Order and Freedom in Society
Contents
Sub-Theme 1: Justice in Society
A.
(I) Present Situation
Personal and universal experiences of injustice. Society helps to order human relationships. Injustice also exists within the social systems. There is often difficulty in deciding how to act justly. Education can help provide an informed vision of what is needed for human development. Necessity of opposing injustice.
(II) African Tradition
Order and harmony to be maintained in the community. Purpose of a society influences ideas about justice. Some injustices existed. Reconciliation, not punishment, was the purpose of judicial processes.
(III) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
In two major areas of injustice, slavery and oppression of minorities, we can trace the development of human conscience. While some Christians have worked to overcome these evils, others have condoned them.
B. Bible
Old Testament
God calls men to live in good relationships with him and with each other. Exodus 23:1-8: the covenant law helps safeguard relationships in the Israelite community. Exodus 22:21-27: experiencing God's merciful love, the Israelites are led to realize that they should love and respect others especially the under-privileged. 2 Samuel 12:1-15: failures in relationships are frequent. Isaiah 11:1-12: the prophets denounce the tendency to substitute obedience to laws and religious observances for brotherly concern. Isaiah 58:1-12: the prophets foretell that the Messiah will enable men to live in harmony.
New Testament
Mark 2:1-12 Jesus heals relationships. Luke 18:9-14: he condemns the legalistic attitudes of religious leaders. Matthew 5:17-48: he invites people to go beyond the law, loving their fellow men with the kind of love the Father has for them. Men's actions should spring from an inner love and respect for others.
C. Synthesis
The Christian's task is to fulfill the demands of justice in a changing society. It is a Christian duty to stand for justice and denounce injustice.
Sub-Theme 2: Service in Society
A.
(I) Present Situation
Candidates' experience of authority; leaders, parents, teachers, doctors, etc. Authority's task is to make men free. Changing patterns of authority in modern Africa. Leadership has to be learned: coordination of efforts for the common good.
(II) African Tradition
Authority has served the ideals by which the society lives. Authority in the family. Leaders have exercised political, social and religious leadership.
(III) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
Service in the early church in Africa. The middle ages as a background and link for the modern day. The church in modern Africa: servants or rules? Example of men of service. African church leaders.
B. Bible
Old Testament
Exodus 3:16-20: Isaiah 44:6-8: the Israelites recognize God's authority as supreme. Psalm 136: they experience his authority in developing the world and in helping people to grow to maturity through fellowship. Ezekiel 34:1-11: men abuse their authority to enhance their power and wealth. God promises a leader who will truly serve his people and lead them to full humanity.
New Testament
John 10:10-16: Jesus is the good Shepherd foretold by Ezekiel. Mark 10:32-45: he teaches his disciples the true purpose of authority. John 13:1-15: he gives himself fully to the service of men. The Christian community should be animated by this same spirit of service (Ephesians 4:11-13).
C. Synthesis
All power and authority comes from God who is the creator. He shares his authority with man who exercises it in the spirit of living service.
Sub-Theme 3: Loyalty to Society
A.
(I) Present Situation
Students' experience of loyalty. Man cannot live humanly without making commitments and acting upon them. Conflicting loyalties in a pluralistic society. Choices show where loyalties lie. Constant need to evaluate society's structures. Need fro prophetic voices to ensure that loyalty is related to justice and authority.
(II) African Tradition
Loyalty created a security that comes from trusting and being trusted. Group loyalty. Personal loyalty. Disloyalty.
(III) Church History with Emphasis on Africa
The problem of "dual citizenship" for a Christian. Christian loyalties in the early centuries of the Church. Questions of Christian loyalty in more recent times.
B. Bible
Old Testament
Exodus 24:1-11: God established a unique covenant with his people. 1 Kings 21:1-24: in spite of their infidelity he remains faithful to his promises. Jeremiah 7:1-11: Micah 6:6-8: the prophets help their people to understand the true meaning of commitment to God.
New Testament
The new and everlasting covenant foretold by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-33) is established by Jesus: John 15:1-17. In his life and teaching Jesus expresses his loyalty to the Father and to men (John 8:28-29). He encourages disciples to follow him (Mark 1:16-20). Matthew 22:15-22: Christian loyalty demands that we evaluate the demands of love in changing situations.
C. Synthesis
Members of society must be loyal to one another and responsible for one another on the basis of Jesus' teaching about loving God and one's neighbor. Every individual is a member of numerous groups: family, tribe, clan, school, nation, church - all of which have claims on his loyalty.
