In 1996, socio-economic rights were included in the Constitution of South Africa as fundamental
human rights. The state is thus compelled to give attention to the protection of people's socioeconomic
rights. The question is: Is it the duty of the state alone, or does the church also have a
calling with regard to socio-economic rights?
In this study, the calling of the church with regard to the protection of socio-economic rights in
South Africa is researched. Firstly, socio-economic rights as ethical principle are evaluated in the
light of the Scripture. The conclusion is that socio-economic rights are important human rights
that can be grounded as fundamental human rights.
Thereafter, the history of the origin of socio-economic rights is researched and evaluated. In the
history of socio-economic rights, it is grounded in the natural dignity of a human being.
However, the Bible teaches that God gave people dignity.
The history of socio-economic rights in South Africa is also researched and evaluated. South
Africa has a long history of colonialism, segregation and apartheid, and the church has not always
been an effective advocate for socio-economic rights.
To understand the calling of the church with regard to socio-economic rights, the calling of the
church in society is researched. Views of different church and theological traditions are
researched and evaluated. The reformed view focuses on the kingdom of God, and the calling of
the church with regard to socio-economic rights is described as worship, fellowship, testimony
and service.
In conclusion, concrete guidelines of how to be an advocate for socio-economic rights are given
to the church. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1410 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Zwemstra, Heinrich Martin |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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