Die begeleiding van die geloofsgemeenskap tot die skep van ’n rimpel-effek van geregtigheid: ’n Prakties-teologiese studie

Abstract

The focus of this study is to investigate and to provide guidance to the faith community (the church) regarding the realization of the ripple effect and nature of righteousness. Years ago, Firet (1978:33) used the term “agogic” to indicate the help given by church leaders to believers so that the image of God can be embodied in them. In this study, the emphasis is on guiding a community of faith as a process of helping to develop a hunger and thirst for justice in their society. The willingness to rectify practices that contradict justice through the building of relationships is at the heart of this investigation (Lion-Cachet, 1994:248; Viljoen, 2009:665). The ripple effect of justice is closely linked to the aspect of community development that is currently prominent on the agenda of various organisations within local communities. A responsible awareness of the calling focused on community development is crucial within local congregations. Pieterse (2001:120), for example, provides his own nuance of the church’s role by pointing out that the church cannot, in terms of its being and calling, abdicate its role with regard to its social responsibility but should be totally incorporated in God’s care for the world. After all, the driving force behind a faith community’s zeal for diaconal community development is God’s passion for justice.