Gereformeerde pietisme, neoplatonisme en pre-Romantieke teodisee in die Voortrekkervrou Susanna Smit (1799-1863) se godsdienstige dagboeke

The first half of the eighteenth century witnessed a resurgence Platonism in literature generally and theology Germany en Holland particular, because appeal Plato’s ideas held for distinction between immanent transcendental reality, man’s quest unity with Good, human soul as vehicle uniting God. Because most beings are preoccupied material things, Plato believed they need to have their thoughts turned immaterial reality behind world, thus be weaned away from objects passions. To world is more than appearances. Behind each particular thing idea or form thing. Moreover, forms all ultimately related Form Good. that an entity, which some ways like Forms. Particularly revealing emerging trend Romanticism was philosophical transcending sceptical materialistic views notion those who know what good will love desire it, moral virtue itself prerequisite knowing good. problem presented how sinful man chaos can brought accordance God’s perfect sinless nature. view improvement by means education salvation through personal far removed Christian message redemption loving, God, Pietists reverted neo-Platonism legacy mysticism resolve dualism inherent Romantic juxtaposition transcendent. Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit reflected these influences her Reformed Pietistic spirituality re-interpreted conviction God relying on works James Hervey, Rutger Schutte, Hieronymus van Alphen, Rhijnvis Feith other pietistically inclined authors. This research investigates impact experiential numinous mediating Good sentimentality Smit’s diaries effect 1843 1863.