Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology) by Author "Botha, Bianca"

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    Telling her story : constructing a historiography of mrs Alice Brink – Afrikaner woman in mission
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Botha, Bianca; Muller, Retief; Van der Walt, Charlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is an exploration of the life and history of Alice Mabel Brink, a woman who dedicated her life to the Dutch Reformed Church’s missionary endeavours in Nigeria in the early twentieth century, but who has been overlooked in the authoritative histories of Dutch Reformed mission in the past. In accordance with a new approach to history and church history, that focuses on uncovering untold stories and unknown dimensions of the past, this study seeks to tell the untold story of Alice Brink. It is an attempt to give a new perspective on a history that has previously only been viewed from the dominant, white, male perspective. This is done by reading and analysing four diaries (from 1913-1939) and one unpublished manuscript written by Alice Brink, and telling her story according to those writings. This historiography is constructed through the lens of feminist theory and therefore is concerned with analysing and exposing instances of oppression in Alice Brink’s story, as well as celebrating her flourishing and acts of resistance to the dominant order. Telling and listening to this story, however, also requires a general understanding of the contexts in which it takes place. Chapter 2 of this study, therefore, explores the context of early twentieth century mission, while chapter 3 discusses the context of gender and being a woman in early twentieth century South Africa. Chapter 4 contains the story of Alice Brink, constructed from my reading of her diaries. In chapter 5 a few themes are discussed, which emerged from my reading and telling of Alice Brink’s story. Chapter 6 presents a general conclusion regarding Alice Brink’s story and the themes discussed.