Urban theology endeavours and a theological vision of hope and justice for post-apartheid South African cities

Abstract

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.