Showing papers by "University of Port Elizabeth published in 2013"

Some thoughts on 'public theology' and its relevance for the South African context

Abstract: This essay explores the notion of “Public Theology” as developed in the North American context. It is explained in terms of the effort by theologians to regain some form of “public space” that was lost due to theology’s marginalization and privatization after modernity. How this displacement of religion came about is briefly explained with reference to the shift in the idea of the “public” in classical Greek culture and modern secular societies respectively. Thereafter three traits of a public theology is highlighted: its mode of argumentation, accessible style of communication, and its focus on contemporary social issues. The paper closes with a few remarks about the importance of a public theology in SA since the establishment of a liberal, democratic dispensation.

Confessing nicea today? critical questions from a south african perspective

Abstract: After a short introduction on the World Council of Churches (WCC) project relating to a common expression of our apostolic faith, six questions are raised from a South African perspective. These questions serve as polemical pointers to argue that the common confession- project has limited value to address both issues of church unification and the construction of a public theology in South Africa.

The (trans)formative potential of thebible as resource for christianethos and ethics

Abstract: Many Christians worldwide are currently rediscovering the power of Scripture for their practical lives. The essay argues that the transformative potential of these writings (their continuing authority and relevance in changing times and circumstances) lies in their ability to disclose an alternative moral world, a radically new perspective on reality, a new way of living in the world. Though embedded within patriarchal value systems, the intended rhetorical functions of these documents imply major shifts in the orientation (vision of humanity) and language of their readers. How is this accomplished? With the continual reference to the metaphorical 'world' of the Judaeo-Christian story, they emphasise collective memory as a major recycling strategy toward the development of the faith communities' moral identity and ethos, with healing and wholeness as major substance of their present and future hope. Through liturgy, where the vision of God's presence in the world isformed and nurtured (via the persuasive strategies of identification, alienation and reorientation), Scripture continues to invite contemporary Christian believers to re-imagine and redefine their identity, and (to faithfully choose) to grow toward the full body of Christ - i.e. beyond all limited and stereotypical views of humanity. In a co-operative shared work, Spirit, texts and readers thus engage in a transformingprocess (l1ziselton).