The calling of the Reformed Churches in South Africa in the moral renewal of the urban community in South Africa

[摘要] The main aim of this study was to investigate the prophetic calling of the ReformedChurches in South Africa (RCSA) in the moral regeneration of the South African urbancommunity. The method of research followed in this study was to study primary andsecondary sources, as well as appropriate biblical teachings and theological principlesrelevant to this study and to systematise the information. An analysis was provided ofthe main problems regarding moral decay besetting the South African urban communityand the main challenges this moral decay poses for the RSCA were identified. Astrategy the RCSA should implement in tackling these challenges was devised and anumber of practical projects the RCSA could undertake at congregational level toconcretise the strategy were discussed.The study confirmed that the Church has an important role to play as the driving agentfor moral regeneration of the South African urban community. It was pointed out thatthe moral regeneration of the urban community in South Africa cannot be left to thegovernment. The main reason is that morality cannot be legislated. However, when thelove of God transforms the lives of people, it changes the heart, heals moral decay,provides strength to overcome temptation and gives the desire to reach out to people(friends, relatives' neighbours, strangers and even enemies) in true love. Thecongregation's main task with regard to moral regeneration is therefore to be clearabout God's mission, to discern what God is doing in the community and to serve hismission in practical ways.

[发布机构] University of Pretoria