On 12 February 2024, we had the privilege of attending a Theology Day at the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, and it was an intellectually enriching experience.

Prof Robert Vosloo set the tone with an insightful introduction, followed by a warm welcome from Prof Reggie Nel. The day unfolded with a diverse range of perspectives and discussions on the theme: “𝐀 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬? 𝐎𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝟑𝟎 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚.”

𝐃𝐫. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐨 shared powerful insights on truthful activism. He emphasized the multi-modal nature of activism, rooted in thick cultural and temporal phenomena. The challenges and risks associated with activism were candidly discussed, highlighting the demanding yet essential nature of pursuing justice.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬 delved into the language of pain, exploring the connection between poets and prophets.

𝐑𝐞𝐯 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 provided a thought-provoking perspective on being in the wilderness with God, emphasising the importance of honesty in leadership and the transformative power of truth.

Another highlight was the interview with 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐲, three decades after his groundbreaking book “Christianity and Democracy.” He stressed the role of the church in teaching about human rights and understanding democracy, acknowledging diverse stories and guiding its members.