scholarly journals A Reformed perspective on the concept of the ‘common good’ and its relevance for social action in South Africa today

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakobus M. Vorster
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Natural Law ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Theoretical Argument ◽  
South African Society ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
Positive Assessment ◽  
The Common

This article investigates the idea of the ‘common good’ from a Classic Reformed perspective and the possibilities raised by a fresh approach to the concept for social action by civil society in South Africa today. The central theoretical argument of this article is that the new interest in the concept of natural law, as became evident in modern-day moral reflection in the Classic Reformed moral teaching, can indeed contribute to a new positive assessment of the concept common good and can provide a valuable framework for the foundation of reformed social action in cooperation with civil society in South Africa today. Firstly, the concept is discussed within the framework of the reformed idea of ‘natural law’ and the argument concludes with the finding that the concept can be accommodated in Reformed Theology. Secondly, a case is made for the cooperation between churches, other religious institutions and the broader civil society to cooperate on the basis of the common good and global ethics to address three areas of serious concern in the South African society. These are the promotion of the idea of human dignity within the social sphere with special reference to racism, xenophobia and sexism as well as the development of family life and family values, and the advancement of the idea of neighbourliness as a core ingredient of social healing and reconciliation.

scholarly journals Kingdom, church and civil society: A theological paradigm for civil action

2015 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Vorster
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Natural Law ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Moral Sense ◽  
Theoretical Argument ◽  
Civil Action ◽  
The Social ◽  
Church And Society ◽  
The Church

This article deals with the role that churches can and should play in civil society to develop societal morally. The central-theoretical argument is that the biblical notion of the kingdom of God can, when it is systematically and theologically developed, offer an acceptable foundation for the civil action of churches. In light of this the article takes a new look at the neo-Calvinist view on church and society. The kingdom implies the life encompassing governance of God, the formation of the church and the creation of a moral sense amongst people. The church can, from the perspective of the kingdom, be seen as a community within which Christians should be equipped for social action. The church is a power station which carries forth the light of the Gospel by means of the social involvement of believers in civil society. Christians can, based on natural law, work with civil organisations to pursue the common good of the community. Such collaboration becomes possible only when civil society works purpose- and not paradigm-driven. Based on the moral sense that is founded in natural law, Christians can be socially active within civil society in search of the greatest benefit for all people within the community.

scholarly journals Practical theology as embodiment of Christopraxis-servant leadership in Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon E. Dames
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Servant Leadership ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Analysis ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
The Common

This article proceeds from the aim to revitalise the value of a service ethic for human well-being and the common good of all. The service delivery crisis in South Africa and Africa forms the context. A contemporary example of an embodied practical theology of service is offered, followed by a theological and social analysis of service delivery in South Africa. A theoretical service ethic framework with special reference to practical theology as a living Christopraxis is discussed. Finally, the value of diaconology as a science of service is presented, followed by the conclusion.

Between Scylla and Charybdis

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pia Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Property Rights ◽  
Natural Law ◽  
Political Thought ◽  
Common Good ◽  
Political Issues ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
Political Ideas ◽  
Political Conflicts ◽  
The Common ◽  
Ius Gentium

In the process of secularization of legal institutions, the thirteenth century—with all its political conflicts between emperors and popes—is relevant to understand the evolution of those institutions in modernity. Contextualized in that period, this chapter shows the importance of Aquinas’s line of thought about the common good, law, and right in this process. In general, the context of Aquinas’s era and his personal circumstances were characterized by tensions between two perilous alternatives, the imperial and the papal power. Because of this, Aquinas was cautious to express his opinion in specific political issues of the time. This chapter argues that, in spite of Aquinas’s caution in putting forward his political ideas, the essence of his political thought and his opposition to the theocratic theory of government could be inferred also from his notions of natural law and ius gentium, in which he addressed the basic issues of property rights and slavery.

Natural Law and the Common Good

1981 ◽  
pp. 67-88
Author(s):  
Tom Rockmore ◽  
William J. Gavin ◽  
James G. Colbert ◽  
Thomas J. Blakeley
Keyword(s):  
Natural Law ◽  
Common Good ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
The Common

Introduction

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara A. Hanawalt
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Common Good ◽  
The Public ◽  
Personal Security ◽  
The Common Good ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
The Common ◽  
The City ◽  
The Middle Ages

Civil society, a term was used in the Middle Ages, valued the peaceful possession of property, personal security, access to legal means of settling disputes, loyalty to the city, and obedience to officials. It also implied that denizens would share self-imposed codes of behavior and would work for the common good. London valued its self-government, but it was reliant on the king for its charter. Ceremonies, both the official ones that installed a new mayor and the public ceremonies of humiliation for those who broke the city rules were part of the education of inhabitants in the values of civil society. This chapter considers the historiography and theoretical approaches to civic ritual and ceremony, provides an overview of the sources used to study these practices in London and outlines the topics covered in the book.

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