NWU Institutional Repository

An introduction to the theological politico-ethical thinking of Koos Vorster

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

Authors

Van Wyk, Jan Harm
Vorster, Nicolaas

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

AOSIS

Abstract

Koos Vorster had a productive career as theologian and published on a wide variety of subjects. However, he will especially be remembered for his contribution to political and social ethics. This article discussed his theological politico-ethical thinking. Firstly, this article examined his epistemology, with special reference to his revelational-historical approach, his hermeneutics, preference of deontological ethics and his renouncement of ethical absolutism, which characterises fundamentalist approaches to ethics. Secondly, it examined his views on Apartheid and the ‘struggle’ in the 1970s and 1980s. Vorster renounced Apartheid and pleaded for non-violent change brought about by an evangelical change of hearts and attitude that had to be accompanied with real efforts to address poverty and unjust structures. Finally, the article discussed his views on human dignity, human rights and relations between the state and religion, as well as his views on society and economics.

Description

Keywords

Citation

Van Wyk, J.H. & Vorster, N. 2012. An introduction to the theological politico-ethical thinking of Koos Vorster. In die Skriflig/In luce Verbi, 46(1):art. #76. 10 p. [http://www.inluceverbi.org.za]

Endorsement

Review

Supplemented By

Referenced By