Leepo Modise

The Role of the Church in Socio-Economic Transformation: Reformation as a Transformation Process

This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be discussed as an exercise to remember reformation. Secondly, we review the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) prior to democracy in South Africa. The purpose for focusing on the role of the church from this period is that it gives us a model to follow in our involvement in socio-economic transformation. Thirdly, the social and economic challenges facing the church and society in democratic South Africa will be discussed. Fourthly, we debate the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) in democratic South Africa. Fifthly, the article explores what role the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) is playing (descriptive) and ought to play (normative) through all her structures to transform the socio-economic situation in South Africa.

THE UNIFICATION PROCESS IN THE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH (DRC) FAMILY AND UNITING REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (URCSA): THE CONFESSIONAL BASIS OF THE BELHAR CONFESSION

This article consists of five mains parts. Firstly the author gives a brief overview of the history and origin of the Belhar Confession as a corner stone for URCSA’s arguments for church unity. Secondly, the discussion focuses on church unity in general in relation to the Trinity, Eucharist and the Word of God. Church unity is a given, as a fruit of the cross of Christ. Thirdly, the article discusses the unification process within the DRC and URCSA. Fourthly, the author explores the Belhar Confession as the corner stone of church unity from URCSA’s perspective, and the challenges around accepting this confession by the DRC. Fifthly, the author deliberates URCSA’s position on the Belhar Confession as fundamental to URCSA’s identity and life.

Well-Being and Wellness in the Twenty-First Century: A Theanthropocosmic Approach

In this paper, clarification and definition of the concept well-being of human beings are reflected upon from a faith perspective. The author will define well-being and wellness within the following conceptual definitions: firstly, well-being and wellness will be defined in term of African-Christian approach (the interconnectedness of God-human-and-world approach). Secondly, the author will focus on differentiation of well-being and wellness in a human being. Thirdly, the focal point will be on the mixing of holistic, dualist and triadic approaches to define well-being.

Faith and Politics in South Africa: Should Christians Participate in Politics?

Faith and politics in the South African context, are they God-ordained institutions, intended to be mutually supportive? Or are they permanent opponents? These questions will be the bone of contention for this article. The problem of the relation between faith and politics is not new. It has accompanied the faith communities for almost twenty centuries without being fully resolved. Answers that have been given at certain times and in certain situations seem to be inadequate when circumstances change and new issues appear. The roots of this struggle for theological clarity may be traced to the Bible and in the theological traditions. After investigating literature about politics and faith throughout ages, one could recommend that Christians should participate in politics.