A critique of land reform in Zimbabwe from the perspective of Miroslav Volf's public theology

Abstract

The ultimate objective of this thesis is broadening our view of social justice so that it lessens conflict rather than fostering it and is firmly rooted in the justice of God. This endeavour is centred around Miroslav Volf's Public Theology. The thesis is focusing on the branch of historical theology known as public theology. When collecting data and interpreting the pertinent research data, the inquiry is using a mixed method to qualitative research. The study is focused on text analysis, using Volf's writings about his social life as well as images, words, affirmations, and other literature. In accordance with Van Aarde (2008:1216), public theology can be found in a wide range of media, including music, novels, films, art, architecture, marches of protest, newspapers, and articles from magazines. While establishing Miroslav Volf's public theology as a point of comparison and critique, the study is encouraging "historical-theological" critique of land reform as well as interrogating the socio-political situation and social exclusion in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean Land Reform Programme of 2000 serves as an illustration of a disregard for social justice within Zimbabwe. The study is employing a social transformational approach to reading the Bible and historical hermeneutics in theological analysis. Additionally, it is advocating for a social hermeneutic among Christian Bible interpreters. The study is beginning by providing a general overview of the socio-political situation in Zimbabwe, where an ongoing social and political crisis is significantly affecting the public's standard of life. The study is evaluating the major issues and making recommendations based on Volf's public theology of justice that may yield useful solutions for the future pursuit of justice. Second, the study is exploring and identifying the development of the past and present-day instances of social justice in Zimbabwe, as well as the role that Christian individuals and institutions are playing in advancing social justice. Based on the study, public engagement requires to be

improved to further the cause of justice. This is ought to follow from Volf's conception of his public theology, which is emphasising embracing, remembrance, and inclusion. Extended thinking can be used to transform interactions with the public. The key to proactively pursuing justice is attempting to develop one another and allowing the other to shape oneself for the common good. The third section of the study is looking at the theological foundations of Volf's research into public theology. The writings of Volf can provide insight into public theology, which has important implications for the quest of justice. A conviction of justice can exist in a nation where everything is promoted for the good of the whole because of Volf's initiatives. Finally, it is outlining the procedures by which the church might engage the public in a good and faithful manner for the sake of justice and within the confines of this mandate. In accordance with Volf's public theology and the study's proposed strategic map for Christian public engagement, the quest of justice must concentrate on restoring appropriate relationships beyond the obligation due and be a continual procedure rather than disconnected actions. Christian institutes and local churches can foster responsible citizenship on the part of their members by encouraging them to participate in public interest groups.