Abstract:
The article investigates the theological contours delineated
from the publications of the systematic theologian Johan Buitendag. His theology represents a
relational integrity of ontology, epistemology and ethics. It can be characterised as an existential
ecotheology. In the introduction this rhizome (epistemological metaphor borrowed from
Giles Deleuze and Félix Guattari) existence in Buitendag’s theology is discussed. The article
consists of nine sections: the hermeneutical circle as introduction; the polemic attitude of Karl
Barth with regard to a theologia naturalis; understanding the notion paradigm; being church
as a relational event; engaged epistemology; existential theo-anthropology and ecotheology;
existential ecclesiology; existential engagement; and an autobiographical reflection.
