Wither black theology of liberation? Perspectives from the late Professor Vuyani Vellem

Jerry Pillay

doi:10.4102/hts.v76i3.6232

Abstract

The future of a black theology of liberation (BTL) has been in question since the demise of apartheid in South Africa. The constitution of democracy in the country has raised questions about the relevance and purpose of such a theology in the wake of a new dispensation. Can we continue to promote the idea of ‘blackness’ in a democratic South Africa? Extracting from the contributions of the late Professor Vuyani Vellem, and as a tribute to his work, this article aims to show that BTL definitely has a valid role for relevance and continuity. The author conducts a literature review of the material produced by Vuyani Vellem and identifies the emerging trends in which BTL continues to be alive and relevant. Contribution: The scholarly contribution of this article is its focus on the systematic and practical reflection, within a paradigm in which the intersection of religious studies, social sciences and humanities generate an interdisciplinary contested discourse.

Highlights

‘Gone too soon’ are the words that always dominate my mind whenever I read or reflect on the contributions made by the late Professor Vuyani Vellem (VV) to theological engagement and especially to Black Theology of Liberation (BTL)
With the change of events and circumstances in the country, where blacks have risen in political leadership and other spheres of life, is the focus on Black Theology of liberation (BTL) still necessary?
Professor Vuyani Vellem (VV), an ardent proponent of and a scholar in BTL, has made significant contributions attempting to posit the relevance and necessity of BTL. He made the point that BTL is not in crisis but rather the whole project of Eurocentric theology in the 21st century is and he, proposed that ‘un-thinking the West might be the best option in the development of life-affirming forms of theological knowledge’ (2017:2)

Summary

Introduction

‘Gone too soon’ are the words that always dominate my mind whenever I read or reflect on the contributions made by the late Professor Vuyani Vellem (VV) to theological engagement and especially to Black Theology of Liberation (BTL). If for one moment, apartheid in South Africa is perceived as the zenith of the Western justificatory logic of racial violence and oppression and the imperialist phase of ‘primitive accumulation’ that dispossessed the material and spiritual resources of black Africans through colonialism and Christianization, the task of Black Theology of liberation as a discourse of life should be easy to grasp ...

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