Abstract

This paper aims to provide a theological and psychological basis for faith communities under stress that will allow them to engage with the narratives of Jesus in such a way that they become the bearers of the “good news” and a force of resilience. The context is post-apartheid South Africa, which is plagued by the consequences of colonial as well as present-day neo-colonial atrocities. Faith communities are challenged to respond with resilience, to discover authentic existence in relationship with God and people, and to become agents of change. The article investigates resilience theory from an epistemological and hermeneutical perspective. It applies the “new hermeneutics” of Ernst Fuchs as a model in order to facilitate faith communities to (1) understand their own humanity and the human condition, (2) understand what an authentic life entails and how to acquire it, and (3) become a resilient community by associating collectively with the Jesus narrative.

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