Incarnation theology versus the sacralisation of authority
Date
2015-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
AOSIS Publishing
Abstract
This article juxtaposed the theological theme of incarnation with quasi-religious invasions
of public power structures and institutions in southern Africa, which has been described by
the term sacralisation of authority. Incarnational theology as constructed on the model of the
Incarnation of Jesus Christ concerns a Divine-human border crossing from above to below
or from power into powerlessness. Sacralisation of authority concerns an opposite process
whereby mundane structures and people of power seek to bolster their authority even further
by the acquisition of godlike attributes. This article referred to political realities in southern
Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and South Africa as illustrative of the latter, whereas the
Tshwane Leadership Foundation – a non-governmental organisation (NGO) operating in
Tshwane’s inner city – served as a case study in incarnational theology of the grassroots.
Description
CITATION: Muller, R. 2015. Incarnation theology versus the sacralisation of authority. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 71(3): 1-9, doi: 10.4102/hts.v71i3.2707.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
The original publication is available at http://www.hts.org.za
Publication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund.
Keywords
Incarnation, Religion and sociology
Citation
Muller, R. 2015. Incarnation theology versus the sacralisation of authority. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 71(3): 1-9, doi: 10.4102/hts.v71i3.2707