Last week we asked the question, “what strategy will work for bringing about reconciling peaceful relationship in the diverse nation that is South Africa?”. We then looked at secularism and found it somewhat wanting for the task. Today I would like to suggest strategy for dealing with the divisiveness of religion that will work. That…
Tag: Religion
Diversity in South Africa: Is Secularism the Answer?
In South Africa we celebrate diversity, though at times it raises problems that besmirch our ‘rainbow nation’. In fact, there are those that see no room for this diversity, normally relegated to the far right of our political sphere. However, by and large, diversity is accepted; the preamble to our constitution says, “We, the people…
3 Atheists and Religion
I think it is absolutely critical not to resist the critics of religion. Smart people hate religion, sensitive people hate religion, and instead of merely dismissing them we should listen to them. The reason we should listen to the critic is because Jesus Christ Himself in the Bible deconstructed religion savagely, repeatedly, relentlessly, but he…
SA Cricketer Converts to Islam… Really?
Fast bowler for the South African cricket team, Wayne Parnell converted from ’Christianity’ to Islam in January this year, although he has only gone public with this information on the 28th of July[i]. He claims this happened “…after a period of personal study and reflection and it is a faith that I have always been…
Was a Christian Responsible for the Tragedy in Norway?
Last Friday (July 22, 2011), a bomb went off in Oslo killing eight people and injuring many more. Later, a gunman went on a shooting spree at an island youth camp in Norway, killing 68 people. The gunman was arrested and later claimed responsibility for both attacks. When questioned by the police, Breivik claimed that his…
The Uniqueness of South Africa and the Role of Christianity
South Africa finds itself in a very unique situation, to put it bluntly, South Africa is a pre-Christian country enjoying many Christian benefits, and yet is thinking like a post-Christian country. The reason I say South Africa is pre-Christian is because we have never had Biblical Christianity as a major force in the country. The…
Being Christian and Voting in South Africa
My view on this article has changed to some degree, particularly with regards to the Christian Voters guide. To read my understanding as it is now please click here once you have read this article Here in South Africa, municipal elections are almost upon us. As a Christian who believes that Jesus is Lord of…
Burning the Qur’an, Who Burnt it First?
Recently in Florida, USA a pastor Terry Jones attempted to hold an ‘international burn the Koran day’, this sparked worldwide outcry from Muslims and other religious groups. As I have been thinking about what happened I can’t pretend to know his motives. I do however think that if it was for the sake of the…
Does God Repent?
I was inspired to write this as a result of some reading I have been doing, I hope you find it as helpful as I did. Following Saul disobedience, God says, “I regret (repent) that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands”…
The Meaning/Purpose of Life
The purpose of life… That’s something people have always asked, I think the question is similar to what is the meaning of life. Religions try to give the answer, but their answers are more like the child who has just been asked if he thinks standing on the moving car is the wisest idea. Philosophy…
