14 research outputs found
Proposing a social justice approach to diaconia for a South African context
This article belongs to the Special Issue titled: 'Diaconia and Christian Social Practice in a Global Perspective'.South Africa, although a âyoungâ democracy, has quickly become one of the most economically uneven nations due to its history of segregation and discrimination as contributing factors.
South Africans have seen an increase in the number of protests over the past several years because of
the frustration that has been caused by unbearable living circumstances, a lack of service delivery,
and empty promises made by the government. Poverty, unemployment, and social injustice are
seen by the South African government as the most important obstacles that need to be overcome to
construct a prosperous nation. Despite the governmentâs commitment to a âbetter life for allâ since
1994, the post-apartheid South African government has predominantly prioritised civil and political
rights in its efforts to address social injustices, while the socio-economic needs of the countryâs
impoverished and marginalised populations have remained largely unfulfilled. The degradation
of human dignity that results from conditions such as poverty and unemployment is significant. A
violation of oneâs dignity can also occur when one is excluded from efforts to combat issues such as
poverty and unemployment, which should be considered. Amidst all of this, the church is criticised
for remaining silent and doing little to address the situation. This article proposes social justice as an
ideal approach to diaconia and development. Therefore, it seeks to understand and include social
justice principles as a means of empowering people to ensure effective development. The objective of
long-term poverty reduction cannot be accomplished unless there is an emphasis placed on social
justice. This article conducts an in-depth analysis of a variety of social justice theories to rationalise a
social justice approach to diaconia.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/religionsPractical TheologyNon
Diaconate and youth in Afrikaans-speaking Reformed congregations in South Africa
South Africa is characterised by various socio-economic and socio-political challenges
(fractures) not easily met (or healed). âFracturesâ refer to social, economic, religious, spatial,
ecological, environmental, and economic injustices and other issues. Within this context, the
church is confronted with her vocation. The unique vocation of a congregation is that the
members become a ânew communityâ (koinonia) in which they not only care for one another
but also develop relationships featuring care for, and mercy and solidarity (diakonia) with
the weak, poor, and marginalised in society. Several researchers prove that the current
South African youth could be classified as vulnerable and marginalised. Since the church
does not preach the gospel in a vacuum but in relation to specific human realities, the
theme of the youth and diaconate in the Afrikaans-speaking Reformed churches in South
Africa is examined in this study, based on Osmerâs Practical Theological Interpretation.
INTERDISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTRADISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The interdisciplinary nature of
this contribution is spread across the two fields of youth ministry and diaconate. The
sub-disciplines of both the youth in general, and youth ministry and youth work within the
academic discourse of the diaconate are studied, specifically in the Afrikaans-speaking
Reformed denomination.http://www.ve.org.zaPractical Theolog
âI canât breatheâ : Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the Belhar Confession as a beacon of light for denouncing racism
Racism continues to divide, separate, oppress and hurtâas was seen by recent
global events. The church, because of the very nature of the Gospel of Christ, is
called to bring unity, reconciliation, justice, healing and peace. The current
crisis and threat of racism call for a time of new opportunity and new
resurrections, forged from resistances that breathe a new life, of which the
Belhar Confession can be a beacon of light. This article focuses on how the
theological framework of Mary-Anne Elizabeth Plaatjies-Van Huffel and the
Belhar Confession provide a historic opportunity to stand in solidarity with the
voices of those who are suffocating (âcanât breatheâ). It is an emphatic call for
the church to denounce and address all forms of racism and injustice.https://upjournals.co.za/index.php/SHE/indexdm2022Practical Theolog
Youth, faith and environmental consciousness in Africa : a practical theology research imperative
Climate change and environmental degradation are arguably among the most significant
concerns for humanity and environmental sustainability on a worldwide scale. Todayâs
youth are at the epicentre of discussions about ecological (in) justice, environmental
consciousness, and climate change discourses and practices. This is illustrated by
international protests, including the Fridays for the Future and Extinction Rebellion
campaigns, to highlight a few. However, both of the aforementioned youth movements
are western illustrations of youth who are participating in these discourses. This article
first argues that the African youth should be at the forefront of the environmental
discourse due to the impact this phenomenon has on Africa. Secondly, this article
focuses on why the environmental discourse should be prioritised in the practical
theological subject field of youth ministry. Within the practical theology discipline,
the tripartite concern with the link between youth, faith, and environmental
consciousness has been under-researched.https://ojs.reformedjournals.co.za/stj/indexdm2022Practical Theolog
Authentic African community development practices in a diverse society: A transdisciplinary approach
The South African people continuously engage in social actions characterised by intolerance, pointing to frustrations and disillusionment in a post-apartheid era. A need to find creative ways to engage diverse communities to work together to participate in their own development and well-being was identified. This article is based on long-term transdisciplinary discourse and work. The aim is to explore how the disciplines of social work, theology and the arts could contribute together towards the development of communities where participation, collaboration and cooperation as key principles of authentic community development are actively implemented. Within a transdisciplinary framework, the disciplines engaged in participatory research projects that resulted in findings that informed the development of a process where people at grassroots level become aware and more tolerant of each other, begin to work together and as such become involved in their own futures. It is concluded that by encouraging participation, collaboration and cooperation in social change processes, the South African people can be empowered towards working together and becoming involved in their own futures
Lost in translation? Religious elements and concepts in youth climate movements
DATA AVAILABILITY : Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data
were created or analysed in this study.Climate change represents the most significant challenge facing the global community. The
issue in question has an impact on the younger generation, whose prospects may be
jeopardised. Both younger and older generations are participating in climate movements. An
illustrious instance is the School Strike for Climate, which was orchestrated by the adolescent
environmentalist, Greta Thunberg. The climate movements exhibit a range of objectives,
actions and focus. Various social movements construct narratives that appeal to the youth
demographic. The presence of a coherent narrative aids in the formation of personal identity
and the establishment of a shared sense of self among individuals. Collectively, they have the
potential to advocate for equitable treatment of the environment. Climate activism, although
not regarded as religious, employs religious language and concepts. Research examining the
climate movementsâ impact on churches has revealed the presence of religious effects. Upon
conducting research on the involvement of young individuals in churches and climate
movements, specifically with regard to their agency, it has been observed that climate
movements are fundamentally grounded in religious language and ideals. This article analyses
the religious concepts found within youth climate movements and further investigates the
correlation between youth climate activism and religion through the analysis of religious
rhetoric.
INTERDISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary
nature of this contribution is spread across the fields of theology and religion. The
sub-disciplines of the youth in general, youth ministry and youth work, religious rhetoric,
climate change, climate justice and environmental consciousness within the academic
discourse of sustainability are studied.FUNDING INFORMATION : This article draws from the research work for the project
consortium âSouth African â German Research Hub on
Religion and Sustainabilityâ (SAGRaS) (2022â2025). SAGRaS
is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and
forms part of the South African â German Collaborative Research Programme (SAG-CORE) on âThe Interface between
Global Change and Social Sciences â post-COVID-19â.
Reference: SAG201111573377.http://www.ve.org.zaam2024Practical TheologySDG-04:Quality EducationSDG-05:Gender equalitySDG-13:Climate actio
Youth, faith, climate change and environmental consciousness: A case for sustainable development
Climate change and environmental destruction are amongst the most threatening challenges to
humanity and sustainable development globally. Young people find themselves right in the
centre of debates about ecological (in)justice, environmental awareness, and climate change
discourses and practices. Youth movements worldwide, such as âExtinction Rebellionâ and
âFridays for Future,â demonstrate that youths are concerned about environmental problems and
ready to become active in climate movements. Their willingness to act on their own behalf
makes them one of the most important and interesting groups to learn more about in relation to
the challenge of building a deeper awareness of environmental issues. Exploring and learning
how youths are engaged with these discourses, how they contribute to a wider social
consciousness of environmental issues and how such awareness is affected by different factors,
such as the role and the contribution of young peopleâs own religious beliefs, are, therefore, of
paramount importance
Youth, faith, climate change and environmental consciousness : a case for sustainable development
Climate change and environmental destruction are amongst the most threatening challenges to
humanity and sustainable development globally. Young people find themselves right in the
centre of debates about ecological (in)justice, environmental awareness, and climate change
discourses and practices. Youth movements worldwide, such as âExtinction Rebellionâ and
âFridays for Future,â demonstrate that youths are concerned about environmental problems and
ready to become active in climate movements. Their willingness to act on their own behalf
makes them one of the most important and interesting groups to learn more about in relation to
the challenge of building a deeper awareness of environmental issues. Exploring and learning
how youths are engaged with these discourses, how they contribute to a wider social
consciousness of environmental issues and how such awareness is affected by different factors,
such as the role and the contribution of young peopleâs own religious beliefs, are, therefore, of
paramount importance.Special Collection: Youth, Faith, Climate Change and Environmental Consciousness: A Case for Sustainable Development,
sub-edited by Jacques Beukes (University of Pretoria), Juliane Stork (Humboldt University, Berlin) and Ignatius Swart (University of the
Western Cape).http://www.hts.org.za/am2022Practical Theolog
Authentic African community development practices in a diverse society : a transdisciplinary approach
The South African people continuously engage in social actions characterised by intolerance,
pointing to frustrations and disillusionment in a post-apartheid era. A need to find creative
ways to engage diverse communities to work together to participate in their own development
and well-being was identified. This article is based on long-term transdisciplinary discourse
and work. The aim is to explore how the disciplines of social work, theology and the arts
could contribute together towards the development of communities where participation,
collaboration and cooperation as key principles of authentic community development are
actively implemented. Within a transdisciplinary framework, the disciplines engaged in
participatory research projects that resulted in findings that informed the development of a
process where people at grassroots level become aware and more tolerant of each other,
begin to work together and as such become involved in their own futures. It is concluded
that by encouraging participation, collaboration and cooperation in social change processes,
the South African people can be empowered towards working together and becoming
involved in their own futures.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: The disciplines of social work, theology and the arts entered into a transdisciplinary dialogue and work over the past years.
The transdisciplinary team engaged in four participatory research projects to include
input from grassroots levels to inform their understanding of how the different
disciplines can better contribute towards a process of authentic community development in
the diverse South African society. This resulted in the process proposed in this article.http://www.hts.org.zapm2021Practical Theolog
Exploring the social function of congregations: Acommunity development approach to develop âhub-and-spillâ early childhood development centres
This article reflects on the findings of a research study that investigated a community development project by CARITAS, a welfare organisation of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC). The said organisation, together with local DRC congregations, and in a quest to address societal issues such as poverty and child neglect in the Northern Cape, developed early childhood development (ECD) centres in rural towns. The aim was to provide young children with quality care and to provide congregations with a platform to become active participants in community development projects. The study was conducted 5 years after the start of the project to explore the nature and value thereof. The outcomes of the study provide valuable insights regarding how such centres served as a tool to work towards ECD and a sense of community in these towns, while also addressing socio-economic issues. This article is aimed at presenting the findings as an example to be explored in other contexts