Public theology in the South African context

Abstract

In this article the most relevant features of South African society and the most important challenges Public Theology is faced with in this context are discussed. The most basic challenge identified is to reach agreement on the most appropriate notion of Public Theology. It is also necessary for Public Theology to help the churches and their members to overcome their uncertainty about the Christian assessment of the democratic dispensation in South Africa and the transformation policies introduced by the government. The development of an inspiring vision of the public role churches should play in South African society is identified as another important challenge. Churches would however, only be able to play an effective prophetic and constructive role in society if they embody the vision of a better society they proclaim and in this way serve as models of a better society. Public Theology is challenged to call the churches to be faithful to this vision and to prophetically criticise them when they are unfaithful to it.