Abstract
The Christian worldview of Archbishop Desmond M. Tutu: His view on being human and on societyThe previous article discussed the following components of the Christian worldview of Archbishop D.M. Tutu: (1) his view of God, (2) of God’s laws for creation, (3) of time and history and (4) of our natural environment. This article completes the exposition about his worldview by paying attention to the last two – very important and relevant – components: (5) his view of being human (anthropology) and (6) of society.
In the exposition of his anthropology the following aspects are highlighted: (1) religion as integral, total surrender to God and service to our fellow human beings; (2) the need for humaneness and being human; (3) the idea of ubuntu or human interdependence and (4) human freedom and responsibility.
Regarding his perspective on society the following aspects receive attention: (1) his rejection of three unsound views of societal life (apartheid, communism and capitalism); (2) his proposals for a better society in future and (3) his inability to visualize a post-apartheid society in the light of the possible solution offered by a Reformational, pluralist model.
The two articles are concluded by a brief evaluation of Tutu’s contribution to a genuine Christian worldview. In spite of some deficiencies, we would have beeng much poorer without it. As dwarfs we will have to stand on the shoulders of this giant to be able to see further, deeper and sharper.
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