"In herinnering aan die kinders ... wat aan honger en koue moet sterf" : liturgie in 'n konteks van armoede
Date
2004
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
This article asks the question how, if at all, the reality of poverty is currently being
reflected in a typical middle class Dutch Reformed liturgy. Using Oscar Kokoschka’s
drawing “Solidary Christ” as a locus theologicus, it is argued that two Christian rituals,
namely the Lord’s Supper and offerings (and specifically in combination), are two very
important rituals which should go through a process of liturgical inculturation with
specific regards to poverty. A brief look at Scripture and the history of liturgy confirm this
connection. It also brings to the fore the ethical obligation lived out in a life of gratitude
with regards to the poor, that participation in these rituals entail. Finally some suggestions
are made for the liturgical inculturation of these two rituals within a context of poverty
which may firstly help a typical middle class Dutch Reformed liturgy to reflect on the
current South African context of poverty, and secondly to assist in the connection between
liturgy and life.
Description
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub
The original publication is available at http://ngtt.journals.ac.za/pub
Keywords
Poverty -- Religious aspects -- Christianity, Church work with the poor, Hunger
Citation
Wepener, C. J. & Cilliers, J. H. 2004. "In herinnering aan die kinders... wat aan honger en koue moet sterf." Liturgie in 'n konteks van armoede. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, Supplementum, 45(2):364-372.