CONSTRUCTING A COHERENT THEOLOGICAL DISCOURSE: THE MAIN CHALLENGE FACING THE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY

Abstract

This paper argues that the main challenge facing the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Southern Africa is the construction of a coherent theological universe of discourse. This "universe" might be mapped out in terms of four coordinates , namely Reformed, ecumenical, critical-public and African from within which an agenda for the church will emerge. The article focuses on the DRC and her family, and the question whether this points the way for the church in a more general sense in South Africa, is left open for further discussion.