Viewing Some Aspects of Contemporary Religion in South Africa from the Perspective of Memory

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn this article the French sociologist of religion, Daniele Hervieu-Leger's definition of religion in terms of collective memory and tradition is discussed, which she uses to understand the transformation of religion in the modern world. Other facets of her theoretical framework will also receive attention, including the “fate” of religious traditions after their encounter with modernity, the kinds of religiosity in which this results and their accompanying social manifestations, as well as “small memories” that may arise after the break in the chain of collective memory. Her insights are applied to the mainline Afrikaans churches of a Reformed orientation, charismatic Christianity, by which the Dutch Reformed church has been influenced, as well as a few new movements on the South African religious scene. Acknowledging the limited influence of “secular” biblical scholarship, and the taking seriously of modern scientific insights on segments of our religious scene, brief attention is paid to an example of reflexive re-remembering around Jesus.