Abstract

MTSHISELWA, Ndikho. 'Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me...': Reading Psalm 23:6 in conversation with John Wesley. Studia Hist. Ecc. [online]. 2015, vol.41, n.2, pp.116-130. ISSN 2412-4265.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2412-4265/2015/381.

On the understanding that the addressees of Psalm 23 experienced the challenges of poverty, corruption, injustices and conflict, the interest of this article lies at asking three cardinal questions: First, what Imago Dei does Ps 23 present in the context of poverty, corruption, injustice and conflict, and more importantly with respect to the 'goodness and mercy' of YHWH? Second, how does the idea of 'goodness and mercy' (cf. Ps 23:6) relate to John Wesley's theology on the 'works of mercy' and 'doing good' - particularly in light of the mission imperatives of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa? Third, how could the Methodist people be the interlocutors of 'goodness and mercy' in South Africa today?

Keywords : Psalm 23; John Wesley; goodness; mercy; poverty; corruption; injustice; conflict.

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