Freedom of religion in South Africa : then and now 1652–2008
Date
2008-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS OpenJournals
Abstract
This article is about freedom of religion in South Africa before and after 1994. It is often argued that the relationship between church and state, and the resultant freedom of religion, during 1652-1994 was determined by a theocratic model of the relationship between church and state. In a theocratic model it is religion and its teachings that determine the place and role of religion in society. This article argues that it was, in fact, a Constantinian model of the relationship between state and church which determined the place and role of religion in society between 1652 and 1994. In a Constantinian model it is the governing authority's understanding and application of religion that determines the place and role of religion in society as well as the resulting degree of freedom of religion. Examples from history are used to prove the point. The second part of the article discusses freedom of religion in South Africa after 1994.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.ve.org.za
Keywords
Freedom and religion -- South Africa, South Africa -- Religion, Church and state
Citation
Coertzen, P. 2008. Freedom of religion in South Africa : then and now 1652–2008. Verbum et Ecclesia, 29(2), 345-367, doi:10.4102/ve.v29i2.19.