Open AccessUrban theology endeavours and a theological vision of hope and justice for post-apartheid South African cities
Author(s) -
Geneviève James
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
stellenbosch theological journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2413-9467
pISSN - 2413-9459
DOI - 10.17570/stj.2015.v1n2.a02
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , injustice , mandate , economic justice , democracy , sociology , transformative learning , environmental ethics , political science , history , law , philosophy , politics , pedagogy , archaeology
Twenty one years since the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the cities of the nation appear to be in a downward spiral of injustice and callousness. This article considers the transformative significance of urban theology. Beginning with a description of the author’s insertion into the administrative capital of South Africa the article proceeds to chart out urban theology as a “God and Bible”, “contextual”, “intellectual” and “activist” endeavour. It then illuminates the vision of the New Jerusalem as described in the Old Testament in Isaiah 65:17-24 juxtaposing it with the context of South African cities today. This ancient urban vision will serve as a theological mandate for urban transformation.