TWEE TEOLOGIES-ETIESE PERSPEKTIEWE OP ’N KEUSE VIR INKLUSIEWE DEMOKRASIE IN SUID-AFRIKA

Abstract

Two theological-ethical perspectives on an option for inclusive democracy in South Africa.The document ‘The option for inclusive democracy’ (Centre for Hermeneutics, University of Stellenbosch, 1987) is an attempt to develop a social theology which is legitimate as regards mainstream theology and relevant as regards the South African context. After two years of constant consultation with a wide spectrum of Christians [particularly black], the document was published in a concise format. This article deals with two important aspects informing the document – racism and the concept of created order. The racist concept of a world order based on a natural hierarchy of being prevalent in South Africa, is analysed. In response to this, ‘The Opinion…’ develops a moral (as opposed to an ideological) concept of the world order. The central point is that love, as a creative act of liberation and reconciliation, is the intended order for human life. Despite all odds, this order still pertains because God, as an actor also in the human game, maintains this order. The social-political structure of society should, taking into account the material conditions prevailing at any given time, be commensurate with God’s order.