Hans Peter Hallbeck and the cradle of missions in South Africa a theological-critical study

English: Hans Peter Hallbeck (1784-1840) was born in Sweden and studied theology in Lund. After his studies he however joined the Moravian Church, a very unusual step in a country where the Moravians were regarded as a dangerous sect by the Lutheran State Church. After having been involved in the Moravian education in Göteborg (Sweden), Germany, Ireland and England, he was called to become superintendent of all Moravian Missions in South Africa. In the Cape Colony he settled in Genadendal, the oldest mission station of the country. This study illustrates, by using the primary sources, that Genadendal can be regarded as the cradle of all missions in South Africa. This was not only because of the fact that it was the oldest mission station, but also because of Hallbeck’s able ministry. In the Hallbeck era (1817-1840) Genadendal became a model, not only for the Moravian missions (Hallbeck established a number of new mission stations), but also for other missionary societies and their missionaries. In fact, most other missionary societies started their enterprises in South Africa in the Hallbeck era. New and unexperienced missionaries found in Genadendal a thriving and effective mission station, managed on the basis of Rules and Regulations that stood in the Moravian tradition (Spangenberg, Loretz), but that were also adapted by Hallbeck to the South African context. They took along not only their impression of Genadendal, but also copies of important documents like the Rules and Regulations, when venturing into the interiors of Africa to establish new mission stations. In this sense the Genadendal of the Hallbeck era became the cradle of missions in South Africa. This study deals with the historical trajectories of Moravian theology. It also pays attention to the positioning of the Moravian Mission in the South African societal context, their relationship with the government, as well as with other missionary societies. Special attention is given to the relationship between Hallbeck and his colleague superintendent of the London Missionary Society, Dr John Philip. During the Hallbeck era major developments took place on the South African scene. All of them had an impact on the mission. One can think of: - The arrival of the British Settlers (1820) - The frontier wars in the eastern Cape - The abolition of slavery (1834 de jure and 1838 de facto) - The emigration of settlers out of the Cape Colony (1836-1838 – the Great Trek) - The immigration of the Fingu nation into the Cape Colony During his ministry Hallbeck wrote thousands of pages (reports, diaries, letters, etc.), in which the above mentioned events are dealt with from a surprising perspective. As a matter of fact, the Moravian archives (both in South Africa and Europe) prove to be a goldmine of primary sources yet untouched, shedding new light on major happings in South African history. In conclusion the question is also asked as to the legacy of Hans Peter Hallbeck. His impact on Cape Colonial society during the first half of the 19th century is explicated. He became the first bishop South Africa ever received. He established in Genadendal the first seminary (for the training of teachers and pastors) in South Africa. He played a significant role in the christianisation and upliftment of the nations of South Africa. He was one of the first historiographers of South Africa. And last but not least, his influence was also felt outside South Africa. His reports were widely published in missionary magazines across Europe and in North America. He was involved in publishing a missionary textbook in Germany. Even in his fatherland Sweden he left an indelible mark on the religious developments during the 19th century.