The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and Social Ethics

Peter D Langerman

doi:10.4102/ve.v42i1.2298

Abstract

The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) developed out of understanding of the doctrine of justification and how that doctrine relates to social ethics. The article briefly describes how the doctrine of justification and sanctification developed in various traditions and how it came to be seen in the liberal theological context of the late 19th century before a corrective in the middle of the 20th century. I examine the way in which the doctrine has been criticised by oppressed persons and how we might respond to those criticisms. Finally, a way forward is suggested that might help us to apply the significant gains of the JDDJ to the whole sphere of social ethics for us here in South Africa.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This paper seeks to integrate the work done by the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and Systematic Theology from an historical perspective via a literature survey so as to evaluate the JDDJ’s impact on social ethics.

Highlights

In the course of this article, I shall try to summarise some of the developments in the understanding of the doctrine of justification and how that doctrine relates to social ethics
I shall briefly describe how the doctrine of justification and sanctification developed in Roman Catholic, Reformed, Methodist and Pietist traditions, and how it came to seen in the liberal theological context of the late 19th century before a corrective in the middle of the 20th century
I shall suggest a way forward that might help us to apply the significant gains of the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ) to the whole sphere of social ethics for us here in South Africa

Summary

Introduction

In the course of this article, I shall try to summarise some of the developments in the understanding of the doctrine of justification and how that doctrine relates to social ethics. A legitimate Christian social ethic is an expression of obedient love that flows from a relationship with God established through faith in God’s love, or justification.

Results

Conclusion