Die godsdienstig-teologiese en filosofiese konteks van die negentiende-eeuse Réveil in Nederland

Abstract

Beginning during the last years of the previous century, and continuing up to today, ordinary church members as well as leading theologians of reformed denominations (e.g. Reformed and Dutch Reformed) are earnestly discussing the lack of credibility and growth in their churches. They indicate the urgent need for ecclesiastical renewal. Questions like the following are asked. What could be the causes of the decay and decline? How could it be overcome? Can we perhaps learn something from our past? Against this background this contribution firstly draws attention to an important, but in the Afrikaans and English speaking world little known movement - the Réveil or re-awaking across nineteenth century Europe. Although this movement occurred about two centuries ago some clear similarities between then and now exist. Furthermore, the impact of the Dutch Réveil was not confined to the relatively limited time and small geographical space (Holland) during its flourishing, but reverberated far beyond, resulting in a wide-ranging spectrum of Christian involvements in society at large. The second section of this essay provides a brief characterisation of the Réveil. The third sketch the different-rationalistic philosophical currents of the time, viz. scientialism, practical enlightenment and idealism, mentions some of their representatives as well as their influence on church and theology. The main part of the investigation consists of section four and five. Section four indicates how the Réveil was, firstly, a personally-focussed religious reaction against dry, formalistic reformed-scholastic orthodoxy. Secondly, how it responded on a worldviewish-philosophical level to especially the current but secular enlightenment philosophy or Aufklärung. Section five switches from reaction to influence and argues that the thinkers of the Réveil were religiously influenced by contemporary pietism and philosophically by romanticism. From these very complex interactions a unique renewal movement was born, a rich heritage. Against the backdrop of these varying historical currents are we able to assess how unique the Réveil really was. The concluding section (six) indicates some points of relevance for our present impasse. Secularism, for instance, growing already during the Réveil, has increased tremendously today and may - in spite of the fact the many Christians are still unaware of its dangers in their own midst - be regarded as the number one challenge to a Christian way of thinking and living.