Reconciliation as a controversial symbol: An analysis of a theological discourse between 1968-2010
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Date
2017
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This study entails a conceptual analysis of "reconciliation" as one of the guiding concepts
in Christian discourse in the South African context. It is abundantly clear from the
literature that reconciliation is understood in very different ways. This is observed from
publications beginning in the 1960s. Since that time it is often used to offer theological
reflection on social conflict in the country. In this study, I propose a framework in which
one can identify, describe and assess at least three distinct ways in which the reconciliation
concept is understood in theological literature emanating from South Africa. I describe
them as a) Justice through reconciliation in Jesus Christ, b) Justice and reconciliation after
liberation and c) Reconstruction requires national reconciliation. The famous Christus
Victor typology of the three main "types" of atonement developed by the Swedish
theologian, Gustaf Aulen is used as a background to these approaches. The purpose of this
study is to aid continued theological reflection on the basis of a conceptual analysis of
creative ways in which the reconciliation concept is used in a Christian context. This study
is an attempt to offer a constructive reinterpretation of reconciliation in contemporary
South Africa.
Description
Philosophiae Doctor - PhD (Religion and Theology)