Can theology and philosophy critically influence contextual developments? The question is relevant for the discussion about Slavery in the former Dutch Colonial Empire, and its impact on society in the present day. The Mennonite Marten Douwes Teenstra (1795-1864) was a Colonial administrator with extensive experience in both South Africa, Indonesia, Surinam and the Netherlands Antilles. Teenstra became a leading figure in the first generation of Dutch Abolitionists, intent on ending Slavery. Teenstra was interested in Bible exegesis.