Corruption in South Africa’s liberal democratic context: Equipping Christian leaders and communities for their role in countering corruption

Volume editor

F. P. Kruger

Volume editor

B. J. de Klerk

Synopsis

This collected work, written primarily by practical theologians, reflects on the phenomenon of corruption in the liberal democracy of post-apartheid South Africa. Liberal democracy has considerable salience in the contemporary world. Not only is it the form that many of the world’s most powerful and influential nations approve of, but it is a political system that has been tried – and used – by many developing countries. South Africa is described as predominantly Christian, and in such a context corruption should not be expected. However, it is strongly prevalent and undermines the values of both democracy and Christianity. Not only does corruption promote a general lack of trust in institutions and leadership, but it stimulates a perpetual culture of corruption that invades all spheres of life.

The book suggests strategies for redressing the current ‘culture of corruption’. Although the chapters represent different perspectives, the shared objective is to emphasise that corruption is unethical, as well as to describe and explain why it is taking place and how the situation should appear. The explanation focuses on the negative consequence of corruption: it does not respect human dignity or the ‘otherness’ of others; it exacerbates poverty; it weakens religious values and norms; and it is not conducive to social cohesion in the country. The authors also share the theological premise that God is present in this world. In the kingdom of God, believers are encouraged to participate in the ‘clean-up’ process which includes combating the phenomenon of corruption.

Chapters

Chapter 1
Corruption in South Africa’s liberal democratic context, and challenges faced by Christian leaders

F. W. de Wet
Chapter 2
Research results flowing from interviews with Christian leaders in business, politics, labour unions and church sectors in a liberal democratic South African context

F. W. de Wet, H. J.C. Pieterse
Chapter 3
Challenges faced by Christian leaders regarding complex manifestations of corruption in post-apartheid South Africa

F. W. de Wet
Chapter 4
Reasons why government leaders, officials and church leaders have to act against corruption

F. P. Kruger, H. J.C. Pieterse
Chapter 5
Managing corruption in South Africa: The ethical responsibility of churches

J. M. Vorster
Chapter 6
Pastoral perspectives from Ezekiel 34 to restore the Christian mandate and equip Christians to counteract corruption

R. A. Denton
Chapter 7
What can we do to stem corruption? Ethical guidelines from John 15

G. Breed
Chapter 8
Normative perspectives from Romans on the Christian mandate to counter corruption

B. J. de Klerk
Chapter 9
Changing the lifestyle of corruption by altering people’s attitudes according to the perspective of the Missio Dei

F. P. Kruger
Chapter 10
A social movement against corruption in the footsteps of Jesus’ diakonia according to Matthew

G. Breed
Chapter 11
Practical-theological guidelines for Christian leaders on corruption through hermeneutical interaction between the descriptive interpretative, normative and strategic findings

B. J. de Klerk

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-0-620-72526-2

Publication date (01)

2016

Details about the available publication format: KINDLE EDITION

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-0-620-72518-7

Publication date (01)

2016

Details about the available publication format: PURCHASE COPY

PURCHASE COPY

ISBN-13 (15)

978-0-620-72526-2

Publication date (01)

2016

Physical Dimensions

148mm x 210mm x 17.5mm