Ideology of 'neighbour' : a theology of transformation from a theological-ethical interpretation of Leviticus 19

Abstract

In May 2008, South Africa experienced horrific xenophobic attacks on internationals, the likes of which have not been seen since the fall of the apartheid regime. Leviticus 19 will be viewed ideologically as a search for an appropriate way of relating to others, especially those who are deemed as different. Mary Douglas‟ ring composition will be the ideological methodology that will be utilized to propose a theology of transformation from an exegesis of the Hebrew text of Leviticus 19. The proposed theology of transformation will accentuate the interrelationship between spiritual and social transformation. The intended outcome of this research is simple: When will the church (universal) begin to reflect on issues preemptively instead of having to address injustices after the fact?