Abstract:
The role religions play in social transformation is
ambiguous. Many wars have been fought, with religion
as instigator and motivator. Even so, religions have, over
centuries, constantly called out against violence and
oppression and motivated the search for peace. Some
religious leaders famously fought against apartheid, while
others expressed support and legitimated apartheid. The
question beckons as to why religion should be burdened
with the task of transforming society. Is religion best
equipped for this task? Is there no other social institution
capable of performing this task? This study presents three
potential motivations why religion should participate in
social transformation, namely religion is best equipped to
bring about social transformation; religion is least equipped
to bring about social transformation, and spirituality as an
alternative to religion as transformation catalyst. This study
wants to understand what transformation is and what role
religion can play in contributing to social transformation. To achieve this, a clear understanding of the difference
between religion and spirituality is necessary. This study
uses the method of critical analysis of available literature
on the topic.
