’n Ekklesiologiese model vir die bediening van versoening in ’n sosio-politieke konteks

Abstract

An ecclesiological model for the ministry of reconciliation in a socio-political context
This research article examines an ecclesiological model suitable for the promotion of socio-political reconciliation in the South African context from a reformed theological and philo-sophical pespective. Its point of departure is that reformational theology is per definition a public theology, which is inter alia directed at the renewal of society, and that churches have a positive role to play in this regard. Firstly, the article investigates the historic contribution of Kuyper’s ecclesiology and Dooye-weerd’s perspective on social life and the philosophy of the Idea of Law. Secondly, the article focuses on the biblical concept “Kingdom of God” and its implications for an ecclesiological model. Taking into account the contributions of these two lines of thought, the article concludes that the church should be seen as the “power station” of society. The church should equip believers to promote socio-political transformation in society. Furthermore, the church should be actively engaged in socio-political transformation by preaching the reconciliation in Christ and its implications for society, and by being an example of reconciliation amidst a divided community by overcoming the divisions caused by racism, tribalism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and ethnocentrism in its own midst.