The aim of this thesis is to compare the concept of sin in the theologies of
Ellen G. White and Leonardo Boff. Chapter 1 examines Ellen G. White's concept
of sin. White's historical and theological backgrounds coupled with her use of the
"great controversy" motif provide a better grasp of her understanding of sin. White
defines sin as the transgression of God's Law. She views sin to comprise at least
two dimensions, namely, the individual and the social. White regards these two
aspects of sin to have equal significance. White's detailed treatment of the
sanctuary teaching also highlights the two dimensions of sin.
In Chapter 2 Boff' s idea of sin is investigated. Boff' s historical background,
which exposed him to the poor, influenced his perception of sin. Boff's theological
background together with his familiarity with Karl Marx's social analysis prompted
Boff to define sin as the negation of God's love in a human history bedevilled by
class conflict. Boff views sin to have the individual and social dimensions. Yet, in
terms of importance, Boff believes that the social dimension of sin is more
consequential than the individual one.
In Chapter 3 White's and Boff s views on sin are compared. From this
comparison it is evident that both White and Boff recognize the bipolarity of sin.
Both seem to agree that christians should take an active role in correcting social
evils because love for God is manifested by how we relate to our neighbor. Boff
devotes less space to the individual aspect of sin than White.
Chapter 4 shows that White's theological tradition has a lot to learn from
Boff and his tradition and also vice versa. An awareness of the current priestly
ministry of Christ evident in White's theology could help Boff to bring some
balance to his stance on the social and the individual dimension of sin. Boff' s use
of Marx's social analysis should also help Seventh-day Adventists, the inheritors of
White's theology, not to interpret White's theology of sin only along individualistic
lines while overlooking its social dimension. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D.Th. (Systematic Theology)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/17883 |
| Date | 03 1900 |
| Creators | Zvandasara, Nkosiyabo, 1961- |
| Contributors | Maimela, S. S. (Simon S.) |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
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