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ANC, apartheid, cape town, christianity, ethics daily, grace ji-sun kim, injustice, reflection, south africa, theology
This is a repost of my first column for EthicsDaily.com. It is a theological reflection on my recent visit to South Africa.
“Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most stunning places I have visited. The landscape is unforgettable: mountains, blue waves, pristine beaches, rich soil. Juxtaposed to the beauty of the land, however, are townships that are an ugly reminder of the past.” For the full column click here.
Grace Ji-Sun Kim 
Your article is right on point. Unfortunately, the Dutch Reformed Church used election to bypass 99% of the rest of the Bible. It is disturbing how they used election for race discrimination, which election has nothing to do with race or any other human attribute. Even if the Black South Africans were unelect, that is not justification for murder, rape, genocide, etc. I will never forget when I was at a men’s prayer breakfast which turned out to be a nationalistic propaganda fest. The speaker, speaking to a racially mixed crowd, stated that the only nation founded on Christian principles other than America was Dutch South Africa. I was nodding off but when he said that my head snapped up in shock. But in truth, Dutch South Africa and America are joined in a misuse of the Bible, genocide of the native peoples, enslavement, segregation and institutional injustice.
Even outside of Dutch South Africa, some of the biggest advocates of slavery were Calvinism which included R.L. Dabney (Southern Presbyterian) and James P. Boyce (Southern Baptist). There has been a lot of work to fight this by John Piper but sadly racism has strong history in Calvinism.
Calvin, I appreciate your comment. You have just described some of the problems that exists within Christianity. Racism is prevalent. We need to fight against all forms of injustice. Peace to you Calvin!
Well put! I like your reflection on “New South Africa” which shows a paradox connotation.It is obvious that if one visits some places in Cape Town: Khayelitsha, Imizamo yitu (Mandela Park) to mention but a few, would see how people live in abject poverty amidst Cape Townian billionaires!
Meza, your analysis is correct. the huge gap between the rich and the poor is unacceptable. we all need to work towards justice!