Hans Peter Hallbeck and the cradle of missions in South Africa a theological-critical study

[摘要] English: Hans Peter Hallbeck (1784-1840) was born in Sweden and studied theology in Lund. After hisstudies he however joined the Moravian Church, a very unusual step in a country where theMoravians were regarded as a dangerous sect by the Lutheran State Church. After having beeninvolved in the Moravian education in Göteborg (Sweden), Germany, Ireland and England, he wascalled to become superintendent of all Moravian Missions in South Africa. In the Cape Colony hesettled in Genadendal, the oldest mission station of the country.This study illustrates, by using the primary sources, that Genadendal can be regarded as thecradle of all missions in South Africa. This was not only because of the fact that it was the oldestmission station, but also because of Hallbeck's able ministry. In the Hallbeck era (1817-1840)Genadendal became a model, not only for the Moravian missions (Hallbeck established a numberof new mission stations), but also for other missionary societies and their missionaries. In fact,most other missionary societies started their enterprises in South Africa in the Hallbeck era. Newand unexperienced missionaries found in Genadendal a thriving and effective mission station,managed on the basis of Rules and Regulations that stood in the Moravian tradition(Spangenberg, Loretz), but that were also adapted by Hallbeck to the South African context. Theytook along not only their impression of Genadendal, but also copies of important documents likethe Rules and Regulations, when venturing into the interiors of Africa to establish new missionstations. In this sense the Genadendal of the Hallbeck era became the cradle of missions in SouthAfrica.This study deals with the historical trajectories of Moravian theology. It also pays attention to thepositioning of the Moravian Mission in the South African societal context, their relationship withthe government, as well as with other missionary societies. Special attention is given to therelationship between Hallbeck and his colleague superintendent of the London MissionarySociety, Dr John Philip.During the Hallbeck era major developments took place on the South African scene. All of themhad an impact on the mission. One can think of:- The arrival of the British Settlers (1820)- The frontier wars in the eastern Cape- The abolition of slavery (1834 de jure and 1838 de facto) - The emigration of settlers out of the Cape Colony (1836-1838 �?the Great Trek)- The immigration of the Fingu nation into the Cape ColonyDuring his ministry Hallbeck wrote thousands of pages (reports, diaries, letters, etc.), in which theabove mentioned events are dealt with from a surprising perspective. As a matter of fact, theMoravian archives (both in South Africa and Europe) prove to be a goldmine of primary sourcesyet untouched, shedding new light on major happings in South African history.In conclusion the question is also asked as to the legacy of Hans Peter Hallbeck. His impact onCape Colonial society during the first half of the 19th century is explicated. He became the firstbishop South Africa ever received. He established in Genadendal the first seminary (for thetraining of teachers and pastors) in South Africa. He played a significant role in thechristianisation and upliftment of the nations of South Africa. He was one of the firsthistoriographers of South Africa. And last but not least, his influence was also felt outside SouthAfrica. His reports were widely published in missionary magazines across Europe and in NorthAmerica. He was involved in publishing a missionary textbook in Germany. Even in his fatherlandSweden he left an indelible mark on the religious developments during the 19th century.

[发布机构] University of the Free State