Geen water, geen volheid: Die dringende boodskap van die eksistensie�l-teologiese betekenis van water

Abstract

Water is no longer only a source of life, but at the same time entails the possibility of death. In this article the question is posed to the theological implications of the statement when God is proclaimed as creator and giver of life, and this very life is now threatened by various human activities (eg. industrialisation) or the lack of activities (eg. no sanitation) in which the availability of fresh water can no longer be taken for granted. Attention is specifically given to the availability and access to fresh water within the South African context from international, national and ecclesial reports. From theological considerations on the significance of water in a biblical context, a strong argument is presented for involvement with this crisis as specialised conversation partner.

#Rainmustfall – A Theological Reflection on Drought, Thirst, and the Water of Life

“…It is the association of the Bible with life, and life with water, that makes water such an important element in biblical texts (De Gruchy 2010:199). However, the association of water with life is -as De Gruchy (2010) and Veldsman (2015) have pointed out -by no means uncomplicated. A classic example of a biblical story wherein the notion "water of life" or "living water" is the site of confusion, contestation, and ultimately reinterpretation is that of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John.…”

Finding an academic voice in postapartheid South Africa: Systematic Theology at the University of Pretoria

“…From this approach flows spontaneously the focus on concrete issues within the South African context such as the theological-existential importance of water, to give but one example (see Veldsman 2015).…”