Unveiling the Silent Narratives: A Multidimensional Analysis of the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Theology Building and its Impact on Teaching Church History

Leslie Van Rooi; Curtley Solomons

doi:10.25159/2412-4265/16089

Authors

Leslie Van Rooi Stellenbosch University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0295-1761
Curtley Solomons Stellenbosch University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7568-4636

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2412-4265/16089

Keywords:

church history, curriculum, Dutch Reformed Church, kweekskool, theology

Abstract

This article delves into the intricate history, contextual significance, and contemporary implications of the building housing the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University. Over decades, the edifice has garnered attention for its historical and architectural attributes, underscoring its role in the broader narrative of Stellenbosch, a significance predating and exemplifying colonial history. In addition to the architectural and spatial dimensions, the myths and symbols associated with the building are explored, adding layers to its complex history. The intersection of these historical elements with its current use within Stellenbosch University prompts a compelling inquiry into whether and how the structure influences teaching and research, particularly in the domain of church history. The article engages with the history of the building that houses the Stellenbosch University Faculty of Theology and attempts to find out if elements of this complex history finds expression in the different church history modules taught in its confines. The authors first work through historic and current source material that share information of the histories of the mentioned building and then work through the course content and foci of the different church history modules, attempting to find teaching links. The authors further engage with broader contextual debates related to visual redress and the contextualisation of symbols in the vicinity of the building. As such this article aims to address the pivotal question: Do the historical backdrop and current realities of the building shape the teaching of church history within its walls?

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

Böeseken, A. J., ed. 1966. Memoriën en Instructiën, 1657–1699, Suid-Afrikaanse Argiefstukke: Belangrijke Kaapse Dokumente, I. Cape Town: Government Printer.

Boezak, W. 2017. “The Cultural Heritage Of South Africa’s Khoisan.” Internet Archive. Published 2017. Accessed 21 January 2024. https://archive.org/details/the-cultural-heritage-of-south-africas-khoisan-willa-boesak DOI: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004342194_013

Booyens, S., ed. 2016. Fees Must Fall. Student Revolt, Decolonisation and Governance in South Africa. Johannesburg: Wits University Press. https://doi.org/10.18772/22016109858 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18772/22016109858

Bosman, H. 2018. “Teologie.” In Universiteit Stellenbosch 100. 1918–2018, edited by A. Grundlingh, 339–359. Stellenbosch: Universiteit Stellenbosch.

Brink, A. 2012. Philida. London: Harvill Secker.

Cloete, T. E., and K. Breedt. 2018. Stellenbosch University Buildings. Stellenbosch: African Sun Media.

Coertzen, P. C. 2009a. “Die Onstaanskenmerke van die Teologiese Seminarium. 1814–1909.” In Teologie Stellenbosch 150+. Die verhaal van Teologiese Opleiding op Stellenbosch – die Mense en die Geboue, edited by P. C. Coertzen, 5–13. Wellington: Bybelmedia.

Coertzen, P. C., ed. 2009b. Teologie Stellenbosch 150+. Die verhaal van Teologiese Opleiding op Stellenbosch – die Mense en die Geboue. Wellington: Bybelmedia.

Combrinck, H. J. B., B. A. Müller, and J. N. M. Hartney. 2009. “1963–1999. Van Seminarium na Fakulteit Teologie: Bessinning en Ingrypende Veranderings.” In Teologie Stellenbosch 150+. Die verhaal van Teologiese Opleiding op Stellenbosch – die Mense en die Geboue, edited by P. C. Coertzen, 33–52. Wellington: Bybelmedia.

Elphick, R., and H. Giliomee. 1989. The Shaping of South African Society, 1652–1840. Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press.

Fairbridge, D. 1918. A History of South Africa. London: Oxford University Press.

Fataar, A. 2021. “‘Discourse Speaks Us’: Visual Redress at Stellenbosch University, 2000–2021.” In Evoking Transformation: Visual Redress at Stellenbosch University, edited by Aslam Fataar and Elmarie Costandius, 17–46. Stellenbosch: African Sun Media. https://doi.org/10.52779/9781991201096/02 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52779/9781991201096/02

Fataar, A., and Elmarie Costandius, eds. 2021. Evoking Transformation: Visual Redress at Stellenbosch University. Stellenbosch: African Sun Media. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1qgnkd8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1qgnkd8

Fransen, H., and M. Cook. 1965. The Old Houses of the Cape : A Survey of the Existing Buildings in the Traditional Style of Architecture of the Dutch-Settled Regions of the Cape of Good Hope. Cape Town: Balkema.

Fransen, H., and M. A. Cook. 1980. The Old Buildings of the Cape: A Survey and Description of old Buildings in the Western Province extending from Cape Town to Calvinia in the North and to Graaff-Reinet, Colesberg and Uitenhage in the East. Cape Town: Balkema.

Hofmeyr, S. M. 1985 “Van Drosdy tot Kweek.” Die Burger, 10 January.

Jeffreys, M. K., and S. D. Naude. 1944. Kaapse Plakkaatboek. Cape Town: Cape Ties.

Kinghorn, J. 1986. Die NG Kerk en Apartheid. Johannesburg: Macmillan.

Nell, I. A. 2018. “We Know to Whom We Belong? The Drama of Ministerial Practice in a Postcolonial African Context.” Verbum et Ecclesia 39 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1822 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1822

Nel, R. 2021. “Visual Redress: Decolonising the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University?” In Evoking Transformation. Visual Redress at Stellenbosch University, edited by A. Fataar and E. Costandius, 219–238. Stellenbosch: SUN Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1qgnkd8.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1qgnkd8.11

Nettleton, A., and M. A. Fubah, eds. 2020. Exchanging Symbols. Monuments and Memorials in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Stellenbosch: SUN Press. https://doi.org/10.18820/9781928480594 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18820/9781928480594

Plaatjies-Van Huffel, M. A., and A. Taljaard. 2017. “Sy Didaktiek.” In Russel Botman: ‘n Huldeblyk, edited by A. Grundligh, R. Landman, and N. Koopman, 103–111. Stellenbosch: African Sun Media.

Smuts, F. 1979. Stellenbosch Three Centuries: Official Commemorative Volume. Stellenbosch: Town Council of Stellenbosch.

Stellenbosch Town Council. 1929. Stellenbosch, 1679–1929. Stellenbosch: Hortors.

Stellenbosch University. 2022. Visual Redress Policy. https://sunrecords.sun.ac.za/controlled/C4%20Policies%20and%20Regulations/Visual_Redress_Policy_2021.pdf

Thompson, L. 2000. A History of South Africa. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Visser, E. 2022. Die Kaapse Slawe. 1652–1838. ‘n Kultuurhistoriese perspektief. Pretoria: Protea Boekhuis.

Vos, H. N. 1984. The Stellenbosch Drostdy: An Historical and Archaeological Perspective. 1973 and 1977 Excavations. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch Museum.