Abstract
This contribution in the field of public theology explores two questions: (1) Could South Africa be regarded as a traumatised society, presenting with acute symptoms of post-traumatic disorder and (2) what would be an appropriate theological response to a traumatised society? These questions became even more acute with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic during 2020. Historical events and current statistical data relevant to the first question are presented, which could indicate that South Africa might indeed be regarded as a highly traumatised society. The second question is discussed from the perspective of reformed theology. This limits the research focus, based on the assumption that all theology and all churches respond in a particular way to traumatic events and the effects of individual and collective trauma.
Highlights
In recent years, public theology has become increasingly popular, with great diversity in content and methodology. Mannion (2009:122) is of the opinion that ‘the best public theology involves theological hermeneutics in the service of moral, social and political praxis’
How does (Reformed) theology respond to the collective trauma present in the South African society?
By accepting that the rainbow above South Africa is not pointing to a pot of gold, but rather to an unholy brew of pent-up anger, frustration, fear and trauma
Summary
Public theology has become increasingly popular, with great diversity in content and methodology. Mannion (2009:122) is of the opinion that ‘the best public theology involves theological hermeneutics in the service of moral, social and political praxis’. It could even be argued that trauma had become part and parcel of the collective psyche of the South African people, which becomes evident in high levels of anxiety, fear and violence.
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