Theology and the building of civilizing democracy in South Africa
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust
Abstract
This paper discusses the contribution of theology to the building of a civilizing democracy, i.e. a democratic society where a life of justice to all is advanced. A society is only “civilized” where justice to especially the
most vulnerable is advanced. Justice rests in dignity and co-exists with equality and equity, as well as with freedom. Theology makes a threefold contribution towards a society of justice. Theology reveals the deeper meaning-giving framework, and forces of social cohesion and moral living without which a liberal democracy cannot flourish. Theology offers richer descriptions of notions like justice, which advance the implementation and fulfilment of these features. Theology makes a contribution towards the mobilization of an activist civil society and citizenship in search of a civilizing society of justice.
Description
Please cite as follows:
Koopman, N.N. 2014. Theology and the building of civilizing democracy in South Africa. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 55(3-4): 625-639, doi:10.5952/55-3-4-657.
The original publication is available at http://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za
Koopman, N.N. 2014. Theology and the building of civilizing democracy in South Africa. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 55(3-4): 625-639, doi:10.5952/55-3-4-657.
The original publication is available at http://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za
Keywords
Dignity, Justice, Equality
Citation
Koopman, N.N. 2014. Theology and the building of civilizing democracy in South Africa. Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, 55(3-4): 625-639, doi:10.5952/55-3-4-657.