Can contextual theology bridge the divide?: South Africa’s politics of forgiveness as an example of a contextual public theology

Abstract

This chapter argues that a contextual theology can help to address some of the most significant critiques of South African public theologies. It takes the critiques mentioned seriously, and seeks to find a credible way to bridge the divide between the universal claims of Christianity and the particular. The universal and the particular must be held in tension for either to find fuller and truer meaning. A careful reading of Maluleke’s argument shows that he is aware that his privileging of liberation theology in South Africa is meant to be held in tension with other universal theological claims. The “universal” claims of Christianity ultimately function within public life. In short, it can be characterised as a “contextual public theology in South Africa” that maintains the integrity of the universal claims of Christianity, in relation to the contextual uniqueness of history and identity.