Black theology : challenge to mission
Kritzinger, J. N. J. (Johannes Nicolaas Jacobus), 1950-
This thesis proposes that Christian mission in South Africa
should be understood in terms of liberation. To achieve this aim,
the author listens attentively to Black Theology, and then
responds from a position of solidarity to the double challenge
which it poses: a negation of traditional mission and an affirmation
of liberating mission. Since black theologians grapple with
the concrete implications of their blackness, a white theologian
needs to make a consciously white =esponse in order to do justice
to it.
Since Black Theology emerged out of the Black Consciousness
movement and developed in dialogue with it, the study begins with
an examination of the theory and praxis of the Black Consciousness
movement. Then follows an overview of the two phases of
Black Theology in South Africa, in which the emphasis is placed
on the organisations and events which embodied this approach,
rather than on individual theologians.
In the systematic analysis of Black Theology, attention is first
given to the element of negation. In this section the five inte=related
dimensions of South African Christianity which cause
black suffering are examined. Then an analysis is made of the
element of affirmation: the liberating action proposed by black
theologians for the eradication of suffering and the attainment
of new human beings in a new South Africa. Since Black Theology
has an holistic understanding of mission, attention is given to
personal, ecclesial and societal dimensions.
The final section is a white response to this double challenge.
First, it develops the notion of liberating mission and conversian in the white community. Secondly it establishes a number of
fundamental criteria for liberating mission. This final part
draws conclusions from the analysis done in the earlier parts,
and asks critical questions about some aspects of Black Theology.
In this way the basis is laid for white involvement in liberating
mission and for ongoing interaction with Black Theology.
↧