Abstract

The thesis of this dissertation is that amidst unmerited, politically inflicted suffering, Black people in South Africa can forge a theology of liberation through suffering. Apartheid, as a pseudo-religious ideology, has become endemic in the whole of society. Both Blacks and Whites suffer under its enforcement. ;The aim is to show the growth of Afrikaner nationalism from a Boer volk to apartheid politics. Closely linked to this discussion is the socio-political history of the suffering of Black people. The purpose is to view this theological ideology in the context of the Afrikaner's own history of suffering under British Imperialism. ;Beginning with the Afrikaner's disregard for the 'Rule of Law,' we trace specific instances of suffering under apartheid legislation. This is the socio-political-biography of the suffering of the Black majority in South Africa. It traces apartheid as a customary practice to a religiously dogmatic system of forced segregation. This discussion also brings us to the role of the Afrikaner's Dutch Reformed Church. Afrikaner theology gave divine sanction to an ideology and nationalist philosophy which dehumanized the powerless Black majority. ;A major critique of apartheid comes from Afrikaners themselves, some of whom have changed their views over the years. It shows the growing questioning of the Dutch Reformed Church's support for the apartheid ideology. Their criticism shows a wide spectrum of dissent, beginning with cautious rejection of apartheid and moving to practical commitment toward change in solidarity with Black people. This brings us to the questioning of Afrikaner Calvinist theology regarding the Providence of God. We show that the Afrikaner's traditional interpretation has misused the faith as a political tool to keep a whole people in bondage. Through this discourse we reject politically inflicted suffering as being providential. ;Finally, a constructive political ethic guides us toward a hermeneutics and theology of suffering. Here we inquired whether and how suffering can be a key to social and political transformation. Redemptive power, in this sense, is generated by the oppressed for themselves and for the salvation of those who inflict suffering. It is suffering for the faith