Scots Afrikaners: Identity Politics and Intertwined Religious Cultures in Southern and Central Africa

This book explores the influence and role of diasporic Scots and their descendants in the religious and political lives of Dutch/Afrikaner people in British colonial southern Africa, challenging the mainstream discourse of Afrikaner Christian nationalism. It demonstrates how Scottish religious culture helped to develop a complicated counter-narrative to this discourse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This captivating book delves into the profound impact of diasporic Scots on church and society in South Africa and beyond. Through a meticulous exploration of a vast collection of primary source documents, it weaves a trans-generational narrative that sheds light on the influential and multifaceted role played by diasporic Scots and their descendants in the religious and political realms of Dutch/Afrikaner people during British colonial southern Africa. The book showcases how this Scottish religious culture played a crucial role in shaping a complex counter-narrative to the emerging mainstream discourse of Afrikaner Christian nationalism in the early 20th century.

Author Retief Muller offers fresh insights into the intricate ways in which the historical transition from British Imperial rule to apartheid South Africa was both challenged and facilitated by the influence and legacies of Scottish religious emissaries. He also examines the backlash against the Scots-Afrikaner tradition from the perspective of Afrikaner Christian nationalist opponents.

The book unfolds in a series of chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of the Scots-Afrikaner connection. It begins by tracing the historical roots of Scottish immigration to South Africa, highlighting the contributions of Scottish missionaries and settlers in establishing Christian communities among the Dutch/Afrikaner people. Muller then delves into the role of Scottish religious institutions and practices in shaping the religious and cultural identity of the Scots-Afrikaner community.

The book highlights the influence of Scottish Presbyterianism on the development of Afrikaner Christian nationalism. It explores how Scottish missionaries and preachers played a key role in spreading the teachings of the Bible and promoting the values of Christianity among the Dutch/Afrikaner population. The Scots-Afrikaner tradition, characterized by its emphasis on individualism, self-reliance, and a strong sense of community, was deeply influenced by Presbyterianism's emphasis on personal salvation and the importance of the local church.

However, the book also acknowledges the complexities and contradictions within the Scots-Afrikaner tradition. It explores how the tradition was influenced by broader cultural and social factors, such as the influence of Dutch Calvinism and the broader British Empire. Muller also examines the tensions and conflicts that emerged within the Scots-Afrikaner community, particularly during the apartheid era, as some members of the community sought to align themselves with the oppressive regime while others resisted and fought against it.

In addition to its historical analysis, the book also sheds light on the enduring legacies of the Scots-Afrikaner tradition. It explores how the tradition has influenced the religious and cultural landscape of South Africa and beyond, particularly in the fields of education, literature, and politics. Muller also considers the ways in which diasporic Scots and their descendants continue to shape the religious and political discourse in South Africa and beyond, particularly in the context of ongoing struggles for social justice and equality.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of religion, history, and culture in South Africa and beyond. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between diasporic Scots and the Dutch/Afrikaner people, and its impact on the development of religious and political identities in the region. Through its meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the book offers readers a deeper appreciation of the rich tapestry of religious and cultural traditions that have shaped South Africa's history and present.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474462952