“Am I my brother’s keeper? An African reflection on humanisation

Abstract

In this article, a short typology of Dirk Smit’s theology is set out in terms of the words “contextual”, “reformed”, “ecumenical” and “public”. This is followed by a homily on the narrative of Cain and Abel as recorded in Gen. 4 in an attempt to illustrate the features of Smit’s theology. The Genesis narrative is analysed under the theme of (de)-humanisation in Africa. At first the strategies of de-humanisation are outlined, followed by the devastating consequences of these strategies. A trinitarian approach is then used to argue for the restoration of humanity on the African continent.