Bishop Verryn’s Theological Vision of Humanity

Abstract

This chapter discusses Verryn's theological and socio ethical thinking and vision. It conveys, in Verryn's ministry the liberation struggle, which began as a struggle against the injustice of apartheid, continued in the context of the 'new' South Africa that is both affected by the legacy of apartheid and faced by new challenges. Before scrutinizing Verryn's thought, however, a few introductory words need to be said of the framework, and specifically South African Black Theology (BT), in order to establish a local liberation theological context for the discussion. Verryn's holistic understanding of faith and the inseparable nature of theology and ethics was in line with the Methodist tradition. The way in which Verryn followed this Methodist conviction was directed by a liberation theological thrust. Verryn's ubuntu vision clearly involves an idea of character as active, as something that is also shaped by the choices we make.Keywords: apartheid; methodist tradition; South Africa; South African Black Theology; Verryn