Abstract

JAMES, Geneviève. Urban theology endeavours and a theological vision of hope and justice for post-apartheid South African cities. STJ [online]. 2015, vol.1, n.2, pp.43-68. ISSN 2413-9467.  https://doi.org/10.17570/STJ.2015.V1N2.A02.

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.

Keywords : Urban theology; Isaiah 65; post-apartheid cities.

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