Abstract:
The question is asked whether the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van
Afrika has a political responsibility in the new South Africa? It is often
heard that the church has no political responsibility - especially in the
new circumstances. In defending this viewpoint, theologians in South
Africa argue that they are in line with Luther's theory of the two kingdoms.
This article shows that the theory of the two kingdoms is not a
unique Lutheran, but also a Calvinist interest. It is further shown that
this theory is not only concerned with separating the two kingdoms, but
also with bringing these kingdoms into relationship with one another. A
plea is made for loyalty towards both the Lutheran and Calvinist traditions.
Attention is also given to three new challenges namely democracy,
pluralism and Africanisation.
