt

Commitment & theory / N. Wolterstorff

Our Christian calling of doing science / H.G. Stoker

Christian scholars & Christian science / J.C. Coetzee

What are the problems affecting the development of Christian science in the

modern world, specifically in the case of non-Christian countries? / R.

Hashimoto.

Problems affecting the development of Christian education in non-Christian

countries / A.H. Nichols

Challenge to reformed higher education in the Latin third world countries /

S.H. Rooy

Problems affecting the development of Christian learning or Christian

scholars / G. van Groningen

Position of the Christian lecturer, teacher & student at a Christian institution

with special reference to the educational task / J.A. Heyns

Position of the Christian teacher at the Christian university, with special

reference to the situation in Japan as a non-Christian country / T. Kodera

Christian in the secular university / W. Stanford Reid

Medical faculty - secular or Christian: an examination of relationships facing

the Christian teacher / D. Hanson

Status of the Christian teacher in a secular educational institution & the

status of the non-Christian student at a Christian educational institution /

J.S. Rhee

Authority & discipline at institutions for higher education / S.C.W. Duvenage

Authority & discipline at Christian higher education institutions / P. G.

Schrotenboer

Academic freedom in Christian perspective / W. van't Spijker.

Academic freedom in Christian perspective / F.J.M. Potgieter

Reflections on the Christian past, present and possible future with respect to

the Christian reformation of higher education / R. Russell

Co-ordination between reformed Christian institutions in the Americas / J.C.

van der Stelt

Developing reformed Christian study facilities: Indonesia, New Zealand,

Australia & the South Pacific islands / S. Fowler

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Japan & the Far East / S. Tokunaga

Reviewing the status quo in Europe / A. Troost

Creating facilities for evangelical theological training in Africa / B. Kato

Co-ordination between Christian institutions in South Africa / J.H. Coetzee

Calvin's critique of Calvinism / H.A. Oberman

Conflict between the Lutheran & Calvinistic churches about the relevance of

faith for public life and the consequences of this conflict for Calvinistic

research / R. Makrosch

On Calviniana literature / D. Kempff

Resolutions

First International Conference for Christian Higher Education / B.J. van der

Walt.

1976.5 with Prof Dr P G W Du Plessis. ‘The national and international

structure and task of the Christian Institution for Higher education:

propositions for discussion’.

In Christian Higher Education: The Contemporary Challenge. (1976.3): 114-

115.

This brief two-page, seven-paragraph discussion paper is replete with wisdom

regarding the role and task of a Christian university; ‘both the what and the

how of the teaching programme are important’.

1976.6 ‘Natural theology with special reference to the viewpoint of Thomas

Aquinas, John Calvin and the “Synopsis Purios Theologiae”’.

In die Skriflig 10 (39): 48-52.


This is an English summary of his D Phil dissertation, Potchefstroom University

for Christian Higher education, 1974.

He concludes that natural theology was the result of ‘a synthetic mind and

consequently unbiblical Ontology, Anthropology, Theory of Knowledge and

Philosophy of Science amongst Christians’.




22

1976.7 ‘“Regnum hominis et regnum Dei”. Historical-critical discussion of the

relationship between nature and supernature according to Duns Scotus’.

Bulletin van die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die Bevordering van

Christelike Wetenskap Sept/ Dec 50/51: 21-39.

Also reprinted in Heartbeat (1978.3).

This paper, prepared for the Fourth International Scotus Congress, Padua, 24-

29 September 1976, elaborates on the problem of the relationship between

natyre and supernature – ‘the two realm theory’. It is one of the basic

premises of Scotus. After tracing the history of the two realm approach van

der Walt looks at Scotus’ view. In Scotus’ view the fall implied a loss of the

supernatural which was then restored as a donum superadditum by

redemption. Scotus’ view of the fall and of redemption is not total or radical

enough.

23

1977

1978 1978.1 ‘Ad Fontes. Research on the sixteenth century reformation’.

Koers 43 (6): 497-530.

This was reprinted as 1979.2 – see below.

1978.2 ‘Lend wings to Calvinism: CHE International Action’.

Koers 43 (6): 531-532.

This brief two-page report, reports on the work of the PU for CHE and the

Clearing House. This gives an opportunity to ‘lend wings to Calvinism

emanating for Potchefstroom and South Africa, thus spreading it far beyond

our countries borders’.

1978.3 Heartbeat: Taking the Pulse of Our Christian Theological and

Philosophical Heritage.

Wetenskaplike bydraes of the PU for CHE series F.

Institute for reformational studies F3, no. 9.

Potchefstroom: PU for CHE

ISBN 0869904620; 307 pages

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Historiography of philosophy: the consistent problem-historic method (see

1978.1)

2. Ancient Greek thought: origins of Western theology


24

3. Eisegesis-exegesis, paradox and nature-grace: methods of synthesis in

Medieval philosophy (see 1973.3)

4. The problem of the relation between faith and knowledge in Early

Christian and Medieval thought

5. The encounter of Arabic and Christian civilizations in Medieval philosophy

with particular reference to the conflict between faith and reason. A

comparison between the viewpoints of Averroes and Thomas Aquinas (see

1973.4)

6. In the steps of Thomas Aquinas: 1274-1974 - A bibliographical sketch

7. Thomas Aquinas and the fundamental problems of our time

8. The philosophical conception of Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Contra

Gentiles

9. Thomas Aquinas' idea about wonders - a critical appraisal (see 1973.5)

10. The relevance of Thomas Aquinas' view of Theology (as expressed in his

Summa Contra Gentiles) for contemporary studies

11. Man, the tension-ridden bridge between the transcendent and the

nontranscendent world in the thought of Bonaventure of Bagnorea (see

1974.2)

12. Regnum hominis et regnum Dei. Historical-critical discussion of the

relationship between nature and supernature according to Duns Scotus (see

1976.7)

13. Biblical and unbiblical traits in Calvin's view of man.

14. Natural, Theology with special reference to the viewpoints of Thomas

Aquinas, John Calvin and the Synopsis Purioris Theologiae (see 1976.6)

15. Theologia Naturalis redivivus. Some critical remarks on the resurgence of

Natural Theology and Theodicy

16. Acts 17: 15-34 and Romans 1: 18-25: evidence of contact-points in mission

work, or proofs for a Natural Theology?

17. The relapse into Scholasticism during the Further Reformation - A

preliminary survey

18. How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God? A few remarks on

General Canonics and Apologetics

This collection of works aims to ‘take the pulse of our past by means of a

“cardiogram”’. The scene is set in the first chapter with Vollenhoven’s CPHM.

This is then utilized to look at ancient Greek thought (ch 2) and Medieval

25

philosophy and theology (chs 3-12). Avererroes (ch 5), Aquinas (chs 5-10,

14), Bonaventure (ch 11) and Duns Scotus (ch 12). All the thinkers examined,

to some extent, show synthetic and dualistic thinking.

Calvin, the great reformer, is also examined (ch 13 and 14). Though standing

firmly within the Calvinistic tradition van der Walt is not afraid to criticise

the great man – Calvin is not above reproach. In particular his anthropology

(ch 13) and his natural theology are criticised (ch 14).

Ch 16 looks at natural theology and theodicy – usually understood as ‘a

justification for evil’. They are both closely related, natural theology

attempts to prove the existence of God and theodicy prove that the existence

of evil does not prove that God doesn’t exist! Acts 17 and Rom 1, both

passages have been used in attempt to justify natural theology, are examined

next. He gives reasons why it fails.

Moving back to the Reformation ch 17 looks at thee seemingly perennial lapse

into scholasticism – he sees a wide gap between Calvin and post-Reformation

Calvinism. Melanchthon, Luther’s successor, and Beza, Calvin’s successor, are

examined. Both absorbed Aristotelianism, this paved the way for subsequent

thinkers to embrace scholasticism. The seventeenth century post-

Reformation scholars found in scholasticism an intellectual (theological)

foundation as no radically Christian philosophy had been developed.

The final chapter provides an apologetic for the Bible as the word of God – he

urges us not to take took seriously this argument. He rightly notes regarding

canonics – which books and why these books are in the Bible – is not to be

approached in a rationalistic way.

Ch 2 is a translation of ‘Die oorspronge van die Westers teologie binne die

antieke Grieks denke’ Philosophia Reformata 41 (1976): 24-48.

Ch4 is a translation of ‘Die problem van die verhouding tussen geloof en wete

in die vroeg-Christelike en Middeleeuse denke’ Tydskrif vir Christelike

Wetesnskap 12 (1976): 97-17.

Ch 6 is a translation of ‘Op die spore van Thomas van Aquinao (1274-1974): ‘n

biografiese skets’ Koers 40 (1) (1975): 38-47

26

As the title suggests this a is brief biographical sketch of Aquinas – it serves to

introduce the subsequent chapters in this volume of Aquinas’ approach.

Ch 7 is a translation of ‘Thomas van Aquino en die fundamentale probleme

van ons tyd’ Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 10 (1974): 119-128.

Ch 8 a translation of ‘Die wysgerige konsepsie van Thomas van Aquino’ Koers

41 (2): 73-81 and 41 (3/4): 133-149.

Ch 10 Is a translation of the last chapter of his MA Thesis: ‘Die wysgerie

konsepie van Thomas van Aquino in sy “Summa Contra Gentiles” met spesiale

verwysing na sy seining van Teologie’ (Potchefstroom University for Christian

higher Education, 1968)

Ch 13 This an abstract – apart from the introduction and conclusion – of his

dissertation Die Natuurlike Teologie met besondere aandag die visie daarop

by Thomas van Aquino, Johannes Calvyn en die “Synopsis Purioris

Theologiae” 2 vols 900 pages (Potchefstroom University ofr Chriatin Higher

Education1974) pp 398-418.

It has also been published in Afrikaans in Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap

13 (1977): 172-189.

Ch 14 A summary of his dissertation (1974).

Ch 15 Translation of ‘Theologia Naturalis Redividus. Enkele immanent-

kritiese opmerkings oor die herlewende Natuulike teologie en Theodisee’

Bulletin van die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die Bevordering van Christelike

Wetenskap 45 (July 1975): 42-57.

Ch 16 Translation of ‘Handelinge 17:15-34 en Romeine 1:18-25: Bewyse vir

aansluitingspunte in die sending of vir ‘n Natuurlike Teologie?’ In die Skriflig

10(38) (1976): 47-51.

Ch 17 Translation of ‘Die terugval in die skolastiek ten tye van die Nadere

Reformasie’ Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 11 (1975): 117-133.

Ch 18 Translation of ‘Hoe wee tons dat die Bybel die Woord van God is?’

Bulletin van die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die Bevordering van Christelike

Wetenskap 15 (Sept 1968): 215-224.

27

1978.4 Horizon: Surveying a Route for Contemporary Christian Thought.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks

F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 10.


ISBN 0869904639; 297 pages.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Life and world view: a philosophical analysis (see 1972.1)

2. A comparison between Bantu and Western thought. Outline for an

exploratory discussion (1976.1)

3. The Gospel as a liberating power in the traditionally closed, static culture

of the Black peoples of Africa

4. The evolutionistic life and world view

5. The importance of a Scripture-based Ontology

6. Radical Biblical Anthropology (see 1975.1)

7. The meaning of the expression "created in the image and likeness of God"

8. The relationships of man: a studium generale (see 1975.2)

9. The value and task of Philosophy at the university (see 1971.1)

10. Ethics: theoretical or practical science? (see 1976.2)

11. In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen: integral Christian scholarship (see

1974.4)

12. Amazement at the marvellous

13. A few observations on the place and nature of scientific criticism

14. The profile of the twentieth century in the seventies on analysis of the

contours of contemporary Western culture (see 1974.3)

15. Contemporary Western culture and counter-culture

16. Is the Christian-National principle Calvinistic?

17. Maturity: contours of a viewpoint

28

18. In the power of the Spirit. Spiritual readiness under Scriptural

illumination

Heatbeat (1978.3) focused on history, Horizon looks at the present. As Henk

Hart notes in his Preface: ‘this collection of essays represents a fascinating

record of intellectual development in the Afrikaner-Calvinist community’.

The first three essays deal with worldviews in general (ch 1) and that of the

black Africans in particular (ch 2-3) and an evolutionistic worldview (ch 4).

Several of the chapters than deal with anthropology (ch6-8). He exposes

dualistic worldviews and describes a biblical, reformational anthropology.

Ch 3 A paper delivered at a conference on’ Education and community

development’ University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 29 Sept – 3 Oct,

1976.

Ch 4 Class notes for first-year students at the university of Fort Hare

Ch 5 A translation of ‘ Die waarde van ‘n Skrifmatige Ontologie’ Tydskrif vir

Christelike Wetenskap 12 (1976): 124-131

Ch 7 Translation of ‘Imago Dei. Betekenis van die uitdrukking “geskape na

beld en gelykenis van God”’ Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 12 (1976): 23-

31

Ch 12 Translation of ‘Verwondering oor die wonder’ Word en Daad 14 (128)

(1973): 3-5

Ch 13 Translation of “Enkele opmerkings oor die plek en aard van kritek in

die wetenskap’ Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 13 (1977): 229-231

Ch 15 Translation of ‘Kotemporere kulture en kontra-kultuur’ Reformasie en

Revolusie (Potchefstroom: Institut vir die Bevordering van die Calvinisme,

1974): 119-142.

Ch 16 Translation of ‘Is die Christelik-Nasionale beginsel Calvinisties?’ Fokus

4(4) (1976): 397-410

Ch 17 Translation of Volwassenheid – kontoere van ‘n standpunt

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1, IBC-studiestukke ; no.

104. (1976)

Ch 18 Translation of Geestelik weerbaar of weerloos? Wetenskaplike bydraes

van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 8 (1977)

29

1979 1979.1 From Noyon to Geneva: A Pilgrimage in the Steps of John Calvin

(1509-1564).


F2 No 10

Potchefstroom University for CHE

ISBN 0-86990-482-5; 71 pages (including

photographs)

Contents

Preface

1 Adventure in the unknown

2 Noyon in Picardia

3 A trip to Ourscamp on the Oise

4 Student in the capital

5 Huguenot landmarks in Paris

6 Through Huguenot country

7 Huguenot footprints in the south of France

8 Calvin in Strasbourg

9 More about Strasbourg

10 Calvin in Geneva

11 Geneva – the protestant Rome

12 Unfortunate events

13 Farewell to Geneva

Photograph album

This is an original and fascinating study on Calvin. It is a photo history and

tour guide. He has followed in the footsteps of Calvin and along the way he

has written this short (71 pp) but marvellous tour guide, complete with 66

photographs.

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdWGenevapdf

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdWGenevapdf

30

He traces Calvin from his birthplace in Noyon to his time as a student in

Paris, his days as a fugitive in the south of France and then on to Strasbourg

and Geneva. Along the way we are also given a brief history of the

Huguenot’s. Van der Walt’s writing is very clear and he has many suggestions

for the would-be Christian tourist/ pilgrim. He identifies places that the

heritage of Calvin still lives on and places where his influence has been all

but lost. The 66 photographs serve to make this book a first-class tourist

guide for the modern Reformed pilgrim.

1979.2 Contemporary Research on the Sixteenth Century Reformation.


F4, Calvyncauseriee; no. 8.

Potchefstroomse University for Christian Higher

Education

ISBN 0869905279; 31 pages

See also 1978.1.

This booklet is the first and only one of the F4 series to be published in

English. Following on from F4 no 7 (1979), which (in Afrikaans) had dealt with

the intellectual décor of the Reformation (see 1980.2) where he shows how

Calvin cannot be understood in isolation he provides bibliographic and other

resources for a study of the Reformation. He is also writing in the hope that

it will stimulate an ‘interest in the reformational heritage here is South

Africa’. He looks at the work being done at universities and institutions. He

takes a worldwide tour and looks at work undergone in Europe, and outside

Europe (where places England and Scotland) which includes USA, Japan,

Korea and South Africa. He concludes with a plea to go to the original sources

(ad fontes). There are 76 footnotes, they take up almost half of the booklet.

It provides a fascinating snapshot of reformational studies in the seventies.


31

1979.3 ‘Jesus Christ: neither revolutionary nor conservative’.

Anakainosis 2 (1): 20-21.

This is an extract from a speech given to the South African Christian

Leadership Assembly entitled: ‘What do I owe Caesar?’ Here he points out

that Christ’s teachings can’t be identified with any political party of His day.

His way – and thus ours – is a way of reformation not revolution. Reformation

is more radical than revolution.

1979.4 ‘Second International Conference of Institutions for Christian Higher

Education - Grand Rapids 13-19 August 19878’.

Circular (Clearing House of the International Conference of Institutions for

Christian Higher Education) 12: 1-10. Jan

This is a report on the second conference, the first was held in 1975 at

Potchefstroom; the second at Calvin College. The theme was ‘Justice in the

international economic order’. 119 delegates attended and 62 institutions

were represented - The Free University refused to attend. These conferences

were the precursor to the foundation of The International Association for the

Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE).

Van der Walt, along with Mr Achineku, Marion Barnes, Nick Wolterstorff,

Christie Coetzee, Ted Fackerell, Jan Dengerink, Sidney Rooy and Paul

Schrotenboer, were members of the steering committee.

The report contains a frank summary of the sessions and closes with an

evaluation. He notes the high standard of the papers presented and that the

conference was well organised. One problem was that the conference was

too overcrowded – leaving little time for personal networking. He then offers

a suggested outline for future conferences.

32

1979.5 ‘Second International Calvin Congress’.


Christian Higher Education) 13: 18-22. April

This conference – the first real international conference, the first, in 1974,

was European – was held at the Free University, 25-28 September 1978.

There were 80 researchers present from 16 countries.

The theme of the conference was Calvinus Ecclessiae Doctor. The report

outlines the themes and objectives of the conference and lists the speakers

and their topics. He notes that the papers were of a high standard and that

the discussions were informative. The business meeting is described and

bibliographic research and Calvin research is noted.

1979.6 ‘The Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism’.


Christian Higher Education) 15: 13-18 September

This is a brief report on The Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism,

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. The IAC was

established in 1966 and was the successor to the Calvinistic Foundation (est

1962). Van der Walt is the present director and he took over from Prof S. C.

W. Duvenage in 1974. The IAC also now acts as the Clearing House of the

ICRICH.

The IAC conducts research and issues publications on Calvin and the sixteenth

century Reformation. One research project was a bibliographical research on

Calvin conducted by D Kempf, the other is on the impact of Calvinism in

South Africa. The IAC is also responsible for Wetenskaplike Bydraes [=

scientific contributions] series F.

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdW19795.pdf


33

1980

1980.1 ‘Church reformation: a permanent call’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 20 (216-219): (Aug): 11-13; (Sept): 20;

(Oct): 5-6; (Nov): 6-8.

Reprinted in 1991.1.12 and 2008.1.

This is a prophetic and heartfelt cry for the reformation of the church. He

writes as a critical friend of the church. He is well aware that what we don’t

need is a return to the past: ‘We should be careful not to fall into an

idealization of the past. The apostolic church was not at all a perfect church.

… Paul even had to write them a letter to the Corinthian Christians to remind

them that adultery is sin!’

1980.2 ‘The intellectual décor for the Reformation’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 16: 25-55.

Reprinted in 1991.1 and 2008.1.

This is a translation of IRS publication F4 no 7.

Here we have a brief introduction on interpretations of the Reformation, an

overview of the trends in the era of the Reformation and a look at Calvin

amidst the spiritual currents of his time. This article contains an expansion of

many of the themes in 1982.4. Van der Walt concludes with: ‘… it cannot be

denied that whoever reads Calvin’s literary output honestly and without

preconceptions, together with an intimate knowledge of the preceding

history of Western thought, will have to admit that this great Frenchman for

Noyon often leant on extra-biblical sources. Like any other individual he

belonged to his time – he could alienate himself from many undesirable

inheritances, but he was also steeped in the thought of his time.’ It is a

substantial article which has 106 footnote references.

34

1980.3 ‘Introduction’.


Christian Higher Education) 17: 1-4. (Jan).

This introduction notes the symbolism of the new cover

design for the Circular: a dove descending from heaven

with an olive branch. He notes that the Circular is going

to 53 different countries. He observes that ‘Christian

education has to start with the premise of salvation in

Christ, inspired by his Spirit and be in the service and to

the honour of God’

1980.4 ‘The relevancy to the black peoples of Africa of a Calvinistic

cosmoscope’.

Koers 45 (3): 236-250.

Reprinted in Anatomy 1981.2 (first edn only).

This was a paper read at the opening of the conference of Dimbaza Reformed

Bible School, Dimbaza, Ciskel on 16th February 1979. The main emphasis then

was lay training and the provision of basic literature in English and Xhosa. It

is now called the Dumisani Theological Institute.

Van der Walt poses two important questions: ‘Can the Calvinistic (or

Reformed) view of life advance the indigenization or Africanization of the

Gospel? Can the Reformed approach help bring about a real Biblical, but at

the same time fully African, Christianity?’

He describes a calvistic cosmoscope using the four solas: sola Dei gloria; sola

scriptura; sola fide; and sola gratia. He then looks at some threats to these,

including pluralism, universalism, ecumenism and syncretism. He rightly

states that ‘Christianity … stands to judge every culture, destroying elements

that are incompatible with the Word of God … Black has to be biblical to be

beautiful’.

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdW1980.3pdf



http://www.dumisani.org/

35

He looks at some causes of syncretism: political and social pressure,

friendliness of the African, poor training. He concludes by looking at the

need to live ‘by faith in God alone instead of resorting to materialism’ and

‘relying on God’s grace alone instead of depending on vital force’.

‘It is possible to bake an African bread with Calvinistic leaven and be sure

that it will not be sour!’.

36

1981

1981.1 Why the State?: Bible Study on Romans 13 and Revelation 13.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO.

Series F: Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism Series F2: Brochures, no

18: 21pp.

Also in Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 18 (1-2) (1982): 23-27.

This brochure was revised and expanded as 1988.8.

This version contains two chapters; one Rom 13:1-7 and the other Rev 13. It

was an address delivered at the third International Conference for Christian

Higher Education, Aug. 13-20, 1981 at Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa.

In it he addresses the question; ‘Why such a thing as the State?’. To answer

it he looks at Rom 13 and Rev13. Rom 13 portrays the state as it ideally

should be, Rev 3 the state as it can deteriorate. He starts by looking at the

background, the audience and context of Rom 13, before looking at some

exegetical ‘flashes’ from its contents.

In the section on Rev 13 he looks at two beasts: the beast from the sea (13:1-

10) and the beast from the earth (13:11-18).

1981.2 Anatomy of reformation: Flashes and Fragments of a Reformational

Worldview.

Series Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F3, Versamelwerke;

no. 13. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO.

ISBN 0869906070; 542 pages

See 1991.1 and 2008.1.

Contents

1. Christ – conservative, revolutionary, ascetic or what? (see 1988.8)

2. Christ and the religious order of his day

3. Christ and the social order of his time

4. Christ and the political situation of his day (see 1988.8)

5. The new way of reformation

37

6. Sixteenth century models for Christian involvement in the world

7. Renaissance and reformation -- contemporaries, but not allies

8. Christian nationalism - tracking down Calvinism in South Africa

9. Church reformation -- the permanent call

10. Out of love for my church -- on the reformation of a reformed church

11. Not of the world, but in the world -- the calling of the church in the world

12. Church mission or kingdom mission? - The kingdom perspective in our

missionary endeavour

13. The significance of a biblical view of man for the pastorate

14. God's hand in history

15. A total onslaught -- revolutionary warfare in southern Africa

16. The relevance of a calvinistic cosmoscope to the black peoples of Africa

(1980.4)

17. Panorama of reformation in the year of our lord 1980 -- a survey of world-

wide reformed faith and action

18. Reformation or revolution

This book van der Walt sees as the third in a trilogy that began with

Heartbeat (1978.3) and Horizon (1978.4). The reception of these two other

volumes prompted the publication of this collection of essays.

Many of the chapters here began as speeches or magazine articles;

consequently it is less technical than the other two collections. There are no

footnotes, for example.

The book comprises several sections. The uniting theme is that of

reformation. The first deals with Jesus’ attitude to the culture of his time.

The second looks at the reformation. The third examines the sixteenth

century climate of the Reformation. Contemporary South Africa is the

subject of the next section. Another section looks at socio-political issues

associated with reformation.

A revised and expanded version was published in 1991.1. See that entry for a

comparison of the versions. It was republished in 2008.

38

1982

1982.1 ‘The best of John Calvin, by S. Dunn (Book review)’.

Kerbode 134 (1): 7.

A brief review of Samuel Dunn’s The Best of John Calvin reprinted by Baker

Book House, 1981.

1982.2 ‘Important recent studies on the sixteenth century reformation’.


Christian Higher Education). 27: 64-67.

This is a brief four page summary of two books: Calvin’s handschriftliche

annotations zu Chrystosomus by Alexandre Ganocry and Klaus Muller (1981)

and Zwingli’s Thought: New Perspectives by Gottfired W. Locher (1981).

1982.3 ‘Foreword’.

In Calvinus Reformator: his contribution to theology, church and society.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F3, Versamelwerke ; no.

17.

ISBN 0869906860; 322 pages

Papers delivered at the first South African Congress for Calvin Research,

August 12-14, Pretoria, 1980. It includes English translations of papers

presented in Afrikaans. In his foreword he notes three things: most of the

addresses from the conference were in Afrikaans and so have been translated

into English; the numbering and bibliographies of the papers presented

remained unchanged; and the length varies as some had three-quarters of an

hour and other one-quarter to present their papers.

Contents

The shadow and the sketch / T.H.L. Parker

Calvin's hermeneutics of Holy Scripture / H.W. Rossouw

The hermeneutics of Calvin / L. Floor

Is Christ the scopus of the Scriptures? / B. Engelbrecht

39

The problem of the concept of the "personality" of the Holy Spirit according

to Calvin / B.J. Engelbrecht

John Calvin and the Protestant hymns / W.J.B. Serfontein

Calvin's canon law and influence on churches in South Africa / B. Spoelstra

The doctrine of Calvin as transmitted in the South African context by among

others the oude schrijvers: an introductory survey / J.W. Hofmeyr

Calvin and Puritanism in England and Scotland: some basic concepts in the

development of "federal theology" / J.B. Torrance

Calvin and art / P.W. Buys

Calvin on art: Calvin defended against (some of) his supporters / J.J. Snyman

Calvin and art: introduction to the discussion Calvinus reformator hodie / J.A.

Heyns.

International Calvin research / W.H. Neuser

Research on Calvin and its influence in the field of Afrikaans theology / D.

Kempff

Research on and influence of Calvin in the English-speaking ecclesiastical

sphere / J.A.B. Holland

Calvin research at Calvin / C.J. Vos

The editio princeps of the Institutio Christianae religionis 1536 by John Calvin

/ H.W. Simpson

A brief characteristic of Calvin's theology / F.J.M. Potgieter

Calvin and the theological trends of his time / W. Balke

Calvin, Augustine and Platonism: a few aspects of Calvin's philosophical

background / N.T. van der Merwe

Renaissance and Reformation: contemporaries but not allies / B.J. Van der

Walt

Jacques Lefèvre d'Etaples (c. 1455-1536): Calvin's forerunner in France / P.E.

Hughes

John Knox and the word of God: a comparison with John Calvin / V.E.

d'Assonville

Calvin as Scriptural theologian / P.C. Potgieter

Calvin's view of man in the light of Gen. 2:15, or, Man: earth's servant or lord

/ C.J. Vos

40

1982.4 ‘Renaissance and Reformation: contemporaries but not allies’.

In Calvinus Reformator: his contribution to theology, church and society.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F3 no 17: 85-92.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO.

Also in In die Skriflig 17 (1983) (67): 29-34 and Anatomy (1991.1.10).

Originally a fifteen-minute lecture, this article, van der Walt’s contribution

to 1982.3, looks at the intellectual background of Calvin and isolates the

religious driving force behind the Renaissance and the Reformation. Calvin is

no ‘sixteenth century Melchisedek: a man without beginning or background’.

Van der Walt looks briefly at the influence of humanism, stoicism and

Platonism upon Calvin. ‘Renaissance in essence was a rediscovery of

Antiquity, a revival of original paganism. The essence of Reformation was the

rediscovery of the word of God of genuine Christianity.’

For more elaboration he points readers to Anatomy 1981.2 (1989.5).

1982.5 ‘Zwingli’s thought: new perspectives’.

In die Skriflig 62:54-55.

A brief review of Gottfried Locher’s Zwingli’s thought: new perspectives. See

also 1982.2.


41

1983

1983.1 ‘The consistent-problem historical method’.

Anakainosis. 5 (2/3): 1-22.


See also 1978.1; 1983.1.

Van der Walt returns again to Vollenhoven’s consistent problem-historical

method (CPHM). He provides a clear and succinct summary of the CPHM. He

answers several questions: Why a history of philosophy? Is the CPHM scriptural

and philosophical? Does the CPHM do justice to the history of philosophy?

Before looking at some of the arguments for and against the CPHM. He sees

the CPHM as a fruitful approach which has may possibilities and can be

exploited more fully.

1983.2 ‘Studying religion: a methodological introduction to science of religion

by J S Kruger (Book review)’.

In die Skriflig 66: 48-9.

A brief book review of Kruger’s Studying Religion (Pretoria: University of

South Africa)

42

1984 1984.1 ‘Vision – reality – vistas for the future: spot impressions of the IRS

conference held on 4 and 5 November 1983.

Orientation 32: 72-94.

This is a report on a 24-hour conference of the IRS at 29 Tom Street,

Potchefstroom. His report takes the form of three acts: vision, reality and

vistas for the future.

The conference, a mustard seed conference, was attended by 32 invitees, ‘10

Blacks, 2 Coloureds, one Indian, 2 Koreans and 17 Whites’. No mean feat for

apartheid South Africa when many countries were active in a boycott.

A main part of the report is given over to an appreciation of one of the key

speakers Dr Tokunboh Adeyemo form Kenya.

1984.2 ‘An alphabetical list of key words indicating problem areas in the

African (and other Third World) situation’.


This is exactly what the title suggests a list of 113 words from Africanization

to Youth drawn from conference papers and PACLA (1976) papers published in

Facing New Challenge.

The list was used in the 1983 IRS conference (1984.1). It was studied, the

concepts grouped together, and 8 discussion groups from the 32 delegates

tackled one set of the complex problems.

1984.3 ‘Preface’.

In Our Reformational Tradition: a rich heritage and lasting vocation.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. F3

no 21 i-ii.

ISBN 0869907662; ii + 552 pages



43

This preface reveals the aim of the book as ‘to give expression to our

conviction that the sixteenth century Reformation still has meaning for us

today’.

The book is in three sections:

A. The sixteenth century

B. John Calvin

C. Calvinism – also in South Africa.

1984.4 ‘John Hus, a reformer in his own right’.

In Our Reformational Tradition: a rich heritage and lasting vocation

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO.

Reefks F: IRS F3 no 21: 30-60.

Reprinted in Anatomy 1991.1 and 2008.1.

The Czech Hus has often been neglected. Van der Walt seeks to remedy this

by offering a brief biography of the bold reformer and contemporary of

Wycliffe. Hus lived was one of the fifteenth century heralds of the dawn of

the Reformation ushered in by the sixteenth century Calvin, Luther and

Zwingli.

1984.5 ‘John Knox: the Scottish reformer who feared no man’.

In Our Reformational Tradition: a rich heritage and lasting vocation.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. F3

no 21: 146-154.


This provides a brief biography of the Scottish reformer. The subtitle is taken

from Knox’s gravestone. Knox began as a Roman Catholic priest and was

converted by reading the Bible and Augustine and the influence of the martyr

George Wishart. Knox sent a lot of his life outside his native Scotland

because of persecution. Knox’s life is inspiring because he showed ‘a

complete obedience to the Word of God, with no regard to the

consequences’.

44

1984.6 ‘Was Calvin a Calvinist or was/ is Calvinism Calvinistic?’.


Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. F:

IRS F3 no 21: 369-377.

This is the third contribution of van der Walt to this volume. This is a

bibliographic list that will enable others ‘to study and investigate both Calvin

and Calvinism as it succeeded him’. The material is classified according to

county as far as is possible. He spends some time on R T Kendall’s Calvin and

English Calvinism (1979) and Paul Helm’s response Calvin and the Calvinists

(1982). He remarks that ‘here we find a striking example of how people can

come to widely divergent results because of differing interpretations of the

same material’. As a postscript he notes Donald Sinnema’s (then ICS,

Toronto, now Trinity College) work.

1984.7 ‘The “Synopsis Puriorius Theologiae” – is it really so pure?

Philosophical impurities in the post-Dordtian theology’.


Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. F:

IRS F3 no 21: 378-423.

1984.8 Communicating the gospel of the kingdom of God at the PU for CHE

and its IRS.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. IRS.

25 pages

Contents

1. Important distinction

2.The Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education: proclaiming

the lordship of Christ also in the field of scientific endeavour

3. The Institute for Reformational Studies [IRS]: a power station of radical

biblical thought and action


http://www.trnty.edu/faculty/sinnema.html

45

This pamphlet - unusually not given an F number - gives a brief history of the

Potchefstroom University for Christian Education (PU for CHE) and of the IRS

(see also 1975.3 and 1974.1).

It starts, by outlining the important distinction between church and kingdom,

as this is important to understand the work of the PU for CHE and the IRS.

Neither are ‘primarily involved in communicating the Gospel in the

ecclesiastical sphere, but in the first place in the much broader kingdom of

God’ (p 2).

The University’s direction is reflected in it surname: For Christian Higher

Education (vir Christelike Hoër Onderways). This does not mean it is a

narrow institution. Religion is not something apart from ordinary life, but all

of life is religion. The paper then examines what is meant to by Christian

scientific studies. A distinction is drawn between pre-scientific and scientific

knowledge. For scientific endeavour to be Christian means, in part, not

minimising our expectations of scripture and not expecting too much from

the Bible. The Bible offers a persectival source of knowledge. It involves

investigation illuminated by the Word of God, and most important, ‘an

enlightened, deeply moved, reborn heart’ (pp 16-17).

The final section looks at the history and activities of the IRS.

1984.9 ‘Report on the first conference of ICPCHE’.

Orientation. 35: 6-17.

In his introduction van der Walt notes that this may be the first conference of

the International Council for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education

(ICPCHE) arranged by this Council, but it is actually the fourth. The first

conference was arranged by the PU for CHE in 1975 (see 1976.3), the second

the third in the US at Calvin College 1978 and Dordt College in 1981.

This conference was held at the castle Nijenrode, the Netherlands and

organised by the Free University. The theme was ‘Critique and challenge of

Christian Higher Education’.


46

The 140 participants came from 39 countries including from African countries

such as Cameroon, Egypt, Uganda, Ghana, Botswana Tanzania and Liberia,

who had not been previously represented.

Five resolutions were submitted; these included one on apartheid that caused

‘furious discussion’; the second resolution read: ‘The conference makes an

urgent appeal to the Council of the PU for CHE to open the doors of this

institution unconditionally to all students desiring Christian higher education,

so that its pretension of being a Christian institution should not be denied’.

He concludes with a critical evaluation. The conference was too general,

there was a tendency for an uncritical theology of liberation theology to

dominate, time was wasted with grand ideas while the small obvious things

were often neglected, and at times it was poorly organised.

1984.10 ‘Scholastic influences on Calvinism: a bibliographical survey’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 20:6-17 (Dec)

1984.11 ‘The will of God’.

RESA Newsletter 8: 5-9.


This provides us with wise advice on how to know the will of the Holy Spirit

when confronted with difficult decisions; a neglected subject in the

Reformed world. We are not offered ‘dogmatic bricks of gold’ but ideas from

scripture. Biblical examples are examined before looking at today. Prayer;

the study of the scriptures; desires, gifts and personality; advice of believers;

and circumstances are all seen as five ‘navigation lights’ that God can use to

guide us.

47

1984.12 ‘Woman and marriage in the Middle Ages’.

Proceedings of the Seventh Biennial Conference of the Medieval Society of

South Africa: 189-201.

This is the same paper as 1986.3 – see below.

48

1985

1986

1986.1 ‘The underlying “Nooitgedacht”’.

Orientation 40: 1-11

This is the opening address of an IRS conference held in a farm called

‘Nooitgedacht’, near the Vall River in South Africa. In this brief introductory

address he provides the background to the meeting, states the aim of the

conference – the theme is the meaning of the reformational vision of life for

Southern Africa – and the character it should bear.

He then uses John 4 to look at some aims – the demolishing of the walls, alls

between nations, walls of traditionalism, of personal sins and of religion.

This can be done by drinking of the true fountain of life, Jesus. The

character of the conference he hopes will be reflective, praying, singing,

listening, discovering, opening-up and enriching.

The first IRS conference (see the report in Orientation 32 (1984.1)) was a

one-day event with 32 people attending, this was over four days with double

the number of attendees.


In John Calvin's Institutes: his opus magnum: proceedings of the Second

South African Congress for Calvin Research, July 31-August 3, 1984.

Wetenskaplike van die bydraes van die PU vir CHO.

F3: no 28: i-iii.

ISBN 0869908839 (pbk.); iii + 528 pages


49

In his preface to the conference proceedings van der Walt comments on the

diversity of participants – no easy task in South Africa at that time. He also

comments on the wide range of presentations at the conference, this included

a celebration of the first Afrikaans translation of Calvin’s Institutes by W H

Simpson, a slide show ‘In the steps of the Reformers’ and an exhibition of

manuscripts and other research materials.

1986.3 ‘Woman and marriage: in the Middle Ages, in Calvin and in our own

time’.

In John Calvin's Institutes: his opus magnum.

Wetenskaplike van die bydraes van die PU vir CHO. F3 no 28: 184-238.

See also 1984.12.

This is a wide ranging lecture – he notes several reasons for this: ‘it is

difficult to talk about woman without involving the family’, it is necessary to

compare Calvin with the Middle Ages to see what is traditional and what is

new, and the need to see again the scriptures upon which Calvin based his

views. Though the conference theme was Calvin’s Institutes, the lack of

information there means that van der Walt has to look wider.

He starts with a brief look at woman in the Middle Ages. Here he finds a

‘chorus of contempt’ for woman; she is ‘cursed as a consequence of the sin of

Eve, dishonest because she was made form the crooked rib of Adam, bestial

because she associated with the serpent and lustful and crazy because of her

biology’! She had a subordinate position to man. Some voices of dissent

began to be heard in the twelfth century.

The Middle Ages was a period of the ‘two realms’: nature and grace.

Everything was seen through this ‘bifocal lens’; hence marriage and sex was

all right but virginity was better. Woman was either looked down upon as a

witch or as a whore, or looked up to, eg nuns or the virgin Mary.

In the Reformation marriage was restored to its right place, the appreciation

of woman within marriage was increased and the married female was seen as

the ideal.



50

For Calvin, marriage is an institution of God and not a sacrament, it was not

primarily for procreation, love and fidelity are the main considerations. He

did not regard sex as sinful. Here he broke with the nature-grace dualism of

the Middle Ages. He saw woman as equal but following the ideas of the time,

as subservient to man. Calvin does permit divorce, but only on two grounds:

adultery and an unbelieving partner rejecting the believer and under these

conditions he permitted remarriage. In this Calvin was ahead of his time. He

‘opened the door for a reappraisal of woman and of marriage’.

The remainder of the lecture examines Calvin’s exegesis of some key

passages.

1986.4 ‘Secularization and ideolization: the two most dangerous enemies of

Christianity in South Africa today. How to recognise them’.


This is the abstract of a paper ‘Men and Gods in Southern Africa: religion,

idolatry, church centrism, secularism and ideologies’ Orientation 34 (1984):

1-69.

This is an address to the second Africa conference of the IRS on ‘Revival and

reformation in Southern Africa’.

The aim of this paper is an overview to help an analysis of our times. He sees

secularism as not an outside invader – but as the result of a nature/ grace

divide in Christian thought. The world has conquered Christianity rather then

the other way round. The process of secularism is a slow gradual, but

irresistible, process that had its beginnings in the sixteenth century.

Secularism is different from atheism in that atheism posits that God does not

exist, whereas secularism is indifferent.

He identifies a vicious circle of a closed worldview in secularism. Secularism

leads to individualism, which in turn leads to relativism, relativism leads to

utilism which brings us back to secularism and the whole spiral begins again.

51

Secularism ‘does not mean that man believes in nothing, but that he can

believe in anything’.

In the second part of the paper he looks at the results of secularism. He

takes a look at the ideology of secularism and how it works.

Our task as Christians he sees as: recognising secularism and other ideologies,

to acknowledge that we have been seduced by these ideologies – we need

self-criticism; and to remember, particularly in South Africa, that these

ideologies cannot be fought with violence.

There is a useful five-and-a-half-page bibliography on secularism and

ideologies.

1986.5 ‘Book review: Aquinas, Calvin and Contemporary Christian Thought

by Vos’.

Orientation 42 p 114.

A brief one-page review of Vos’ book. He concludes:

He [Vos] compares Aquinas’s vision with that of Calvin and comes to the

surprising conclusion that – in spite of differences – they are not so far

apart as the spiritual heirs of Calvin in Thomas himself would have

thought.

This work once again fixes attention on the necessity for the study of

primary sources themselves – and a cautioning not to trust in hearsay. I

would like to recommend this thorough piece of research to all (aspiring)

theologians and philosophers.

52

1987


In Educational Challenges in Southern Africa in a Christian-Reformational

Perspective.


IRS. F3 no 30: i-iv.

ISBN 0869909606; v + 375 pages

This volume contains the proceedings of a ‘Nootigedacht’ held 29 November –

2 December. It is a special edition to commemorate the silver jubilee if the

IRS. It was also published in Orientation 45-47 .

1987.2 ‘Integral Christian scholarship: looking into the heart of the PU of the

CHE’.


Perspective.



1987.3 ‘Education, teaching, training: a few concluding remarks’.


Perspective

Wetenskaplike van die bydraes van die PU vir CHO F3 no 30: 347-354.

Rather than providing a summary of the conference van der Walt reflects on

what is the essence of education. Education is ‘to lead someone so that the


53

person can develop with the purpose of becoming capable’. ‘Education is a

conscious effort of the provider of education to guide the receiver thereof

towards the awareness of and equipment for the task I life in accordance

with certain norms.’ He then expands upon this definition.

1987.4 The Institute for Reformational Studies: twenty-five years of service

(1962-1987).

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO IRS.

This pamphlet provides a succinct overview of the first twenty-five years of

the IRS (see also 1974.1, 1984.8 and 2008.2). It addresses what is the IRS,

what does it does and how individuals are able to profit from it.

1987.5 ‘The cunning of modern religious thought by David S Pacini (book

review)’.

Kerkblad(GKSA) 22 (Oct).

A brief review of Paccini’s The Cunning of Modern Religious Thought

(Augusburg, 1987)

54

1988

1988.1 On Being Human and Being a Christian in Africa: Communalism,

Socialism, and Communism in a Struggle for an African Anthropology.

Wetenskaplike van die bydraes van die PU vir CHO (2nd

edn) F2 no 42

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher

Education.

ISBN 0 86990 967 3; ii + 64 pages.

Contents

By way of introduction

1. Subject and outline

2. African communalism

3. African socialism

4. African communism

5. Homo Africane, quo vadis?

6. Outlines for a scriptural view of man and society

7. Selected bibliography

The origins of this brochure are in a tour during Oct-Nov, 1984 to several

Southern African countries, and then a 1986 conference in the Netherlands

‘On being human; anthropology in Christian perspective’ on the 50th

anniversary of the Verening voor Calvinstische Wijsbegeerte.

He does not provide a complete description of an African anthropology, but

to look at three aspects: communalism – the traditional African vision;

socialism; and communism. He examines the anthropology in each of these

systems. Africa has developed from a traditional communalism to socialism

to Marxism, it has not followed the individualism of the west. As a

representative of the socialist position he examines Kenneth D Kaunda’s A

Humanist in Africa (1966), Kaunda sees socialism as ‘Zambia’s most precious

55

gift to Africa’. To examine communism he uses Canaan Banana’s The

theology o promise: the dynamics of self-reliance (1982).

In section 5 he raises the question, why are so many in Africa choosing a

revolutionary way and examines why the reformational perspective is

neglected. This is because of the prevalence of a dualistic view – the

‘spiritual’ reality has nothing to do with the ‘secular’; many Christians do not

have an encompassing vision of life, whereas Marxism at least offers a

political-economic vision of life.

The final section looks at some ‘flashes’ from a biblical anthropology and

provides an outline for a scriptural vision of society. Man is: religious;

lawbound; responsible; and equal in value. He rises the question: capitalism

of socialism? The biblical answer: neither! Both emanate from the same

religious root: the autonomy of man. A third way is needed, where man is an

office bearer of God, where those who bear authority are those who obey,

where there is social pluralism and that the spheres of life are free.

1988.2 ‘Psalm 72: a prayer for government to govern according to God's will’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 28 (307) (March): 2, 14-15.

See also More Precious than Gold 1991.2.23.

This is an editorial in Woord en Daad.

To understand the biblical role of the State Romans 13 is normally the first

place we look, and yet the psalmists offer some insight. Here van der Walt

looks at Psalm 72 and the responsibility of the ruler and the effects of

government conducted according to the will of God. ‘This Psalm is not only

an insistent prayer to God to give us a God-fearing government. It is also a

flaming prophecy of inevitable destruction if a government does not rule

according to the will of God’.

56

1988.3 ‘Reformational comments on the Kairos document: prefatory remarks’.


The Kairos Document was issued in 1985, and then revised in 1986, by a

number of Black South African theologians primarily from the townships of

Soweto challenging the churches stand and response to apartheid.

The IRS held a discussion on the document in 1986. This is the preface to the

discussions published in this issue of Orientation. Van der Walt notes the

importance of reading the document and not relying on commentaries on it.

He also draws attention to a document produced by Concerned Evangelical in

1986: Evangelical witness in South Africa: a critique of evangelical theology

and practice by evangelicals themselves (40 pp)

1988.4 ‘In a bullet casing - a toast’.

Orientation 50/51: 20-39.

This is the introduction to a special issue of Orientation on ‘Ideological

struggle in Southern Africa: flee from idols!

The bullet case in question is used instead of ‘in a nutshell’, as he

summarises the following chapters in this issue. Toast, because it is also a

congratulatory message. As well as summarising each chapter he looks at the

aims and objectives.

1988.5 ‘Ideolatry’.


This chapter 3 of the special issue of Orientation.

It was reprinted in Anatomy 1991.1 and 2008.1.

Van der Walt offers the following definition with seven elements:

‘Ideology, which usually

• comes into being in a situation of threat,

• is a substitution of true religion,

• with as its highest ideal an all-encompassing purpose,

• to the attainment of which any (power) means may be used,

http://www.bethel.edu/~letnie/AfricanChristianity/SAKairos.html

57

• norms adapted,

• sacrifices demanded, and

• a specific image of the enemy propagated’.

These seven elements are then expanded upon.

1988.6 ‘Flee from the idols!’.



See also Liberating Message (1994.1.12).

This is chapter 18 – the final chapter - of the special issue of Orientation. The

title of the article is the sub-title of the volume.

It starts with a brief historical and biblical overview from Moses in c. 1500 BC

to AD 1984. Van der Walt poses, and then answers, three important

questions:

• Why do people make and worship idols?

• Of what and how are these idols constructed?

• What are these idols capable of? (or: want are the effects of the

worship of idols?)

We cannot suppress the need for a God – substitutes are thus created. The

idols are constructed out of something created, ‘a fragment of creation

blown up to the stature of a god’, hence the possibilities for idolatry are

many. The Bible regards idols as non-entities and yet indicates that they are

dangerous. Idols have tremendous power; ‘idolaters are not free people

anymore’.

Freedom from idols comes from obedience to God and the first two

commandments. As van der Walt puts it in his introductory chapter (1988.4)

‘Ideolatry means self-destruction. Theolatry (service of the true God) means

healing, salvation, peace for man and society’.

58

1988.7 ‘Secularism: the most dangerous enemy of Christianity’.


This is a slightly revised and shorter version of 1986.4 (there is no

bibliography in this edition).

1988.8 Why the State? Bible Study on Matthew 22, Romans 13 and

Revelation 13.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F2,

Brosjurereeks ; no. 18.


ISBN 0869906410; 47 pages

Contents

Preface

1. Christ: conservative, revolutionary, ascetic , or …? (1981.2.1)

2. Matthew 22: 15-22 (1981.2.2)

3. Romans 13:1-7

4. Revelation 13

This is an expanded and revised edition of 1981.1 – hence the same F2

numbering, the title has been expanded to include Matthew 22.

It includes two chapters from Anatomy (1981.2).

1988.9 The Bible as an eye opener on the position of woman.

Wetenskaplike van die bydraes van die PU vir CHO. (2nd edn) F2 no 44.

ISBN 0869909746; 54 pages

Also reworked as ch 8 in 2006.1.

Women have a low position in African society, and so the Bible brings good

news for them. He looks at the biblical data and provides a convincing case

59

for an egalitarian position of women. He examines the concepts of headship,

authority and submission. He sees the meaning of kephale (head) as source,

unity or responsibility. His arguments are convincing, and ‘liberating,

refreshing and healing’ for women. He offers a timely warning to husbands:

‘by keeping your wives in subservient positions, you place not only them but

yourselves at a disadvantage’.

1998.10 ‘The Interaction between the post-secondary education system and

the statutory professional councils’.

by J C Pauw; J B Z Louw; B J Van der Walt; Committee of University

Principals (South Africa); A G S.; Universities and Technikons Advisory

Council (South Africa). Committee of Technikon Principals.; South Africa.

Dept. of National Education.;

Pretoria: The Dept.

ISBN 0797011684; 127 pages

This report was edited and prepared for publication by the Department of

National Education"--Pref. "Research for this report was conducted under the

guidance of ... J.B.Z. Louw, by B.J. van der Walt and J.C. Pauw in co-

operation with representatives of the Committee of University Principals and

the Committee of Technikon Principals. The report was compiled by: J.C.

Pauw in co-operation with: B.J. van der Walt ... [et al.]"--Acknowledgements.

"This report is the outcome of a request directed by the Minister of National

Education in 1984 to the Universities and Technikons Advisory Council (1984)

... "--Pref. "National Education Policy"--Prelim.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/86005043?tab=details#tabs

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/86005043?tab=details#tabs

60

1989 1989.1 ‘Introduction’.

Swanepoel, Rita, and B. J. Van der Walt ed. Christian Literature for Africa: a

survey of problems and prospects in writing, printing, publishing, and

distribution

Orientation 52-54: 21-29.

Van der Walt starts this introduction by noting the decline in Christianity in

the West and then the hunger – both spiritual and nutritional – in Africa. The

need is for Christian literature produced by and for Africans. He provides

some background to the Potchefstroom Indaba (= important conference, from

the Zulu meaning ‘business’ or ‘matter’). In 1984 van deer walt visited the

Netherlands to deliver a paper and mentioned the need for African literature,

in response Jan Dengerink on behalf of IARAFA made available funds for

almost half the cost of this conference. In total 38 people attended the

meeting.

The objectives included the need to identify the needs of writers, printers,

publishers and distributors; to reflect how better coordination could be

achieved between individuals and institutions; and to provide a strategy to

meet the needs and deficiencies.

Most participants agreed that there was too much talking and too little

action. Thus, groups were formed to form concrete, practicable

recommendations – these are published in this issue.

He also notes that a pilot committee had met in May 1988 in Harare. This

committee was renamed Christian Literature Committee for Africa (CLCA).

Van der Walt was appointed the chairman and Emmanuel Ayee, the secretary.

Some suggestions for themes subjects included:

• The family in society (changing patterns of life)

• The African woman in modern society

• African Christian marriage

• Christianity and traditional African culture

• Nepotism and corruption

61

• Political options for a new African society

• Suffer or fight?

• Urbanisation, loss of values, materialism

It is interesting to note, that van der Walt has tackled most of these issues in

his own writings.

1989.2 ‘And he continued his way with joy’.


This is the opening talk to the Christian Literature for Africa conference, 20

October 1987. It deals with Acts 8: 26-39 – the first Christian from Africa.

A shorter version was reprinted in More Precious than Gold 1991.2.20. This

version has a section on ‘The importance of the “black art” of printing in

Africa’. He also briefly comments on the questionnaires sent out before the

conference, they indicate the need for literature addressing the socio-

political and economic needs of Africa. He concludes with a few words of

thanks, In particular to IARAFA, Jan Dengerink and Jacques Marias, the former

chief administrator of IRS.

1989.3 ‘Is it really worthwhile?’.


This is the closing address to the Christian Literature for Africa conference.

He notes the often lonely battle of the Christian writer, publishing and

writing with little recompense. He hopes that there would be joy in fulfilling

‘our calling in the service of the written word’ and uses Romans 14: 7-8 and

Phil 1:21-25 to examine the question ‘Does it make any sense to devote one’s

life to good literature for Africa?’ He concludes that if we work for the Lord,

rather than profit or fame, our efforts will not be in vain.

62


In Visie en Missie/ Vision & Mission: IRS 25 jaar (1962-1987): die

reformatories-evangeliese lewensvisie en die toekomstige missie van

Christelike hoër onderwysinrigtings in wereldperspektief.


F3 no 35: 121-137.

ISBN 0869909940

This volume contains the lectures deliverd on the silver jubilee of the IRS (12-

13 November 1987). The lecturers included P. Z. Mukwena, Al Wolters, Jan

Dengerink, T van der Walt. Their contributions were all published in their

original languages. Van der Walt contributes a preface and three articles, two

in Afrikans and one in English (see below 1989.5)

1989.5 ‘Relevant Christian theological education for Africa’.

In Visie en missie/ Vision & Mission: IRS 25 jaar (1962-1987): die

reformatories-evangeliese lewensvisie en die toekomstige missie van

Christelike hoër onderwysinrigtings in wereldperspektief.


ISBN 0869909940

This is taken from a paper read at the Conference on Bible Schools for Church

Leaders in Africa 99-12 August 1988) at the PU for CHE, Potchefstroom. An

expanded version of it is found in 1990.6.

Van der Walt addresses three key questions:

1. What does theological education in Africa look like at present?

2. Why is the present theological education so irrelevant for Africa?

3. How should relevant theological education for Africa look like?

63

1989.6 ‘The intellectual décor of the Reformation - with special reference to

Calvin’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 16 (1-2):

Reprint of 1980.2.

64

1990

1990.1 Being Human: A Gift and a Duty. On the Way to a Christian View of

Man for Africa.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F2, Brosjurereeks ; no. 49.

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education

ISBN 0869909967; iv + 89 pages

Revised updated and included in Liberating Message 1994.1.7.

Contents

Preface

Introduction: being human as a gift and a duty

1. Man and Bible

2. Man and religion

3. Man and God

4. Man and sin

5. Man and culture

Intermezzo: A provisional comparison between traditional and African culture

and Western culture

6. Man and history

7. Man and his fellowman

8. Man and office

9. Man and society

Intermezzo: The relation between religion and society

10. Man and sexuality

Conclusion: On the way to a new Africa

A brief bibliography

65


In Venster op mag en geweld: Christelike perspektiewe = Reflections on

power and violence: Christian perspectives. Wetenskaplike bydraes van die

PU vir CHO, Reeks F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 37.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO: 6-12.

ISBN 1868220443; ii + 303 pages

This volume in the F3 series deals with power and violence at a time of great

thirst for power and much violence.

In his preface van der Walt notes that this volume is intended to provide

guidance and address questions such as: ‘Is power as such wrong? And

violence? Is Christianity justified in answering violence with violence (as, for

example, during war? If not, is a believer not entitled to offer any resistance?

And if resistance should be permissible, what forms of resistance are not?”

1990.3 ‘The calling of government and citizen: where do we stand in South

Africa at this stage?’.

In Venster op mag en geweld: Christelike perspektiewe = Reflections on

power and violence: Christian perspectives. Wetenskaplike bydraes van die

PU vir CHO, Reeks F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 37.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO: 6-12

ISBN 1868220443; ii + 303 pages


This version is the unchanged speech presented at a meeting of Youth for

South Africa (Potchefstroom branch) in October 1988. He addresses the

following issues:

• What does the Bible say about rebellion and violence?

• What does Christian tradition say about these?

• What does it mean to speak of government authority, power and

violence?

• What is the calling of the subject/ citizen?

• Where do we stand in South Africa at present?



66

1990.4 ‘Introduction’. Orientation. 55-57 (Dec 1989- Jun 1990): 1-6.

This is the introduction to the Second Southern African Education Conference

held at Potchefstroom. It was held from 19 -20 February 1988 and was

attended by 90 delegates, including those from South Africa, Zambia, Kenya,

Canada and the USA. The first conference was held in 1986 (see 1987.1).

1990.5 ‘A vision of renewal for education in South Africa: opening meditation

based on Ezekiel 47:1-12 for IRS Course in Christian School Education. 22-24

Feb’.

Orientation. 55-57 (Dec 1989-Jun1990): 246-249.

See 1991.2 ch 41.

This is a meditation on Ez 47:1-12. The hope is that this conference will pump

cleansing water into the Dead Sea of the ideologised education system.

1990.6 ‘Relevant Christian theological education for Africa’.

In Gilbert Okoronkwo ed. Church, and society - can they work in harmony?

Nairobi: Association of Evangelicals of Africa and Madagascar: 30-49.

68 pages

This is an expanded version of a paper that appeared in 1989.5.

The previous paper looked at thee questions (3-5 below). This paper expands

on the previous by adding two other questions (1 and 2):

1. What is Christian education?

2. What is (Christian) theological education?

3. What does theological education in Africa look like at present?

4. Why is the present theological education so irrelevant for Africa?

5. How should relevant theological education for Africa look like?




67

1991

1991.1 Anatomy of Reformation: Flashes and Fragments of a Reformational

Worldview.


F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 13.


Education

ISBN 1868220362; iii + 581 pages

Second revised edition of 1981.2 – see also 2008.1.

Contents

1. Christ: conservative, revolutionary, ascetic, or.....

2. Christ and the religious order of his day.

3. Christ and the social order of his time.

4. Christ and the political situation of his day.

5. The new way of reformation.

6. John Hus: a reformer in his own right. (1984.4)

7. Ulrich Zwingli: his message for South Africa today.

8. John Knox: the Scottish reformer who feared no man. (1984.5)

9. Sixteenth century models for Christian involvement in the world.

10. Renaissance and Reformation: contemporaries but not allies.

11. The intellectual decor of the Reformation; special reference to Calvin.

(1980.2)

12. Church reformation: permanent call.

13. Out of love for my church; on the reformation of a reformed church.

14. Not of the world but in the world; the calling of the church in the world.

15. Church mission or Kingdom mission? The kingdom perspective in our

missionary endeavour.

16. Flee from the idols! (1988.6)

17. The Idolatry of ideologies. (1988.5)

68

18. The evangelical, revolutionary and reformational views of social change.

19. The calling of government and citizen; where do we stand in South Africa

at this stage? (1990.3)

20. Integral Christian scholarship; looking into the heart of a Christian

university. (1987.2)

21. God's hand in history?

22. Norms, means and ends; a reformational approach to economics. (1996.7)

23. The consistent problem-historical method of philosophical historiography

(reprint of 1983.1)

24. The will of God; how the Holy Spirit directs us in the taking of difficult

decisions. (1984.11)

In this second edition chs 6-8, 16-20 and 22-24 replaced seven chapters from

the first edition. This volume is less technical and more popular than either

Heartbeat (1978.3) or Horizon (1978.4), the two previous compilations.

The table below shows how the 1981 and 1991 editions compare:

Anatomy of Reformation 1981 Anatomy of Reformation 1991 1. Christ – conservative, revolutionary,

ascetic or what?

2. Christ and the religious order of his day

3. Christ and the social order of his time

4. Christ and the political situation of his

day

5. The new way of reformation

1. Christ: conservative, revolutionary,

ascetic, or.....

2. Christ and the religious order of his

day.

3. Christ and the social order of his time.

4. Christ and the political situation of his

day.

5. The new way of reformation.

6. John Hus: a reformer in his own right.

7. Ulrich Zwingli: his message for South

Africa today.

69

6. Sixteenth century models for Christian

involvement in the world

7. Renaissance and Reformation --

contemporaries, but not allies

8. Christian Nationalism -- tracking down

Calvinism in South Africa

9. Church Reformation -- the permanent

call

10. Out of love for my church -- On the

reformation of a reformed church

11. Not of the world, but in the world --

the calling of the church in the world

12. Church mission or kingdom mission? --

the kingdom perspective in our missionary

endeavour

13. The significance of a biblical view of

man for the pastorate

15. A total onslaught -- revolutionary

warfare in southern Africa

16. The relevance of a Calvinistic

cosmoscope to the black peoples of Africa

17. Panorama of Reformation in the year

of our Lord 1980 -- a survey of world-wide

Reformed faith and action

8. John Knox: the Scottish reformer who

feared no man.

9. Sixteenth century models for Christian

involvement in the world.

10. Renaissance and Reformation:

contemporaries but not allies.

11. The intellectual decor of the

Reformation; special reference to Calvin.

12. Church reformation: permanent call.

13. Out of love for my church; on the

reformation of a reformed church.

14. Not of the world but in the world; the

calling of the church in the world.

15. Church mission or Kingdom mission?

The kingdom perspective in our missionary

endeavour.

70

18. Reformation or revolution.


16. Flee from the idols!

17. The Idolatry of ideologies.

18. The evangelical, revolutionary and

reformational views of social change.

19. The calling of government and citizen;

where do we stand in South Africa at this

stage?

20. Integral Christian scholarship; looking

into the heart of a Christian university.

21. God's hand in history?

22. Norms, means and ends; a

reformational approach to economics.

23. The consistent problem-historical

method of philosophical historiography

24. The will of God; how the Holy Spirit

directs us in the taking of difficult

decisions. (1984.11)

71

1991.2 More Precious than Gold: Discovering the Real Wealth of Scripture.


Versamelwerke ; no. 38.

Potchefstroom University for CHE

ISBN 186822046X; ii + 277 pages

Contents

About being married

1. Finding a husband/wife (Gen 24)

2. Christ as wedding guest (Jn 2:1-12)

3. The secret of marriage (SoS 8:6,7)

4. Being married is not everything (1 Cor 7:38)

A song about real love

5. The best way of all (1 Cor 13)

6. The indispensability of love (1 Cor 13: 1-3)

7. The excellence of love (1 Cor 13: 4-7)

8. The immortality of love (1 Cor 3: 8-13)

For special occasions

9. The gospel of Christmas in names (Lk 1:5-25, 57-66)

10. God's penultimate visit (Acts 2)

11. Liberated liberators (Mt 2:13-23)

At funerals

12. A meeting between life and death (Lk 7:11-17)

13. Moses on Nebo (Dt 34: 1-12)

14. Travellers from an old to a new paradise (Rev 21: 3-7, 22:1-5)

Youth and old age

15. Can there still be hope among the Christian youth of today?

16. Running a marathon (1 Cor 9:24-26, 1 Tim 2:5, 4:7-8, Heb 12:1-3)

17. Spiritual preparedness in the light of Scripture (Eph 6: 10-18)

18. An old person's prayer (Ps 71)

19. Christ's guidelines for his first missionaries (Mt 10)

20. "And he continued his way with joy ..." (Acts 8:26-39)

72

21. Jonah and us (Jonah 1-4)

Our socio-political calling

22. Our presence in the world (Mt 5: 13-16; 13:33)

23. A prayer for government to govern according to God's will (Ps 72)

24. Christ and the walls of separation in our country (Jn 4: 1-42)

25. Builders or demolishers? (Neh 1-4)

The meaning of life and work

26. Is it really worthwhile? (Rom 14:7,8; Phil 1:21-25)

27. All is vain, without the blessing of the Lord (Ps 127:1-4; Mt 6:25-32)

28. Strength in smallness (Mk 4: 30-32)

The beatitudes of our King

29. Introduction (Mt 5:1-12)

30. The poor – who own everything! (Mt 5:3)

31. The sorrowful – who will find consolation! (Mt 5:4)

32. The meek – who inherit the earth! (Mt 5:5)

33. The hungry – who shall be satisfied! (Mt 5:6)

34. The merciful – who shall receive mercy! (Mt 5:7)

35. The pure of heart – who can see God! (Mt 5:8)

36. The peace-makers – who are God’s children! (Mt 5:9)

37. The persecuted – who own a kingdom! (Mt 5:10)

38. Those who suffer insult – an rejoice! (Mt 5:11,12)

Joy service in God's Kingdom

39. "Servite Domino in laetitia" (Ps 100:2)

40. From incense-offering to blood sacrifice (Mk 14:3-9)

41. A vision of renewal (Ez 47:1-12) (1990.5)

42. Never the same again (Mt 13:44)

The opening paragraph of the van der Walts’ preface is illuminating: ‘To

reflect on matters of lifeview (my task at the Institute for Reformational

Studies) and to be involved in Philosophy (my work at the Potchefstroom

University for Christian Higher Education) I regard as a special privilege. But

perhaps it is still more wonderful as a Christian to be able to drink at the

Source of our reformational vision of life and philosophy – the Word of God’.

It is that that he does in this book, a collection of ‘brief meditations,

opening addresses and sermons, and also more systematic Scriptural

exegesis’.

73

The first four chapters on ‘About being married’ were also published in

Orientation 1991 (see 1991.3, 1991.4, 1991.5, 1991.6)

1991.3 ‘Finding a husband/ wife (Genesis 14)’.

Orientation (Dec 90-Dec 91) 58-62: 232-245.

Also in 1991.2.1.

This looks at the biblical story in Gen 14 – one of the longest in the Bible.

Abraham wants a wife for Isaac and so he sends Eliezer, who finds Rebecca.

Parallels are drawn between finding a wife or husband toady. ‘The great

question is therefore whether we still practise prayer. Do parents still pray

that their children will find, not necessarily a goodlooking, rich, intelligent

marriage partner, but in the first place one intended for the child by god? Do

the young people pray for this seriously enough?’.

1991.4 ‘Christ as the wedding guest (John 2: 1-12)’.


Also in 1991.2.2.

The wedding feast in Cana was the first time Christ performed a miracle. This

talk looks at how Christ manifested his glory: through his wedding gift – the

quality and quantity of the wine; through the inversion of the existing order/

tradition – the best wine was served last; through bring people to faith in him.

1991.5 ‘The secret of marriage (Song of Songs 8:6,7)’.


Also in 1991.2.3.

These verses in Songs are used to look at the secret of a good marriage. Love

is not sinful, it cannot be enforced, it is glorious, tremendous, a flame of the

Lord. Love is intimate, spontaneous , intense and exclusive. It is not

despicable or forced.

74

1991.6 ‘Being married is not everything (1 Cor 7: 36)’.


Also in 1991.2.4.

Paul is often accused of misogyny and of having a negative ascetic point of

view when it comes to sex. The context for this passage is examined and it

absolves Paul of these false accusations. Paul’s message briefly is: ‘Through

the gift of abstinence some of the Corinthians could bear testimony to what is

important in the life of the Christian, which is total devotion to God. Being

allowed to marry is also, however, a gift of the Lord … It is not by fleeing from

marriage and its problems but within the confines of a blessed marriage that

we have to testify to that which makes life worth living: the service and

honour and glory of God.’

1991.7 A Christian Worldview and Christian Higher Education for Africa.

Potchesfroom: PU vir CHO.

ii + 124 pages

Much revised and updated in Liberating Message 1994.1. It was written for

the first regional conference for Africa of the IAPCHE in Harare, March 1991.

1991.8 ‘The idea of reform’.

In W. van't Spijker ed. Calvin: Erbe und Auftrag: Festschrift für Wilhelm

Heinrich Neuser

Kampen: Kok; pp 18-30.

ISBN 9024230578; xi + 430 pages

This is van der Walt’s contribution to the Festschrift of the Calvin scholar

Wilhelm Neuser. In it he develops what is meant by reformation? He makes a

systematic comparison with other concepts of renewal and provides a

historical reconnaissance of the origin, meaning and development of the

concept of reformation as a mode of change.

He comes to this provisional definition:


75

Reformation is the deliberate, fearless, positive witness of Christians

with real repentance, acknowledgement of guilt and humility and in

deep dependence on God, according to the Biblical guidelines of

renewal towards the image of God through the Holy Spirit to know

God’s will and to live in accordance with it and with creative

cognizance of the good from the past, without ceasing, to improve the

relatively good further, to combat evil in all its manifestations , that is

individually and structurally, and so to strive for and effect the radical,

total, and integral renewal of individual and society, in accordance with

the strategies which will counter the issues of the day in the most

effective manner.


In Kultuurverskeidenheid in Afrika: verleentheid of geleentheid? = Cultural

diversity in Africa: embarrassment or opportunity?

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO, Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. F3

No 40: 6-10

ISBN: 868220540; ii + 261 pages

This volume contains the papers delivered at a conference on Cultural

Diversity organised by the IRS and the Department of Philosophy at PU for

CHE, 12-14 May 1989.

In his Preface van der Walt offers an impression of the meeting under four

points: overview, insight, horizons and future vistas.

1991.9 ‘A provisional comparison between traditional African culture and

Western culture’.


diversity in Africa: embarrassment or opportunity?

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO, Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. No

40: 211-221.

76

1991.10 ‘Jonah and us: fleeing from God’s transcultural command’.


diversity in Africa: embarrassment or opportunity?. Wetenskaplike bydraes

van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F3, Versamelwerke ; no. 40. Potchefstroom: PU vir

CHO.

Also in 1991.2.21.

In this brief meditation van der Walt looks at three points: the command of

God, the flight of Jonah and the lesson for us. Like Jonah we can be: spoilt

prophets, nationalistic prophets, silent prophets, cowardly prophets, fleeing

prophets and failed prophets. ‘I often get the impression … that we as

Christians worry as little about transcultural mission as did Jonah. While we

should be working and praying we have fallen – like Jonah – into a stuporous

sleep: a sleeping church in a tempest-torn South Africa!’

1991.11 ‘Preface’.

In Paul Marshall A Calvinist Political Theory.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1, IRS-studiestukke ; no.

283.

ISBN 1868220796 (pbk); ii + 48 pages

This brief, one-page Preface, places this booklet in the context of the next

few booklets. He hopes that it will ‘stimulate Christians in South Africa to

reflect on their calling as Christians in the field of politics’.

1991.12 ‘Preface’.

In H. Antonides and E. Vanderkloet A Christian Labour Association.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1. IRS-studiestukke ; no.

285.


ISBN 186822080X ; ii + 23 pages

In this Preface van der Walt notes that the influence of the IRS outside of the

Afrikaans-speaking community is limited by the fact that most of their

77

literature is in Afrikaans. Consequently, it has been decided to publish more

material, including this booklet, in English. This booklet on CLAC is

published, not so that South Africans would imitate the CLAC, but to point

out viable alternatives.

1991.13 ‘Preface’.

In G. N. Monsma et al. Poverty in Southern Africa

Series Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1, IRS-

studiestukke ; no. 287.


ISBN 1868220842 (pbk); 68 pages

This brief Preface tells us that these papers were the topic of a four-day

conference hosted by the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC), 20 February-2

March 1990.

1991.14 Window on the World: On the Nature of Worldviews and the Value

of a Christian Worldview for Africa.

Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. IRS.

55 pages

Paper prepared for the Nairobi World Conference of Philosophy, Nairobi,

Kenya: 21-25 July 1991.

Contents

1. The struggle for an own worldview and an African identity: some flashes

from the past 100 years

2. Nature and function of a worldview

3. The present debate on worldview in Reformational circles

4. In search for solutions: the structure of a worldview

5. A Christian worldview – some contours

6. Bibliography

Much of this booklet has been revised and updated in 1994.1 and 2008.2.

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdWWindowOnTheWorld.pdf

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdWWindowOnTheWorld.pdf

78

Chapter 1 looks at the different phases in African history: the pre-colonial,

colonial and post colonial phases. This chapter was later updated and

expanded in The Liberating Message 1994.1.2

In Chapter 2 a worldview is defined as ‘an integrated, interpretative set of

confessional perspectives on reality which underlies human activity, shapes

it, mediates it and gives it direction and meaning so that man’s calling in the

world is spelled out’ (p 13). Ten important characteristics of a worldview are

listed:

• It is encompassing

• It is a mode of looking/ seeing

• It guides and orients us in our understanding of the world

• It reveals a unity

• It is both descriptive and prescriptive

• It requires full commitment

• It is typically human

• It is pre-scientific

• It is a deeply –rooted source of action

• It is a definitive image of reality, and yet fallible

Chapter 3 goes on to look at the debate in reformational circles, principally

in the book Stained Glass P. Marshall et al. (eds) (UPA, 1989), and the

relationship between worldview and philosophy. Wolters identifies 5 ways of

viewing the relationship:

1. Worldview repels philosophy

2. Worldview crowns philosophy

3. Worldview flanks philosophy

4. Worldview yields philosophy

5. Worldview equals philosophy

Wolters maintains that Kuyper, Bavinck and Dooyeweerd (pre 1940) hold to

position 4. Post 1940 Dooyeweerd developed his concept of religious ground

motives and changed his view to 3. Not all reformational thinkers hold to

position 4. Wolters, Olthius and Griffioen do, but Klapwijk doesn not.

Klapwijk sees worldview as an integrative and transformative role – model 4

leads Christian thinkers into isolation. Van der Walt does not indicate which

position he favours.

79

Van der Walt then turns to look at a brief history of woldview he looks at

the use in Kant, Dilthey, Kuhn in an attempt to see if its use does lead to

subjectivism or relativism: it becomes clear that worldview cannot be

detached from historical relativism. What then are we to do with

worldview? We need to remember that God’s world is more than our view

of it. Even if worldviews change stable components remain. He then

identifies some important aspects of worldviews”

1. A large number of factors play a role in the establishment of a worldview

2. A worldview is the bridge or link between a person’s faith an life in the

world

3. Both absolutism and relativism give a twisted image of the nature of a

worldview

He then provides some aids indicators, to some criteria for a reliable

worldview: in the first place reciprocation is important, reality and faith

should accord with our worldview, and vice versa; in the second place the

direction of worldviews may be different. Worldviews are a response to

God’s law orders.

Crises in worldviews can arise from the threat of a stronger worldview,

from the worldview no longer no longer accords with reality, or a lack of

commitment to the worldview. This may result in a two possible responses:

either change it or stick with it.

The final section (§5) looks at some contours of a worldview. A

reformational worldview is a transformational worldview. Our whole life is

service to God, it is total, radical, central and integral. The history of this

worldview is then traced from Augustine, Calvin, Kuyper, Bavinck,

Vollenhoven and Dooyeweerd. In South Africa reformational ideas were

worked out by H G Stoker and his successor J A L Taljaard.

Six distinctions of a reformational worldview are outlined:

• The radical distinction between God and his creation

• The distinction between heaven and earth

80

• The distinction between God’s creational ordinances and that which

is subject to them

• The distinction between various irreducible facts or modes of

existence of the earthly reality

• The distinction between different phases in the development of the

earthly creation

• The distinction between structure and direction.

81

1992

1992.1 ‘Leave, cleave unto one and be one: the threefold mystery of marriage.

Many to many 2: 45-51.

A three part talk given at a wedding – it addresses in turn the need to leave,

leave and become one. It concludes: ‘This then is the threefold secret of a

happy marriage: leaving, cleaving unto and being one. Without the leaving it

is not possible to cleave unto each other. (Because then you remain bonded

to your parental home.) And without the cleaving unto (reciprocal troth) the

being one flesh (sexual union) is empty and dangerous. These three together

form the one great secret. We find the heart in the central one of the three:

reciprocal, lifelong troth’.

1992.2 ‘Twenty-one theses about sound “democratization” of Universities in

the light of a reformational philosophy of society’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 32 (339): 16-18.

As the title suggest we have here 21 theses .

The first 12 focus on the office bearers of the university – they must be

servants, there are specific calls and therefore a variety of offices. Their

authority is rooted in God’s creational ordinances. The next examine the

calling of a university to be an educational institution, a scientific

educational institution.

1992.3 ‘New hope for a bleeding Africa’.


This is the same as 1992.4.

This is some reflections on a 1992 IRS conference at the PU on Africa. Van der

Walt sees new hope for Africa. He makes ten pertinent points:

• A second liberation

• Democracy only a means towards a better future

• New private initiative

• Re-awakening of a more radical and encompassing Christianity


82

• End of the wars between East and west

• Self-reliance as the solution

• Openness towards self-criticism

• A new spirit of reconciliation

• High expectations of South Africa

• South Africa changing

He concludes that he is an African – and proud of it.

1992.4 ‘New hope for a bleeding continent’.

SWO/CSD-Bulletin 4(9): 13, 18 (Oct).

This is the same as 1992.3.

1992.5 ‘Introduction’.

In Christian Education in the African Context

Proc. of the African Regional Conf. of the IAPCHE, Harare 4-9 March 1991.

Orientation 63-66 (Jan – Dec 1992): i-iii

These are the proceedings of the first regional conference of the IAPCHE.

The preceding conferences were all international ones: 1975 Potchefstroom,

1978 Calvin College, 1981 Dordt College, 1984 Breukelen, the Netherlands

and 1987 Lusaka, Zambia.

In his Introduction van der Walt takes the opportunity to inform us of the

developments since the conference.

1992.6 ‘The task of IAPCHE in the African context’.

In Christian Education in the African Context

Proc. of the African Regional Conf. of the IAPCHE, Harare 4-9 March 1991.

Orientation 63-66 (Jan – Dec 1992): 185-189.

Here van der Walt looks ‘some areas and strategies which can be discussed,

worked out more fully and made more concrete’. These include lecturer

exchange, joint textbooks and correspondence courses, a regular exchange of

publications, conferences and seminars, and contact with the community of

Christian scholars outside of Africa.

83

1993

1993.1 ‘A Christian university – what it really is and what it does not want to

be’.


He identifies and addresses six misconceptions regarding a Christian

university.

• It is not a neutral institution

• ‘Christian’ should not have a merely historical meaning

• ‘Christian’ should not be interpreted in terms of church activities on

campus

• “Christian’ does not indicate that Christian evangelisation or

missionary work is being done on campus

• ‘Christian’ is not located in specific or additional subjects taught at

an institution

• ‘Christian’ does not only refer to the religious convictions of students

and staff

He then looks at four basic requirements of a Christian university:

• It must be a free university, free from state intervention

• The lecturers and the (majority) of students should be Christians

with the insight into what Christian scholarship entails

• All the fields of study should be studied in the light of God’s

revelation in creation, in scripture and in Christ

• The Christian approach to the sciences should be visible by its fruits.

1993.2 ‘The family: a new vision for Africa’.


In Africa as well as in the West, the family is in crisis. Here Van der Walt

offers another reason for family disintegration: the lack of vision. He

addresses this by offering under 7 points a new vision for the family:

1. The family as a true community

2. The family as a natural community

3. The family as a distinctive community



84

4. The family is a blood community

5. The family as a community authority

6. The family as a community of love

7. The family as a community of faith

1993.3 ‘Reformational spirituality’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 33 (345): 15

Also in Man and God 1994.2.36.

This one-page concise summary provides an overview of a reformational

spirituality, a spirituality that encompasses the whole of life. It is not

pietistic, not mystical, not a sacrametalistic religiosity and not strongly

emotional as the whole of life is involved. Care should be taken, however,

that it does not become intellectualistic, legalistic, passivistic, or

conservativist or revolutionist.

1993.4 ‘We need more than ethics’.


See also 1993.6.

This paper takes a look at ethics in the context of business and economics.

Van der Walt is convinced that too much is expected of ethics. Ethics is not a

panacea, it is wrong to limit the normative to ethics – each science has its

own set of norms.

1993.5 ‘Preface’

In Window on Business Ethics: a Challenge to Christians/ Venster Op

Bestuursetiek.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO, Potchefstroom: PU vir CHO. IRS.

F3, no 43: 1-7

ISBN 1868221326; iv + 221 pages

85

These are the proceedings for the 1990 IRS conference on business ethics. It

was held on 28 February at the Carlton Hotel, Johannesburg. It was organised

in conjunction with the Faculty of Economics and management at the PU for

CHE.

Several papers not presented at the conference were also included.

1993.6 ‘Do we not perhaps need more than (business) ethics?’.

In Window on Business Ethics: a Challenge to Christians/ Venster Op

Bestuursetiek.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO . Reeks F3 no 43: 208-216.


See 1993. 4.

1993.7 ‘Preface’. With Swanepoel, Rita

Integral Christian Scholarship: Exploratory Reflections on the African

Situation.

Potchefstroom, RSA: Institute for Reformational Studies, on behalf of the

Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

Orientation, no. 67-70, Jan.-Dec. 1993. i – viii.

This issue of Orientation contains all the papers delivered on the last day of

the Pan-African Conference held April 27-May 1, 1992 which was organized by

the Institute for Reformational Studies (IRS) and hosted by the Potchefstroom

University for Christian Higher Education. This last day of the conference was

devoted to the issue of Christian higher education in Africa.

In his preface van der Walt looks at some background to the conference, the

aims of the final day and concludes with some general impressions.

Contents

Preface / B.J. van der Walt

Message from the International Association for the Promotion of Christian

Higher Education / P.G. Schrotenboer

86

Opening devotions / P.Z. Mukwena

The plight of African universities and scholarship and its implications for

students: overview / J.N. Orkar

Response / G.N. Nguru

Response / V.B. Cole

A critical evaluation of Christian higher education in Africa: past and present:

West Africa / V.B. Cole ; East Africa / G.N. Nguru ; South Africa / J.L. van

der Walt

Christian worldview foundations: a methodological approach / Y. Turaki

The pilgrim's progress of a Christian academic / B.J. van der Walt (see

1993.8)

Contours for a Christian perspective in the social sciences and humanities /

C.W. Bester

A physicist on Christian science / J.P.L. Reinecke

A Christian perspective on languages / D.M. Wybenga

Can the business of any business be only business? / G.J. de Klerk

A hight challenge for tough times / K.C. Sewell

Bringing into captivity every thought / J.B. Hulst.

1993. 8 The pilgrim’s progress of a Christian academic.

Orientation. 67-70: 100-122.

This was reworked as chapter 5 in Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

(2001.1).

It tells the story of Thomas the Christian and how he developed to be Thomas

the Christian Scholar. To do so he passed through two other stages: Thomas

the Christian or Scholar and then Thomas the Christian and Scholar. He came

to see that academic life can also be one to glorify God.

87

1994

1994. 1 The Liberating Message: A Christian Worldview for Africa.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F,

Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie. Reeks F3,

Versamelwerke; no. 44.


Education, Institute for Reformational Studies

ISBN 1868221407; 625 pages

Reprinted 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2006.

Contents

Preface – Dr Y Turaki

1. Voices calling from Africa

2. The crisis in the transformation of Africa and the urgent need for a

Christian worldview (expanded version of Window 1991.15.1)

3. The nature, structure and function of a worldview

4. God’s revelation: the foundation of a Christian worldview

5. A radical Christian worldview compared with dualist Christian worldviews

6. The basic outlines of a Christian philosophy

7. On being human according to a Christian worldview (see 1990.1)

8. Cultural plurality in Africa

9. Conflicting views on human identity and society in Africa

10. A Christian view of society in dialogue with the individualist and

communal views

11. Societal change and renewal according to three models

12. Christian worldview versus ideology (see 1988.6)

13. Six important social relationships in a Christian perspective

14. Government and citizen in a Christian perspective

15. Christian higher education in Africa

Postscript

Bibliography

88

This popular level first-year undergraduate book started life in A Christian

Worldview and Christian Higher Education (1991.7) and On Being Human

(1990.1). It is split into 15 chapters to fit within one university semester.

There are no footnotes, but it does include a 23-page bibliography.

It was originally intended to be co-written with Yusufu Turaki, the General

secretary of the Evangelical churches of West Africa, but circumstances

mitigated against this. Turaki does, however, contribute a Preface. He

writes: ‘This book serves as an introduction towards understanding the

Christian worldview within the African context’.

1994.2 Man and God: A Reformational Philosophy of Religion.

Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoer Onderwys,

Series Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks C, Diverse ; no. 10

ISBN 1868221628; 424 pages

Reprinted in late 2008. See also 1997.2.

Contents

1 The relationship between religion, philosophy and science

2 Trends in philosophy of religion and disciplines studying religions

3 Religion: the word and the basic features or characteristics of religion

4 A bird's-eye view of religious history

5 Different types of religion

6 Formulating a reformational perspective: God's revelation: the basis of our

faith

7 How we know that the Bible is the Word of God

8 The importance of a philosophical ontology based on Scripture

9 The aspects or modalities of earthly reality

10 The relationships of man to God, his fellow men, nature and himself

11 A Christian perspective on miracles

12 God's hand in history

13 How to know the will of God for our lives

14 A radical Christian worldview compared with dualist Christian worldviews

89

15 Religion and political, economic and social renewal

16 Christianity and scholarship

17 Theology and philosophy

18 Challenging other viewpoints: Functionalistic explanations about the origin

of religion

19 Idolatry and its consequences

20 The Gospel as a liberating power in traditional African religion

21 The relationship between faith and knowledge in Early Christian and

Medieval thought

22 Natural theology and Theodicy

23 Ideology as a substitute for true religion

24 The development of Western atheism

25 Secularism: the most dangerous enemy of Christianity

26 Religious language: meaningful or meaningless?

27 The New Age Movement

28 Something about the problem of evil

29 Religious plurality, equality of religions and freedom of religion.


In [Christian Higher Education in the African context]: "continuing the line

of the two previous editions of Orientation (1992 and 1993)"

Orientation 71-74: i-ii.

In this brief preface van der Walt (and Rita Swanepoel) introduces this special

issue of Orientation devoted to Christian Higher Education in Africa. He

concludes: ‘We are convinced that, in spite of the focus on Africa, some of

the issues discussed here are of universal importance. We therefore hope

that our readers from other parts of the world will find much of relevance

also for their specific circumstances’.

Contents

The oppression and liberation of modern Africa: a critical history / S. Fowler

The crying need for a Christian worldview and a Christian philosophy in Africa

/ B.J. van der Walt

That was then, this is now / K.C. Sewell

Schooling for what? / S. Fowler

90

Christian students in the university crisis ;

John Dawkins versus John Calvin / B.C. Wearne

Reformational university basis in operation ;

"Transforming" "society" / J.J. Venter

A Christian approach to the diversity in political viewpoints, religions and

cultures: illustrated by way of a case study of S.A. / B.J. van der Walt

Addresses of Christian liberal arts colleges and universities in Africa.

1994.4 ‘The crying need for a Christian worldview and a Christian philosophy

In Africa’.


This paper was originally read at the International Symposium on ‘Christian

Philosophy at the Close of the twentieth century’ at Bevendonk, Hoeven, the

Netherlands, from 22-26 August 1994. In it he discusses the problem, the

potential and the plan for developing a Christian philosophy in Africa.

1994.5 ‘A Christian approach to the diversity in political viewpoints, religions

and cultures: illustrated by way of a case study of South Africa’.


This paper was originally read at the conference on ‘Multicultural education

challenges for South Africa’ hosted by the PU, 4-6 August 1994. (See 1995.2).

The aim of this paper is to provide a ‘principal reflection on the causes for

the conflicts and the quests for solutions’ and to offer practical application

to the South African situation.

The causes for conflict include different views of society, religious diversity

and cultural (including ethnic) diversity. Three prevalent views of society are

examined: individualism, communalism and the Christian pluralist view. The

differences between the views are highlighted in a table and in diagrammatic

form.

The diversity of religions is an issue that van der Walt examines in more

detail in Transforming Power 2007.1 chs 5-7 (see also 2004.1). it raises the

question ‘Are all religions equal?’ here he examines four possible views and

91

surveys three different viewpoints. He compares Buddhism, Islam and

Christianity and shows that the differences are not simply relative but

essential. Religions are not equal in the sense of being the same or of the

same value. Christianity is a unique road to salvation.

Three main types of religion are then compared: traditional African, secular

Western and pagan Eastern religion. These are usefully illustrated

diagrammatically (cf Roy Clouser’s diagram in Myth of Religious Neutrality

University of Notre Dame Press, 1991 [2nd edn 2005].

The discussion on culture looks at important features of culture and again

utilises another helpful diagram: culture is viewed as an onion with different

layers. This is a theme take up and developed in When African and Western

Cultures Meet 2006.1 ch 1 and in 2001.2 (see also 2006.5; 2001.1 ch 2). He

concludes this section by looking at his own cultural identity (see 1994.9).

The third section takes a look at the Afrikaner regime in South Africa. Here

van der Walt uses the image of a river: its colour is its Calvinistic character,

the taste is the Christian-National form which it assumed in South Africa, the

purity, in light of the radical nature of the gospel, its healthy quality, it

developed into a nationalist ideology, its force, the destructive effects of

apartheid.

He concludes that South Africa society in the past has failed because ‘it

failed to acknowledge and apply the three basic principles of structural,

religious and cultural diversity’.

92

1994.6 ‘Human dignity and identity according to apartheid and according to

the Word of God’.

In M. Waijaki, Y. Turaki, B. J. van der Walt and P. Kasenene. Visions of Man

and Freedom in Africa: 29-52

Series Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1, IRS-

studiestukke ; no. 302.


ISBN 868221342; 64 pages

Contents

Preface

1. Africa beyond liberation / Dr Munyana Waljaki

2. Human dignity, identity and reconciliation/ Dr Yusufu Turaki

3. Human dignity and identity: According to apartheid and according to the

word of God/ prof Bennie van der Walt

4. Human dignity, identity and decolonising the mind/ Dr Peter Kasenene

Van der Walt starts by noting that although apartheid’s day has passed,

apartheid itself has not, it has been scaled down but not completely

obliterated. He looks at the ideology of apartheid – he identifies six

ideological characteristics in apartheid. These are: nationalist, communalist,

racist, secularist, prosperity and revolutionary.

He then considers the effects of the ideology of apartheid and the challenges

for the future. The biblical view of man is then seen in reply to apartheid.

1994.7 ‘A reformational look at the powers and authority of the office bearers’.


This is a summary in 13 theses of the office, authority, power and

responsibility of office bearers. These theses were discussed in more detail in

a subsequent issue (1994.8). These issues have also been dealt with in

Leaders with a Vision 1995.1.



93

1994.8 ‘Take a good look at office, authority and power’.


Here he deals in more detail with the 13 theses posted in a previous issue of

this journal. He notes that ‘Clarity about concepts like office, authority,

power and responsibility is an absolute prerequisite for a principled analysis

of democracy. They are the essential, basic building blocks for a

reformational view of democratic form of government’. Authority and office

are not the same; people in office do not have authority unless they comply

with the requirement of authority: insight into divine norms. The task of

office bearers is service: authoritative and responsible service.

1994.9 ‘Afrikaner identity in perspective’.


This article proposes a few positive ideas about cultural unity and diversity in

the new South Africa. As an example he looks at his own identity: he is an

Afrikaner, a South African, an African, a citizen of the whole world but above

all he is a Christian. Identity is not static, it is dynamic; it can be limiting and

impoverishing or it can be wide-ranging and enriching.

94

1995

1995.1 Leaders with a Vision: How Christian Leadership Can Tackle the

African Crisis.

Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoer

Onderwys.

ISBN 1-86822-189-X; 101 pages

Contents

Introduction

A Christian perspective on office, authority, power and responsibility

A Christian perspective on the structuring of society

A Christian perspective on social involvement and change

A Christian perspective on the state (government and citizens)

Conclusion

Bibliography

This 101-page book started life as the lectures for the Pan African leadership

Assembly II in Nairobi, 22-30 November 1994.

Although this book’s context is Africa its value extends beyond that

continent. The four main chapters deal with: the nature of office, authority,

power and responsibility; the structuring of society; social involvement and

change; and the nature of the state. Important and crucial issues for

Christians wherever they may live and work.

Van der Walt sees leadership as being a key to the African crisis. However, he

rightly maintains that it will mean much more than leaders who are

95

Christians. It needs Christian leaders with a clear vision that they can

communicate and inspire others.

The first main chapter (ch2 – chapter 1 is a brief Introduction) examines a

Christian perspective on office, authority and power. As the author states’ If

one does not know what office, authority, power and responsibility means,

one cannot be a real leader’ (p 8). He sees office as God’s mandate to render

service to the members of the societal relationship. Authority is the right to

render this service, which requires insight into and obedience of the God-

given norms for the specific relationship. Power is acted-out authority and is

dependent on insight and obedience to god’s norms; and finally responsibility

is towards God and the people of the societal relationship. This is important

for Africa and equally so for the church everywhere.

Chapter 3 looks at the structuring of society. Here he looks at three biblical

perspectives: from the perspective of the image of God, the perspective of

different offices and from the perspective of diversified love. Individualim,

communalism and pluralism are then examined. A Christian view is a pluralist

view: it wishes to do justice to both individuals (individualism) and society

(communalism).

In ‘A Christian perspective on social involvement and change’ (Ch 4) three

models are mentioned and critiqued. The first two the dualist-pietist view –

common among many evangelicals - and the revolutionary views are found

wanting and the biblical reformational view is briefly expounded. The

reformational view is radical – God transforms the world – and positive – it

seeks to be obedient to God for the sake of God’s world.

Chapter 5 examines a Christian perspective on the state. Here the African

background comes to the fore and he uses this turbulent context to draw out

some biblical perspectives, including a useful discussion on civil

disobedience. He discerns four viewpoints radical passivists, partial

passivists, partial militarists and radical militarists. He concludes ‘In the final

instance it is the duty of especially Christians to keep on talking, trying their

best to convince the government that it has to change’ (p 90).

96

In the final chapter – the conclusion – he looks briefly at the different

leadership models that have shaped Africa: the paternalistic elder tradition

(Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah), the sage tradition (Leopold

Sedar Senghor or Mwalimu Julius Nyrere), the warrior tradition (Gadafi or Idi

Amin), the charismatic style of the inspiring personality (Kenyatta, Nyere or

Amin) and the monarchical style (Nkrumah, who was sometimes known as

Osagyefo, the Redeemer). He concludes that what is needed in Africa – and

we might add everywhere – is responsible servant-leaders.

1995.2 ‘A Christian approach to the diversity in political viewpoints, religions

and cultures’.

In J L van der Walt ed. Multicultural Education: New Challenges for South

Africa. Conference Proceedings, 4-6 August 1994

Potchestroom: PU vir CHO. 44-111.

189 pages

Also in Orientation: International Circular of the PU for CHE 71-74: 337-418.

See 1994.5.


In B J van der Walt ed. Hope for the Family.


335.


ISBN 01868222195; 54 pages

Contents

1 The family breakdown / A. de Graaff

2 Family living and learning in Biblical perspective / P.G. Schrotenboer

3 Hidden invaders of our homes / J.A. Olthuis

4 The family in society / G.J. Spykman

5 The family of the future / H. Hart.

Bibliography of books on marriage and family life written from an African

perspective.

97

This five-page preface is actually more than a mere preface. In it van der

Walt looks at the changes in family life and the need for a new vision. This is

developed in his 1993.2.

Turning to the papers in this volume he notes that they are all from the USA

and all were originally published in the International Reformed Bulletin 14

(1971).


In H Antonides Reclaiming our Daily Work.


330.


ISBN 186822211X; 10 pages

Van der Walt provides the provenance of this paper, first published by CLAC

in 1994.


In K C Sewell The Idea of a Free Christian University


334.


ISBN 1868222179; 16 pages

Here van der Walt notes that while the paper by Sewell was first presented to

an Australian audience it could just as well have been an African audience.

He hopes that this paper will help those who question the idea for a Christian

University understand it better.

98

1995.6 Family Backpacking Adventures.

Pretoria: Symbol

ISBN 0799322342; 12o pages

This is a little different form the main bulk of van der

Walt’s works as a theologian-philosopher. Here writes as

one who loves the outdoors and his love of backpacking

with his family. It is written to help hiking families

‘experience as few problems as possible on the trail’. It is a

practical handbook written from much practical experience

hiking with a family. See also The Enchanting World of the

Drakensberg Mountains 2003.1.

Contents

1. Backpacking in general

2. The hikers

3. The backpack

4. The hiking experience

5. Bibliography

6. Photo album

99

1996

1996.1 ‘Neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action. 36 (355): 14-17 (Herfs)

This piece is written in the hope that it sensitises Christians to the urgent

need for political reflection and action in South Africa. Van der Walt starts

with a few reflections on Rev 3: 15-16, he then goes on to look at different

attitudes among Christians towards political involvement and at how

Christians could make a difference.

1996.2 ‘The clash between African and Western conception of time’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action.36 (356): 19-25. (Winter)

See also Understanding and rebuilding Africa (2003.2.6).

Van der Walt compares and contrasts African and Western concepts of time.

Western views tend to be mechanical whereas African tend to be organic.

Both are one-sided and so time is not viewed in its multidimensional variety.

1996.3 ‘God in South Africa's new political dispensation’.


This is a reprint of 1996.6.2. This time in eight rather than ten propositions:

1. Religion and politics should be clearly distinct

2. The state cannot be Christian, but we can have a Christian view of the

state

3. Neither government nor citizens should be identified with the state, nor

with each other

4. The government does not receive its authority and power from either God

or the citizens

5. The state should have limited power

6. The state has qualified authority and power

7. We have to depoliticise society and reject statism

8.We should move beyond human rights in order to achieve real justice.

In the 1996.6 version the introduction is labelled 1 and the conclusion 10.

100

1996.5 ‘Responsibility, conversion, confession, forgiveness, restitution and

reconciliation: six of God's requirements for a new South Africa’.


337.


ISBN 1868222276; 30 pages

This was reworked and expanded and published in Understanding and

Rebuilding Africa (2003.2).

1996.6 editor with C.F.B. Naudé Christianity and Democracy in South Africa:

a Vision for the Future.


IRS-studiestukke ; no. 345.

Potchefstroom: IRS.

ISBN 186822242X. 37 pages

Contains two articles by van der Walt:

1996.6.1 Why 'Christianity and democracy in South Africa'

1996.6.2 What happened to God in new South African political dispensation?

(see 1996.3)

The preface by Ms Rita Swanepol, the Publications Officer, explains that this

study pamphlet is part of the proceedings for a conference on Christianity

and Democracy in South Africa, held on 10-12 July 1996 at the Potchefstroom

University for Christian Higher Education. The full proceedings were

published in Orientation 1997.4 – Christianity and democracy in South Africa:

Christian responsibility for political reflection (300 pp).

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdW1996.6.1.pdf

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/BJvdW1996.6.2.pdf

101

Van der Walt’s first contribution is the opening address. He looks at the

meaning of the three terms in the title: Christianity, democracy and South

Africa and their relationship. The second paper is a summary of the first in

ten propositions and with diagrams.

1996.7 ‘The Ethics of Economics: Norms, Means and Ends’.

In Doug Blomberg (editor) Humans Being: Essays Dedicated to Stuart

Fowler

Association for Christian Scholarship: Melbourne/ National Institute for

Christian Education: Sydney

ISBN 0 646 302605 5

This is the “Fowler Festschrift”, essays originally intended to celebrate the

sixtieth birthday of Stuart Fowler.

This is a revised version of Anatomy 1991.1 ch 22.

‘Our economy and our management practices are in crisis’, is the opening

statement of this article. Van der Walt denies that the solution can be found

in ethics; economics is not just about making money but is about norms, and

ethics does not hold the monopoly on norms. The meaning and origin of

(economic) norms are then examined. Norms are not determined by what the

majority does, what our conscience tells us, or what authority figures decree

– they are responses to God’s laws.

Current economic practices have been controlled by a number of –isms,

including deism, naturalism, evolutionism and utilitarianism, profitism,

autocentrism and hedonism.

There is no such thing as ‘neutral’ economic thought and practice. In section

8 he examines the biblical idea of stewardship

• The concept of steward cuts off at the root the idea that we are owners

of creation and its wealth

• The fact that we are not owners does not mean that we have less

responsibility

102

• Stewardship demands that we cultivate God;s creation, so that it will

come to fruition in all fields

• Together with cultivation goes care of the creation of God

• Stewardship entails a careful distinction between needs and mere urges

• Stewardship requires the limited use of goods for our own needs and help

to those in need

• Stewardship in the economic field is not only concerned with the

gathering of things, but also with relationships among people

• Stewardship means service to the neighbour

• Because we live in a sinful world, stewardship also implies that we should

confess our failed responses to God, to his creation and to our neighbours

• The final perspective which flows fom the crucial idea of stewardship is

that of grace

He then looks at the business enterprise, what it is, what its objectives are

and how authority is structured within it.

103

1997

1997.1 Afrocentric or Eurocentric: Our Task in a Multicultural South Africa.


Brosjures van die Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie ;

no.67.

Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoer

Onderwy, IRS

ISBN 186822256X ; ii + 190 pages

Chapter 2 expanded in 2003.2.5

Chapter 4 expanded in 2003.2.7

Contents

1. How should cultural diversity be understood and evaluated?

2. Communalism or individualism?

3. Enjoying or using time?

4. Thinking like Africa or like the West?

5. An African or a Western identity?

6. Hope for the economic development and management of South Africa?

7. Transforming culture to the honour of God!

The titles first six chapters of this book all pose questions. The final one

offers a solution. For the most part the book compares and contrasts

communalistic African and individualistic Western views: Afrocentric or

Eurocentric? The key issue is ‘How should we understand and evaluate

cultural plurality?’

104

1997.2 Man and God: The Transforming Power of Biblical Religion.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks C,

Diverse ; no. 18.


Education

ISBN 1-86822-270-5; iii + 519 pages

Republished in 2008. See also the earlier edition 1994.2.

Contents

1. Children's letters to God –

2. Exploration: Philosophers, philosophical disciplines and their value –

3. Religion: the word, its basic characteristics and its scientific study –

4. Disciplines which study religion

5. Trends in Philosophy of Religion

6. Methods applied in the study of religion

7. Types of religion

8. Religious language

9. Functionalistic explanations of religion

10. Foundation: Religious diversity, religious equality and religious freedom

11. God's revelation: the basis of our religion

12. How to read the Bible

13. How we know that the Bible is God's Word

14. God, law and cosmos

15. All-encompassing religion: a Biblical worldview

16. The relationship of man to God, his fellowman, nature and himself

17. Application: How to know the will of God for our lives

18. Something about the problem of evil

19. A Christian perspective on miracles


21. Church revival and reformation: permanent call

22. Office, authority, power and responsibility

23. Religion and political, economic and social renewal

105

24. Christian political reflection and action

25. Christianity and scholarship

26. Theology and philosophy

27. Confrontation: Idolatry and its consequences

28. Natural theology and Theodicy

29. The relationship between faith and knowledge

30. Ideology as a substitute for true religion

31. Secularism: the most dangerous enemy of Christianity

32. The New Age Movement

33. A Biblical evaluation of cultural diversity

34. The Gospel as a liberating power in traditional African religion and

culture

35. Tolerance can be very intolerant

36. Reformational spirituality. (See 1993.3)

This is a revised and expanded version of 1994. 2. The following table shows

how the books compare:

Man and God 1994.2 Man and God 1997.2

1 The relationship between religion,

philosophy and science

2 Trends in philosophy of religion and

disciplines studying religions

3 Religion: the word and the basic features

or characteristics of religion

4 A bird's-eye view of religious history

1. Children's letters to God –

2. Exploration: Philosophers, philosophical

disciplines and their value –

3. Religion: the word, its basic

characteristics and its scientific study

4. Disciplines which study religion

5. Trends in Philosophy of Religion

106

5 Different types of religion

26 Religious language: meaningful or

meaningless?

18 Challenging other viewpoints:

Functionalistic explanations about the origin

of religion

6 Formulating a reformational perspective:

God's revelation: the basis of our faith

7 How we know that the Bible is the Word

of God

8 The importance of a philosophical

ontology based on Scripture

9 The aspects or modalities of earthly

reality

10 The relationships of man to God, his

fellow men, nature and himself

13 How to know the will of God for our lives

14 A radical Christian worldview compared

with dualist Christian worldviews

6. Methods applied in the study of religion

7. Types of religion

8. Religious language

9. Functionalistic explanations of religion

10. Foundation: Religious diversity, religious

equality and religious freedom

11. God's revelation: the basis of our religion

12. How to read the Bible

13. How we know that the Bible is God's Word

14. God, law and cosmos

15. All-encompassing religion: a Biblical

worldview

16. The relationship of man to God, his

fellowman, nature and himself

17. Application: How to know the will of God

for our lives

107

15 Religion and political, economic and

social renewal

28 Something about the problem of evil

11 A Christian perspective on miracles

12 God's hand in history

16 Christianity and scholarship

17 Theology and philosophy

19 Idolatry and its consequences

22 Natural theology and Theodicy

21 The relationship between faith and

knowledge in Early Christian and Medieval

thought

23 Ideology as a substitute for true religion

24 The development of Western atheism

25 Secularism: the most dangerous enemy of

Christianity

18. Something about the problem of evil

19. A Christian perspective on miracles


21. Church revival and reformation:

permanent call

22. Office, authority, power and

responsibility

23. Religion and political, economic and

social renewal

24. Christian political reflection and action

25. Christianity and scholarship

26. Theology and philosophy

27. Confrontation: Idolatry and its

consequences

28. Natural theology and Theodicy

29. The relationship between faith and

knowledge

30. Ideology as a substitute for true religion

31. Secularism: the most dangerous enemy of

Christianity

108

27 The New Age Movement

29 Religious plurality, equality of religions

and freedom of religion.

20 The Gospel as a liberating power in

traditional African religion

32. The New Age Movement

33. A Biblical evaluation of cultural diversity

34. The Gospel as a liberating power in

traditional African religion and culture

35. Tolerance can be very intolerant

36. Reformational spirituality.

This book has its origins as a reader for a philosophy of religion course taught

by the author. The book is split into four main sections: Exploration,

Foundation, Application and Confrontation.

Exploration provides basic information on philosophy and religion, some of

the trends, methods and explanations. Foundation as the section title

suggests, provides some basic foundations and explores God’s revelation, the

Bible and a biblical worldview. Application builds on the previous sections

and applies the starting points. Topics considered include guidance, the

problem of evil, miracles, Christian scholarship and political action. The final

section Confrontation examines natural theology and its limited role, the

relationship between faith and knowledge, ideology, secularism, cultural

diversity and the new age movement.

It is a wide-ranging book and provides an excellent foundation for students of

philosophy and students of theology.

109

1997.3 Being Human in a Christian Perspective.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F2, Brosjures van die

Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studies; nr. 68.

Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoer Onderwys

ISBN 1868222578; 83 pages

Contents

Preface

1. A sexual being

2. A holistic being

3. A multi-dimensional being

4. A religious being

5. A cultural being

6. An individual-communal being

7. Conclusion

8. Appendix: Questions for group discussion

This is the text of a lecture delivered at a conference held at Nairobi, Kenya

from 6th to 10th January 1997. The material here is basically the same as

chapter 7 of my book The Liberating Message (1994.1). The second part

draws upon Leaders with a Vision (1995.1).


In Christianity and democracy in South Africa: Christian responsibility for

political reflection and service.

Orientation: International Circular of the PU for CHE: i-ii

This edition of Orientation contains the proceedings of a conference on

Christianity and democracy in South Africa which was held at Potchefstroom

from 10th to 12th July, 1996. It was attended by 350 people.

In his preface van der Walt notes the four main areas of the conference:

• South African Christians from different political groups sharing their

experience of a new democracy

• An evaluation of new South Africa constitutional dispensation and

dynamics

110

• The international experience of democracy from a Christian perspective

• Political struggles in the case of both secular and Christian political

parties as well as churches.

The final part of the volume contains some papers from the conference A

vision for the future.

Papers were contributed by Paul Marshall, Jim Skillen, David Gitani, Jonathan

Chaplin, Bob Goudzwaard and C F B Naudé among others.

1997.5 ‘The voice of this conference in the context of voices from the past and

present’.



Orientation: International Circular of the PU for CHE: 1-7.

This was one of the opening speeches of the conference. He looks at six

voices speaking from the past and present:

• The original voice

• An exclusive voice

• A voice of protest

• A clear voice and

• The decisive voice

1997.6 ‘Report on the conference’.




As the title suggests this is a report on the conference held in July 1996. It

consists of four main sections:

• The need for political capacity building in South Africa

• Providing in the need by way of a conference

• An evaluation of the results of the conference

• A word of thanks

111

1997.7 ‘Appendix: Does religious freedom imply religious equality A biblical

perspective?’.




Many Christians at the conference indicated that they needed clarity

regarding religious freedom and equality, so this paper was included in the

proceedings as an appendix.

Here he focuses on three issues:

• Religious equality

• Religious freedom

• Confessional pluralism

These issues have been developed in Understanding and Rebuilding Africa

2003.2 and in Transforming Power 2007.1 ch 5-7. See also 2004.1 and 2006.3.

112

1998 1998.1 editor with Rita Swanepoel Signposts of God's Liberating Kingdom:

perspectives for the 21st century.

Potchefstroom: Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

Insitute for Reformational Studies.

Orientation Jan-Dec (83-86)

A special issue of Orientation.

Volume 1

Contents


Section 1: Introduction

Not pilgrims 'en route' to heaven so much as building tent cities of refuge

in God's world / C. Seerveld

The universal reality of God's Kingdom / J.D. Dengerink

The church and the world: the power of identity / C.G. Bartholomew

Section 2: Christian higher education

Higher education as service to the King / H.G. Geertsema

All things in Him: Christian higher education in a modern/postmodern

world / F. Fernhout

Christian higher education in the new South Africa / C.J. Reinecke

Philosophy education in varsity curriculum; the case of Daystar University

/ L. Obonyo

A situation analysis, determination of needs and formulation of aims for

Biblically founded subject teaching in Christian education / P.H. Stoker

Are there additional criteria for academic quality in Christian universities?

/ L.O.K. Lategan

Educating young Christians for serving the Lord in a technological world /

M.J. de Vries

Section 3: Contributions from different disciplines --.

Pluralism, liberalism and the truth of lived faith / H. Hart

Preaching on political issues; guidelines from Romans 12-15 / C.J.H.

Venter

A reformational perspective on law and justice / A.M. Cameron

113

Social problems and God's plan of redemption / R. Maatman

Why do economists disagree? / J.P. Tiemstra

Christianity and economics / B. Goudzwaard

A Christian perspective on culture / P.G. Schrotenboer

Making decisions in a Christian organization / R.E. VanderVennen

The occult in the twenty-first century / W.J. Ouweneel

Inclusive community in the face of exclusive fragmentation / B. Breems

Wholistic health care / J.H. Boer

Biblical principles of justice and redemption which can direct our search

for strategies to control crime / H.G. Wetmore

From doing things right to doing the right thing: the role of the humanities

in the education of technological culture-formers / C.C. Adams

Missions to Muslims in the twenty-first century / B.M. Madany

How shall we sing the Lord's song in the Lord's land? / B. Wearne

Volume 2

Contents


Section 1: Christianity and politics

A new political path for Ghana: the role of the Christian / K. Anane-Fenin

When religion and politics mixed in America: what went wrong? / R.A.

Wells

Chances for Christian politics in a God-less society / A. Rouvoet

Towards reconciliation in a divided world / G. Vandezande

The revelatory and anticipatory character of politics / J.W. Skillen

Section 2: Christian perspectives on theology

Faith-life and theology / J.C. Vanderstelt

Missions in the fear of God / P.J. Buys

Costly communion: mission between ecclesiology and ethics / G.

Vandervelde

A theological-ethical perspective on population explosion and family

planning / P.J. de Bruyn

Religious freedom in a multicultural context / K. Nurnberger

Theories of truth and interpretation / J. Botha

Non-formal theological training / E.J. Smit

114

The assailability of the prophetic figure and message in the Book of

Jeremiah / O. Dube

The reformers and missions / S.H. Rooy

Section 3: Contributions from different other disciplines

An ideal curriculum for Christian religious education / V.B. Cole

Some remarks on a technological university and its technology: a

Reformational perspective / L.O.K. Lategan

Teaching kingdom values in a postmodern media world / H. Van

Brummelen

Recasting the sociological encyclopaedia / B.C. Wearne

A Christian sociological imagination from the perspective of the garden to

the city / B. Breems

Anthropology, justice and eschatology / C. Gousmett

Trends in agriculture: sustainability / D. Vander Zee and R. Vos

Modern management philosophy: 2000 years late! / L. Nyirongo

Freedom in western life and thought since the Renaissance: a broad

outline / W.J. Richards --.

Section 4: Essays on Africa

Clash of two worldviews: African and western / T. Adeyemo

To Henry and beyond Henry: a reappraisal of Odera Oruka's estimation of

the trends in African philosophy / M. Deacon

The development agenda: beyond dehumanising ideology / S. Fowler.

Review from Contact 10 (2)(IAPCHE, 1999)

http://www.iapche.org/1-99.html

The aim of this volume is to give to its readers a glimpse of the different areas of God's all-encompassing kingdom. It emphasizes the fact that God's kingdom is much wider than the institutional church. By doing so, we hope to inspire its readers to follow in the footsteps of the contributors in erecting signposts of God's liberating kingdom in the way in which they think and act in the different areas of life the world over. With the word "kingdom", we have the following central biblical ideas in mind: (1) that God is the sovereign ruler (2) over his entire creation, which (3) results in all kinds of blessings, such as redemption, salvation, liberation, peace, etc. In using the word erecting (signposts) we do not subscribe to the modernist myth of progress. It should also be remembered that, according to Scripture, we are now living in the time between the "already" (the kingdom arrived with the coming of Christ, the King and his Holy Spirit) and the "not yet" (its final coming upon Christ's glorious return). Thinking and acting between the kingdom come and the kingdom to come, we are called to erect signposts pointing in the direction of the kingdom to come.

http://www.iapche.org/1-99.html

115

Jesus himself invited the followers not only to wait for, but also to enter his kingdom. We cannot "establish" it on earth, but neither can we sit "waiting" for it passively. We have to inscribe its dynamism (love to God and our neighbor) in the way we run the present world. Our word "kingdom" (translation of the original Greek word "basileia") is perhaps a too fixed, static, spatial concept. It could probably be better translated as God's reign, which indicates dynamic power in the present and also a powerful movement towards the future. This volume, as a whole, wants to be a clear signpost erected by different writers with a kingdom vision. Each in their own area or field of interest are struggling to give shape to a Christian worldview, to help others who are traveling the same road. It is not done in the spirit of "we have the answers" or "we have attained our goal," but in humility. At the same time, however, it is done with sincerity because it is part of our calling, one way to give substance to our daily prayer: "Thy kingdom come."

1998.2 Godsdiens en samelewing = Religion and society: a review of the

Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, East London, 17-19

November 1997

by B J Van der Walt; J J Venter; South Africa. Truth and Reconciliation

Commission.

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO., Reeks F,, Reeks F1,, Instituut vir

Reformatoriese Studie., IRS-Studiestukke ;, nr. 361

ISBN 1868223035; 44 pages

Contents

1. Gelowiges bely hulle skuld oor apartheid en gee hulle visie vir die toekoms

/ B.J. van der Walt

2. The relationship between religion and society / B.J. van der Walt

3. A few remarks on our civil duty / J.J. Venter

4. A public confession from Potchefstroom -- Die Koinonia-verklaring.

Van der Walt and J J Ponti Venter attended the Truth and Reconciliation

Commission . Faith communities hearing 17-19 November , 1997 in London.

The Full text of which is available here:

http://www.doj.gov.za/trc/special/faith/faith_b.htm

They confessed with honesty and humility their part in apartheid – even

though they both had spoken out against it. To the question ‘what have you

done to oppose apartheid’ van der Walt responds:


116

We were privileged at the Potchefstroom University in our education also

overseas, that we were not educated in a narrow minded church view of

the world and of society, but that we were educated in a Christian world

view which indicated that as Christians, we had a calling to serve God in

all areas of life.

Of course this makes us even more guilty that we have done so little in

the past. An important part of this perspective was a Christian social

analysis, you can call it Christian footwear and Christian clothing to

appear in public and not only pyjamas for your personal life of faith or a

Sunday suit.

And of course a Christian world view can easily derail and finally become

an oppressive ideology, but from this perspective and from a Christian

philosophy, we tried to open the eyes and the perceptions, change the

perceptions of especially the white people in our church and also at the

university and as far as possible, also outside our university.

I mention a few examples. The periodical Word and Action, Word and

Deed, already criticised apartheid from the early 1970's. The publication

in 1977 of the Koinonia declaration which had an international impact,

and then all the publications of the Institute for Reformational Studies on

socio-political issues as well as its comments on important documents

like the Kairos document, Church and Society.

But what I would like to mention especially is our conferences where we

try to get together people from all walks of life and all the different

population groups in South Africa to discuss together issues of relevance

for the whole country.

I had experience that during time of racial isolation, this encouraged

people tremendously to continue in the struggle and at our conferences

we also challenge the Potchefstroom University, we reprimanded it in our

resolutions because of its stance, its policy about the admission as well

as accommodation policies towards black students.

117

In all these ways, we tried to open the eyes of church leaders, lecturers,

students and people blinded by the apartheid ideology and I must confess

opening our own eyes more and more for the damage done by this

ideology.

118

1999 1999.1 ‘Christian religion and society: the heritage of Abraham Kuyper for

(South) Africa’.

In C van der Kooi and J Bruijn ed. Kuyper Reconsidered:

aspects of his work and life.

Amsterdam: Free University Utigeverij: 228-237.

ISBN 9053836403; 320 pages

This is the same – with an added introduction and with footnotes as in 1999.2,

1999.3 and 1999.4. Also in reprinted in 1999.1.

This volume is the proceedings of a conference that celebrated Kuyper’s

Stone Lectures held in 1998 at the Free University, Amsterdam. The paper

starts by considering Kuyper the man: he was a true reborn Christian, he was

a visionary, a man of the people and a practical man. He then distinguishes

three threats to Christianity in Africa: ecclesiasticism, escapism and

secularism. Kuyper’s Christian philosophy of society is then briefly outlined.

One should neither identify religion and society (including the state), nor

separate them, but clearly distinguish between the two’. He then elucidates

several ‘flashes’ of Kuyper’s ideas: a different kind of secularism – one

positive and one negative ; a new view of religion – it embraces the whole of

life; a novel conception of vocation; God’s ordinances apply to the whole of

society; pluralism as an alternative to communalism and individualism;

confessional pluralism. He concludes with a discussion as to how Kuyper’s

philosophy of society applies to the problem of poverty.

119

1999.2 Religion and Society: Christian Involvement in the Public Square.


Versamelwerke ; no. 50


ISBN 1868223426; iv + 86 pages

Contents

1. A new Christianity for a new South Africa

2. Christian religion and society (see 1999.1)

3. A Christian perspective on fundamental rights (see 2000.1)

4. The tyranny of the neo-capitalist free market economy

5. Western developmentalism

This book builds upon The Liberating Message and Leaders with a Vision. It

examines the role of Christianity in the public square. The first chapter

examines the weak points in Christianity in Africa today:

• Nominalism

• Pietism

• Escapism

• Denominationalism

• Institutionalism

• Secularism

• Subjectivism

• Eurocentrism

• Myopism

What is needed is a ‘new’ Christianity, which is:

• Committed

• Integral

• Involved

• Ecumenical

• Kingdom

• Radical

• Normative

• African

• Visionary

• Socially involved

http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/van%20der%20Walt/R&S1999.pdf

120

Chapter 2 looks at Kuyper’s heritage for South Africa (this was delivered in 1998 at

the Free University of Amsterdam at the commemoration of Abraham

Kuyper's Stone Lectures of 1898). Chapter 3 examines the issues of rights from a

Christian perspective; this is done under five sub-headings:

• Human rights are important, but can be overemphasised

• Christian reactions to rights

• The Bible on human rights

• Human rights in a Christian philosophy

• We need more than fundamental rights for a just society.

The chapter concludes with 34 discussion questions.

In chapter 4 the dangerous ideology of neo-capitalism is examined, it looks at how its

main characteristics, why it is unacceptable and how it should be challenged.

Development is briefly discussed in the final chapter. This is a precursor to his 2000

paper on development and culture.

1999.3 Church and faith: the heritage of Abraham Kuyper.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 39 (368): 16-20 (Winter)

Reprinted in 2002.6.

Also in 1999.1. This version does not have the footnotes or the brief

introduction of 1999.1.

1999.4 ‘Kuyper's philosophy of society’.

Many to many 25: 19-21, 40-41 (Dec)

This is another version of 1999.1.

121


In I. Achineku & MAP International The AIDS Crisis in Africa: our Christian

responsibility


380.


ISBN 1868223507; 45 pages

Preface / B. J. van der Walt

Facing the threats and challenge of AIDS / I. Achineku

Aids in Africa: the church's opportunity / MAP International.

122

2000

2000.1 ‘A Christian perspective on fundamental rights’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 40 (372): 8-13. (Winter)

Here van der Walt asks the question ‘What is the relationship between our

Christian faith and human rights?’ And ‘How will a Christian perspective on

human rights look?’.

2000. 2 ‘Towards a Biblical-Reformational perspective on development’.


Previous issues of Woord en Daad had included articles on development; this

is van der Walt’s response. He defines development as the :

…(i) balanced unfolding of (2) all the abilities of the human being and (3)

the potential of material things, plants and animals (4) according to God’s

purposes and (5) His will, to enable the human being (6) within his/ her

own culture. (7) to fulfil his/ her calling (8) as a responsible steward of

creation (9) in a free society (10) to the honour and glory of God.

123

2001

2001.1 Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind: Shaping a Biblical

Worldview and a Christian Perspective on Scholarship.

Potchefstroom: Institute for Contemporary

Christianity in Africa (ICCA)

ISBN 1868223825; v + 198 pages

Contents:

1. Why the salt has lost its quality

2. Culture, worldview and religion

3. Transformed by the renewing of your mind

4. Taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

5. The pilgrim's progress of a Christian academic (see 1993.8)

6. Our past heritage, present opportunity and future challenge (see 2002.3)

Ch 1 Is a paper delivered at the International Reformed Theological Congress

on the Kingdom of God, Potchefstroom, 21-24 August 2000. See 2003.2.20

Ch2 is based on a paper presented at Cultures and Christianity AD 2000 The

International Symposium of the Society for Reformational Philosophy,

Hoeven, the Netherlands, 21-25 August. See 2001.2, 2002.5 and 2003.2.4.

As the subtitle suggests this book examines two concepts: a Christian

worldview and Christian scholarship, particularly that in higher education.

The context is Africa, but the principles apply anywhere in the world. Several

of the chapters in this book were originally lectures presented at IAPCHE

events.

124

The main thesis of the book is that we urgently need a genuine, biblical

worldview and this should be seen in Christian scholarship and education. The

first chapter looks at one of the major obstacles in forming a biblical

worldview: dualism. The second looks at the relationship between the key

concepts of worldview, culture and religion and this is applied to the

important, particularly in the African context of development. The

subsequent chapters start to focus on the need for a Christian worldview in

higher education. Chapter 3 looks at what it means to renew the mind in the

context of higher education and in general and in Africa in particular.

Chapter 4 looks at the challenges post 2000. The theory of these chapters is

then applied in the story of Thomas, an African Christian academic. His

struggles to integrate his scholarship with his Christianity as he moved from

being a Christian and then a scholar to become a Christian scholar are told.

The final chapter is a look back and forward to the work of the IAPCHE.

2001.2 ‘Culture, worldview and religion; a perspective from the African

continent’.

Philosophia Reformata 66 (1): 23-38.

Versions are reprinted in 2001.1.2 and 2003.2.4.

A summary of the larger paper 'Culture, worldview and religion' prepared for

the Cultures and Christianity AD 2000: International Symposium of the

Association for Reformational Philosophy Aug 2000. It examines the

relationship of culture, worldview, religion and development in the context

of Africa.

2001.3 ‘Transformed by the renewal of your mind; in commemoration of the

50th Anniversary of Potchefstroom as an independent Christian University on

17 March 2001’.


This is an exposition of Rom 12: 1-2. His outline comprises: a warning, a

command and a promise. He concludes with a ten-point vision for Christian

higher education:

125

• Visionary

• Integral

• Rigorous

• Critical

• Open

• Relevant

• Culturally sensitive

• Communal

• Global

• Modest.

2001.4 ‘Development: a critical reconnaissance’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 41

2001.5 ‘Shaping a radical biblical worldview’.


This answers the question: ‘What will a genuine Biblically-inspired worldview

look like?’. All worldviews contain six components: a conception of our view

about God; about law, order and value; about what it means to be human;

about the ideal society; about our relationship towards nature; and about

time and history. Here van der Walt examines how these components

changed at creation, fall into sin and redemption.

2001.6 ‘What does it mean to be Reformed? An answer from a worldview

perspective’.

In die Skriflig 35 (2): 299-316.

Reworked and expanded in 2003.2.20.

This article looks at what it means to be Reformed from a worldview

perspective. A typology of five perspectives on the relationship of nature

and grace is examined; these are shown in tabular and diagrammatic form.

Dualistic worldviews are analysed and found wanting. Several distinctions

are made; between kingdom and church; between religion and faith;

between structure and direction. Finally, a distinctive Reformed worldview is

presented.



126

2001.7 ‘The shape of an integral Christian cosmoscope’.

In John Kok ed. Marginal Existence: Essays Dedicated to John C Vander

Stelt.

Sioux Center: Dordt College Press: 71-88.

2001.8 ‘A Reformed perspective on development in Africa: a personal

pilgrimage’.

In H J Hendriks, D A Luidens, R J Nemeth, C E Smidt and H Stoffels ed.

Reformed Encounters with Modernity: Perspectives from Three Continents

Stellenbosch: The International Society for the Study of Reformed

Communities (ISSRC): 65-73.

ISBN 0 620 27170 1

These are the conference proceedings of the ISSRC, held at Stellenbosch,

South Africa.

In his opening statement he notes that he has managed to ‘force a whale into

a sardine tin’ and summarised two books in three points and nine pages! His

three points are: a problem, a pilgrimage and a proposal.

2001.9 ‘Corruption. The many-headed monster’.

Koers 66 (4): 691-705.

Reprinted in Understanding and Rebuilding Africa 2003.2.15.

Corruption is many-headed because it takes many forms. He offers a neat

and simple solution: ‘Never pay nor accept bribes’! Several reasons for

corruption are explored before a few ‘practical hints’ are offered and then

whistleblowing is examined as one way of counteracting corruption.

127

2002

2002.1 ‘Seek and you will find; the message of the wise men (Matt 2:1-12)’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 42 (382) (Summer): 1-3.

This is a brief meditation on Mt 2:1-2. This passage shows how God reveals

himself in three different ways. This threefold revelation, the order in

creation, his verbal communication (Micah 5:2) and Christ, forms a unity

which should not be separated.

2002.2 ‘Our past heritage, present opportunity and future challenges;

reflections on the past 25th anniversary of the International Association for

the Promotion of Christian Higher education’.

Christian Higher Education 1 (2-3): 123-137.

ISSN 1536-3759

Utilising first a rear view mirror than a microscope and finally a telescope.

van der Walt, in his opening talk at the 25th anniversary celebration of the

IAPCHE, takes a look at the past, present and future of the IAPCHE.

He sees the history as been divided into two periods: 1975-1987, its

childhood, and 1987 to the then present (2000), its teenage years. Its history

has often been turbulent, but the IAPCHE still survives. There have been six

international conferences, this one the sixth, after a pause of some 12 years,

and seven regional conferences. It has undergone a process of change from

ICRICHE, to ICPCHE and now the IAPCHE (since 1987). Some of the changes

were because of the strained relations between the Potchefstroom University

and the Vrijie University.

128

Some negative aspects such as majoring in criticising each other, talking but

weak in doing and concentrating on academics in Christian institutions to the

detriment of Christians at non-Christian institutions.

Nevertheless, he does see some promising opportunities for the present and

some future challenges to rise up to.

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713836950~db=all~order=page

2002. 3 ‘The challenge of Christian Higher Education on the African continent

in the twenty-first century’.

Christian Higher Education 1 (2-3): 195-227.

Abstract. This article consists of three main sections. In the first, reasons are

given why a vision for Christian higher education is, to a large degree, still

lacking in Africa. The following factors are dealt with to explain this

situation: (1) the politicaleconomic- social environment; (2) the character of

Christianity on the continent; (3) the state of higher education; and (4) the

implications of all these factors for Christian higher education. The second

main section develops a basis for a vision for Christian higher education by

listening to what Romans 12:2 says about the renewing of our minds. The

final section provides an answer to the question how this vision for Christian

education could be realized in Africa. A proposal is made for the

establishment of an African Center for Christian Higher Education. How this

could be done, and what its key activities should be are spelled out in a

practical way.


This journal also a carried ‘A response to Bennie van der Walt’ by E. W.

Namukoa Namukoa: 229-233.



129

2002.4 ‘Reformation and /or renaissance? A comparison between John

Calvin’s and Thabo Mbeki’s ideas of renewal’.

Koers 67 (2): 135-157.

This was the basis for ch 19 in Understanding and rebuilding Africa

2003.2.19.

Abstract. This essay compares the differences and similarities between the

European Renaissance (1300 - 1600) and the African Renaissance in order to

determine what an apposite Christian attitude would be. The first section

describes the European Renaissance as a reaction to the Middle Ages and a

return to the original sources of Western civilisation. Two different trends

are distinguished, viz. classical humanism and evangelical humanism. The

ideas of the great Renaissance thinker and evangelical humanist, John Calvin,

about reformation receive special attention in this regard. He learned much

from his contemporaries, but did so in a critical, independent way. From the

five different Christian worldviews which crystallised during the Renaissance

epoch, his Reformational worldview was the most strongly biblically founded

one. The second main part of the essay first asks some critical questions

about the African Renaissance and then provides a brief historical survey of

past efforts at an African Renaissance, followed by an exposition and

evaluation of Thabo Mbeki's ideas about an African Renaissance. The third

main section of the essay poses the question as to what role Christianity can

and should play in the African Renaissance. Similar to the attitude of Calvin,

we should both learn from it and contribute to it from the perspective of a

Christian worldview.

http://www.sabinet.co.za/abstracts/koers/koers_v67_n2_a1.xml

The impetus for this article was from a keynote address delivered at the First

General Assembly of the World Reformed Fellowship, 23-26 September 2002,

Muldersdrift, South Africa.



http://www.sabinet.co.za/abstracts/koers/koers_v67_n2_a1.xml

130

2002.5 ‘Culture, worldview and religion: towards a biblical-reformational

perspective on development’.

African Journal for Transformational Scholarship 1 (1):

1-26.

This article contains the substance of a presentation to the ‘Transforming

Directions for Africa’ conference of the Heidelberg Institute for Christian

Higher Education, South Africa in January 2000. It is an edited version of a

much longer paper written for the International Symposium of The Society for

Reformational Philosophy on Cultures and Christianity AD 2000 held at

Hoeven, the Netherlands 21-25 August 2000

(See 2001.1.2, 2001.2 and 2003.2.4.)

2002.6 ‘Religion and society in Africa: the heritage of Abraham Kuyper’.

In A B Tshibangu and B G Ahule ed. Christian Worldview: a book of

readings.

Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria: Nimsy Printing and Publishing.

Reprinted from 1999.1.

131

2003

2003.1 The Enchanting World of the Drakensberg Mountains as Experienced

by an Adventurous Family


Christianity in Africa.

ISBN 1868224295; v + 251 pages

Reprinted in 2006 and 2008.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

1. Adventure calls

2. Preparation for the onslaught

3. Imminent danger

4. Drama in the Drakensberg

5. Trapped in a cave

6. Here we come again!

7. Through three deep valleys

8. The place of a thousand voices

9. Farewell to the Bushmen

10. On the white tracks

11. Back to Paradise

12. Still bewitched by the hiking trail

13. The bounce is back in our walk

14. Farewell – and au revoir

15. Adventure or accident?

132

16. Why hiking is so popular

17. What hiking means to the individual

18. How to hike

This book is an expanded version of the original Afrikaans edition of

Voetslaanavonture in die Drakensberge published by Intergrafix, Pretoria.

The foreword is written by Beki Khoza, the Regional director for the

Drakensberg Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife.

2003.2 Understanding and Rebuilding Africa: From Desperation Today to

Expectation for Tomorrow.


Christianity in Africa.

ISBN 9781868224197; xi + 553 pages.

Contents

Preface Desmond M Tutu

Introduction

1. The impact of slavery, colonialism, neo-colonialism and Christianity on

Africa

2. The contemporary crisis in Africa: its characteristics and causes

3. African traditional religion

4. Culture, worldview and religion; a comparison between the West, Africa,

and the Bible

5. African communalism and Western individualism

6. Traditional African and modern Western concepts of time

133

7. The African way of thinking compared with the Western mode of thought

8. Different schools of philosophy in Africa

9. Morality in Africa – a serious crisis

10. The sacralisation and desacralisation of authority and power

11. Religion and politics

12. Human rights – a serious duty

13. The five requirements for reconciliation

14. Religious diversity, equality, freedom and tolerance

15. Corruption: a many-headed monster (reprint from 2001.9)

16. Stewardship of our natural environment

17. Development of the African conflict

18. Towards a normative economy

19. The African renaissance (see 2002.4)

20. An integral biblical worldview: a key to the rebuilding of Africa

Ch 1 Previously unpublished



Ch 4 A part of chapter 2 of Transformed by the Renewing of your Mind

(2001.1) and (partly) published also in Philosophia Reformata, 66(1) (2001.2):

23-38. See also 2002.5

Ch 5 A reworked, expanded version of chapter 2 Afrocentric or Eurocentric?

(1997.1)

Ch 6 Reworked English translation of In die Skriflig, 36(2) (2002): 293-308

Ch 7 A reworked, expanded edition of chapter 4 of Afrocentric or

Eurocentric? (1997.1)

Ch 8 New text

Ch 9 New text, except last section taken from The Liberating Message

(1994.1) (p. 400-423 (first section of chapter submitted for publication In die

Skriflig see 2003.5

Ch 10 Expanded version of chapter 21 of Man and God (1997.2)

Ch 11 Expanded version of chapter 23 of Man and God (1997.2)

Ch 12 Previously published as chapter 3 of Religion and society (1999)

134

Ch 13 Reworked and expanded edition of Responsibility, conversion,

confession, forgiveness, restitution and reconciliation: God's requirements

for a new South Africa (IRS Study Pamphlet no. 337, 1966)

Ch 14 Reworked text of chapters 9 and 34 of Man and God (1997.2)

Ch 15 Previously published in Koers, 66(4): 691-705

Ch 16 Previously published in Afrikaans in Koers, 65(1) (2000): 123-161, as

well as In Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap, first and second quarter (2001):

135-148. English version from a lecture delivered at Pusan, Korea (2001)

Ch 17 A part of chapter 2 of Transformed by the Renewing of your Mind

(2001.1)

Ch 18 Expanded version of The Liberating Message (1994), p. 427-443

Ch 19 Newly written text. An abbreviated version published in Koers 67(2)

(2002): 135-157

Ch 20 Reworked and expanded text previously published as chapter 1 of

Transformed by the Renewing of your Mind (2001.1) and partly also published

in In die Skriflig, 35(2) (2001.6): 299-316

This volume was written as a textbook for a course on ‘Philosophy in Africa’.

It has been reprinted in 2004 and 2006.

The aim of the book is to provide a popular introduction for a better

understanding of Africa. It begins with an historical overview of Africa from

pre-history to the nineteenth century and colonialism. Van der Walt sees the

influence of Christianity as being a mixed blessing as the gospel preached was

largely dualistic and it confused the gospel with western civilisation.

He then turns to the contemporary crisis within Africa, the characteristics –

suffering, hunger, disease, poverty, injustice - and causes - bad government,

the international economic system, African culture, education, population

explosion, the environmental fragility, poor leadership, corruption, the wrong

type of Christianity (dualistic, escapist, pessimistic and one confined to the

ecclesiastical sphere) - are examined. African tribal religion is the subject of

the next chapter – here van der Walt draws upon his own experiences and

Lenard Nyirongos’s The gods of Africa and the God of the Bible.

135

Chapter 4, drawing upon his Philosophia Reformata article 2000, compares

culture, worldview and religions. Chapter 5 looks in more detail at the

differences between African communalism and Western individualism. African

and Western concepts of time are examined in chapter 6– the difference lies

not in the experience but in the conception of time.

Chapter 7 compares African and Western modes of thought – neither are fully

Christian, a third way is needed. Chapter 8 looks at the variety of African

schools of philosophy – he identifies four distinct trends: ethnophilosophy,

sage philosophy, nationalistic-ideological liberation philosophy and

professional philosophy.

Chapter 9 looks at morality and ethics. The importance and limitations of

ethics are examined before looking at the ethical aspect in terms of the

other modal aspects. Friendship, marriage and the family are then discussed.

Chapter 10 looks at the concepts of authority and power and draws upon the

discussions in Leaders with a Vision (1995.1) and Man and God (1997.2).

Another chapter from Man and God is developed in chapter 11 on religion and

politics. He notes that real social justice only comes from moving beyond our

rights and to accept our responsibilities to fellow humans – to become as

servants. The issue of rights is taken up in chapter 12: rights are important

but the Bible offers a better way, that of love.

The next chapters deal with the requirements of reconciliation in the light

apartheid South Africa, religious diversity and corruption.

Stewardship, development and economics are the subjects of the next three

chapters. These are important issues for Africa. Africa is facing an

environmental crisis, development was once seen as the magic bullet for

Africa and economics plays an important part in Africa because of

globalisation.

The final two chapters look at the hope for Africa. The first is the African

renaissance, a movement initiated by Thabo Mbeki, which is compared and

contrasted with the European renaissance (1300-1600). A Christian response

136

is then presented. The final chapter develops an integral Christian

worldview, which van der Walt sees as the only viable hope for Africa.

2003.3 ‘The question about the meaning of life’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 43 (Autumn): 2-7.

Part of a paper published in Koers 65 (1) (2000) in Afrikaans.

This article looks at the questions raised by the writer of Ecclesiastes and

then looks at some worldview questions: Why are we here? Where are we

going? and How should we live?

2003.4 ‘Morality in Africa, yesterday and today; the reasons for the

contemporary crisis’.

In die Skriflig 37: 51-72.

There is a moral decline within South Africa. To illustrate this van der Walt

compares the moral degeneration with the values and virtues of traditional

African society. Traditional morality is communalistic, humanistic or

anthropocentric, pragmatistic and utilitarian, tribalistic, shame-oriented and

this-worldly. These contain inherent weaknesses which should not be

ignored.

There are also a number of external reasons for the moral degradation.

These include the influence of Western culture and Western capitalism and

individualism in particular, materialism, the mass media, education and the

influence of Christianity, which was presented as a system of ‘dos and

don’ts’, its morality tended to focus on the commandment ‘do not commit

adultery’ and it waged a war against traditional African morals. He sees the

solution as being a ‘third way’ as opposed to the traditional African road and

the modern Western road. This third way – this is developed further in

Understanding and Rebuilding Africa 2003.2 – means being obedient to norms

established by God, rather than the norms established by the community or

the self.

137

2004

2004.1 ‘Religious diversity, equality, freedom and tolerance’.

African Journal of Transformational Scholarship 1 (2): 22-44.

There are two other versions of this paper: chapter 14 of Understanding and

rebuilding Africa (2003.2) (very brief), but also an extended version in

chapters 5,6 and 7 of Transforming Power (2007.1).

This article addresses three questions: (1) Is only Christianity true and all

other religions false? or (2) are all religions at least partly (or wholly) true? or

(3) are they all possibly untrue? He believes not all religions are equal,

because Christianity is true. This, however, does not mean he supports

Christian imperialism or rejects freedom of religion. There is a big difference

between religious equality and religious freedom. He then considers the

biblical grounds for religious freedom. Finally, he examines the case for

religious tolerance. Western thought, unlike the Bible, offers no solid grounds

for religious tolerance. Religious tolerance is rooted in God’s respect of the

freedom of humans and his long-suffering.

2004.2 ‘Religion and society in Africa: The heritage of Abraham Kuyper’.

In John B. Hulst (editor) Christian Worldview and Scholarship.

Eltham, Victoria: Amani Educational services: 22-29.

ISBN 0975030736; 203 pages

This volume, published for International Association for the Promotion of

Christian Higher Education in association with Centre for the Promotion of

Christian Higher Education in Africa, was an edited collection of papers from

a conference in Nigeria.

Contents

Foreword / John B. Hulst and J.J. Venter

Perspectives on the Conference / J.O. Nyiakura

Christian world view and scholarship / John B. Hulst

138

Religion and society in Africa: the Heritage of Abraham Kuyper / B.J. van der

Walt

A response / B.G. Ahule

The role of philosophy in the Reformational Christian university / J.J. Venter

Revelation and the Bible in the context of religious pluralism issues / T.C.

Rabali

The vital stake of the African church in Christian higher education's world

view and scholarship / Jim Lont

Christian religious education in the 21st century: a shared praxis / T. Mkena

A response / Philip Tachin

Women's participation in Christian theology / Anthony Zaayem Apenda

Learning to teach from within a Christian perspective / John H. Kok

Teaching science from a Christian perspective / Albert B. Tshibangu

Christian faith and economic theorising / George N. Monsma, Jr.

Christian view and school curriculum / J.I. Ibyeenegh

Mission versus economics: tensions in distance education / Robert S. Fortner

Unfulfilled coup d'etat promises / C.K. Ibekwe

Evangelism and cross-cultural communication: Reformed perspective /

Joseph Y. Akpem

The Christian faith and colonial experience / Ayem Shoja

A Biblical perspective on stewardship: a world view on giving / Dirk W.

Vander Steen

Response / Philip S. Tachin.

Van der Walt’s contribution is from 1992.1 – see above for details.

2004.3 ‘The Bible on poverty and wealth our task as Christians’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 44 (388): 9-12

Traditional African views about what constitutes being poor are different to

western views; for the African the economic aspect is not of primary

concern. Poverty is one of the main concerns in Africa and so van der Walt

looks at the biblical message on poverty and wealth. Poverty is a reality, but

neither acceptance nor optimism is the solution. There are a number of

biblical motives for fighting poverty: Christ as our example, love for the poor

and justice. The Bible sees that it is best to prevent it from occurring;


139

numerous laws and regulations help towards this (e.g. the Jubilee and

Sabbath legislation). Small-scale projects can be more effective than large-

scale development projects. The poor are not without responsibility, they

need to help themselves and those poorer than themselves.

He concludes that the biblical message on poverty is very clear: ‘we have to

do something about it!’.

2004.4 ‘The essence of contemporary secularism: the separation between

“private” and “public”’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 44 (389) (Lent/ Spring): 1-2.

This is a brief introduction to an issue of Word and Action on secularism.

He sees secularism as the result of three centuries of development.

Secularists, and Christian dualists, have a two-storey perspective of reality, a

holy upper storey and a secular public lower storey. He argues that it is not

possible to separate private and public life. Public life is not neutral – ‘Christ

is either King of everything or He is not King’.

140

2005

2005.1 ‘Growing together in faith: how can it be understood theoretically and

be achieved practically?’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 41 (4): 141-168.

Reprinted in Transforming Power (2007.1.1).

Conversion also means that we have to grow in faith – how do we do that?

This is the topic of this article. It provides a critique of James Fowler’s model

before examining three other approaches: Westerhoff, James Olthuis and

Harry Van Belle. He argues that Fowler’s approach is a secular moel that

cannot be uncritically accepted. He also notes that all theoretical models

are ‘schematic and systematic abstractions’. They can never fully ‘capture

the dynamics and complexity of real life’.

Van Belle’s, Olthuis’s and Westerhoff’s stages of faith are then examined.

He concludes by looking at how adults can help in this process of faith

instruction. He looks at five practical ways: reading the Bible together,

commemorating together, prayer, talking and listening and doing faith acts

together – the deeds of love, justice and peace.

2005.2 ‘The concept of leadership – in Africa, the Western world and

according to the Bible’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 45 (391 & 392) (Autumn and Winter) : 12-

18.

This and part two (2005.3) revisit the theme of leadership fist dealt with in

Leaders with a Vision 1995.1. It is a translation of an Afrikaans article

originally published in Koers (2003) 68 (2 & 3): 143-170.

The African view of a leader is someone who serves the community; the

Western view sees the leader as an effective organiser or manager of

individuals. The biblical view is that of the leader as a servant, as someone

in relationship that has a task or calling and as a follower. Briefly, the

concepts of office, authority and power and responsibility are explored.

141

2005.3 ‘Leadership implies office, authority, power organisation and

responsibility’.

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action 45 (393 & 394): 8-12.

This is part two of 2005.2.

It examines in more detail the concepts of office, authority and power. The

biblical view of office is neither hierarchical (top down) nor democratic

(bottom up). Office is a vocation, from God, to serve. Authority comes from

insight and obedience. Power is the ability to exercise authority and fill an

office. A leader is a steward and a servant thus he has a great responsibility.

2005.4 ‘The challenge of the African way of thinking to the western mode of

thought: how to Africanize Western science’.

In John Kok ed. Ways of Knowing in Concert.


ISBN 0-932914-49-1; 276 pages.

Contents

Knowing and human being

Neurons and knowledge / Claudia DeVries Beversluis

Incarnate being and carnal knowledge: the caress beyond the grasp /

Clarence W. Joldersma

Faulty psychology' and theology / John C. Vander Stelt

Ethical knowledge and literary fiction / Clarence Walhout

The miracle of mutual love: Luce Irigaray and the ethics of sexual

difference / James H. Olthuis

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Knowing and truth

Dooyeweerd on knowledge and truth / Henk G. Geertsema

Two very different analyses of knowledge / Rene van Woudenberg

Ways of wisdom: multiple modes of meaning in pedagogy and andragogy /

Doug Blomberg

Even as I am fully known: an exploration in 'cruciform epistemology' / Syd

Hielema

The challenge of the African way of thinking to the western mode of

thought: how to Africanize western science / Bennie J. van der Walt

Plastic injection molding: an epistemological problem / Lambert Van Poolen

Knowing and believing

Knowledge of religion and religious knowledge: the cultural anthropology of

religion and a religious anthropology / Andre Droogers

Variety in scripture and the coherence of scriptural doctrine: the Doctrine

of Atonement, an example / Cornelis van der Kooi

Beyond knowledge: the language of the prophet / Renee D.N. van Riessen

Writing and knowing / James C. Schaap.

(It was reviewed by D.L. van der Tholen in Philosophia Reformata 71 (2),

(2006):180-182.)

This book is a collection of essays from the sixth ‘quadrilateral conference’:

‘Ways of knowing, in concert: Christian initiatives and responses’ at Dordt

College in August 1998. It was co-sponsored by Dordt, Calvin College, ICS and

Vrijie Unversity. The fifteen chapters are split into three main foci: knowing

and being human, knowledge and truth, and knowing and being. Van der

Walt’s contribution (ch 10) comes in the second category.

He compares traditional African culture with modern western culture. He

notes that it is like ‘comparing something that is pre-scientific with

something that is scientific’. He doesn’t use the term ‘pre-scientific’ in any

derogatory way. It is not better or worse it is a different way of knowing. He

sees different cultures emphasise different sides of our relationship to God or

the supernatural, to nature, to other and to ourselves. Hence different gifts

are developed in different cultures and these enable them to know reality in

143

different ways, it also means that knowledge of reality can be expressed in

different ways. He advocates a ‘mutually affirming and corrective cultural

pluralism’, so that the African and western cultures can confirm and correct

each other.

144

2006

2006. 1 When African and Western Cultures Meet: From Confrontation to

Appreciation.


Christianity in Africa

ISBN 1868225100; vii + 317 pp; pbk

Contents

Preface: Prof Emmanuel Ayee

1. How to explain and evaluate cultural diversity

2. Africa, the poorest continent

3. Development: the illusion of the twentieth century?

4. Globalisation: the new spirit of the 21st century

5. Leadership models in Africa, the West and the Bible

6. A shame- versus guilt-oriented conscience: an explanation for the conflict

between African and Western cultures?

7. The Western way of thinking compared with the Eastern and African mode

of thought

8. A liberating message for women on Africa (see 1988.9)

9. Direction in the crisis of agriculture

Acknowledgements


Ch2 Originally an introductory lecture given at Dordt College, Iowa, USA Sept

2004.

Ch 3 Translation from In die Skriflig 28(2) (2004): 235-262

Ch4 Translation from the Afrikaans from In die Skriflig 28 (2) (2004): 263-289

Ch 5 Translation of an article that appeared in Koers 68 (2&3) (2003): 143-169

145

Ch 6 Translation of Koers 69 (1) (2004): 27-55

Ch 7 Translation of Koers 69 (4) (2004): 661-696

Ch 9 Translation of Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 44 (2006)

This volume is another a collection of essays that have largely been published

elsewhere – with the exception of chs 1 and 2. The book, is however, no less

coherent for that. He starts by looking at the meaning of three important

concepts: cultural diversity (ch 1), development (ch 3) and globalisation (ch

4).

The first chapter looks at why cultures differ, how we can evaluate their

differences and what is unacceptable and acceptable in a culture. Cultural

differences he sees as having their origin in the cultural mandate, different

environments bring different challenges and hence different cultures.

Culture is a religious response to a divine calling. No culture can become a

norm and no culture is fully obedient to God’s call. He sees cultural diversity

as a means of enrichment; there should be no tension between cultures,

rather a mutual enrichment and appreciation (hence the subtitle of the

book).

Chapter 2 puts the spotlight on Africa, one of the poorest continents. First he

examines its richness before looking at Christianity on the continent and

some of the socio-political-economic conditions. The condition of the church

is described in five catchwords: escapistic, dualistic, pietistic, ecclesiasticism

and secularism. Five words which could also describe the state of the church

in the so-called developed West. The issue of poverty and wealth is then

looked at. He concludes that the biblical message about poverty is clear: ‘we

have to do something about it’ p. 44.

The next chapter looks at the issue of development. Here he surveys recent

research that indicates that development isn’t “all it’s cracked up to be”; it

isn’t the success story hoped for, the concept is not as clear as it should be

and that development isn’t the only way to advance human well-being.

Development is a belief that distinguishes western culture from others. It

maintains that more is better! Development as it stands ‘lacks a clear

146

normative consciousness’ (p. 63) and has become ‘a kind of secular religion’

(p. 65).

Globalisation is examined in chapter 4. Here is a brief description of

globalisation, some of its characteristics, some of its consequences, an

analysis of the capitalist economy that drives it and some ideas as to how it

should be viewed from a Christian perspective. Here he utilises and develops

Jonathan Chaplin’s ideas of globalisation and the essence of space, looking at

retrocipations and anticipations of space. Space is the qualifying aspect of

globalisation.

The issue of leadership in Africa is one that van der Walt has dealt with

before in Leaders with a Vision (1995.), he revisits it here in chapter 5. He

focuses on what leadership entails. He sees leadership as ‘holding an office

and having the right or authority as well as the competence or power to

organise in such a way a particular community of people or a social power or

a societal relationship that while obeying definite norms it can fulfil its

vocation or reach its goal in a responsible way’.

The next two chapters (ch 6 and 7) compare African and Western culture and

worldview. Van der Walt does it sensitively and compassionately, he is never

patronising of either position. He sees cultural pluralism as an answer to the

problem of cultural superiority. Diversity should be an enrichment and not a

threat.

Chapter 8 looks at the important question of the role of women in Africa.

Women have a low position in African society, and so the Bible brings good

news for them. He looks at the biblical data and provides a convincing case

for an egalitarian position of women. He examines the concepts of headship,

authority and submission. He sees the meaning of kephale (head) as source,

unity or responsibility (p. 262). His arguments are convincing, and

‘liberating, refreshing and healing’ for women. He offers a timely warning to

husbands: ‘by keeping your wives in subservient positions, you place not only

them but yourselves at a disadvantage’ (p. 277).

147

The final chapter (ch 9) looks at the crises in agriculture; an important issue

for rural Africa, where subsistence agriculture is a way of life for many. He

argues the need for a more holistic view of agriculture, a multi-dimensional

view.

2006.2 ‘The philosophy of D. H. Th. Vollenhoven (1892-1978), with special

reference to his historiography of philosophy’.

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 42 (1-2): 35-39.

The aim of this paper is to acknowledge Vollenhoven’s contribution to

Reformational philosophy. It explores the recent literature on Vollenhoven

and his consistent problem-historical method and provides a brief

introduction to Vollenhoven’s method of studying philosophy.

2006.3 ‘Religious diversity, intolerance, freedom, equivalence, uniqueness

and tolerance’.

In J. Dinakarlal (editor) Christian Higher Education in

Asia/ Oceania: Moving Towards a New Vision

Proceedings of the Regional Conference for Asia/ Oceania

IAPCHE, January 13-17, 2005. Sioux Center, Iowa:

IAPCHE pp 110-122.

These proceedings were from the second Asia/ Oceania regional conference

of IAPCHE. The conference was hosted by CSI Bishop Appasamy College,

Coimbatore and St Christopher’s Training College, Chennai, India and held in

Chennai. They were published for private circulation only. It was attended by

60 delegates from 14 countries.

Van der Walt’s contribution was reworked as Understanding and Rebuilding

Africa 2003.2 ch 14 an extended version is also found in Transforming Power

2007 ch 5-7.



148

2006.4 ‘Leadership models in Africa, the West and the Bible’.

In Peter Blokhuis and Evelyn K Hielema ed. Civil Society:

East and West.

Proceedings of the regional Conferecne for Europe

IAPCHE August 20-23,


This was, apart from an abbreviated text in Woord en Daad also published

(extended) as chapter 5 of When African and Western Cultures Meet (2006.1

ch 5).

This version was a paper presented to a regional IAPCHE conference held at

St Andrew’s Biblical Theological Institute, Moscow in August 2005. He focuses

not on how to be an efficient leader but on what leadership entails.

149

2007

2007.1 Transforming Power: Challenging Secular Society.


Christianity in Africa

ISBN 9781868225118; xii + 441

Contents

A preview and a review: Prof.dr. Rantoa Letsosa

Introduction: The transformation of an increasing secular society

1. Growing together in faith

2. Friendship

3. Mission unlimited

4. Church and society

5. Religious diversity and religious intolerance

6. Religious freedom and religious equivalence

7. Religious uniqueness and religious tolerance

8. Secularism, the spirit of our times: (1) the threat

9. Secularism, the spirit of our times: (2) its characteristics

10. Secularism, the spirit of our times: (3) a response

11. The urgent need for Christian organisations/institutions

12. "Faith-directed scholarship"

13. Spotlight on sport

14. Contemporary guidance on the relationship between male and female:

reflections on an evolutionistic ethics

15. A transformed Christianity for a new society

150

Chapter 1: Originally published in Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap, 41 (4th

quarter)(2005): 141-168 (2005.1)

Chapter 2: English translation of Afrikaans text published in Koers,

69(3)(2004):473-498

Chapter 3: Previously unpublished paper delivered at a National Conference

on Global Missions, Pretoria, South Africa on 18th & 19th March, 2005.

Chapter 4: English translation of Afrikaans text published in Koers, 70(2)

(2005):227-263.

Chapter 5: A part of the original Afrikaans text published in In die Skriflig,

39(1) (2005):39-80.


39(1) (2005):53-80 and 38(2)(2005):325-362.


39(2) (2005):325-362.

Chapter 8: English translation of Afrikaans text published in Tydskrif vir

Christelike Wetenskap, 40(1st & 2nd quarter) (2004): 85-97.


Christelike Wetenskap, 40(3rd & 4th quarter) (2004): 102-123.


Christelike Wetenskap, 41(1st & 2nd quarter) (2005): 43-75.

Chapter 11: English translation of Afrikaans, text published in Tydskrifvir

Christelike Wetenskap, 39(3'" & 41h quarter)(2003): 131-148.

Chapter 12: English translation of Afrikaans text published in Koers, vol

70(3)(2005):373-399.

Chapter 13: English translation of Afrikaans text to be published in Koers, vol.

71 (2006).

Chapter 14: English translation of Afrikaans text to be published in In die

Skriflig, 40(2) 2006 and 40(3) 2006.

Chapter 15: Reworked text of chapter 1 of my book Religion and Society:

Christian involvement in the public square (1999), p. 1-22.

This book was written originally with the African situation in mind, but as

with all van der Walt’s writings the insights go much further. It is relevant

for concerned Christians everywhere.

151

Growth in faith is a prerequisite for counteracting secularism, so it is fitting

that the first chapter looks at this key issue. He discusses in some depth

James Fowler’s approach and finds it lacking, he then looks more

appreciatively at Van Belle, Westerhoff and Olthuis’s stages of faith. It is

important to understand these stages so that helpful advice and counsel can

be given.

It is rare to hear any Christian teaching on friendship, so it is refreshing to

read chapter 2 which deals with this oft-neglected but much-needed subject.

He takes a brief view of what Augustine, Brunner and C S Lewis have to say

but finds their accounts dualistic. Friendship, according to van der Walt is ‘an

inter-human relationship ordained by God’, ‘in friendship the central

commandment of love is positivised in the form of fidelity’ (p 62). It is

reflected in the range of modalities.

Ch 3, mission unlimited, develops a deep holistic view of mission. This kind

of mission is possible because of on the human side unlimited love and

because on God’s side he has unlimited authority and unlimited presences.

Chapter 4 is a wide ranging one of the nature of the church and society. It

provides an excellent introduction to Dooyeweerd’s theory of society. He,

following a number of reformational thinkers, distinguishes between church,

the institution, Church, the body of Christ and the kingdom of God. Church

has its founding function as the historical mode and its qualifying function as

faith. This means its activities are directed to the faith aspect, the economic

aspect, for example, means that money is collected to advance the aim of

faith, not as means to make a profit.

Section B ch 5-7 look at the relationship between other religions. This is a

topic he has briefly touched on before (see AJTS 1 (2), for example).

Religious diversity, tolerance, freedom and uniqueness are examined.

Chapter 5 examines ‘Religious diversity and religious intolerance’. His point

of departure is that religion is important. Religion, despite the efforts of

Richard Dawkins, cannot be eradicated and it cannot be isolated – it is all-

embracing and shapes every area of life. Van der Walt makes an important

distinction between ‘religion’ and ‘faith’. Religion is the encompassing

152

service towards God or an idol; faith is the cultic expression of religious

expressions. Religion is extremely diverse; primal, world, Christian, new age,

Eastern and implicit are all adjectives used to describe different forms of

religion; what were once ‘foreign’ religions have now become our

neighbours’ religion. The question is, how do we view and deal with this

diversity? The secularist model is wholly inadequate, a religiously-neutral

state which relegates religion to the private sphere is no solution. No state

can be fully secular, those who run it have religious beliefs! The separation

into public and private spheres is artificial; secularism fails to recognise the

variety of religions and then tries to replace or suppress them in the public

arena.

Many bad things happen in the name of religion. The final sections of this

chapter look at these. Religion is very important to all, hence it is not totally

surprising that when one’s deepest convictions are challenged or threatened

it sometimes results in violence. The lack of religious freedom too often

results in violence. Christianity is not immune from this violence, the

inquisition, the crusades, the support of slavery and apartheid are often

quoted as examples of this. Almost all religions preach ‘love your neighbour’

and yet violence is committed in the name of that religion. Van der Walt

briefly explores some of the reasons for this. Violence often depends on the

social, political and economic conditions. He cites the work of M[ichael]

F[erreira] Heyns, he sees the reasons for the violence comes from a

totalitarian worldview, from the failure to recognise the diversity in creation

and thus make one aspect absolute and fail to recognise that other aspects

have equal value. It results in an –ism , an ideology which must be realised,

if necessary, by violence.

Chapter 6 focuses on ‘Religious freedom and religious equivalence’. It

examines two key questions: can a secular constitution guarantee religious

freedom? And does treating all religions as equal before the law imply that

they are in principle equally true? The first question has already been

addressed in part in the previous chapter. Here he answers it by examining

the new South African constitution. This looks fine on paper, but it still leads

back to the position of the human being as being his or her own boss. A

153

Christian response is one of principled pluralism. Freedom of religion must

mean freedom from suppression and freedom to live one’s own convictions.

In response to the question are all religions equal he cites five possible

responses: (1) only one is correct (2) none of them are correct (3) all are

equally true (4) one religion is more true than the others and (5) the truth of

religions is left unanswered. Position (1) is examined in the next chapter.

Position 2, the idea that all religions are different painkillers for the same

headache, has it’s roots in historicism, the ‘father of religious relativism’.

Here he draws upon Jacob Klapwijk’s work.

Section C examines secularism and secularisation. Chapter 8 examines what is

meant by secularism and looks at secularism in South Africa and the

Netherlands. Secularism does not mean that the world is becoming less

religious, it is that the religious orientation is changing. Secularism is an

alternative worldview. In chapter 9, he makes the initially outrageous

suggestion that Christianity, rather than being the ‘antipole’ of secularism,

could be one of the causes of secularism. He sees secularism as the outcome

of the dualism of sacred and profane. He clearly explains this with recourse

to a few thousand years of history in four pages! He then examines the role

of atheism in secularism. Secularism is the denial of a transcendent horizon.

Here he draws upon the insights of Hendrik van Riessen and Herman

Dooyeweerd to discuss how the reformational model of modal aspects

provides insight into the different aspects of secularism. This chapter closes

by looking at why secularism has been so attractive and seductive. An

important first step for Christians in dealing with it is an awareness of it.

To be able to confront secularism Christians must be prepared to change.

This chapter looks at some of the changes needed. We need to be authentic

Christians, kingdom Christians, Christians with an office, a vision and

organised Christians. He rightly notes that secularism has many traits of a

religion: it puts its final trust in something - humanity; it has a revelation -

secular science; its priests - scientists and lawyers; and its own form of

evangelisation – the public school system. It even has its own story – progress.

154

Van der Walt brilliantly exposes why the secularist view of society is

untenable and unacceptable. He shows it to be self-refuting. It is intolerant

of tolerance, it stands in the way of a good society and in the end might

becomes right. Religion influences all of life, neither the Christian faith nor

secularism are merely private matters. Politicians and religious leaders make

total universal demands; they cannot ignore matters of ultimate importance.

The public domain may not be equated with the state – it is much broader.

The public-private divide so beloved of secularism is an artificial (and

unbiblical) divide; it is not founded on social realities. Van der Walt then

goes on to argue cogently for a pluralist society with religious, structural and

confessional diversity. This model provides a way of being truly tolerant in a

multireligious and multicultural society.

Chapter 11 looks at how Christian organisations can respond to secularism

and retain their Christian identity.

Section D looks at scholarship, sport and sexual ethics as case studies on how

they can be transformed. This section provides examples of how Christian

thinking can transform the often-secular approaches.

Most evangelicals adopt an integration view on Christianity and scholarship.

Van der Walt agues that this view arises from a ‘deep-seated ontological

dualism and an anthropological dichotomy’. The integration model accepts

the neutrality of science and sees the Bible as an additional source of

knowledge. His purpose in knocking (down) this model is to build Christian

scholarship on a more secure foundation. He proposes an integral model,

where faith is integral rather than an addition to the scientific enterprise.

This approach is then modelled in the chapters on sport and gender.

Sport is a topic that has received scant attention form Christian scholars.

Here van der Walt surveys three approaches: the workaholic, the hedonist

and the utilitarian before looking at a Christian response. A response that

does not depend on proof texts, but looks deeper at norms and principles in

God’s creation. He looks at the normative structure and (mis)direction of

sport and how it fits into different social relationships.

155

The penultimate chapter examines male and female relationships. The

popular book by Pease and Pease Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t

Read Maps is taken as a starting point. He exposes the evolutionism

worldview that lies behind this and other similar books and the use of

stereotypes to reinforce their views. This leads onto a discussion of socio-

biology where morality, moral conduct are reduced to something biological.

Van der Walt then outlines a Christian perspective on the relationship

between the sexes – we are similar, different and complementary

The final chapter (15) is a ‘retrospective conclusion’. Here van der Walt

summarises the basic message of the book. He wants to see a bold, robust

and involved Christianity, one that is able to transform and shape society,

one that avoids an escapist, dualistic, pietistic Christianity.

2007.2 ‘The secret of becoming a real Christian: reflections on the beatitudes

of Christ: reflection’.

Word and Action = Woord en Daad 47 (401 and 402)(Spring and Summer):

10-14

This is a reflection on Matthew 5:3, blessed are the pure in spirit. This is a

theme he looked at in More Precious than Gold 1991.2.30. He looks briefly at

four questions: who is pronouncing the beatitudes, to whom are they

addressed, where and when were they proclaimed and how do they fit

together? He then looks at who are the poor and why they are blessed. They

were those who were nothing in their own eyes; they are not poor at all – for

theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

We need to acknowledge that there is nothing we can do to earn God’s

blessings, when we are utterly dependent upon God then will we be rich.



156

2007.3 ‘Ad Fontes: First building blocks for a history of Reformational

philosophy’.

Unpublished English version of original article published in Afrikaans in

Journal for Christian Scholarship / Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 43:

216-234.

This, as yet, unpublished article traces the history of the reformational

movement from its origins in the Netherlands to South Africa. The South

African developments are often neglected, yet 2008 marked the 75th year of

an indigenous Christian philosophy.

He identifies as second generation (Dutch) Christian philosophers: J P A

Mekkes, S U Zuidema, Popma, H van Riessen, M C Smit, J Dengerink and A

Troost. Third generation: H J van Eikema Hommes, J van der Hoeven, H G

Geertsema, A Bos, S Griffioen, Groenewoud, A Tol and R van Woudenberg;

fourth generation include: G J Buijs, J Hoogland, R Kuiper, M J Verkerk and M

J de Vries.

In South Africa there are two main foci: Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom.

The pioneers at Bloemfontein are recognised to be E A Venter and H J

Strauss. The third generation would include: J H Smit, D F M Strauss, J

Visagie and J C van der Merwe. Others are D J van der Berg, A W G Raath, L O

K Lategan

At Potchefstroom there was H G Stoker, the founder of a Christian approach.

The second generation include J A L Taljaard, N T van der Merwe and P G W

du Plessis. Third and fourth generation would be E Botha, J J Snyman, van

der Walt himself, J J Venter and M F Heyns.

There follows a brief survey of US , Canada, Australia, England and South

Korea and an overview of Christian scholars and their subject areas.

It concludes with some ideas for extending and contextualising Reformational

thought for Africa.

157

2008 2008.1 Anatomy of Reformation: Flashes and Fragments of a Reformational

Worldview.

Potchefstroom: Institute for Contemporary Christianity in Africa

ISBN 1868220362; iii + 582 pages

Reprint of 1991.1.

2008.2 The Eye is the Lamp of the Body: Worldviews and their Impact.

Potchefstroom: ICCA

ISBN 978-1-86822-55-2; iii +304 pages

Contents

Preface: Dr. Tukunboh Adeyemo (Centre for Biblical Transformation, Nairobi,

Kenya)

1. Introduction: Windows on the world

SECTION A: THEORETICAL REFLECTIONS

2. How to view and read God's revelation, the basis for an integral Christian

worldview

3. The popularity, history, structure, value and dangers of a worldview

4. The uniqueness of a Reformational worldview

5. The historical background of the postmodern view on normativity and on a

Christian worldview

158

SECTION B: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

6. Traditional African worldview and culture: a reason for the extreme

poverty on the continent?

7. Antheunis Janse van Biggekerke (1890-1960): morning star of a

Reformational worldview

8. The Christian worldview of Archbishop (emeritus) Desmond M. Tutu;

(i) a general review

9. The Christian worldview of Archbishop (emeritus) Desmond M. Tutu; (2)

his view on being human and on society

10. The Institute for Reformational Studies (1962-1999) as a Christian

worldviewish organisation; Its relevance for future Christian actions

Chapter 1: Previously unpublished.

Chapter 2: To be published in Tydskrifvir Christelike Wetenskap, vol. 44 (3rd

& 4th quarter) (2008).

Chapter 3: An English translation of Afrikaans text published in Tydskrif vir

Christelike Wetenskap, vol. 44(1st & 2nd quarter)(2008): 39-64

Chapter 4: An English translation of the Afrikaans text published in Tydskrif

vir Christelike Wetenskap, vol. 44 (1st & 2nd quarter) (2008):139 Chapter 5:

An English version of the original Afrikaans text to be published in Koers 72

(2007) (4)

Chapter 6: An English translation of the original text in Afrikaans published in

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap, 43(2007):107-130.

Chapter 7: Onginally published in Koers, 69(2) (2004):221-258.

Chapter 8: An English translation of the original Afrikaans text published in

Koers, 68(1) (2003):15-33.

Chapter 9: An English version of the original text (in Afrikaans) published in

Koers, 68(1) (2003):35-57.

Chapter 10: An English translation of the original text (in Afrikaans) published

in Koers 71(1) (2006): 251-274.

Worldviews is a topic that South African philosopher-theologian B J van der

Walt has dealt with before (see for example, 1972.1; 1991.5); this though is

his first full book-length treatment of worldviews.

159

This is a book of two halves. The first deals with a theoretical reflection on

what is a worldview, the second part deals with how worldviews influence

life; the first deals with the what, the second with the how. This is a

collection of articles that have mostly been published elsewhere, mostly in

Afrikaans, notably in Koers and Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap. Despite

that the book hangs together as a coherent whole.

Chapter 1 sets the scene by explaining the title of the book – the eye

represents what a person looks like and the eye is a lamp illuminating the

way. This dual purpose is expressed in worldviews. He presents a fascinating

structural analysis of worldviews using Dooyeweerd’s modal aspects.

The start of a biblical worldview is revelation, hence chapter 2 looks at God’s

threefold revelation: his creation, his scriptures and his son. He sees the

Bible as a worldviewish book. There have been different ways of interpreting

the scriptures through the ages and he looks at some mistaken methods

before looking at and developing the work of Sinnema, Spykman and Olthius

in seeing the scriptures as a confessional/ certitudinal discourse. He rightly

concludes ‘When the Bible is viewed as a book of faith it can be read in a

new way …, but it also becomes clear how it can have authority over all

aspects of life’ (p 41).

Chapter 3 provides a brief bibliographical review of Christian worldview

books. He then draws initially upon the work of David Naugle to examine the

origin of the term ‘worldview’ before turning to discuss what a worldview is.

He takes a helpful look at some internal (comprehensiveness, coherence) and

external tests (openness, correspondence, balance, liveability) for a

worldview. He also provides a helpful summary of some images that have

been used to represent worldviews: coloured spectacles, an anchor, a map, a

compass, a carpenter’s square, a dynamo, an adhesive and a dye. He

concludes this key chapter by providing some warnings and possible dangers

of a worldview approach.

The uniqueness of a reformational worldview, is the subject of chapter 4.

Here van der Walt draws upon Colson and Pearcey, Wolters, and Walsh and

Middleton to examine the contents of a Christian worldview. He looks at

160

some of the reasons for the lack of impact of such a worldview and then

argues for the unique characteristics of a reformational worldview, a view

that is world transformative and is able to move both hearts and minds. He

concludes with looking at how this worldview can be communicated

effectively by drawing upon the work of Stephen Garber. Van der Walt’s

strength is that he is able to synthesise different authors views and provide

an excellent summary and review, but he dies more than that, he develops

them in such a way that his own voice is not lost.

In the chapter on postmodernism he provides an accurate and broadly

appreciative overview of postmodernism. His is no knee-jerk response. He

sees it, rightly, as more than a reaction against modernism – it is the result of

the long history of Western thought, from the sophists through Socrates and

Plato to the rationalism and the irrationalistic tendencies that look for ‘the

law in the subject’. He also provides a ‘immanent critique’ of

postmodernism – postmodernisms lawlessness is one of the results of

historicism. Here he draws upon the work of D F M Strauss and Roy Clouser on

historicism: how can we have history if everything is history? Postmodernism

is characterised by a mistrust of metanarratives, they are regarded as

oppressive and untrue. And yet, as van der Walt points out, postmodernism

‘is nothing but (another) grand narrative, for it is the universal base on the

grounds of which all other viewpoints are regarded as restricted versions. For

itself postmoderism claims common validity while all other positions are

relativised’ (p 147).

He takes on board the postmodern warning that worldviews can become

oppressive or legalistic and identifies where this may happen in a Christian

worldview. This can be avoided by being prepared to keep on listening to

God’s revelation both in creation and scripture.

Traditional African culture is then examined in chapter 6. This is a theme

that van der Walt has revisited a number of times (see, for example, 1996.2;

2003.2; 2005.3; 2006.1). Here he draws upon some African voices to examine

some of the reasons for the poverty in Africa. Van der Walt writes not as

outsider offering advice, but as an insider offering wisdom. African authors

(such as Joseph Nyasani, George Kinoti and Peter Kimuyu, N C Dembetembe,

161

Dia and Nyang) are quoted in length to provide an objective view as possible.

Van der Walt has done a great service for African development studies by

drawing attention to these authors. He concludes, rightly, that ‘Culture and

development can only in theory (in abstraction) be separated, when we speak

of culture and development. More correctly we should speak of development

as (a part of) culture’ (p 184).

Chapter 7 looks at Antheunis Janse, a largely neglected figure in the

reformational movement. Little has been written of Janse in English, this

chapter remedies this and offers a biographical overview as well as an

overview of his theology, in particular his anthropology and has a useful

bibliography of works on and by Janse – unfortunately, for me at least,

nothing apart from this chapter is available in English. Hopefully, this will be

remedied before long. Van der Walt makes a good case for Janse to be

considered as one of the founding fathers of reformational philosophy. This

chapter is an update of van der Walt’s Afrikaans booklet 1989 Atheunis Janse

van Biggekerke (1890-1960) (IRS F2 no 48) which was translated into Dutch in

2000 by M. Ploeg-de Groot.

The next two chapters look at the Christian worldview of Desmond M. Tutu.

Tutu had previously written an appreciative preface of van der Walt’s

Understanding and Rebuilding Africa and had met as part of the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission in London in 1997.

The occasion and part controversy that surrounded the presentation of an

honorary degree to Tutu by the (predominantly) white Potchefstroom

University prompted the writing of these chapters. Tutu’s theology is only

mentioned in passing; the chapters concentrate on the source and shape of

his worldview. Van der Walt is appreciative of Tutu’s transformational

worldview, despite its shortcomings, and writes that ‘Christendom in South

Africa, the rest of Africa and even the world would have been poorer’

without Tutu’s contribution.

The final chapter, chapter 10, looks back at one important ‘worldviewish

organisation’, the Institute for Reformational Studies (IRS) (1962-1999). Van

der Walt is well positioned to write on this, as he was its director. Here he



162

focuses on some of the reasons as to why it was closed down after 37 years.

In essence it was a clash between two diverging Christian worldviews: the

reformational perspective of the IRS and the less transformational

perspective more dualistic worldview of the Potchefstroom University

authorities.

2008.3 ‘How to explain and evaluate cultural differences from a

Reformational-Christian perspective’.

In Nick Latinga (editor) Christian Higher Education in the Global Context:

Implications for Curriculum, Peadagogy, and Administration. Proceedings

of the International Conference IAPCHE, 15-19 November 2006, Granada,

Nicaragua. 33- 52.

Paper delivered at IAPCHE’s 6th Int. Conf, Grenada, Nicaragua 1996. This has

also been published in When African and Western Cultures Meet 2006.1. 1.

Here van der walt looks at the problems of explaining and evaluating cultural

diversity. He explains why cultures look so different and thus provides a way

of sensitively other cultures witout resorting to cultural ethnocentrism or

cultural relativism.

163

Index of subjects Africa 1976.1 1978.2 1980.4 1981.2 1984.2 1986.4 1988.1 1989.5 1990.1 1990.3 1990.6 1991.1 1991.9 1991.14 1992.3 1992.4 1993.2 1993.5 1994.1 1994.4 1996.1 1996.2 1996.3 1996.5 1996.6 1997.1 1997.6 1998.2 1999.2 2001.3 2001.8 2001.12 2002.5 2003.1 2003.2 2003.6 2004.2 2005.4 2006.1 2008.1 Afrikaner 1994.9 Agriculture 2006.1

Anthropology 1974.2 1975.1 1975.2 1978.2 1978.2 1988.1 1990.1 1994.2 1997.2 1997.3 1997.3 1990.1 Apartheid 1994.6 1998.2 2002.1 Aquinas 1973.4 1973.5 1976.6 1978.1. 1978.2 1986.5 Averroes 1973.4 1978.1.5 Backpacking/ hiking 1995.6 2003.1 Bantu 1976.1 1978.4. Bible 1978.2.18 1991.2 1991.10 1996.4 1994.2

Bonadventure 1974.2 1978.2.11 Calvin 1976.6 1979.1 1978.2. 1980.2 1982.1 1984.6 1986.5 1989.6 2002.4 Calvinism 1974.1 1978.1 1978.3 1979.2 1979.5 1984.5 1984.10 1989.6 Christ 1979.3 1981.2 1991.1 2008.1 Christian (higher) education 1971.1 1974.4 1975.3 1976.3 1976.4 1976.5 1978.2 1978.3 1979.4 1979.5 1984.9 1987.1 1987.3 1989.4

164

1990.6 1991.7 1992.2 1992.6 1993.1 1993.8 1994.1 2001.1 2002.2 2002.3 Christian life 1978.3 1984.11 1991.1 1993.3 2005.1 2007.1 2008.1 Christian scholarship 1974.4 1978.3 1987.2 1981.2 1991.1 2007.1 2008.1 Church 1980.1 1984.10 1991.1 1991.14 2007.1 2008.1 Consistent-problem historic method 1973.1 1978.3 1983.1 1991.1 2006.2 2008.1 Corruption 2001.9 2003.2

Culture 2001.1 2002.5 2003.2 2006.5 Development 2000.2 2001.4 2001.8 2002.5 2003.2 2006.1 Drakensberg Mountains 2003.1 Duns Scotus 1976.7 1978.2.12 Economics 1991.1 1996.7 2003.2 Ethics 1976.2 1993.4 1993.6 2007.1 Faith 2005.1 Family 1993.2 2003.2 Friendship 2007.1 Globalisation 2006.1

History 1991.1.21 1994.2 1997.2 Hus 1981.2 1984.4 1991.1.6 Idolatry 1981.2 1988.4 1988.5 1998.6 1991.1 1994.2 1997.2 Institute for the Advancement of Calvinism 1974.1 1979.6 IRS 1984.1 1984.8 1986.1 1987.4 2008.2 Janse 2008.2 Kairos document 1988.3 Knox 1984.5 1981.2 1991.1 Kuyper 1999.1 1999.2 1999.3 1999.4

165

1999.1 2002.6 2004.2 Leadership 1994.7 1994.8 1995.1 2005.2 2005.3 2006.1 2006.4 Marriage 1984.12 1986.3 1991.2 1991.3 1991.4 1991.5 1991.6 1992.1 2003.2 Morality 2003.4 Medieval philosophy 1973.3 1978.2 Natural theology 1976.6 1978.2 1994.2 1997.2 New age movement 1993.7 1994.2 1997.2 Ontology 1978.2

Philosophy 1971.1 1978.3 1994.2 1997.2 2003.2 2007.3 Politics 1995.2 2003.2 Postmodernism 2008.2 Poverty 2003.5 2004.3 2008.2 Publishing 1989.2 1989.3 Reform 1981.2 1991.8 2001.5 Reformation 1977.1 1978.1 1979.2 1980.1 1980.2 1981.2 1982.2 1982.4 1989.5 1991.1 2002.4 2008.1 Religious equality/ diversity 1997.4 1994.2 1994.5 1995.2 1997.2

2003.2 2004.1 2006.1 2006.3 2007.1 2008.3 Revelation 2008.2 Rights 1999.2 2000.1 2003.2 Science 1978.3 Secularism 1986.4 1988.7 1994.2 1997.2 2004.3 2007. Society 1992.5 1994.1.10 1995.1 1997.4 1999.1 2004.2 2007.1 Scholasticism 1984.8 Sport 2007.1

166

State/ government 1981.1 1988.2 1988.8 1990.3 1991.1 1994.1 1995.1 2008.1 Stewardship 2003.2 Time 1996.2 2003.2 Tutu 2008.2 Vollenhoven 1973.1 1978.3 1983.1 1991.1 2006.2 2008.1

Western culture 1974.3 1976.1 1978.3 1991.9 1996.1 1999.1 2001.12 2002.3 2005.3 2006.1 Women 1984.12 1986.3 1988.9 2006.1 2007.1 Worldview 1972.1 1976.1 1988.3 1978.3 1991.7 1991.14 1994.1 1994.4

2001.1 2001.2 2001.3 2001.5 2001.6 2002.5 2003.2 2008.1 2008.2 Zwingli 1981.2 1982.5 1991.1 2008.1

167

Index of journals Anakainosis 1979.3 1983.1 African Journal for Transformational Scholarship 2002.5 2004.1 Bulletin die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die vordering van Christelike Wetenskap 1975.2 1976.7 Circular 1979.4 1979.5 1979.6 1980.3 1982.2 Fort Hare Papers 1974.4 In die Skriflig 1976.6 1982.5 1983.2 2001.6 2003.4 Koers 1974.1 1975.1 1976.2 1977.1 1978.1 1980.4 2001.9 2002.4 Many to Many 1992.1 1999.4

Orientation 1984.1 1984.2 1984.9 1986.1 1986.4 1986.5 1988.3 1988.4 1988.5 1988.6 1988.7 1989.1 1989.2 1989.3 1990.4 1990.5 1991.3 1991.4 1191.5 1991.6 1992.5 1992.6 1993.7 1993.8 1994.3 1994.4 1994.5 1997.4 1997.5 1997.6 1997.7 Perspektief 1971.1 1972.1 1973.1 1973.2 1973.4 1974.3 Philosophia Reformata 1973.3 1974.2 2001.2

Philosophy in African Context 1976.1 SWO/CSD-Bulletin 1992.4 Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap 1973.1 1980.2 1981.1 1984.10 1989.6 2005.1 2006.2 Woord en Daad 1980.1 1988.2 1992.2 1992.3 1993.1 1993.2 1993.3 1993.4 1994.7 1994.8 1994.9 1996.1 1996.2 1996.3 1999.3 2000.1 2000.2 2001.3 2001.4 2001.5 2002.1 2003.3 2004.3 2004.4 2005.2 2005.3 2007.2

168

Appendix 1: A word on journals and series

The Institute for Reformational Studies published a number of brochure,

booklets and books. These are designated as the F series. F1 comprised

brochures, F2 booklets, F3 were usually collections of papers or conference

proceedings. F4 and F5 were more academic.

The IRS also produced a journal. Initially it was called: Circular

(International Conference of Institutions for Christian Higher Education)

this was published from 1976 -1982, when it was continued in part by

Orientation: International Circular of the Potchefstroom University for

Christian Higher Education.

By 1999 the IRS had published over 380 pamphlets (F1), 76 brochures (F2)

and 51 compiled works (F3) and 90 issues of Orientation. Not all, of course

were published in English (see appendix 2)

Journals published in include:

Anakainosis: A newsletter for Reformational thought

This was published quarterly by the AACS, Toronto.

Die Suid-Afrikannse Verening vir die vordering van Christelike Wetenskap.

Bulletin (founded 1965)

169

In die Skriflig

(In the Light of the Word) serves as the official journal of the

Gereformeerde Teologiese Vereniging (Reformed Theological

Society). (Founded 1966-67)

ISSN 1018-6441

Published quarterly by The Bureau for Scholarly Journals, Potchefstroom Campus, N-W University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.

International Reformed Bulletin

The journal of the International Association for Reformed Faith

and Action (IARFA). It was established in 1957 and ceased

publication in 1981.

ISSN 0538-9399

Koers: Bulletin for Christian Scholarship/ Bulletin vir

Christelike Wetenskap

Periodical for Calvinistic thought, Potchefstroom.

ISSN 0023-270X

Published quarterly in March, June, September and December by The Bureau of Scholarly Journals, Potchefstroom Campus, N-W University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.

170


die Christelikwysgergie grondslae van die vakwetenskappe

This was the quarterly for the promotion of Christian philosophy and the

philosophical principles of the sciences. Potchefstroom: PU CHE.

The first volume appeared in 1962/63; it was absorbed into Koers.

171

Philosophia Reformata

The journal of the Association for Reformational philosophy

ISSN 0031-8035

Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap/ Journal for

Christian Scholarship

The first volume appeared in 1965. It is published by VCHO.

ISSN 1013-1116

Woord en Daad/ Word and Action

The official publication of the ‘Afrikaanse Calvinistiese Begweging’.

The first volume appeared in 1954.

ISSN 0257-8921

172

Appendix 2: IRS F Publications

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F1

Pamphlets 1966

No 1 Liberaal-christelik, nasionaal-christelik en Christelik-nasionaal / H.J.J.

Bingle.

No 2 Grensuitwissing in die volkslewe / S.C.W. Duvenage.

No 3 Sabbatsheiliging / P.W. Buys.

No 4 God’s hand in die natuur / A. Duvenage.

No 5 Calvinistiese kultuurbeskouing / P.G. Snyman.

No 6 Ware en valse ekumenisiteit / B. Duvenhage.

No 7 Die beplanning van werk en tyd vanuit Calvinistiese visie / S.C.W.

Duvenage.

No 8 Gesprek oor seksualiteit / W.J. de Klerk.

No 9 Die betekenis en boodskap van die jaar 1966 vir die Calvinistiese

Afrikaner.

No 10 Strafregtelike toerekeningsvatbaarheid en kranksinnigheid / H.L.

Swanepoel.

1967

No 11 Die mens in meganisasie en outomatisasie / W.J. Venter. 1967

No 12 Die Christendom in Afrika / H. du Plessis.

No 13 Die internasionale geskil oor Suidwes-Afrika / M. Wiechers.

No 14 'n Kultuur-psigologiese beskouing van die wetenskap en die tegniek in

die krisis van die westerse wereld / T.A. van Dyk.

No 15 Roeping: 'n sisteem / W.J. de Klerk.

No 16 Sondagsarbeid / S.C.W. Duvenage.

No 17 Ruimtenavorsing in perspektief / P.H. Stoker. Perspektief op

ruimtenavorsing / J.A.L. Taljaard.

No 18 Die Calvinisme se antwoord op die huidige situasie in die Afrikaanse

volkslewe / H.J.J. Bingle.

173

No 19 Fisiese weerbaarheid / W.J. Putter.

No 20 Die stryd tussen die koninkryk van God en die ryke van die wêreld /

J.C. Coetzee.

No 21 Die staatspresidentskap in Suid-Afrika / J.S. du Plessis.

No 22 Onderwysontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika gedurende die afgelope dekade /

H.J.J. Bingle.

1968

No 23 Natuurbewaring: 'n noodsaaklikheid / J.J. Duvenage.

No 24 Devaluasie- 'n prinsipiële beskouing / D.P. Erasmus.

1969

No 25 Internasionale diensorganisasies (Rotary-, Lions-, Round Table

International) / D. Kempff.

No 26 Die staatstaak ten opsigte van Sondagsheiliging / J.D. van der Vyver.

No 27 Suid-Afrika se lidmaatskap van die V.V.O. / J. Raubenheimer.

1969

No 28 Belasting: prinsipieel beskou / W.J. Venter.

No 29 Buitelandse hulpverlening aan Afrika / F.J. Potgieter.

No 30 Huweliksnood / S.P. van der Walt.

1970-73

No 31 Die prinsipiële patroon van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika / B. J.

Engelbrecht.

No 32 Die praktiese belewing van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika / A.P.

Treurnicht.

No 33 Die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika: 'n toekomsperspektief / W.J. de Klerk.

No 34 Die humanisme as bedreiging van die Christelik-nasionale lewens- en

wêreldbeskouing van die Afrikaner / S.C.W. Duvenage.

No 35 Die jongman in uniform / Johan Claassen.

No 36 Die Calvinisme in 'n neutedop / W.J. de Klerk.

No 37 Hartoorplanting / J.A. du Plessis.

No 38 Die probleem van totale afskaffing / S.P. van der Walt.

No 39 Verkeersproblematiek / P.W.B. Kruger.

174

No 40 Fenomenologiese pedagogiek / J. H. van Wyk.

No 41.

No 42 Christelike Opvoedings- en Onderwyspraktyk en Christelike

Opvoedkunde / P. J. Heiberg

No 43. Internasionale ekonomiese afhanklikheid van Suid-Afrika

No 44. Die problematiek ten opsigte van die Indiër-bevolkingsgroep in Suid-

Afrika / Johann Bekker

No 45 Alkoholisme / A.P.C. Duvenage

No 46-48 Die Calvinisme en volkereverhoudinge / J. H.Coetzee. Die

grensnywerheidskema in Suid-Afrika / F.J. Potgieter. Die blanke se

afhanklikheid van nie-blanke arbeid / C. J. Jooste.

No 49 Die Oorlogsvraagstuk: 'n oriëntasie / J. H. van Wyk.

No 50 Die doodstraf in oenskou / S. Postma.

No 51 Die misbruik van dwelmmiddels / Jan Grobler.

No 52 Die posisie van die politieke partye in die Afrikaanse volkslewe: 'n

histories-prinsipiele beskouing / G.N. van den Bergh.

No 53 Die studente-opstand, of, die weiering om normaal te wees / A.G.

Schutte.

No 54 Die menslike faktor en padveiligheid / L.A. Gouws.

No 55 Die Moderne spraakverwarring, of, Die generasiegaping ten opsigte van

die taal / P. D. Van der Walt.

No 56 Homoseksualiteit / T.A. van Dyk.

No 57 Die pers-- wie is waghond? / P.G. Snyman.

No 58 Sondagsport / F.N. Lion-Cachet

No 59 Ons roeping en ons norme / B. Duvenhage.

No 60 Wat sê die heksepoot? / J. H. van Wyk.

No 61 Gesagsverhoudinge, prinsipieel belig en toegepas op die akademie /

S.C.W. Duvenage.

No 62 Die filosofie van die grafskrif!: 'n inleiding tot die verstaan van die

Sowjet-Kommuniste / Jan A. du Plessis.

No 63 Skepping en evolusie / C. J. Reinecke.

No 64 Die voor-universitere vorming van die student / H.B. Kruger.

No 65 Staat, kerk en godsdiens / J.D. van der Vyver.

No 66 Sensuur: histories en juridies besien / G.J. Pienaar.

175

No 67 Sensuur: prinsipieel en prakties besien / T.T. Cloete.

No 68 Die kulturele rewolusie en Suid-Afrika: 'n analise / Elaine Botha.

No 69 Die antwoord van die Afrikaner op die huidige kulturele rewolusie /

W.J. de Klerk.

No 70 Nuwe Bybelvertalings: probleme en metodes / S. du Toit en E.J.G.

Norval.

No 71 Is dit nog ons erns?: die verhouding tussen Afrikaans en Engels in die

R.S.A / F.J. Labuschagne.

No 72 Die etiek van gesinsvorming / B. Duvenage.

No 73 Die probleem van omgewingsbesoedeling / J.J.P. van Wyk.

No 74 Aksente in 'n Christelike romanbeskouing / D.H. Steenberg.

No 75 Neutraliteit versus normatiwiteit in die sosiologie / M. Elaine Botha.

No 76 Permissiwiteit as groeibodem vir misdaad / S.C.W. Duvenage.

No 77 Normatiwiteit teenoor neutraliteit im die kuns / P. D. van der Walt.

1974

No 78 Militêre diensplig en diensweiering (Jeh. getuies) / deur J.F. Potgieter

en J.P. Munnik.

No 79 Enkele praktiese en etiese beskouings by ekonomiese dryfvere / W.J.

Venter.

No 80 Natuurwetenskap en kultuur met besondere verwysing na

natuurwetenskaplike wêreldbeeld en wêreldbeskouing / P. J. Botha.

No 81 Enkele gedagtes oor persvryheid / B. Duvenage.

No 82 Die stryd tussen Rooms-Katolieke en Protestante in Ierland / P. de

Klerk.

No 83 Die Reg op privaatheid: met besondere verwysing na meeluistering /

Lourens du Plessis.

No 84 Nie-blanke vakbondwese in Suid-Afrika / W.N. Coetzee

No 85 Brandpunte betreffende sekere medies-etiese probleme / H.D. Brandt.

No 86 Vermeerde staatstoetrede tot die ekonomiese opset in Suid-Afrika /

N.J. Swart.

176

1975

No 87 Boks: ja of nee? / W.J. Putter.

No 88 Perspektiewe oor sport, politiek en menseverhoudinge / Gert J. L.

Scholtz.

No 89 Suicidologie: 'n etiese en pastorale gesprek oor selfmoord / J. H. van

Wyk.

No 90 Aspekte van die Afrikanisasie van die Kerk gedurende die twintigste

eeu / I.J. van der Walt.

No 91 Zen-Boeddhisme / D.H. Steenberg.

No 92 Die Vereensaming of vervreemding van die moderne mens / S.C.W.

Duvenage.

No 93 Christelik-Calvinistiese wetenskapsbeoefening: wat dit nie is en wat dit

wel wil wees / J.A.L. Taljaard.

No 94 'n Paar gedagtes oor 'n Calvinistiese kunsetiek met besondere

verwysing na die probleem van pornografie en perssensuur / P.W. Buys.

No 95 Die Vrou moet haar plek ken / M. Elaine Botha.

No 96 Kremasie in die lig van die Bybel / A. Lindhout.

1976

No 97 Die etiek van dans / J. H. van Wyk.

No 98 Suid-Afrika binne die afsienbare toekoms vanuit 'n onderwyshoek

besien / B.C. Schutte.

No 99 Covenant and Kingdom: a Christian view of history./ W Stanford Reid.

No 100 Geestesgawes, Charismata / J.C. Coetzee.

No 101 The Word of God and biblical authority / J. H.Olthuis.

No 102 Dwelmverslawing / A. Haasbroek.

No 103 Die Gesin van die toekoms / H. Hart.

No 104 Volwassenheid: kontoere van 'n standpunt / B. J. van der Walt.

No 105 Enkele aspekte van die sielkunde van die Bantoe / T.A. van Dyk.

No 106 Kerk en industrie / P. J. de Bruyn.

No 107 Die Hervorming: geen verhuising maar opruiming / L. Floor.

No 108 Aktuele prediking / C. J. H.Venter.

No 109 Liturgiese vernuwing?: besinning oor die erediens / W.J. De Klerk.

177

No 109a Christelike Kersfeesviering / J.J. de Wet.

No 110 Die Kleurlinge en ons kleurlingbeleid / D.P. Botha.

No 111 Die Afrikanervrou en beroepsarbeid: 'n praktiese beskouing / Cilna van

Wyk.

No 112 Die "Rule of law" / F. Venter.

No 113 Handelsboikotte: invloed en moontlike reaksie deur die Republiek van

Suid-Afrika / L.A. van Wyk.

No 114 Hink op twee gedagtes: die houding van die vroeë Christendom

teenoor die antieke denke en kultuur in die eerste eeue na Christus / B. J. van

der Walt.

No 115 Bybelstudie vir die nie-teoloog / M.J. Booyens

No 116 Wat maak ons met televisie? / G.H.J. Coetsee.

No 117 Soberheid in ons geldbesteding / P. J. de Bruyn.

No 118 Soevereiniteit in eigen kring / B. Goudzwaard.

No 119 Televisie as opvoedingsmiddel / A.J. van Rooy.

No 119A Soviet strategy toward South Africa / Lucius Beebe

No 120 Die stad van die mens: dienaar of meester? / F.J. Potgieter.

No 121 Die Universiteit en die student in Christelike perspektief./ S C W

Duvenage

No 122 De Culturele oorsprong van het kapitalisme / B. Goudzwaard.

1978

No 123 Kuns en wetenskap / P.G.W. Snyman.

No 124 The scientification of modern culture / E. Schuurman.

No 125 Gemengde huwelike / J. L. Helberg.

No 126 Is kultuurbeoefening nog sinvol? / M. Elaine Botha.

No 127 Liberalisme en die nuwe Weste / T. van der Walt.

No 128 Teologie van die revolusie / J.A. Heyns.

No 129 Nuwe Testamentiese beginsels vir die herderlike bediening aan die

mens van vandag / C. J. H.Venter.

No 130 The traditional world view of Black people in Southern Africa / J.A.

van Rooy.

No 131 Die roeping van die kerk ten opsigte van die Kleurvraagstuk vandag /

J.M. Vorster.

178

1979

No 132 Die taal van ons klere / L.C. Minnaar.

No 133 Parapsigologiese verskynsels / David P. Fourie

No 134 Out of concern for the christian school / H van der Laan.

No 135 Sendingwerk: wat, waarom, wie, hoe? / J.A. van Rooy.

No 136 Die etiek van die kommunikasiemedia / D.A.S. Herbst.

No 137 Die etiek van die onderwys / J. L. van der Walt.

No 138 Our Christian task in the arts: some preliminary considerations / D.L.

Roper.

No 139 Cultuur en heil / M.C. Smit.

No 140 Die inburgering van die Suid-Afrikaanse Weermag in die burgerlike

beroeps- en gemeenskapslewe na voltooing van militêre opleiding / N.J. van

der Westhuizen.

No 141 Church, world, kingdom / Herman Ridderbos.

No 142 Die etiek van die geoktrooieerde rekenmeester (S.A.) / D.S. van der

Merwe.

No 143 Die Navolging van Christus / C.N. van der Merwe.

No 144 Die sterwende kind in gesinsverband / F.M.J. de Villiers.

No 145 Bijbelse uitgangspunte van 'n Calvinistische beroepsethiek / W.H.

Velema.

No 146 Geslagsopvoeding / H.B. Kruger.

No 147 Die politieke betrokkenheid van die universiteit: vanuit die oogpunt

van 'n universiteitdosent / Lourens M. du Plessis.

No 148 Christian community life in communist China / Jonathan Chao.

No 149 Die egskeidingsvraagstuk / D.A. du Toit.

No 150 Die Studie van die toekoms: 'n noodsaaklike verantwoordelikheid /

C.H. Boshoff.

No 151 Die Ideale leier / J.E. Pieterse.

No 152 Die etiek van kans: 'n teologies-etiese besinning oor veral dobbelary,

lotery en kansspeletjies / J. H. van Wyk.

No 153 Hoe sterk staan die kerk in Afrika?/ P. J. Meiring

179

1980

No 154 Reformasie of revolusie? / B. J. van der Walt.

No 155 Calvyn se etiek van die sosiaal-ekonomiese lewe / B. Goudzwaard ; [in

Afrikaans vertaal deur L.C. Minnaar].

No 156 Die godsdiensbelewing en godsdiensopvoeding van die kind / J. L. van

der Walt.

1981

No 157 Life in the Kingdom / K.C. Sewell.

No 158 Die roeping van die Christen t.o.v. stoflike besittings / J.C. Coetzee.

No 159 Gesamentlike aanbidding?: Die Bybel, die kerk en volkeverhoudinge /

D.C.S. van der Merwe.

No 160 Die vierde weg / B. J. van der Walt.

No 161 Gesonde lewensgewoontes / N.T. Malan.

No 162 Lewensbeskoulike boodskappersepsie in die toneel / P.C. Jansen van

Rensburg.

No 163 Vrymesselary in die lig van die Skrif / D.H.P. Wijnbeek.

No 164 Bittereinders, hensoppers en/of voort-trekkers / J. H.Coetzee.

No 165 Die Bybel oor misdaad / H. Conradie.

No 166 Die Neo-Marxisme in die teologie: teologies beoordeel / L. Floor.

No 167 Sterwensbegeleiding / F.M.J. De Villiers.

No 168 On being human: toward a biblical understanding / Stuart Fowler.

1982

No 169 Kerksending of koninkryksending / B. J. van der WaltNo 170 The

church as alternative community / D.J. Bosch.

No 171 Die Neo-Marxiste: 'n heilige familie? / L. M. du Plessis.

No 172 Die Afrikaneronderwyser in die dekade '80, veral ten opsigte van

volkereverhoudinge / T. van der Walt.

No 173 Die Verhouding tussen die skrywer en sy volk / T.T. Cloete.

No 174 Calvinism and culture: a historical perspective / Irving R. Hexham.

No 175 Ongeluk of huwelik? / J.J Janse van Rensburg.

No 176. Onderwys in die RSA: die pad vorentoe / B.C. Schutte.

180

No 177 Jan Lion-Cachet as Calvinis / J. L. Ras.

No 178 Die Hervorming destyds: en volkeverhoudinge vandag.

No 179 Magsdeling - 'n trojaanse perd?: vyf stanpunte met 'n prinspiële em

praktiese besinning.

No 180 Kan Geloftedag oorlewe? / B. Spoelstra.

1983

No 181 Kinderdoop, grootdoop, herdoop / L. Floor.

No 182 Versoening in 'n huwelikskrisis / D.J. Louw.

No 183 In U lig--my lewe, en, Roepingsvervulling / Tjaart van der Walt.

No 184 Karl Marx: secular messiah / Stuart Fowler.

No 185 God se wil: hoe die Heilige Gees 'n mens by moeilike besluite lei / B. J.

van der Walt.

No 186 Die verbondskind / Malan Nel.

No 187 Die onheilige drietal: die duiwel, die antichris en die valse profeet

(Openb. 12 en 13) / J.C. Coetzee.

No 188 Beroep en roeping / B. Duvenage.

No 189 Towards an evangelical theology in totalitarian cultures, with special

reference to socialist China / Jonathan Chao.

No 190 Herdenk(ing van) die hervorming: die stroomversnelling van destydse

en die stroomversnelling vandag / Tjaart van der Walt.

No 191 Luther, die reformasie en ons / P.W. Buys.

No 192 Calvyn oor die Christelike lewe / J. H. van Wyk.

1984

No 193 Calvinism in America, review and reflections / Gordon J. Spykman.

No 194 Die roeping van die kerk in die Suid-Afrikaanse politieke problematiek

/ J.M. Vorster.

No 195. Die behoefte aan en dringende noodsaaklikheid van Christelike

universitêre opleiding vir bruin en swart Suider-Afrikaners / J.J. Venter.

No 196 Gemeente en evangelisasie / P. J. Buys

No 197 Die verhouding tussen gesag en vryheid as hedendaagse probleem / J.

L. van der Walt.

181

No 198 Information society: impoverishment or enrichment of culture? /

Egbert Schuurman.

No 199 Ulrich Zwingli, sy boodskap vir Suid-Afrika vandag / B. J. van der

Walt.

No 200 Materialisme, ons dodelikste vyand / C. J. Malan.

No 201 Christen en politiek / J. H. van Wyk en J.J.F. du Rand.

No 202 Die Christen-Afrikaner in beweging in die twintigste eeu / F.C.

Fensham

No 203 Charisma en amp / M. Aucamp

No 204 Geloftedag: gister, vandag, more / J. H.Coetzee.

1985

No 205 - 206 Vrou en huwelik, in die Middeleeue, by Calvyn en by ons / B. J.

van der Walt.

No 207 As ouers maar geweet het-- / B.C. Schutte.

No 208 Die Islam dwaalleer van die Moslems / A.J. van der Walt.

No 209 Maarten Luther se politieke etiek teen die agtergrond van sy

teologiese benadering / K. Nürnberger.

No 210 Christianity and art / H.R. Rookmaker.

No 211 Die etiese regverdiging van kernkrag / J. H. van Wyk.

No 212 Die plek van die natuurwetenskappe in ons samelewing: vandag en

more / J.A. van den Berg.

No 213 Die Boesmans: hulle kultuur, godsdiens, taal, Bybelvertaling en

toekoms / P. J.W.S. van der Westhuizen.

No 214 Socialism or capitalism, must we choose? / H. Antonides.

No 215 Beroepsbeheptheid en huweliksnood in Suid-Afrika: 'n uitdaging aan

die moderne bestuurder / J.J. L. Coetzee.

No 216 Isolasie, polarisasie, versoening: 'n uitdaging vir Christene in Suid-

Afrika / P.G.J. Meiring.

No 216a Reg, mag en orde: 'n besinning oor die noodtoestand in die RSA /

D.C. du Toit.

1986

No 217 Die Koninkryk van God in die Bybel / T. van der Walt.

182

No 218 Burgerlike ongehoorsaamheid en politieke verantwoordelikheid / J.

Douma.

No 219 Biblical perspectives on human engineering / Donald M. MacKay.

No 220 Herroeping van die Edik van Nantes en die betekenis daarvan vir

Suid-Afrika / P. Coertzen.

No 221 Sosialisme of kapitalisme vir Afrika?: 'n valse dilemma / P. J. van

Niekerk.

No 222 Tegniese onderwys aan Swartmense / W.L. Rautenbach.

No 223 Swart verstedeliking / W.P. Esterhuyse.

No 224 Christ's ambassadors in Islamic context / Tokunboh Adeyemo.

No 225 Goeie leesgewoontes: toegespits op volwassenes en die jeug / P. D. van

der Walt en E. Steenberg.

No 226 Die boodskap van die reformasie vir vandag / J. H. van Wyk.

No 227 Hoop vir die Christenjongmens in Suid-Afrika / J. H.Coetzee et al.

1987

No 228- 229 Bybelse verrassings oor die vrou / B. J. van der Walt.

No 230 Die gemeenskap van die heiliges: Bybelse beginsels, praktiese

struikelblokke en konkrete patrone / V. Combrink

No 231-232 'n Reformatoriese kommentaar op die Kairos-dokument / A.J. du

Plessis et al.

No 233 Calvinism does not teach apartheid / P. J. Buys.

No 234 Depressie vanuit mediese en pastorale perspektief / J.M. de Wet en C.

J. H.Venter.

No 235 Christelik-nasionale onderwys geweeg in die lig van die ekumeniese

roeping van die PU vir CHO en die probleme wat anderskleurige Christene in

Suid-Afrika daarmee het / J. H.Coetzee.

No 236 Mediese etiek / J. Douma.

No 237 Wie is my naaste en wie se naaste is ek? / D.J.R. Schutte.

No 238 Die Doleansie, 1886-1986: herdenking van 'n hervorming uit die

negentiende eeu / B. J. van der Walt et al.

No 239 Natural science and two themes in human history / R. Maatman.

No 240 Die Christen en dans: 'n nuwe koers / P.G.L. van der Walt.

183

No 241 Post tenebras lux: die Hugenote in Suid-Afrika: hulle koms, vestiging

en invloed, 1688-1988 / P. Coertzen.

1988

No 242 Versoening: in die Bybel en in die praktyk van die huidige Suid-Afrika

/ Jan Botha.

No 243 A Christian perspective on hypnosis / Kangadaran Arabindan

No 244 Kunsmatige voortplanting vanuit etiese en juridiese hoek bekyk / J. H.

van Wyk & A.J. van der Walt.

No 245 Removing medicine's cartesian mask: the problem of humanising

medical education / J.R. Kriel.

No 246-247 My roeping as Christenjongmens in die huidige Suid-Afrika / B. J.

van der Walt et al.

No 248 'n Reformatoriese visie op die feminisme en die posisie van die vrou /

Magda van Niekerk.

No 249 Krisis in die landbou: 'n reformaties-wysgerigte perspektief / E.

Schuurman.

No 250 - 251 Polarisasie en spanning, eenheid en samerwerking tussen kerke

in Suid-Afrika/ J H. van Wyk, C. D. Jaftha, P. J. Buys et al.

No 252 Die Doodstraf in etiese perspektief / J. H. van Wyk.

1989

No 253 Evangelieverkondiging aan die Boesmans deur middel van visuele

hulpmiddele / A.H. le Roux.

No 254 A Christian perspective on work and labour relations / H. Antonides.

No 255 Die gemeente as bondgenote in verwagting / P.G.J. Meiring.

No 256 Kerk, teologie en geweld / J. H. van Wyk.

No 257 Owerheid en onderdaan in Suid-Afrika in 1989 / B. J. van der Walt.

No 258 The new Christian right and North American education / Harro van

Brummelen.

No 259 Politiek in/en onderwys: 'n probleem met vele fasette / J. L. van der

Walt.

No 260 Genetiese manipulasie: die wysgerig-etiese agtergronde / E.

Schuurman.

184

No 261 Die wet het van my 'n kleurling gemaak / N.S. Jansen van Rensburg.

No 262 Reformasie op die viersprong / B. J. van der Walt.

No 263 Herlewing en reformasie / J.A. van Rooy.

No 264 Die sin van ons bestaan: oor hoe 'n Christen met die lewe moet

omgaan / M. Valenkamp.

1990

No 265 Menseregte / D.A. du Toit.

No 266 Foundations of responsible technology / C.C. Adams.

No 267 Vigs / J. H. van Wyk en J. Verschoor.

No 268 Die verhouding tussen kerk en staat in Oos-Europa / J. H.Santema.

No 269 Die taak van 'n Christelike etiek / M. Valenkamp.

No 270 Die kerk se antwoord op satanisme / J. H. van Wyk.

No 271-272 The word of God for Africa / J.A. Muthwadini.

No 273-274 Die "New Age"-beweging = The "New Age" Movement / B. J. van

der Walt, S. Fowler, J.J. Venter.

No 275-276 Liberation theology in brief / J.A. Kirk.

1991

No 277-278 National identity and the renewal of democracy / S. Fowler.

No 279 Surrogaatmoederskap: 'n teologies-etiese beoordeling / P. J. de Bruyn

No 280 The Deceptive morality of power / S. Fowler.

No 281 Calling, work, and rest / P. Marshall.

No 282 Proefdiernavorsing: mag 'n Christen daaraan deelneem? / B. J. van

der Walt, D.G. van der Nest.

No 283 A Calvinist political theory / P. Marshall.

No 284 Venster op die stad / G.-M. van der Waal. A window on township art /

G. Hagg

No 285 A Christian Labour Association / H. Antonides, E. Vanderkloet.

No 286 Kindermolestering: teologies-eties beoordeel / P. J. de Bruyn.

No 287 Poverty in southern Africa / G.N. Monsma et al.

No 288 Ondernemingsetiek / Ir. E. Schuurman.

1992

185

No 289 Enkele prinsipiële onderwysvraagstukke vir die toekomstige RSA / J.

L. van der Walt.

No 290 A future South Africa in the African context: a South African

perspective / C. J. Reinecke et al.

No 291 A future South Africa in the African context: an African perspective /

N. Onwu et al.

No 292 A Future South Africa in the African context: a christian perspective /

W. Nicol et al.

No 293 Paranormale, okkulte en demoniese verskynsels / W.J. Ouweneel

No 294 An African response to the question of apartheid / Yusufu Turaki.

No 295 Medeseggenskap van studente in die universiteitsbestuur / H.J.

Brinkmann en B. J. van der Walt.

No 296 Contemporary issues in Christian Higher Education / John B. Hulst.

No 297 Christelike wetenskapsbeoefening onderweg / B. J. van der Walt.

No 298 Technology education: a Christian perspective / M.J. de Vries.

Tegnologiese onderwys in Suid-Afrikaanse skole / P. van Schalkwyk.

No 299 Die feminisme: 'n oorsig / M. Valenkamp.

No 3oo A Christian perspective on motivation / M. Scott.

1993

No 301 God praat met ons: nuwe perspektiewe of [sic] God se openbaring / B.

J. van der Walt.

No 302 Visions of man and freedom in Africa / M. Waijaki et al.

No 303 Die unieke identiteit van die Christelike skool in die toekomstige Suid-

Afrika / J. L. van der Walt, E. Blaauwendraat en I.A. Kole.

No 304 Democracy in Africa / J.D. van der Vyver et al.

No 305 Die rolprent as dié kunsvorm van die twintigste eeu / J.R. Botha.

No 306 Reconciliation in Africa / P.M. Krishna et al.

No 307 Die noodsaaklikheid van Christelike organisasies, & ; Die geheim van

'n geslaagde jeugaksie / B. J. Van der Walt.

No 308 Health in Africa / G.S. Fehrsen et al.

No 309 Op soek na gemeenskaplike kulturele waardes vir 'n toekomstige Suid-

Afrika: 'n voorlopige verkenning / B. J. Van der Walt.

No 310 Communication in Africa / R.A.B. Crabbe et al.

186

No 311 Die lied in ons arbeid / F.M.J. de Villiers.

No 312 Art in Africa / C. Seerveld et al.

No 313 Regstellende aksie: prinsipiële riglyne / J.C. van der Merwe.

1994

No 314 Godsdiensverskeidenheid, -gelykheid en -vryheid in Suid-Afrika: wat

is die implikasies vir Christelike höer onderwys? / B. J. van der Walt.

No 315 Development in Africa / E. Beukes et al.

No 316 Transformasie van die samelewing / J.J. Venter.

No 317 Die 1994-verkiesing in Suid-Afriks: 'n voorlopige evaluering na

aanleiding van ervarings in die Noordwesstreek / C. J. Coetzee.

No 317 Transforming the Internet: toward a reformed ontology of human

technics / Roy Alden Atwood.

No 318 Women in Africa / Gertrude Shope et al.

No 319 Maskers vir geweld: oor die religieuse legitimering van geweld in Suid-

Afrika / M.F. Heyns.

No 320 Africa and the new world order / O.B. Sichone et al.

No 321 Die Christen in die branding van die transformasieproses in Suid-

Afrika / J.N.J. Kritzinger et al.

No 322 The relationship between nature and grace according to H. Bavinck /

J. Veenhof.

No 323 Die universiteit en die PU vir CHO: gister, vandag en môre / L.O.K.

Lategan en B. J. van der Walt.

No 324 God's order for creation / P.G. Schrotenboer et al.

No 325 Evangelieverkondiging en/of sosiale betrokkenheid?: 'n

reformatoriese alternatief / B. J. van der Walt.

No 326 Building bridges in multicultural schools through structured

discussion groups / Piet J. du Toit.

No 327 'n Kritiese besinning oor die moderne tegnologie / E. Schuurman.

No 328 South Africa's second liberation: how to make reconstruction and

development work / S.F. Coetzee.

No 329 Bybelse perspektiewe op die mens / B. J. Van der Walt.

No 330 Reclaiming our daily work / H. Antonides.

187

No 331 Christelike perspektiewe op die samelewing / B. J.van der Walt.

No 332 Reflections on the state of Christianity in Africa / T. Adeyemo.

No 333 Entrepreneurskap: hoe om (vir jouself) werk te skep, en dit nie (by

ander) te soek nie / W. Viviers, J. Kroon en J.J.D. Havenga.

No 334 The idea of a free Christian university / K.C. Sewell.

No 334a Moet die staat sy subsidie aan religueus georiënteerde

diensinstellings onttrek?: enkele flitsgedagtes oor die voortbestaan van

Christelike onderwysinstellings in Suid-Afrika / B. J. van der Walt en J.J.

Venter.

No 335 Hope for the family / B. J. Van der Walt et al.

No 336 Die Rwanda-tragedie: waarom dit gebeur het en wat ons daaruit kan

leer / C.M. Overdulve.

1995

No 337 Responsibility, conversion, confession, forgiveness, restitution and

reconciliation: six of God's requirements for a new South Africa / B. J. van der

Walt.

No 338 Ja, vir die nuwe Suid-Afrika!: verantwoordelikheid, rekonstruksie en

ontwikkeling / A.G.S. Gous en D.E. de Villiers.

No 339 Christians organizing for political service / J.W. Skillen.

No 340 Die stryd teen armoede / J.J. Kritzinger.

No 341 Rediscovery of the Church I / G.J. Spykman and H. Hart.

No 342 Die Waarheids- en Versoeningskommissie / B. J. van der Walt & T.

van der Walt.

No 343 Rediscovery of the Church II / B. Zylstra & J.C. Vanderstelt.

No 344 Die noodsaak van kundige, kritiese mediagebruik & Rethinking news

values / J.D. Froneman and L. Obonyo.

No 345 Christianity and democracy in South Africa: a vision for the future / B.

J. van der Walt & C.F.B. Naudé.

No 346 Arbeidsetiek: 'n teologies-etiese benadering / J. H. van Wyk.

No 347 'n Evaluering van die nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse grondwet = An evaluation

of the new South African constitution / F. Venter, J.M. Vorster & M. Prozesky.

No 348 The limits of both socialist and capitalist economies / W. Ver Eecke.

188

1997

No 349 Wanvoeding in Suid-Afrika: strategieë om onder-en oorvoeding aan te

spreek / H. H. Vorster.

No 350 Responsibility for our natural environment / C. Gousmett and A.T.

Chimuka.

No 351 Ontwikkeling: armoede, tegnologie en die omgewing / H.F. van Rooy

et al.

No 352 The religions of southern Africa: a synopsis of their basic beliefs /

W.R. Kauuova.

No 353 Verby armoede en oorvloed / B. Goudzwaard.

No 354 Leisure, play, game and sport in a Christian perspective / T. L. Visker

& S. J. Hoffman.

No 355 Geloofsgroei / B. J. van der Walt & Perspectives on developmental

psychology / K. Bussema

No 356 Crime in South Africa: its causes and solutions / E.P. Cain.

No 357 Christelike skole vir Suid-Afrika / J. L. van der Walt et al.

No 358 The ideal of Christian schools / H. Van der Laan ... et al.

No 358A 'n Skuldbelydenis oor apartheid / B. J. Van der Walt.

No 359 Hoe moet christenjongmense plesierig wees? / C.A. Janson & S.J. van

der Walt.

No 360 Homosexuality, scripture and the body of Christ / M.D. Williams.

1998

No 361 Economic theory and practice in Biblical perspective / G.N. Monsma.

No 362 Bribery and extortion in world business: a study of corporate political

payments abroad / Neil H. Jacoby, Peter Nehemkis, Richard Eells.

No 363 Korrupsie = Corruption / B. J. Van der Walt, W.A.S. Cornelis, V.

Samuel.

No 364 The certainty of faith / H. Bavinck.

No 365 Natuurwetenskap : 'n moderne godsdiens? kan dit christelike beoefen

word? / W. J. Ouweneel

No 366 The precious gift of love/ CAVA

189

No 367 Die oorbeklemtoning van seks in die samelewing / P. J. de Bruyn.

No 368 Transforming the internet. Toward a Reformed ontology of human

tehnics/ R. A. Atwood

No 369 Wat beteken postmodernisme? / B. Goudzwaard, H.G. Geertsema,

M.F. Heyns.

No 370 The Christian and social science/work. 'n Christelike benadering tot

die sosiale wetenskappe en maatskaplike werk / R.A. Atwood, B. Hugen, E.H.

Ryke.

No 371 Landbou: 'n Christelike perspektief / D.H.P. Wijnbeek et al.

No 372 Viagra and the mind-body problem: philosophical implications of a

pharmaceutical innovation / J.R. Kriel.

1999

No 373 Wonders: kan ons daarin glo?. Nature and miracle / B. J. van der Walt

& J. H.Diemer.

No 374 Ubuntu in a Christian perspective / J. H.Smit, M. Deacon, A. Schutte.

No 375 Onderwys in die nuwe Suid-Afrika: drie aktuele vraagstukke / J. L.

Marais, S.C. du Toit en J. H.Steyn.

No 376 Two shall become one: reflections on dating, courtship and marriage /

H.A. van Belle.

No 377 Multikulturele musiekonderrig in S.A. / B.M. Spies. How should

Christians think about music? / K.A. DeMol.

No 378 What to do when you are ill / CAVA

No 379 Kerkvernuwing onderweg na 2000: visie, missie, konteks / B. J. van

der Walt.

No 380 The AIDS crisis in Africa: our Christian responsibility / I. Achineku &

MAP International.

No 381 Christelike waardes in die nuwe Suid-Afrika / B. J. van der Walt,

P.G.W. du Plessis en G.J. de Klerk.

No 382 Year of jubilee, cultural mandate, worldview / J. Brouwer, A.M.

Wolters, C. Bartholomew.

No 383 Die sinvraag: met besondere aandag aan ons verantwoordelikheid as

lede van die skeppingskoor tot eer van God / B. J. van der Walt.

No 384 Christianity and politics: a reformational perspective / C. Gousmett.

190


Brochures 1967

No 1. Die gesag van die Heilige Skrif S C W Duvenage. (51 pages)

1968

No 2 Toneel, film, radio en beeldradio vanuit Calvinistiese gesig

A.J. van Rooy. (42 pages)

1970

No 3 Blanke volksontwikkeling in die lig van die Calvinisme J. H.Coetzee.

(30 pages)

No 4 Die Calvinis en die kuns P. D. van der Walt. (40pages)

No 5 Calvijns betekenis in onze tijd K. Runia. (52 pages)

1974

No 6 Menseregte Johan David van der Vyver. (74 pages)

1975

No 7 Die energiekrisis in Suid-Afrika W.P. Robbertse, P H Stoker, W J

Voorwind, F J Potgieter, D P Erasmus. (69 pages)

1976

No 8 The Kingdom of God in the preaching and work of Jesus A.I. de Graaf.

(33 pages)

No 9 Vraagstukke rondom die lewe juridies besien L. M. du Plessis.

(39 pages)

1979

No 10 From Noyon to Geneva: a pilgrimage in the steps of John Calvin B. J.

van der Walt. (71 pages)

No. 11 Teaching Science in Christian Perspective E.D. Fackerell. (31 pages)

191

1980

No. 12 Issues in the Philosophy of Education S. Fowler (70 pages)

No. 13 A Christian philosophy of Culture D.L. Roper (73 pages)

No. 14 Aspekte van 'n etiek by die Neo-Marxisme van die Frankfurter Schule

J.J. Snyman (53 pages)

No 15 Die professionele gedrag van die juris: 'n gids vir studente L. M. Du

Plessis. (67 pages).

No. 16 Technology in Christian-philosophical perspective E. Schuurman (17

pages)

No 17 Psychology: sensitive openness and appropriate reactions Arnold H.

de Graaff. (23 pages)

1981

No.18 Why the state? Bible Study on Romans 13 and Revelation 13 B. J. van

der Walt (21 pages)

1982

No. 19 Ons in Christus en Christus in ons L. Floor (32 pages)

1983

No. 20 Wysiging van breinfunksie deur middel van psigochirurgie - Is dit

Christelik verantwoordbaar? P. J. Pretorius 1983 (33 pages)

No.21 IRS: 1962-1982 B. J. van der Walt (50 pages)

No. 22 Communism in a Christian perspective. Philosophical essays in the

development of Communism H. van der Laan (93 pages)

No. 23 Die Staat in die lig van die Bybel B. J. van der Walt (51 pages)

No. 24 Mense en gode in SuiderAfrika B. J. van der Walt (68 pages)

1984

No. 25 John Knox B. J. van der Walt 1984 (9 pages)

No. 26 Huldrych Zwingli C. G. de Groot (69 pages)

No. 27 Desiderius Erasmus C. G. de Groot (77 pages)

192

1985

No. 28 Johannes Hus B. J. van der Walt (30 pages)

No. 29 Voorlopers van die Hervorming: Arnold van Brescia, John Wycliff,

Johannes Hus C. G. de Groot (27 pages)

No. 30 Johannes Calvyn C. G. de Groot (60 pages)

No. 31 Maarten Luther: sy lewensgeskiedenis teen die agtergrond van sy tyd

C. G. de Groot. 1985 (59 pages)

No. 32 Calvin and his times Jansie van der Walt (154 pages)

No. 33 The Word of God S. Fowler (48 pages)

No. 34 Biblical Studies in the Gospel and society S. Fowler (136 pages)

No. 35 Man van die derde weg: w.J. Snyman as.teoloog J. H. van Wyk (60

pages)

1986

No. 36 Bible Studies on the kingdom of God T. van der Walt (31 pages)

1987

No. 37 The Bible and Islam B. Madany (81 pages)

No. 38 The Christian's social calling S. Fowler (72 pages)

No. 39 Christian educational distinctives S. Fowler (216 pages)

1988

No. 40 Aurelius Augustinus: die rustelose waarheidsoeker C. G. de Groot

(90 pages)

No. 41 Mens- en Christenwees in Afrika: Kommunalisme, Sosialisme en

Kommunisme in stryd om 'n mensbeeld vir Afrika B. J. van der Walt (67

pages)

No. 42 On being human and being a Christian in Africa: Communalism,

Socialism and Communism in a struggle for an African anthropology B. J.

van der Walt (64 pages)

No 43 The church and the renewal of society S. Fowler. (108 pages)

No. 44 The Bible as eye-opener on the position of women B. J. van der Walt

(52 pages)

No. 45 Herman Bavinck R. H. Bremmer (31 pages)

193

No.46 The State in the light of the Scriptures S. Fowler (52 pages)

1989

No. 47 Groen van Prinsterer M.R. Langley (16 pages)

No. 48 Antheunis Janse van Biggekerke B. J. van der Walt (40 pages)

1990

No.49 Being human: a gift and a duty B. J. van der Walt (89 pages)

No. 50 Om mens te wees: gawe en opgawe B. J. van der Walt (89 pages)

1991

No. 51 A Christian voice among students and scholars S. Fowler (231 pages)

1992

No 52 Die skepping herwin: Bybelse grondslae vir 'n Reformatoriese

lewensbeskouing Albert M. Wolters. (98 pages)

No 53 P. de B. Kock: predikerfilosoof in die greep van die Reformasie P. J.

Strauss. (34 pages)

No 54 G. Dekker, Christen-literator / P. D. van der Walt. (77 pages)

No 55 Spener en Francke: grondleggers van die Duitse Piëtisme C. G. de

Groot. (53 pages)

No 56 J. Chr. Coetzee: reformatoriese opvoedkundige J. L. van der Walt en

S.C. du Toit. (39 pages)

1994

No 57 Should a Christian embrace socialism, communism or humanism?

L.T. Nyirongo. (pages)

No 58 Your marriage and family Grace Kimathi. (110 pages)

1995

No 59 Leaders with a vision: how Christian leadership can tackle the African

crisis B. J. van der Walt. 1995 (98pages)

No 60 Perspectives on technology and culture E. Schuurman. (164 pages)

194

No 61 Die hand in eie boesem: 'n besinning oor Afrikaneridentiteit B. J. van

der Walt. (80 pages)

No 62 Tegnologie: menslike mag of onmag? S.W. Vorster. (50 pages)

No 63 The oppression and liberation of modern Africa: examining the

powers shaping today's Africa Stuart Fowler. (177 pages)

1996

No 64 Patterns of the western mind: a reformed Christian perspective John

H. Kok. (242 pages)

No 65 How to look for a job L. Darmani. (64 pages)

1997

No 66 Afrosentries of eurosentries?: ons roeping in 'n multikulturele Suid-

Afrika B. J. van der Walt. (201 pages)

No 67 Afrocentric or eurocentric?: our task in a multicultural South Africa

B. J. van der Walt. (190 pages)

No 68 Being human in a Christian perspective B. J. van der Walt. (83 pages)

No 69 Religious pluralism as a challenge to the church in Southern Africa

W. R. Kauuova. (61 pages)

No 70 The gods of Africa or the gods of the Bible?: the snares of African

traditional religion in biblical perspective Lenard Nyirongo. (212 pages)

1999

No 71 Rebuilding our nation: participating in the political process from the

perspective of a Biblical Christian worldview M. C. Heuvel. (96 pages)

No 72 Dealing with darkness: a Christian novel on the confrontation with

African witchcraft Lenard Nyirongo. (125 pages)

No 73 Lewe in liefde: moraliteit vir die markplein J. H. van Wyk. (95 pages)

No 74 Naby God: Christen en kerk op die drumpel van spiritualiteit B. J. van


No 75 Christianity and African gods: a method in theology Yusufu Turaki.

(384 pages)

No 76 Kultuur, lewensvisie en ontwikkeling: 'n ontmaskering van die gode

van onderontwikkelde Afrika en die oorontwikkelde Weste B. J. van der

Walt. (284 pages)

195


Collections 1969 No 1 Die atoomeeu - In U lig. (290 pages)

1974

No 2 Reformasie en revolusie. (pages)

1975

No 3 A bibliography of Calviniana, 1959-1974 D. Kempff. (249 pages)

1976

No 4 Kontak en kommunikasie: aspekte van die ontmoeting tussen die

Swartman en Blanke in Suider-Afrika B. J. van der Walt ed. (157 pages)

No 5 Gesprek met die toekoms: futurologiese verkenninge T. C. Smit (93

pages)

No 6 Christian higher education: the contemporary challenge (418 pages)

No 7 Geregtigheid in die Suid-Afrikaanse samelewing. (107 pages)

1978

No 8 Geestelik weerbaar of weerloos? B. J. van der Walt et al. (102 pages)

No.9 Heartbeat. Taking the pulse of our theological-philosophical heritage B.

J. van der Walt (307 pages)

No 10 Horizon. Surveying a route for contemporary Christian thought B. J.

van der Walt (197 pages)

1980

No 11 Christenjeug en gesag (ABC Kongresreferate 1979) (50 pages)

No 12 Venster op die kerk. Twintig lidmate oor die reformasie van die kerk in

die jare '80 (248 pages)

No 13 Anatomy of Reformation. Flashes and fragments of a Reformed

Cosmoscope B. J. van der Walt (580 pages)

196

1982

No 14 Die uitdaging van die Neo-Marxisme op die gebied van die wetenskap

(193 pages)

No 15 Navolging van Christus vandag - 'n Keur van IRS-studiestukke Vol. 1

(419 pages).

No 16 Venster op die huwelik. Openhartige vrae oor seksualiteit en die liefde.

(268 pages)

No 17 Calvinus reformator: his contribution to theology, church and society.

(323 pages)

1983

No 18 Die opvoedingsgebeure. 'n Skrifmatige perspektief. (286 pages)

No 19 Venster op die gesin. Openhartige gesprekke met ouers, kinders en

familie. (455 pages)

No 20 Maarten Luther. 1483-1983. (145 pages)

1984

No 21 Our Reformational tradition. A rich heritage and lasting vocation.

(552 pages)

No 22 Die ideologiese stryd in Suider-Afrika. Vlug vir die afgode! (159 pages)

No 23

No 24 Venster op die onderwys: ouer en onderwyser op die kruispad in Suid-

Afrika

No 25 Rondom die teekan. Gesprekke oor konsekwente, positiewe Christelike

lewenswandel op die kampus (144 pages)

1986

No 26 Onderskeiding van die geeste; Hedendaagse pinksterstrominge in

Suid-Afrika. (147 pages)

No 27 Sodat my huis vol kan word; Reformatoriese perspektiewe op ons

evangelisasieroeping vandag (209 pages)

No 28 John Calvin's Opus Magnum; Proceedings of the Second South African

Congress for Calvin Research. July 31 - August 3, 1984 (528 pages)

197

1987

No.29 Julie sal my getuies wees. Sending na mense in nood. (201 pages)

No 30 Educational challenges in a Christian-Reformational perspective. (375

pages)

No 31 Venster op die vrou; reformatoriese perspektiewe. (258 pages)

No 32 Venster op die universiteit. (195 pages)

1989

No 33 Kommentaar op "Kerk en Samelewing". (150 pages)

No 34 . Vensters vir bejaardes. (323 pages)

No 35 Visie en missieNision and mission. Die Reformatories- evangeliese

lewensvisie en toekomstige missie van Christelike hoar onderwys-inrigtings

in wereldperspektief- (147 pages)

No 36 Venster op die sakewereld; perspektiewe op Bedryfsetiek. (288 pages)

No 37 Venster op mag en geweld; Christelike perspeldiewelReflections on

power and violence; Christian perspectives. (303 pages)

1990

No 38 More precious than gold; discovering the real wealth of Scripture. B.

J. van der Walt (277 pages)

1991

No 39 Christian Schooling: education for freedom. S. Fowler, H. W. van

Brummelen, J. van Dyk. (198 pages)

No 40 Kultuurverskeidenheid in Afrika: verleentheid of geleentheid? =

Cultural diversity in Africa: embarrassment or opportunity?. (261 pages)

No 41 Die idee van reformasie: gister en vandag = The idea of reform:

yesterday and today. (526 pages)

1992

No 42 Venster op sport: Christelike perspektiewe Potchefstroomse

Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys. (348 pages)

198

1993

No 43 Window on business ethics: a challenge to Christians = Venster op

bestuursetiek: 'n uitdaging vir Christensakelui. (221 pages)

1994

No 44 The liberating message: a Christian worldview for Africa B. J. van der

Walt. (625 pages)

No 45 Venster op die kunste: Christelike perspektiewe = Window on the arts:

Christian perspectives. (492 pages)

1997

No 46 Kurrikulum 2005, lewensoriëntering: grondleggende fase: gids vir

Christenonderwysers. (172 pages)

1998

No 47 Curriculum 2005, life orientation: foundation phase: guide for

Christian teachers. (165 pages)

1999

No 48 Visie op die werklikheid: die bevrydende krag van 'n Christelike

lewensbeskouing en filosofie B. J. van der Walt. (612 pages)

1998

No 49 Man and God: the transforming power of Biblical religion B. J. van


1999

No 50 Religion and Society: Christian involvement in the public square B. J.

van der Walt. (86 pages)

No 51 Godsdiens en samelewing: Christelike betrokkenheid op die markplein

B. J. van der Walt. (148 pages)

199

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F4, Calvyncauseriee No 1. Calvyn en die Skrif C.F.C. Coetzee. (1973) No 2. Bibliografie van Suid-Afrikaanse Calviniana D. Kempff. (1973) No 3. Calvyn oor die staat en die reg L. M. du Plessis. (1974) No 4. Calvyn en die ekumeniese roeping van die kerk B. Duvenage. (1973) No 5. Calvyn en die herderlike bediening C. J. H. Venter. (1975) No 6. Soteriologie by Calvyn C. J. Malan. (1977) No 7. Die denkdekor van die Reformasie: met spesiale verwysing na Calvyn B. J. van der Walt. (1979) No 8. Contemporary research on the sixteenth century Reformation B. J. van der Walt. (1979) No 9. Die etiek van Calvyn J. H. van Wyk.(1980) No 10. Calvyn se beskouing van kerkregering en kerklike tug G. P. L. van der Linde. (1980) No 11. Calvyn oor opvoeding en onderwys J. L. van der Walt. (1981) No 12. Die leer aangaande God by Calvyn C. J. Malan. (1982)

200

Wetenskaplike bydraes van die PU vir CHO. Reeks F5, Studies oor die inslag van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika No 1 No 2 L. J. du Plessis as denker oor staat en politiek P. J. J. S. Potgieter. (1976) No 3-6 Die inslag van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika: 'n bibliografie van Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrifartikels. (1980) No 7. Die nadere reformasie C. J. Malan. (1981) No 8. Gewortel en gegroei: die inslag van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika, 1652-1806 D. Kempff. (1981) No 9. Bestry en bevestig, 1806-1900 D. Kempff. (1982) No 10. Christelik-nasionaal: outentieke, ideologiese of gesekulariseerde nasionalisme?: Die inslag van die Calvinisme in Suid-Afrika gedurende die periode 1877 tot 1910 M. Elaine Botha. (1982)

reformational studies: an annotated bibliography of b j van der walt

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