Van Calvinisme tot eksistensialisme: 'n teologiese gesprek met André P. Brink met verwysing na sy memoirs

Abstract

From Calvinism to existentialism: a theological discussion with André P. Brink with reference to his memoirs

In this article the author attempts to develop a theological discussion with the well-known and world-famous writer André P. Brink, on the topics of Calvinism and existentialism. The question at stake is why Brink, who grew up in a South African Calvinist milieu, which was reinforced by his studies at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, turned his back on Calvinism and wholeheartedly embraced existentialism during his study in Paris. Why was Potchefstroom exchanged for Paris? Why was Christ replaced by Camus? Did Brink thoroughly compare Calvinism with existentialism or was his decision taken precipitately? This is the fascinating question which the author tries to unravel in this investigation.

Die outeur probeer in hierdie artikel om ’n teologiese gesprek met die welbekende en wêreldberoemde skrywer André P. Brink te ontwikkel oor die temas van Calvinisme en eksistensialisme. Die groot vraag is waarom Brink, wat in ’n Suid-Afrikaanse Calvinistiese milieu opgegroei het, wat versterk is deur sy studies aan die Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys, sy rug op die Calvinisme gekeer en die eksistensialisme aanvaar het tydens sy studie in Parys. Waarom is Potchefstroom ingeruil vir Parys? Waarom is Christus vervang met Camus? Het Brink ’n deeglike vergelyking gemaak tussen Calvinisme en eksistensialisme of was sy besluit oorhaastig? Hierdie is die boeiende vraag wat die skrywer in hierdie ondersoek probeer ontrafel.