Eensaam in die Voortrekkergemeenskap : askese en geloofsbelewing in die teologie van die Voortrekkervrou Susanna Smit (1799-1863)
A. W. G. Raath
October 27, 2003 DOI: 10.4102/hts.v59i1.645 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
|---|---|
| Population | Susanna Smit (1799-1863), a Voortrekker woman, as represented in her diaries |
| Key points | Argues that Susanna Smit's commitment to introspection, meditation, and solitary contemplation was shaped both by the theological pietism of the Dutch Second Reformation and by her economic, political, and ecclesiastical circumstances. Contends that experiential ascesis is not confined to that tradition, and that contemporary economic and political factors make attention to mystical experiential theology ecclesiastically important. |
Abstract
Solitary in the Voortrekker community: Ascesis and religious experience in the theology of the Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit (1799-1863) An evaluation of Susanna Smit’s commitment to introspection, meditation and solitary contemplation necessarily has to be undertaken in the light of the major impact of the theological pietism of the Dutch Second Reformation on the Voortrekker community. Although the theological literature of the Dutch Second Reformation fundamentally influenced her views on these matters, the economic, political and ecclesiastical position in which she found herself also substantially contributed to her tendency towards solitary contemplation. The tendency to experiential ascesis is, however, not limited to the Dutch Second Reformation, and the impact of current economic and political factors on the church makes it essential, from an ecclesiastical point of view, to take note of the factors which contributed to the emphasis on mystical experiential theology. For this reason the diaries of the Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit are most illuminating and relevant.