Constructive After Systematic? On Doing Theology in South Africa Today

Abstract

In this article, I inquire about the value and significance of the concept of Constructive Theology, more specifically, the value and significance of the concept constructive when it is related to the concept of theology. In the first part of the article, I inquire about the meaning of Constructive Theology. The story of Constructive Theology is a story of many stories. In this part, therefore, specific reference is made to one such story, as it has taken shape in and through the Workgroup on Constructive Theology since 1975, more specifically, the publications of the working group. In this section, a connection is also made between this constructive theological work and theology as it has taken shape in South Africa. Although the concept of Constructive Theology as such has not been adopted in South Africa, theology in South Africa shares the focus of Constructive Theology on theology as hermeneutics. In the second part of the article, a step back is taken. In light of the focus of Constructive Theology on hermeneutical theology, the question is asked about the relationship between theology and construction. Thus, I inquire about the meaning of constructed theology. I do this by looking at the Tabernacle-traditions in the Old Testament. Here, it is argued that the Tabernacle-traditions offer a perspective on theology as construction. In light of these insights into theology as constructed theology, in the subsequent third part, I inquire how theological constructing can be done in such a way that theology functions constructively and contributes constructively. To do this, I look at the interconnections between construction and creation – also in the Old Testament traditions. In conclusion, I argue for the importance of doing constructive after Systematic Theology in South Africa today.

Keywords

• systematic theology
• constructive theology
• public theology
• theological method
• hermeneutics