| dc.description.abstract | The RCSA function within a pluralistic society, which is thoroughly secular, individualistic,
relativistic, materialistic and caught in the grip of unprecedented change. Contemporary
society’s worldview and resulting cultural content forms the basis of a popular culture set on
consumerism, experience and hedonism.
The school as bridge between the family and society
In every society an individual learns the norms and life-skills necessary for meaningful life in
that society. In Sociopedagogics the school exhibits a bridging function between the family
and formal society helping children to socialize within formal society. Before and after 1994,
government propagated an unbiblical worldview. Currently government underscores a
secular worldview, which is reflected in the school curriculum. Just as the school in the
previous dispensation reflected the dominant society’s ideals (Christian-National), schools
today reflect pluralistic society’s ideals: secularism (private religion v. secular public life),
and religious equality. All religions are considered equal and their influence relegated to the
private sphere of life
From the Christian family’s point of view (concerning worldview), the school no longer
functions as a valid bridge between the Christian family and formal society.
The church as Kingdom Herald
The church is a socializing agent – it helps believers re-socialize in accordance with God’s
Will. In the Church, previous citizens of the Kingdom of the Darkness are taught to live as
citizens of the Kingdom of God, within the context of contemporary society (1 Peter 2:9).
Seen from the perspective of socialization, the Church is faced with a dire problem: at
school, at work and at play members will be taught and confronted with a secular worldview.
Because isolation is not an option (believers are in the world not from the world), the church
needs to take conscious and deliberate action in fostering an integral Reformational
worldview, so that believers may be equipped to see all aspects of life in the light of Christ’s
reign. Called to equip believers through the faithful administration of God’s Word (in its
fullness), the sacraments and discipline, the RCSA need to consciously and deliberately take
the lead in formulating a contemporary ecclesiastical creed giving clear expression to the
content, intent and implication of a truly integral Reformational worldview with regard to all
aspects of life in contemporary, post-modern secular society. | |
