Love and justice as foundational principles for a community of Shalom in a globalised context

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis I show that love and justice are essential foundational principles forcreating and realizing a community of shalom in a globalised society. By examining the current inequalities (with reference to race and gender); unequal opportunity (in light of economic injustice and poverty) and abuse of power I show that the current situation in the globalised society is less than desirable for many people. This is then applied to the current situation in South Africa.I then move on to a detailed discussion of love and justice. This is done by referring to the work of certain theologians and evaluating their claims in light ofthe topic. Love is examined in its various forms, and agape love, love for God and love for neighbour (the love commandment) and love of self are discussed.Various theories of justice (both philosophical and theological) are evaluated. The inseparable relationship between love and justice is established.In conclusion, I show what is meant by a community of shalom and how love and justice, as foundational principles, can help this community to be realised in theglobalised context, with the participation of the church and Christians as people of the way. 

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University