Reading Bonhoeffer in South Africa after the Transition to Democracy

The German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life and theology played a significant role in the church and theological struggles against apartheid in South Africa. The essays in this book align itself with this historical trajectory, but especially address the question of Bonhoeffer’s possible message and continuing legacy after the transition to democracy in South Africa. The essays argue that Bonhoeffer’s work and witness still provides rich resources for a theological engagement with more contemporary challenges. In the process, it rethinks Bonhoeffer’s understanding of time, the body, life together, responsibility, and being human.

Nico Koopman is Vice-Rector for Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel at Stellenbosch University. He is a former dean of the Faculty of Theology and professor of Systematic Theology, Ethics and Public Theology. His research focuses on themes like inalienable dignity and people health and wellbeing; healing reconciliation; embracive justice; responsible freedom; equality through equity; as well as the reciprocal and transformative impact of universities on the various spheres of society, including the domains of politics, economics, the natural environment, civil society and public opinion-formation. He is a founding member and former chairperson of the Global Network for Public Theology.

Robert Vosloo is currently professor in Systematic theology at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and a senior researcher at the Beyers Naudé Center for Public Theology at the same institution. His most recent book is entitled Reforming Memory: Essays on South African Church and Theological History (Sun Media, 2017). His research interests include Reformed theology, 20th century South African church and theological history, philosophical and theological discourses on hospitality and recognition, and the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.