Black-White polarisation in #MustFall campaigns. Towards a practical theological diagnostics of ‘peaceful coexistence’

Abstract

At stake in South Africa is the very eminent demands within #MustFall campaigns. Due to sharp schisms, harming and intimidating speech, the polarisation of white – black have become anew a threat to unity and cooperative collaboration in order to manage cultural diversity in a meaningful and peaceful way. In a practical and theological approach to life issues, fides quaerens viviendi (faith seeking lifestyles), an attempt is being made to address the civil societal schism of racial polarisation and the public degeneration of civilised reasoning, viz. hate speech. Within the framework of pastoral hermeneutics, a diagnostic chart for the assessment and analysis of intercultural dynamics within the paradoxical tension of differentiation (particularity) and integration (cohesiveness) is developed. The notion of coexistence is critically researched and supported by the pastoral notion of compassionate being-with. It is argued that a diagnostic approach should be directed by theological ethos of xenophilia.