The missionary role of mainstream Christianity: Towards a narrative paradigm for social integration of minorities in pluralistic post-apartheid South Africa
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Date
2015
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
This article attempts to add to the existing approaches of practical theology and specifically
to the missionary approaches of mainline churches towards immigrants. This is an attempt
to enhance the mission amongst immigrants by critically engaging with the two approaches,
namely: mainstream and margins and pillarization. Notwithstanding the important
contributions that these two approaches make to tolerance, integration and cohesion of
differences I seek to point out some serious limitations of the two approaches. These limitations
include social coercion, co-option, relativism and loss of identity. Considering these limitations
a third approach, the narrative approach, takes serious community, tradition and symbol for
more effective mission amongst immigrants by mainline churches. Social cohesion, a more
realistic reality and integrated communities are some of the consequences of this approach
when doing missionary activities amongst immigrants.
Description
Keywords
Theology, Practical theology, South Africa, Immigrants
Citation
Klaasen, J.S. (2015). The missionary role of mainstream Christianity: Towards a narrative paradigm for social integration of minorities in pluralistic post-apartheid South Africa. HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 71(2), Art. #2115