Discovering and exploring ubuntu-language in the dialogue between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa

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Authors

Meiring, Lieze

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Publisher

AOSIS OpenJournals

Abstract

Discussions with members of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) and the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) in Ohrigstad illustrate the possibilities of ubuntu-language in overcoming racism and prejudice. After proposing a number of meanings and values related to ubuntu, this research explores the role of ubuntu-language – and at times the lack thereof – in the concrete relationship between these two faith communities as an expression of recent South African history. Ubuntu-language seems to offer unique outcomes in this relationship in strengthening identity, unleashing vitality, celebrating diversity, awakening solidarity, revealing humanity, bolstering individualism and enhancing Christianity.

Description

This article was written as part of the research for a PhD degree that was done under supervision of Prof Julian C. Müller, Department of Practical Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Keywords

Christianity, Ubuntu, Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), Ubuntu-language, South African history, Identiry, Vitality, Diversity, Solidarity, Humanity, Individualism

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Citation

Meiring, L., 2015, 'Discovering and exploring ubuntu-language in the dialogue between the Dutch Reformed Church and the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa', Verbum et Ecclesia 36(2), Art. #1439, 8 pages. http://dx.DOI.org/ 10.4102/ve.v36i2.1439.