Abstract:
This article considers the topical issue of social cohesion. It seeks to demythologise the issue
bringing it into critical conversation with eight related categories. It proposes that a vision of
a socially cohesive society should employ all eight categories as parallel and complementary
strategies. Secondly, it proposes a practical theological vision of social cohesion that will not
only embrace these eight categories but will root itself in a spirituality of the table, informed
by a vision of the oikos of God, seeking shalom in the oikos and doing so through four strategic
moments of engagement.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS: This article indicates that social
cohesion requires an integrated approach of different strategies, not competing but
complementing each other. Social cohesion requires interdisciplinary, intradisciplinary and
transdisciplinary research and action. For example, exploring ways in which land redistribution
inhibits or contributes to social cohesion requires multiple stakeholders and disciplines
discerning together. The proposed practical theological vision implies new categories to be
included in curricula and practical theological discourse for it to contribute meaningfully not
only to the current debate but also to practices fostering a socially cohesive society.
