South Africa’s Holy War: Religion and Boer forces During the Siege of the Diamond Mining Town of Kimberley, 1899-1900

This research paper utilizes primary source material, such as unpublished diaries of Boer soldiers, to examine the role of religion on the Boer forces during the Siege of Kimberley and the Battle of Magersfontein in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). The strong influence of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) and its ministers significantly shaped the strategy and conduct of the Boer commandos during the war. Literature highlights instances of NGK ministers preaching in the trenches and the Boer forces’ strict observance of the Sabbath on Sundays, during which fighting was avoided and artillery remained silent. Even when confronted with the largest army mustered by the British Empire between the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, the Boers largely adhered to their religious ideals of warfare. Ministers and Boer leadership transformed the war into a conflict that exhibited the characteristics of a biblical holy war. In a speech to the troops, Paul Kruger...Show moreThis research paper utilizes primary source material, such as unpublished diaries of Boer soldiers, to examine the role of religion on the Boer forces during the Siege of Kimberley and the Battle of Magersfontein in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899–1902). The strong influence of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) and its ministers significantly shaped the strategy and conduct of the Boer commandos during the war. Literature highlights instances of NGK ministers preaching in the trenches and the Boer forces’ strict observance of the Sabbath on Sundays, during which fighting was avoided and artillery remained silent. Even when confronted with the largest army mustered by the British Empire between the Napoleonic Wars and World War I, the Boers largely adhered to their religious ideals of warfare. Ministers and Boer leadership transformed the war into a conflict that exhibited the characteristics of a biblical holy war. In a speech to the troops, Paul Kruger declared that any Afrikaner who died in this war would be guaranteed a place in heaven. NGK ministers preached that South Africa was God’s promised land, drawing comparisons to the biblical Israel described in the Old Testament. This also underscores the contemporary significance of this research as religious violence is still a significant issue in today’s world.Show less

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South Africa’s Holy War: Religion and Boer forces During the Siege of the Diamond Mining Town of Kimberley, 1899-1900