The theology of Apartheid may have been perfected by the Dutch Reformed Church but it was born among the English-speaking evangelical missionaries who sought to promote the evangelization of the indigenous people whilst leaving white supremacy untouched. The resolution passed by the 1857 Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church, and proposed by evangelicals, agreed that whilst it was both Scriptural and desirable to integrate indigenous believers into the existing church…
At our recent breakfast for Pastors and Church Leaders, John Scheepers, shared the vision and goals for Isiphambano. Calling for us to embrace a two-handed theology that both proclaims Jesus and embraces a new way of just living, both individually and collectively in South Africa today.
The aim of this Land and Restitution forum was to discuss these important issues biblically and contextually. To reflect on our history, our fears and ideologies and our current socio-economic and political context through the lens of cross-centred, contextual theology. To apply gospel thinking and practice to this crucial issue which is currently further exposing the divided state of the church along racial and economic lines. In this talk John…
There are within evangelicalism today, Tim Chester claims, two apparently competing gospels offering alternative views on not only the nature of the gospel (for individuals or for society?) and the meaning of Jesus death of cross (soteriological or political?) but also the mission and the role of the church today (proclamation or social action). These two gospels, are in fact one gospel. What is required for us though is to…
Some of us might try to fight it but there is something psychologically compelling about the somewhat arbitrary changing of the calendar year that resonates with our desire for change. Amidst all the new gym memberships, course enrollments, and best intentions here are five relatively simple ways in which you might take some steps towards living more justly in 2018.
The Old Testament time of Jubilee is a beautiful picture of a different way of living among God’s people where the generational cycles of poverty are broken and interrupted through a series of intentional, deliberately different ways of living economically, socially and spiritually among God’s people. In this first of a two-part talk John Scheepers explores how the institution of Jubilee was designed to break those inter-generational cycles of poverty…
Jesus death on the cross is the comprehensive Jubilee event. It is through the death of Jesus that victory and liberation is brought to all of creation. The cross is not that which replaced the Jubilee (as if all the socio-political and economic aspects simply drop away leaving only a spiritual significance) it is the fulfillment of the Jubilee including the total redemptive accomplishment and final liberation from all that…
How do we theologically understand violence? Is there biblical warrant for a broader definition of violence? What does it mean to be peacemakers in a context of both repeated, overt acts of violence and insidious systemic violence? How does the gospel shape our understanding of and reaction to both behavioural and systemic violence? These are questions and concerns addressed in this talk.
Church history from a distance is beautiful and shiny, filled with daring stories of brave acts of gospel courage and bold stands for truth in the face of opposition. From a distance, we catch glimpses of the great figures of the past, near perfect heroes who courageously stride across the pages of history with gospel...
Is Reconciliation Even the Right Word? There is a somewhat popular line of thought among social justice advocates that we should drop the use of the word reconciliation altogether. There never was, the argument goes, a time in which white and black existed in any kind of united or harmonious relationship in South Africa, and...
Isiphambano Centre for Biblical Justice is a study and training centre dedicated to developing a holistic, theological and cross-centred response to racial and economic injustice within the South African context.
We are a non-profit organization that is fully-funded by individual gifts and ministry partnerships. Your contribution will go directly toward the production of more gospel-centered, church-equipping resources.