Ecodomy - Life in its fullness

This book provides a coherent and conceptual portrayal of aspects of the theological research theme, entitled Ecodomy (literally meaning to ‘build a house’). In its figurative meaning the term Ecodomy addresses the theme, ‘life in its fullness’. This fullness of life entails a polarity which is inherently part of life, namely its brokenness and its wholeness. From various theological disciplines, namely Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History and Practical Theology, both the brokenness and wholeness are addressed theologically. Every chapter focuses on a specific theological discipline, while the combination of theological disciplines, addresses the brokenness and wholeness of life as coherent concept. One pole does not exclude the other. Brokenness is visible in current or recent very relevant societal challenges, such as racism and xenophobia, apartheid, foreignness and exclusivism, leadership crises and violence. In contrast, wholeness is embedded in themes such as the African concept of ubuntu, a life of faith and wisdom, reconciling leadership, or transforming space and community. Ultimately, a Greek term ἀναίδεια (persistence) is connected to the meaning of Ecodomy and ‘life in its fullness’. Several methodologies have been used in the different contributions of the book. Every theological discipline applies a different methodology for the purpose of exposing a specific topic or research theme. In general, the contributions in this book follow a combination of a literature study with the further application of diachronic and synchronic exegetical methods. In addition, single contributions follow an own hermeneutical approach. Not one single contribution, but a combination of different theological disciplines, which form the concepts of brokenness and wholeness (life in its fullness), which expose the polarity of life, are included in this book. In its exposed interdisciplinary interwovenness, the book provides a tapestry of how different theological disciplines are combined into a single theme and how they contribute together by means of theological analyses and attempted building blocks to build the broken ‘houses’ of societal structures or human life. The book contributes to selected aspects of broken life in society and the healing experiences of human life. Several themes touch on recent and relevant challenges which have contributed to the brokenness of life. Not only in South Africa, but globally these are currently relevant themes. They include realities of racism and xenophobia, apartheid, foreignness and exclusivism, leadership crises and violence. With the focus on wholeness, specific attention is given to the African concept of ubuntu, a life of faith and wisdom, reconciling leadership, and transforming space and society. A Greek term ἀναίδεια (insolence as ‘in keeping on asking’ – Lk 11:8) illuminates the theme of Ecodomy from the perspective of a parable. The target audience of the book is academic scholars and theologians, who specialise in the different fields of Theology, the Humanities and other Social Sciences. Furthermore, the book is also accessible to scholars of other academic disciplines outside these disciplines. The book contains original research and contributions have not been plagiarised from publications elsewhere

Trading Justice for Peace? Reframing reconciliation in TRC processes in South Africa, Canada and Nordic countries

Conflict in its various manifestations continues to be a defining feature in many places throughout the world. In an attempt to address such conflict, various forms of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have been introduced to facilitate the transition from social conflict to a new dispensation. The introduction and subsequent proceedings of TRCs in South Africa, Canada and Norway are widely regarded as good examples of this approach. Against this background, a number of researchers from VID Specialized University and the University of the Western Cape had an exploratory meeting in Oslo in 2018 where the possibility for a joint research project under the broad theme of ‘discourses on reconciliation’ was first discussed. This led to two further research symposia in Cape Town and Tromsø in 2019. With the inclusion of specialists working on the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation process, these meetings demonstrated common ground and a shared understanding of the issues at stake. Moreover, it pointed to the differences between the South African, Canadian and Norwegian Commissions. In comparing the South African, Canadian and Norwegian experiences, researchers identified that these countries were, in fact, at different stages of their respective truth and reconciliation processes. This has prompted scholars to revisit and problematise these processes in relation to ongoing societal challenges. In all cases, it is quite apparent that reconciliation between individuals and groups remains a significant challenge

Trading Justice for Peace? Reframing reconciliation in TRC processes in South Africa, Canada and Nordic countries

Conflict in its various manifestations continues to be a defining feature in many places throughout the world. In an attempt to address such conflict, various forms of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) have been introduced to facilitate the transition from social conflict to a new dispensation. The introduction and subsequent proceedings of TRCs in South Africa, Canada and Norway are widely regarded as good examples of this approach. Against this background, a number of researchers from VID Specialized University and the University of the Western Cape had an exploratory meeting in Oslo in 2018 where the possibility for a joint research project under the broad theme of ‘discourses on reconciliation’ was first discussed. This led to two further research symposia in Cape Town and Tromsø in 2019. With the inclusion of specialists working on the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation process, these meetings demonstrated common ground and a shared understanding of the issues at stake. Moreover, it pointed to the differences between the South African, Canadian and Norwegian Commissions. In comparing the South African, Canadian and Norwegian experiences, researchers identified that these countries were, in fact, at different stages of their respective truth and reconciliation processes. This has prompted scholars to revisit and problematise these processes in relation to ongoing societal challenges. In all cases, it is quite apparent that reconciliation between individuals and groups remains a significant challenge

Prophetic dialogue: The quest for religious leaders seeking reconciliation in the aftermath of the transition in South Africa?

The TRC re-enactment consultation18 afforded the opportunity to reflect on the leadership of religious leaders during the apartheid era, and in the years that followed. This chapter is particularly interested in the prophetic leadership provided by religious leaders during apartheid, and 20 years following the transition by engaging with some normative thoughts on prophetic dialogue. The findings on the leadership provided during the post-TRC are reflected upon in terms of reconciliation through the hermeneutical lens of the Belgian scholar Valarie Rosoux. Hereby, this chapter seeked to contribute to reconciliation and national unity in the current South African context with some strategic conclusions to ensure that the process of reconciliation becomes a priority for all faith communities across the nation

Chronicle of the re-enactment of the TRC's Faith Communities' Hearings with a view to the present and future of a post-TRC South Africa : 8-9 October 2014, Stellenbosch

CITATION: Thesnaar, C. & Hansen, L. 2020. Chronicle of the re-enactment of the TRC's Faith Communities' Hearings with a view to the present and future of a post-TRC South Africa : 8-9 October 2014, Stellenbosch, in Thesnaar, C. H. & Hansen, L. D. (eds.) 2020. Unfinished business? Faith communities and reconciliation in a post-TRC context. Stellenbosch: SUN MeDIA, doi:10.18820/9781928480518/03.The original publication is available at https://africansunmedia.store.it.si/zaOn 8 October 2014, the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology in the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, in collaboration with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, hosted the re-enactment (also called a re-enactment consultation) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions’ (TRC) Faith Communities' Hearings. During the TRC’s Faith Communities’ Hearing in 1997, different faith communities in South Africa, including Christian churches and some religious organisations, submitted presentations on their role in the apartheid history of our country. They also commented on their commitment to reconciliation and a reconciled future for South Africa. It was no coincidence that the re-enactment coincided with the 20th commemoration of the birth of a democratic South Africa, as at the time, and following it, there was an increase in the divisions and friction within South African society in general and, in particular, on the role that the faith communities play or should play in this regard. Therefore, the re-enactment aimed to find, amid the 20-year celebrations, ways to again put the process of reconciliation back on the main agenda of all faith communities in the country. The re-enactment further attempted to make a significant contribution to reconciliation and national unity in the current South African context. It hoped to contribute to the development of responsible and realistic reconciliation strategies for the faith communities and to offer practical suggestions on how to address the challenges of reconciliation and nation-building at the southern-most tip of our continent. In telling the story of the re-enactment, the structure of this chronicle will first describe the events leading up to it; next, it will give an overview of the two days of the re-enactment; and, finally, it will end with a general conclusion.Publisher's versio

A pastoral approach of hope and compassion : an African perspective on challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

CITATION: Khoaseb, M. & Thesnaar, C. 2020. 'n Pastorale benadering van hoop en deernis : 'n Afrikaiese perspektief op die uitdaging van die COVID-19-pandemie. LitNet Akademies, 17(3):574-592.The original publication is available at https://www.litnet.co.zaDie artikel ondersoek die omvang van en invloed van siekte op Afrika-mense (waarmee in hierdie artikel bedoel word mense na wie dikwels ook as Afrikane verwys word) en bespreek die rol en bydrae van ’n pastorale sorg van hoop en medelye tot ’n betekenisvolle Christelike lewensbestaan. Dit plaas besondere klem op die huidige COVID-19-pandemie wat die meeste dele van die wêreld affekteer, met dodelike gevolge. Die fokus van die artikel is op die omvang van die impak van die COVID-19-pandemie op Afrika-gemeenskappe. Die artikel poog om pastorale sorg te integreer met die konsepte van koinonia en ubuntu in die soeke na responsiewe genesingsalternatiewe vir Afrika-Christene. Koinonia bestaan uit elemente van gemeenskap, aanbidding, welwillendheidsdade, morele en spirituele waardes wat almal kenmerke van geloofsgemeenskap is. Ubuntu2 onderskryf die waardes van koinonia, juis omdat Afrika-mense glo in samehorigheid en gemeenskapsgebondenheid. Die impak van COVID-19 het direkte betrekking op pastorale sorg aan Afrika-Christene vanuit ubuntu- en koinoniabenaderinge. In die Afrikaïese konteks moet siek persone nie op hulle eie ly nie, want lyding moet gesien word as ’n oproep aan ander tot dade van deernis en simpatie. Binne die konteks van die Afrikaïese wêreldbeskouing word siekte nie ligtelik beskou nie, maar gesien as ’n teken dat drastiese stappe gedoen moet word om genesing en ewewig of ekwilibrium te verseker. Baie Afrika-mense beleef geen spanning om uiting te gee aan voorvaderlike toewyding en terselfdertyd vir Jesus Christus te aanbid nie. Wanneer hulle siek is, sal hulle desperaat soek na genesing, hetsy via tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers of enige ander medium wat fisieke genesing beloof. Omonzejele (2003:29) merk op dat Afrika-mense tydens siekte as eerste keuse tradisionele medisyne opsoek. ’n Studie deur Lin e.a. (2002:247) het reeds in 2002 bevestig dat ongeveer 70% van Afrika-mense tradisionele genesers gebruik voor hulle hul toevlug tot Westerse medisyne neem. Die maatreëls wat toegepas word om die verspreiding van COVID-19 te beperk, bemoeilik toegang tot genoemde alternatiewe genesingsmoontlikhede waaraan baie Afrika-mense vir eeue gewoond was. Hierdie waarneming is belangrik, en die artikel sal later daarop uitbrei, omdat dit gemoeid is met die kern van pastorale sorg in die Afrikaïese konteks. Die noodsaaklikheid van hoop en deernis word ’n belangrike element tydens die desperaatheid van COVID-19-toestande en die vrees, twyfel en onsekerheid wat die virus veroorsaak. Hierdie artikel is gestruktureer rondom die volgende aspekte: eerstens, ’n beskrywing van COVID-19 en die impak op Afrika Christene; tweedens, ’n poging om die Afrika-konsep van ubuntu te verbind met die Christelike konsep van koinonia vir doeltreffende pastorale sorg; derdens, ’n bespreking van die doel van ’n pastorale sorg van hoop en medelye; en vierdens, die benadering van pastorale hoop en deernis as responsiewe alternatief tydens COVID-19 vir Afrika-Christene.The article explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Christians and discusses the role of pastoral care of hope and compassion towards meaningful Christian living. Special focus is placed on the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which is affecting the whole world, with deadly consequences. COVID-19 is a new virus and scientists and medical researchers are in a race to isolate the virus and develop a vaccine to combat the onslaught of the virus on humanity.Publisher's versio

Ecodomy - Life in its fullness

This book provides a coherent and conceptual portrayal of aspects of the theological research theme, entitled Ecodomy (literally meaning to ‘build a house’). In its figurative meaning the term Ecodomy addresses the theme, ‘life in its fullness’. This fullness of life entails a polarity which is inherently part of life, namely its brokenness and its wholeness. From various theological disciplines, namely Old Testament Studies, New Testament Studies, Systematic Theology, Church History and Practical Theology, both the brokenness and wholeness are addressed theologically. Every chapter focuses on a specific theological discipline, while the combination of theological disciplines, addresses the brokenness and wholeness of life as coherent concept. One pole does not exclude the other. Brokenness is visible in current or recent very relevant societal challenges, such as racism and xenophobia, apartheid, foreignness and exclusivism, leadership crises and violence. In contrast, wholeness is embedded in themes such as the African concept of ubuntu, a life of faith and wisdom, reconciling leadership, or transforming space and community. Ultimately, a Greek term ἀναίδεια (persistence) is connected to the meaning of Ecodomy and ‘life in its fullness’. Several methodologies have been used in the different contributions of the book. Every theological discipline applies a different methodology for the purpose of exposing a specific topic or research theme. In general, the contributions in this book follow a combination of a literature study with the further application of diachronic and synchronic exegetical methods. In addition, single contributions follow an own hermeneutical approach. Not one single contribution, but a combination of different theological disciplines, which form the concepts of brokenness and wholeness (life in its fullness), which expose the polarity of life, are included in this book. In its exposed interdisciplinary interwovenness, the book provides a tapestry of how different theological disciplines are combined into a single theme and how they contribute together by means of theological analyses and attempted building blocks to build the broken ‘houses’ of societal structures or human life. The book contributes to selected aspects of broken life in society and the healing experiences of human life. Several themes touch on recent and relevant challenges which have contributed to the brokenness of life. Not only in South Africa, but globally these are currently relevant themes. They include realities of racism and xenophobia, apartheid, foreignness and exclusivism, leadership crises and violence. With the focus on wholeness, specific attention is given to the African concept of ubuntu, a life of faith and wisdom, reconciling leadership, and transforming space and society. A Greek term ἀναίδεια (insolence as ‘in keeping on asking’ – Lk 11:8) illuminates the theme of Ecodomy from the perspective of a parable. The target audience of the book is academic scholars and theologians, who specialise in the different fields of Theology, the Humanities and other Social Sciences. Furthermore, the book is also accessible to scholars of other academic disciplines outside these disciplines. The book contains original research and contributions have not been plagiarised from publications elsewhere