Resumo

VAN ZYL, Christie. The influence of religious and cultural diversity on the moral orientation of the current South African society: A challenge for the church. Verbum Eccles. (Online) [online]. 2010, vol.31, n.1, pp.1-8. ISSN 2074-7705.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v31i1.405.

This article takes into account the morality crisis in South Africa against the background of the rich diversity in the country. It deals with the question whether religious and cultural diversity in particular contributes to moral decay in the community. Different peoples do not only have different experiences of life, but also different value systems on account of their different backgrounds and belief systems. They are the products of diverse influences which bring about different identities and moral orientations. On the one hand this can lead to conflict in societies. On the other hand, diversity in terms of religion and culture enriches societies. Much depends on how these differences are managed. Identity and leadership be regarded as two of the most important elements in the makeup of a prosperous society, especially when it comes to the factor of morality. Diversity demonstrates a great deal of dynamics in itself. It progressively develops new forms as people live actively amidst new circumstances and relationships. As the church is a central player in the field of building moral values, the church has the obligation to re-organise itself in terms of traditional diversity as well as the current contemporary religious and cultural experience.

Palavras-chave : invloed; kultuur; religie; verskeindenheid; morele oriëntasie.

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