Abstract:
This study
describes how reverend Kálmán Papp (1924– ) was able to leave his land of origin behind under
difficult, unasked-for and compelling circumstances and embrace a new future in a far-off and
unknown country. This follows from his spontaneous responding and acting positively to the
effects of cultural interaction and the common denominational factor of the Reformed Church ever
present. The study argues in its methodology that it is an oversimplification and a mistake
to seek truth by avoiding, underestimating or eliminating the necessary outcome of cultural
interaction and church tradition in the choices we make (even theologically) and experiences we
have of life. This is the true life story of a church minister who finds his destiny and becomes
himself a minister in the service of God’s Kingdom, through faith’s challenges and encounters
with the theologies and cultures of his embracing worlds.
Description:
This article is based on the
PhD thesis of K.D. Papp, with
the title: ‘Die lewe en werk
van ds. Kálmán Papp II (geb.
1924), met verwysing na die
Hongaarse agtergrond, die
Nederlandse periode en die
Suid-Afrikaanse periode’, the
promotors were Dr Kobus
Labuschagne and Prof J.
Buitendag at the Department
of Dogmatics and Christian
Ethics (2010).
