The interplay between the Christian story and the public story: in search of commonalities for moral formation under democratic rule
Date
2008-03
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
This research investigates whether The Christian story or The Public story is most appropriate for moral formation under democratic rule.
The research draws from six well-known theologians who make valuable contributions to the enquiry. Each of the writings of William John Everett, Rosemary Radford Ruether, Geoffrey Wainwright, Stanley Hauerwas, Robin Gill and Desmond Tutu represents an approach for moral formation.
In all the approaches there are major contributions that are pointed out. However, the first five approaches neglect the consistent relationship between the Christian story and the Public story, the inclusiveness of community and the role of God for moral formation.
After careful analysis of the six approaches it is found that Desmond Tutu's theology and Ubuntu is the most appropriate approach for moral formation under democratic rule.
Tutu's approach gives meaning to the fundamentals of the Public story, namely, reason, individual freedom, universal principles and laws, in Ubuntu community. He also draws from Genesis and the biblical description of the cross event to illustrate how God gives meaning to humanity through creation and redemption.
This research finally concludes that Tutu's approach presents an interplay between the Christian story and the Public for moral formation under democratic rule.
Description
Thesis (DTh (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Morality, Narrative, Community, Law, Dissertations -- Systematic theology and ecclesiology, Theses -- Systematic theology and ecclesiology, Democracy -- Moral and ethical aspects, Democracy -- Religious aspects -- Christianity, Religion and ethics