%0 Journal Article %T A prophet for dignity? A theological perspective %A N Koopman %J Tydskrif vir letterkunde %D 2012 %I University of Pretoria %X This paper portrays the work of Adam Small as prophetic work. Three dimensions of the practice of prophetic speaking are described, namely prophetic envisioning, prophetic criticism and prophetic policymaking. Small¡¯s work is described in terms of these categories. During the struggle against apartheid and during the current quest for a new society of dignity, justice and freedom, Small¡¯s prophetic envisioning, prophetic criticism and self-criticism and his prophetic policymaking discourse is of immense importance. Amidst our struggle to build a new society his prophetic envisioning gives hope and inspiration. Amidst our anger about so many wrongs in society and the non-fulfilment of the vision of a new society, his prophetic criticism and self-criticism gives fortitude and courage. Amidst reservations about participation in complex and sophisticated public debates, public opinionformation processes and public law-making processes, his prophetic policymaking discourse gives illumination and perspective. %U http://www.ajol.info/index.php/tvl/article/view/73553