Christian Nationalism and Anticommunism in Twentieth-Century South Africa 

The red peril is still fresh in the memory of many Afrikaners. This book, by Ruhan Fourie, examines how the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) played a significant role in developing and maintaining the fear of communism during the twentieth century. Following contemporary understandings of anti-communism as a fluid ideological stance, the book demonstrates that the deep-rooted anti-communist beliefs of ordinary twentieth-century Afrikaners were more than simply a natural result of global politics. The book also scrutinises the core role that the NGK played in legitimising open opposition and suppression of “communism” in all its supposed manifestations, while the church also created an Afrikaner imagination in which the people remained convinced of the ever-present communist threat. The church’s moral standing in Afrikaner society has also made it susceptible to right-wing opportunists who gained mainstream political influence, which is also laid bare and explained in this book. It concludes that anti-communism functioned as a vehicle for nationalist unity (and uniformity), a paradigm for Afrikaner identity, and a legitimiser of the Afrikaner’s perception of its imagined moral high ground throughout the twentieth century. It will appeal to readers interested in anti-communism, Christian nationalism, right-wing networks, racism, and apartheid culture and society.

Met: Ruhan Fourie, Jan Lubbe (gespreksleier) 
Taal: Afrikaans  
Tydsuur: 60 min 
Prys: R40 
Plek: Simonsvlei tent 
Tyd: 5 Jul 13:00