Persistent discourse on the contentious “empty land” theory remains relevant within a biblical an... more Persistent discourse on the contentious “empty land” theory remains relevant within a biblical and socio-historic milieu, especially in the history of a colonialised country such as South Africa. Seeing that there are still arguments in favour of the “empty land” theory, the authors of this article undertook a venture to engage with the “empty land” theory as a myth. This article consists of four parts: the first part discusses the myth of “empty land” in the Old Testament Bible in relation to the “empty land” myth in South Africa. Secondly the researchers will argue for the occupation of land by the indigenous people of South Africa as early as 270 AD–1830. The vertex for the third argument is of a more socio-economic nature, namely the lifestyle of the African people before colonialism. The article contends that people were nomadic and did not regard land as property to be sold and bought. There were no boundaries; there was free movement. Finally, the article explores the point o...
The image of God has been vandalised by racism in South Africa, which it is argued is a sin. It i... more The image of God has been vandalised by racism in South Africa, which it is argued is a sin. It is an ecclesiological responsibility to address the vandalised image of God in South Africa. The author will argue from the human relationship as a build-up to the Theanthropocosmic principle. This principle denotes the relationship between God (theos) the human being (anthropos) and the physical-organic environment (cosmos). For addressing this responsibility, the grounds of internal racism are exposed using a philosophical interpretation. According to the author, there is a correlation between sin and racism. The latter is viewed as multidimensional from a Theanthropocosmic perspective. The theoretical framework will be within hamartiology and soteriology. The philosophical interpretation will be utilised to broaden the understanding of the theological problem of the vandalised image of God.
This article aims to deconstruct the ideology about God's election in South Africa, which is atta... more This article aims to deconstruct the ideology about God's election in South Africa, which is attached to capitalism. I will discuss its impact on the South African socio-politico-economic situation in the apartheid and post-apartheid era. Furthermore, I will critically discuss the equality of human beings in the eyes of Triune God and focus on the centrality of Christology from the African and black theology. One cannot divorce the Providence of God from the doctrine of predestination. The God who creates is the same God who elects and provides for his people. This argument will lead to the critical question: Who are the elect, rich or poor? Free or oppressed? This article's final thesis is to deconstruct the ideology that God elects according to God's grace.
This paper focuses on the role of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in the S... more This paper focuses on the role of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in the South African society during the past 25 years of its services to God, one another and the world. Firstly, the paper provides a brief history of URCSA within 25 years of its existence. Secondly, the societal situation in democratic South Africa is highlighted in light of Article 4 of the Belhar Confession and the Church Order as a measuring tool for the role of the church. Thirdly, the thermometer-thermostat metaphor is applied in evaluating the role of URCSA in democratic South Africa. Furthermore, the 20 years of URCSA and democracy in South Africa are assessed in terms of Gutierrez’s threefold analysis of liberation. In conclusion, the paper proposes how URCSA can rise above the thermometer approach to the thermostat approach within the next 25 years of four general synods.
This article comprises four important parts: first, the two important components of democracy, na... more This article comprises four important parts: first, the two important components of democracy, namely participatory and non-participatory or representative democracy will be discussed with special reference to the distribution of powers. Second, it will address the roles and responsibilities of ward committees within the democratic society. Third, the ethical question of the basis of the committee members’ capacity to serve on the ward committees in relation to coercive leadership (tyranny of the majority) will be investigated. Fourth, the theological standpoint on the distribution of powers or participatory democracy and the role of the church to improve participatory democracy will be discussed. The research question is the following: What can be done by the country to improve participatory democracy in South Africa, through engagement with ward committees?
This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be ... more This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be discussed as an exercise to remember reformation. Secondly, we review the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) prior to democracy in South Africa. The purpose for focusing on the role of the church from this period is that it gives us a model to follow in our involvement in socio-economic transformation. Thirdly, the social and economic challenges facing the church and society in democratic South Africa will be discussed. Fourthly, we debate the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) in democratic South Africa. Fifthly, the article explores what role the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) is playing (descriptive) and ought to play (normative) through all her structures to transform the socio-economic situation in South Africa.
vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. General Synod for entrusting the editors, Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van H... more vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. General Synod for entrusting the editors, Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel and Leepo Modise with the noble task. It had been an honour to serve the Synod in this regard. 2. Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-van Huffel for compiling the archival documents on the Belhar Confession and editing the manuscript. 3. Prof. Leepo Modise for keeping everyone accountable to honour due dates. 4. Authors for submitting superb chapters on the Confession. 5. The Ned Geref Teologiese Tydskrif and Studia Historiae Eccelsiasticae for permission granted to republish the articles of Proff. Adonis, Botman, Landman, Dames, Smit and Boesak. 6. The URCSA for permission granted to republish reports, articles, statements and speeches in Acts and Agenda of Synods as well as articles published in the URCSA News. 7. To the churches across the globe for developing excellent resources on the Belhar Confession which are available on various websites. 8. To tomorrow's children for reading and reflecting upon the book and embodying the Belhar Confession. ix Meaning of the logo of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa 1. The two symbols from the former Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) and the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA) are jointly used in the logo of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) to showcase our common background and identity: a. The anchor was part of the logo of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa. The anchor is an early Christian symbol. One of the oldest of the symbols of the cross is the anchor. The achor symbolizes atonement through Christ alone (Latin: solus Christus). 'For there is one God and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time'. (1 Timothy 2:5-6). b. The lighthouse was part of the logo of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church. We as Christians are called to be the light of the world so that others can see, by the grace of God, the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ. The lighthouse symbolizes justification is by faith alone (Latin: sola fide), not faith plus anything else. 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' (Romans 5:1). The sinner's entire salvation is by free and sovereign grace only (Latin: sola gratia). 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). 2. The Bible showcases the centrality of the Word of God. The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa as a reformed church places the Word of God and the preaching of the word in the centre. The Bible symbolizes that Scripture alone is the standard for our beliefs (Latin: sola Scripture). 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible alone is therefore the ultimate authority. 3. The blanket with Africa design is indicative of multi-ethnic-multicultural character of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa which consists of the language and cultural groups in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho. 'So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Gal. 3:26-28). x 4. The name of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (which is in the continuous tense) and its logo (which is an incomplete circle) reflects the emphasis on unity and URCSA's hope for an even greater church unification within the reformed family in Southern Africa. 'I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.' (John 17:14). Every activity is therefore to be sanctified unto the glory of God alone. (Latin: Soli Deo Gloria). Belhar Confession xii multifaceted in the sense that the contributors are from different backgrounds and their contributions are of different categories and employ different approaches. This publication uses the Belhar Confession as a hermeneutical tool to comment on various aspects of justice in South Africa. The book does not attempt to give a comprehensive thesis on every sub-theme relating to the Belhar Confession. Rather the reception of the Belhar Confession is narrated in such a manner as to showcase the historical background, drafting, acceptance and adoption of the confession as well as the advocacy, reception and protestation of the confession in South Africa and abroad. The authors considered the theological contributions from the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) on racism, which bear direct reference to the drafting of the Belhar Confession. In addition, the authors take into account the presuppositions of the DRC family of churches (DRC family) regarding the confession. To understand the URCSA stance on the inclusion of the Belhar Confession in the confessional basis of the envisaged unified church, it is important to take cognisance of the troublesome history of the confession. The Belhar Confession has as background the racial, racist, segregationist and apartheid history and theology in South Africa. It is, therefore, important to put the drafting and ultimate acceptance of the confession in a broader historical context. The first section of the book gives a chronological outline of the story of the Belhar Confession with voices from different backgrounds telling the story from their vantage points. The interpretation of Belhar Confession is like a pattern in a kaleidoscope. When the instrument is turned a bit to get the historical perspective, a different pattern emerges, although the basic elements are the same. Section 1 considers the development of racially-segregated churches in the Reformed tradition in South Africa and Namibia, the theological justification of apartheid, the drafting of the confession and the acceptance, adoption, advocacy, reception and protestation regarding the confession in South Africa, Namibia and in the global North. The lead essay in this section is by Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel, moderator of General Synod of the URCSA. Plaatjies-Van Huffel, Sipho Mahokoto as well as Willem Saaylman set Belhar in its historical context. The contributions of the authors depend on whether the author participated in the discourse personally (e.g. Smit, Boesak, Adonis and Botman) or reconstructs the history from the outside (Plaatjies-Van Huffel, Mahokoto, Saayman and Modise, among others).
This article consists of six parts: firstly, the author will provide orientation on how this rese... more This article consists of six parts: firstly, the author will provide orientation on how this research was conducted and the origin as well as the motivation to pursue this research study. Secondly, concepts like gender, equality and human dignity will be defined and clarified to give the reader a better understanding of these main concepts in this article. Thirdly, the position of theologians on the struggle against gender will be discussed. Fourthly, gender policies of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) and the African National Congress (ANC) will be discussed to explore the correlation between URCSA gender policy and ANC gender policy. Fifthly, the shortcomings in terms of the implementation of these gender policies during an elective conference or synod will be stated. Finally, the author will provide findings and recommendations that can assist to improve the implementation of these policies.
Faith and politics in the South African context, are they God-ordained institutions, intended to ... more Faith and politics in the South African context, are they God-ordained institutions, intended to be mutually supportive? Or are they permanent opponents? These questions will be the bone of contention for this article. The problem of the relation between faith and politics is not new. It has accompanied the faith communities for almost twenty centuries without being fully resolved. Answers that have been given at certain times and in certain situations seem to be inadequate when circumstances change and new issues appear. The roots of this struggle for theological clarity may be traced to the Bible and in the theological traditions. After investigating literature about politics and faith throughout ages, one could recommend that Christians should participate in politics.
This article consists of five mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the histo... more This article consists of five mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the history and origin of the Belhar Confession as a corner stone for URCSA's arguments for church unity. Secondly, the discussion focuses on church unity in general in relation to the trinity, eucharist and the Word of God. Church unity is a given, as a fruit of the cross of Christ. Thirdly, the article discusses the unification process within the DRC and URCSA. Fourthly, the author explores the Belhar Confession as the corner stone of church unity from URCSA's perspective, and the challenges around accepting this confession by the DRC. Fifthly, the author deliberates URCSA's position on the Belhar Confession as fundamental to URCSA's identity and life.
This article consists of four parts. Firstly, the article indicates the impact of the ancient con... more This article consists of four parts. Firstly, the article indicates the impact of the ancient contextual factors of using Father as an attribute of God. The position and role of males and females in the ancient times is highlighted to give clear background why the human authors of the Scripture made use of the ‘father figure’ as the attribute of God. Secondly, attention is given to the revelation of Scripture that God has revealed God-self and how human writers encode the message to suit their context. Thirdly, the question of the relevancy of using God the Father as an attribute of God within a democratic, non-sexist society, and amidst complicated family lives, is addressed. Fourthly, recommendations are made on the multi-faceted attributes of God that can be used interchangeably within the given context. The article argues that God as Spirit is neither male nor female, but incorporeal, and therefore transcends all creation because God is the creator God and cannot be confined to ...
This study evolved from an involvement with professional people in a rural and semirural environm... more This study evolved from an involvement with professional people in a rural and semirural environment thereby taking into account the role which the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) plays in their professional context of work. Two underlying factors motivate the study. Firstly, that professional needs and capacities of faith, belief and spirituality are not been catered for in the EAPs. Secondly, that an African-Christian wholesome sense making approach provides more satisfactory answers to the lack of faith, belief and spirituality in the EAPs than the modern versions of the classic dualist and tripartite anthropological schemes of soul and body or soul, spirit and body. Furthermore, a wholesome sense making approach supports and tackles people's wellness and well-being levels more satisfactorily than the classic dualist and tripartite views. An outline of an EAP in which faith leaders and consultants and their programmes are integrated and which contributes to the enhancing of well-being levels and performance management of professional people is described. The main focus of the study revolves around wholesome foursome experiential patterns in which alternating emphases of faith experience are acted out in the sense of 'I believe God, I believe myself, I believe my human neighbours and I believe the physical natural environment'. This four side pattern of faith experience functions as an important theoretical assumption in the study. A second theoretical assumption has to do with the foursome processual framework of God's grand acts of creation, reconciliation (redemption= cross and resurrection of Jesus), renewal (ongoing renewal of everything) and consummation and fulfilment towards the end (aim and goal) in which we as people and the physical natural environment are intrinsically and continuously involved. A third theoretical assumption revolves around the foursome experiential professional performance pattern of 'I perform for God, I perform for myself, I perform for my human neighbours and I perform for the physical natural environment'. The foursome experiential patterns are also set as evaluative pointer patterns around which the empirical investigative part is constructed. vii KEY WORDS Employee Assistance Programme, professionals, wellbeing and wellness, faith leaders, rural and semi-rural area, theanthropocosmic principle, dual-twosome, triadicthreesome, foursome experiential pattern, intra-relational and inter-relational, wholesome approach, spirituality, spiritual direction, Pastoral counselling and Psychotherapy viii CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 ORIENTATION 1.1 2.5.1.2 Faith counselling as wholesome approach 2.5.1.3 Faith counselling: tasks, aspects and tools 109 2.5.1.3.1 Continuous awareness of the four grand acts of God's creation, reconciliation, renewal and fulfilment 109 x 2.5.1.3.2 Continuous awareness of the foursome experiential pattern of believing God, oneself, others and the physical-organic world 2.5.1.3.3 Continuous awareness of the management of change between fields of experience and social roles in daily life 2.5.1.3.4 Continuous awareness of experience of different types and levels of wellness and wellbeing 2.5.1.3.5 Meditation as a faith counselling tool 2.5.1.3.6 Activating and setting of interactional processes as a faith counselling tool 2.5.1.4 Combination and compromise of counselling approaches 2.5.1.5
ABSTRACT This article consists of five parts. Firstly, the historical background of the Uniting R... more ABSTRACT This article consists of five parts. Firstly, the historical background of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) is traced briefly. Secondly, the author will investigate the different decisions of the General synod of Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA) from Tshilidzini in 1971 to Pretoria 1991 regarding church unification. Thirdly, in this article I will look into decisions of the General Synod of the then DRCA on the fourth confession. Fourthly, the decision of the General Synod about Belhar Confession prior to 14 of April 1994 and the unity talks amongst the then DRC members as well as its impact on unity will be discussed. Finally, this article will address the final decisions of the then DRCA towards church unification with the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) as the result of the delay from the Dutch Reformed Church. In this article we will be remembering the DRCA’s bumpy road to church unity.
The legacy of socio-economic injustice which was inherited from the Natives Land Act of 1913 cont... more The legacy of socio-economic injustice which was inherited from the Natives Land Act of 1913 continues to haunt the majority of black South Africans. The land dispossession of the indigenous people of South Africa under this Act caused poverty which is still prevalent in our country today.Many South Africans, especially black South Africans, are trapped in a cycle of poverty that emerged as a result of our history of colonialism and apartheid. The interrogation of the unsettling discourse on land in South Africa as well as the continuous poverty cycle is fundamental for offering empowering possibilities for the poor. As such, the role played by the South African churches to support and/or oppose the Natives Land Act of 1913 cannot be ignored. The main question engaged with in the present text is: if the issue of poverty, as foregrounded in the discourse of land and within the ecclesial discussion, is engaged with from a historicoecclesiastical perspective, could the discourse provid...
Abstract This article consists of five parts. Firstly, what restitution means in the South Africa... more Abstract This article consists of five parts. Firstly, what restitution means in the South African context is traced briefly. Secondly, secondly, the historical background on land possession by whites and dispossession of blacks in South Africa is highlighted. Thirdly, the legal aspect of land occupation by blacks in South Africa is discussed, with special reference to black church buildings that are in white church land. Finally, there is discussion on how land restitution can apply to black churches that are on white land. A case is made for land restitution within the context of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA)‘s struggle to have the property registered in the names of the congregations, and the dispossession of church buildings owned by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Africa, based on title deeds in the name of the DRC. This article is based on qualitative research conducted by the author from URCSA on land issues. The author uses observations, interview...
ABSTRACT This paper will focus on five important issues that will attempt to answer this question... more ABSTRACT This paper will focus on five important issues that will attempt to answer this question: “What kind of democracy and what kind of new order, is- or should be-in the making? Firstly, a brief historical background of democracy and its impact on effective and efficiency on the South African democracy will be traced. Secondly, two forms of democracy (participatory democracy and representative democracy) in South African context will be briefly discussed and evaluated. Thirdly, the author will look into the real pitfalls of democracy in South Africa concerning continuous participatory democracy or consultative democracy. Modernity requires representative parliamentary forms of government, but this certainly does not mean that participatory democracy is obsolete. The democratic need to participate in the political process, including the right of individuals to choose their own representatives, has often come into conflict with the need to ensure competence and efficiency in gove...
Abstract This paper consists of four important parts. Firstly, the impact of globalisation on the... more Abstract This paper consists of four important parts. Firstly, the impact of globalisation on the potential African intellectuals (learners) due to the Euro-centric educational system in South Africa will be discussed. Secondly, the author will present the importance of language as a vehicle that transmits culture. It is well known that there is no culture transmission without language. Culture is embedded in a language. This is an important prerequisite for Africans in Africa and Diaspora to know that the process of Africanisation of African children starts with the learning of a language. In most cases, the educational system does not use African languages as a medium of instruction. This on its own creates a problem for potential African intellectuals to know their identity and culture. In this sense, the European culture is still considered to be positive (beautiful, intelligent, rational, objective), hence the Model C schooling system is considered the best. However, by trainin...
BELHAR CONFESSION OF FAITH: A SPIRITUALITY SENSE- MAKING CONFESSION Leepo Modise Department of Ph... more BELHAR CONFESSION OF FAITH: A SPIRITUALITY SENSE- MAKING CONFESSION Leepo Modise Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Abstract This article consists of three parts. Firstly, the historical background on Belhar confession is briefly highlighted. Secondly, the distinction between spirituality and religion in relation to the Belhar confession is discussed, with special reference to spirituality as the search for wholeness, meaning, purpose, connection and the resolution of those great existential questions human race is faced with in life. If spirituality means anything, it means a sense of connection with oneself, each other, work, home and church as well as that which is beyond the self. Spirituality is thus fundamental to the right relationships with ourselves, others and beyond. Finally, there is discussion on Belhar confession of faith in relation to spirituality; here the author shows that Belhar as spirituality has ...
Persistent discourse on the contentious “empty land” theory remains relevant within a biblical an... more Persistent discourse on the contentious “empty land” theory remains relevant within a biblical and socio-historic milieu, especially in the history of a colonialised country such as South Africa. Seeing that there are still arguments in favour of the “empty land” theory, the authors of this article undertook a venture to engage with the “empty land” theory as a myth. This article consists of four parts: the first part discusses the myth of “empty land” in the Old Testament Bible in relation to the “empty land” myth in South Africa. Secondly the researchers will argue for the occupation of land by the indigenous people of South Africa as early as 270 AD–1830. The vertex for the third argument is of a more socio-economic nature, namely the lifestyle of the African people before colonialism. The article contends that people were nomadic and did not regard land as property to be sold and bought. There were no boundaries; there was free movement. Finally, the article explores the point o...
The image of God has been vandalised by racism in South Africa, which it is argued is a sin. It i... more The image of God has been vandalised by racism in South Africa, which it is argued is a sin. It is an ecclesiological responsibility to address the vandalised image of God in South Africa. The author will argue from the human relationship as a build-up to the Theanthropocosmic principle. This principle denotes the relationship between God (theos) the human being (anthropos) and the physical-organic environment (cosmos). For addressing this responsibility, the grounds of internal racism are exposed using a philosophical interpretation. According to the author, there is a correlation between sin and racism. The latter is viewed as multidimensional from a Theanthropocosmic perspective. The theoretical framework will be within hamartiology and soteriology. The philosophical interpretation will be utilised to broaden the understanding of the theological problem of the vandalised image of God.
This article aims to deconstruct the ideology about God's election in South Africa, which is atta... more This article aims to deconstruct the ideology about God's election in South Africa, which is attached to capitalism. I will discuss its impact on the South African socio-politico-economic situation in the apartheid and post-apartheid era. Furthermore, I will critically discuss the equality of human beings in the eyes of Triune God and focus on the centrality of Christology from the African and black theology. One cannot divorce the Providence of God from the doctrine of predestination. The God who creates is the same God who elects and provides for his people. This argument will lead to the critical question: Who are the elect, rich or poor? Free or oppressed? This article's final thesis is to deconstruct the ideology that God elects according to God's grace.
This paper focuses on the role of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in the S... more This paper focuses on the role of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in the South African society during the past 25 years of its services to God, one another and the world. Firstly, the paper provides a brief history of URCSA within 25 years of its existence. Secondly, the societal situation in democratic South Africa is highlighted in light of Article 4 of the Belhar Confession and the Church Order as a measuring tool for the role of the church. Thirdly, the thermometer-thermostat metaphor is applied in evaluating the role of URCSA in democratic South Africa. Furthermore, the 20 years of URCSA and democracy in South Africa are assessed in terms of Gutierrez’s threefold analysis of liberation. In conclusion, the paper proposes how URCSA can rise above the thermometer approach to the thermostat approach within the next 25 years of four general synods.
This article comprises four important parts: first, the two important components of democracy, na... more This article comprises four important parts: first, the two important components of democracy, namely participatory and non-participatory or representative democracy will be discussed with special reference to the distribution of powers. Second, it will address the roles and responsibilities of ward committees within the democratic society. Third, the ethical question of the basis of the committee members’ capacity to serve on the ward committees in relation to coercive leadership (tyranny of the majority) will be investigated. Fourth, the theological standpoint on the distribution of powers or participatory democracy and the role of the church to improve participatory democracy will be discussed. The research question is the following: What can be done by the country to improve participatory democracy in South Africa, through engagement with ward committees?
This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be ... more This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be discussed as an exercise to remember reformation. Secondly, we review the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) prior to democracy in South Africa. The purpose for focusing on the role of the church from this period is that it gives us a model to follow in our involvement in socio-economic transformation. Thirdly, the social and economic challenges facing the church and society in democratic South Africa will be discussed. Fourthly, we debate the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) in democratic South Africa. Fifthly, the article explores what role the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) is playing (descriptive) and ought to play (normative) through all her structures to transform the socio-economic situation in South Africa.
vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. General Synod for entrusting the editors, Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van H... more vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1. General Synod for entrusting the editors, Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel and Leepo Modise with the noble task. It had been an honour to serve the Synod in this regard. 2. Prof. Mary-Anne Plaatjies-van Huffel for compiling the archival documents on the Belhar Confession and editing the manuscript. 3. Prof. Leepo Modise for keeping everyone accountable to honour due dates. 4. Authors for submitting superb chapters on the Confession. 5. The Ned Geref Teologiese Tydskrif and Studia Historiae Eccelsiasticae for permission granted to republish the articles of Proff. Adonis, Botman, Landman, Dames, Smit and Boesak. 6. The URCSA for permission granted to republish reports, articles, statements and speeches in Acts and Agenda of Synods as well as articles published in the URCSA News. 7. To the churches across the globe for developing excellent resources on the Belhar Confession which are available on various websites. 8. To tomorrow's children for reading and reflecting upon the book and embodying the Belhar Confession. ix Meaning of the logo of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa 1. The two symbols from the former Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) and the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA) are jointly used in the logo of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) to showcase our common background and identity: a. The anchor was part of the logo of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa. The anchor is an early Christian symbol. One of the oldest of the symbols of the cross is the anchor. The achor symbolizes atonement through Christ alone (Latin: solus Christus). 'For there is one God and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time'. (1 Timothy 2:5-6). b. The lighthouse was part of the logo of the Dutch Reformed Mission Church. We as Christians are called to be the light of the world so that others can see, by the grace of God, the way to eternal life through Jesus Christ. The lighthouse symbolizes justification is by faith alone (Latin: sola fide), not faith plus anything else. 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' (Romans 5:1). The sinner's entire salvation is by free and sovereign grace only (Latin: sola gratia). 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). 2. The Bible showcases the centrality of the Word of God. The Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa as a reformed church places the Word of God and the preaching of the word in the centre. The Bible symbolizes that Scripture alone is the standard for our beliefs (Latin: sola Scripture). 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible alone is therefore the ultimate authority. 3. The blanket with Africa design is indicative of multi-ethnic-multicultural character of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa which consists of the language and cultural groups in South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho. 'So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.' (Gal. 3:26-28). x 4. The name of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (which is in the continuous tense) and its logo (which is an incomplete circle) reflects the emphasis on unity and URCSA's hope for an even greater church unification within the reformed family in Southern Africa. 'I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.' (John 17:14). Every activity is therefore to be sanctified unto the glory of God alone. (Latin: Soli Deo Gloria). Belhar Confession xii multifaceted in the sense that the contributors are from different backgrounds and their contributions are of different categories and employ different approaches. This publication uses the Belhar Confession as a hermeneutical tool to comment on various aspects of justice in South Africa. The book does not attempt to give a comprehensive thesis on every sub-theme relating to the Belhar Confession. Rather the reception of the Belhar Confession is narrated in such a manner as to showcase the historical background, drafting, acceptance and adoption of the confession as well as the advocacy, reception and protestation of the confession in South Africa and abroad. The authors considered the theological contributions from the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) on racism, which bear direct reference to the drafting of the Belhar Confession. In addition, the authors take into account the presuppositions of the DRC family of churches (DRC family) regarding the confession. To understand the URCSA stance on the inclusion of the Belhar Confession in the confessional basis of the envisaged unified church, it is important to take cognisance of the troublesome history of the confession. The Belhar Confession has as background the racial, racist, segregationist and apartheid history and theology in South Africa. It is, therefore, important to put the drafting and ultimate acceptance of the confession in a broader historical context. The first section of the book gives a chronological outline of the story of the Belhar Confession with voices from different backgrounds telling the story from their vantage points. The interpretation of Belhar Confession is like a pattern in a kaleidoscope. When the instrument is turned a bit to get the historical perspective, a different pattern emerges, although the basic elements are the same. Section 1 considers the development of racially-segregated churches in the Reformed tradition in South Africa and Namibia, the theological justification of apartheid, the drafting of the confession and the acceptance, adoption, advocacy, reception and protestation regarding the confession in South Africa, Namibia and in the global North. The lead essay in this section is by Mary-Anne Plaatjies-Van Huffel, moderator of General Synod of the URCSA. Plaatjies-Van Huffel, Sipho Mahokoto as well as Willem Saaylman set Belhar in its historical context. The contributions of the authors depend on whether the author participated in the discourse personally (e.g. Smit, Boesak, Adonis and Botman) or reconstructs the history from the outside (Plaatjies-Van Huffel, Mahokoto, Saayman and Modise, among others).
This article consists of six parts: firstly, the author will provide orientation on how this rese... more This article consists of six parts: firstly, the author will provide orientation on how this research was conducted and the origin as well as the motivation to pursue this research study. Secondly, concepts like gender, equality and human dignity will be defined and clarified to give the reader a better understanding of these main concepts in this article. Thirdly, the position of theologians on the struggle against gender will be discussed. Fourthly, gender policies of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) and the African National Congress (ANC) will be discussed to explore the correlation between URCSA gender policy and ANC gender policy. Fifthly, the shortcomings in terms of the implementation of these gender policies during an elective conference or synod will be stated. Finally, the author will provide findings and recommendations that can assist to improve the implementation of these policies.
Faith and politics in the South African context, are they God-ordained institutions, intended to ... more Faith and politics in the South African context, are they God-ordained institutions, intended to be mutually supportive? Or are they permanent opponents? These questions will be the bone of contention for this article. The problem of the relation between faith and politics is not new. It has accompanied the faith communities for almost twenty centuries without being fully resolved. Answers that have been given at certain times and in certain situations seem to be inadequate when circumstances change and new issues appear. The roots of this struggle for theological clarity may be traced to the Bible and in the theological traditions. After investigating literature about politics and faith throughout ages, one could recommend that Christians should participate in politics.
This article consists of five mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the histo... more This article consists of five mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the history and origin of the Belhar Confession as a corner stone for URCSA's arguments for church unity. Secondly, the discussion focuses on church unity in general in relation to the trinity, eucharist and the Word of God. Church unity is a given, as a fruit of the cross of Christ. Thirdly, the article discusses the unification process within the DRC and URCSA. Fourthly, the author explores the Belhar Confession as the corner stone of church unity from URCSA's perspective, and the challenges around accepting this confession by the DRC. Fifthly, the author deliberates URCSA's position on the Belhar Confession as fundamental to URCSA's identity and life.
This article consists of four parts. Firstly, the article indicates the impact of the ancient con... more This article consists of four parts. Firstly, the article indicates the impact of the ancient contextual factors of using Father as an attribute of God. The position and role of males and females in the ancient times is highlighted to give clear background why the human authors of the Scripture made use of the ‘father figure’ as the attribute of God. Secondly, attention is given to the revelation of Scripture that God has revealed God-self and how human writers encode the message to suit their context. Thirdly, the question of the relevancy of using God the Father as an attribute of God within a democratic, non-sexist society, and amidst complicated family lives, is addressed. Fourthly, recommendations are made on the multi-faceted attributes of God that can be used interchangeably within the given context. The article argues that God as Spirit is neither male nor female, but incorporeal, and therefore transcends all creation because God is the creator God and cannot be confined to ...
This study evolved from an involvement with professional people in a rural and semirural environm... more This study evolved from an involvement with professional people in a rural and semirural environment thereby taking into account the role which the Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) plays in their professional context of work. Two underlying factors motivate the study. Firstly, that professional needs and capacities of faith, belief and spirituality are not been catered for in the EAPs. Secondly, that an African-Christian wholesome sense making approach provides more satisfactory answers to the lack of faith, belief and spirituality in the EAPs than the modern versions of the classic dualist and tripartite anthropological schemes of soul and body or soul, spirit and body. Furthermore, a wholesome sense making approach supports and tackles people's wellness and well-being levels more satisfactorily than the classic dualist and tripartite views. An outline of an EAP in which faith leaders and consultants and their programmes are integrated and which contributes to the enhancing of well-being levels and performance management of professional people is described. The main focus of the study revolves around wholesome foursome experiential patterns in which alternating emphases of faith experience are acted out in the sense of 'I believe God, I believe myself, I believe my human neighbours and I believe the physical natural environment'. This four side pattern of faith experience functions as an important theoretical assumption in the study. A second theoretical assumption has to do with the foursome processual framework of God's grand acts of creation, reconciliation (redemption= cross and resurrection of Jesus), renewal (ongoing renewal of everything) and consummation and fulfilment towards the end (aim and goal) in which we as people and the physical natural environment are intrinsically and continuously involved. A third theoretical assumption revolves around the foursome experiential professional performance pattern of 'I perform for God, I perform for myself, I perform for my human neighbours and I perform for the physical natural environment'. The foursome experiential patterns are also set as evaluative pointer patterns around which the empirical investigative part is constructed. vii KEY WORDS Employee Assistance Programme, professionals, wellbeing and wellness, faith leaders, rural and semi-rural area, theanthropocosmic principle, dual-twosome, triadicthreesome, foursome experiential pattern, intra-relational and inter-relational, wholesome approach, spirituality, spiritual direction, Pastoral counselling and Psychotherapy viii CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 ORIENTATION 1.1 2.5.1.2 Faith counselling as wholesome approach 2.5.1.3 Faith counselling: tasks, aspects and tools 109 2.5.1.3.1 Continuous awareness of the four grand acts of God's creation, reconciliation, renewal and fulfilment 109 x 2.5.1.3.2 Continuous awareness of the foursome experiential pattern of believing God, oneself, others and the physical-organic world 2.5.1.3.3 Continuous awareness of the management of change between fields of experience and social roles in daily life 2.5.1.3.4 Continuous awareness of experience of different types and levels of wellness and wellbeing 2.5.1.3.5 Meditation as a faith counselling tool 2.5.1.3.6 Activating and setting of interactional processes as a faith counselling tool 2.5.1.4 Combination and compromise of counselling approaches 2.5.1.5
ABSTRACT This article consists of five parts. Firstly, the historical background of the Uniting R... more ABSTRACT This article consists of five parts. Firstly, the historical background of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) is traced briefly. Secondly, the author will investigate the different decisions of the General synod of Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (DRCA) from Tshilidzini in 1971 to Pretoria 1991 regarding church unification. Thirdly, in this article I will look into decisions of the General Synod of the then DRCA on the fourth confession. Fourthly, the decision of the General Synod about Belhar Confession prior to 14 of April 1994 and the unity talks amongst the then DRC members as well as its impact on unity will be discussed. Finally, this article will address the final decisions of the then DRCA towards church unification with the Dutch Reformed Mission Church (DRMC) as the result of the delay from the Dutch Reformed Church. In this article we will be remembering the DRCA’s bumpy road to church unity.
The legacy of socio-economic injustice which was inherited from the Natives Land Act of 1913 cont... more The legacy of socio-economic injustice which was inherited from the Natives Land Act of 1913 continues to haunt the majority of black South Africans. The land dispossession of the indigenous people of South Africa under this Act caused poverty which is still prevalent in our country today.Many South Africans, especially black South Africans, are trapped in a cycle of poverty that emerged as a result of our history of colonialism and apartheid. The interrogation of the unsettling discourse on land in South Africa as well as the continuous poverty cycle is fundamental for offering empowering possibilities for the poor. As such, the role played by the South African churches to support and/or oppose the Natives Land Act of 1913 cannot be ignored. The main question engaged with in the present text is: if the issue of poverty, as foregrounded in the discourse of land and within the ecclesial discussion, is engaged with from a historicoecclesiastical perspective, could the discourse provid...
Abstract This article consists of five parts. Firstly, what restitution means in the South Africa... more Abstract This article consists of five parts. Firstly, what restitution means in the South African context is traced briefly. Secondly, secondly, the historical background on land possession by whites and dispossession of blacks in South Africa is highlighted. Thirdly, the legal aspect of land occupation by blacks in South Africa is discussed, with special reference to black church buildings that are in white church land. Finally, there is discussion on how land restitution can apply to black churches that are on white land. A case is made for land restitution within the context of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA)‘s struggle to have the property registered in the names of the congregations, and the dispossession of church buildings owned by the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Africa, based on title deeds in the name of the DRC. This article is based on qualitative research conducted by the author from URCSA on land issues. The author uses observations, interview...
ABSTRACT This paper will focus on five important issues that will attempt to answer this question... more ABSTRACT This paper will focus on five important issues that will attempt to answer this question: “What kind of democracy and what kind of new order, is- or should be-in the making? Firstly, a brief historical background of democracy and its impact on effective and efficiency on the South African democracy will be traced. Secondly, two forms of democracy (participatory democracy and representative democracy) in South African context will be briefly discussed and evaluated. Thirdly, the author will look into the real pitfalls of democracy in South Africa concerning continuous participatory democracy or consultative democracy. Modernity requires representative parliamentary forms of government, but this certainly does not mean that participatory democracy is obsolete. The democratic need to participate in the political process, including the right of individuals to choose their own representatives, has often come into conflict with the need to ensure competence and efficiency in gove...
Abstract This paper consists of four important parts. Firstly, the impact of globalisation on the... more Abstract This paper consists of four important parts. Firstly, the impact of globalisation on the potential African intellectuals (learners) due to the Euro-centric educational system in South Africa will be discussed. Secondly, the author will present the importance of language as a vehicle that transmits culture. It is well known that there is no culture transmission without language. Culture is embedded in a language. This is an important prerequisite for Africans in Africa and Diaspora to know that the process of Africanisation of African children starts with the learning of a language. In most cases, the educational system does not use African languages as a medium of instruction. This on its own creates a problem for potential African intellectuals to know their identity and culture. In this sense, the European culture is still considered to be positive (beautiful, intelligent, rational, objective), hence the Model C schooling system is considered the best. However, by trainin...
BELHAR CONFESSION OF FAITH: A SPIRITUALITY SENSE- MAKING CONFESSION Leepo Modise Department of Ph... more BELHAR CONFESSION OF FAITH: A SPIRITUALITY SENSE- MAKING CONFESSION Leepo Modise Department of Philosophy and Systematic Theology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Abstract This article consists of three parts. Firstly, the historical background on Belhar confession is briefly highlighted. Secondly, the distinction between spirituality and religion in relation to the Belhar confession is discussed, with special reference to spirituality as the search for wholeness, meaning, purpose, connection and the resolution of those great existential questions human race is faced with in life. If spirituality means anything, it means a sense of connection with oneself, each other, work, home and church as well as that which is beyond the self. Spirituality is thus fundamental to the right relationships with ourselves, others and beyond. Finally, there is discussion on Belhar confession of faith in relation to spirituality; here the author shows that Belhar as spirituality has ...
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