CHRISTOLOGIE UIT ‘N DEREDE WERELD PERSPEKTIEF: ‘N LITERATUUR - ONDERSOEK 1

• D J Smit Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7833/23-0-1909

Abstract

Originally, this review formed part of a more comprehensive analysis of the relationship between systematic theology and ethics. Third World christology was used as a very important reminder that Christian systematic theology should have ethical implications, and that Christian knowledge of God, that is, theology, can never be theoretical or speculative only. This emphasis is regarded as an important correction on traditional christology. In order to demonstrate that, a review of christological literature from a Third World perspective is made, with a view to constructing a kind of ‘ideal type’ (weber) of christology from a Third World perspective, in particular: the perspective of the liberation theologies.Some methodological problems are dealt with, namely: what ‘Third World perspective’ means; which literature must be included; and the advantages and disadvantages of trying to construct an ‘ideal type’.The christology that is constructed, is described as a vision of the historical Jesus (1), who calls people to discipleship (2) in the form of an integral spirituality (3). These three aspects are then demonstrated in detail, by quoting extensively from the original documents, so that the thrust and emphasis of liberationist christology can come to the fore.‘Christ is the answer!...What is the problem?’graffiti