屬靈觀對社會參與的影響——南非靈恩教會的個案研究/劉達芳

劉達芳

撮要

本文以南非黑人五旬宗教會為案例,探討屬靈觀怎樣攔阻教會投入社會改革,以致他們雖然有參與政治的本錢,但仍卻步不前。本文的論點是,屬靈觀或屬靈狀況,可以攔阻信徒對政治參與裹足不前,但復興及神學改變等唯心因素,均不充夠叫人熱衷於社會公義,亦未必帶進社會轉化。政治總歸是政治,能叫信徒提升政治參與動力的,最重要的是天時、地利、人和(政治)等因素。今日,要帶進城市轉化,策動者除了宣講神學論點,傳遞異象、及提升屬靈熱忱外,還須按形勢及權力分析,去推動可能成功的改革。 

ABSTRACT

The paper, as a case study of Black Pentecostal Churches in South Africa, illustrates how definitions of what is “spiritual” block churches from engaging in social transformation despite of adequate resources to do so. The thesis of the paper is that revival and theological paradigm shifts does not automatically bring about social change. The nature of politics is such that dynamics of socioeconomic factors and the rise of political figures are needed to catapult Christians into political participation. Today, besides theological arguments, vision sharing and inspiring spiritual passion, agents of social transformation must engage in power analysis and contextual deliberations to be successful in bringing about social change.

原載於《建道學刊》52期(2019年7月),頁 65-84。