The Scots Afrikaners: Identity Politics and Intertwined Religious Cultures

This book explores the influence of Scottish missionaries on the church and society in South Africa, highlighting the relationships between religion, nationalism, and ethnicity. It draws on Dutch and Afrikaans archival sources to present a trans-generational narrative of the impact of diasporic Scots and their descendants on the religious and political lives of Dutch/Afrikaner people in British colonial southern Africa.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

One of the International Bulletin of Mission Research's Ten Outstanding Books in Mission Studies, Intercultural Theology, and World Christianity for 2021, this book explores the profound influence of Scots on church and society in South Africa. It contributes to the ongoing academic discourse on the historical relationship between mission, empire, and colonialism, shedding light on the intricate connections between religion, nationalism, and ethnicity. Focusing specifically on the Scottish Afrikaner entanglements and tensions over time, the book weaves together a trans-generational narrative that reveals the intricate tapestry of two diverse cultures. Drawing primarily on Dutch and Afrikaans archival sources, including the Dutch Reformed Church Archive and private collections, this book presents a rich and detailed account of the influence and role played by diasporic Scots and their descendants in the religious and political lives of Dutch/Afrikaner people in British colonial southern Africa. It demonstrates how this Scottish religious culture played a crucial role in shaping a complex counter-narrative to what would later become the mainstream discourse of Afrikaner Christian nationalism in the early 20th century. By delving into the historical complexities and paradoxes, the book offers fresh perspectives on the ways in which the transition from British Imperial rule to apartheid South Africa was both challenged and facilitated by the legacies of Scottish religious emissaries. This insightful work is a valuable addition to the field of mission studies, intercultural theology, and global Christianity, providing a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationships between different cultures and religions in the past.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474462969