De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond
This study reflects on Steve de Gruchy’s holistic model of theology and development (TD), emphasising his commitment to justice, human dignity and social transformation in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. De Gruchy was a notable South African theologian whose scholarship significantly inf...
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| Format: | Article |
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AOSIS
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Verbum et Ecclesia |
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| Online Access: | https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3393 |
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| author | Gift Masengwe |
| author_facet | Gift Masengwe |
| author_sort | Gift Masengwe |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study reflects on Steve de Gruchy’s holistic model of theology and development (TD), emphasising his commitment to justice, human dignity and social transformation in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. De Gruchy was a notable South African theologian whose scholarship significantly influenced development theory, public theology and social ethics. This article is presented in response to the commemoration of 50 years of scholarship at the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa, and the question is: How does De Gruchy’s holistic model of TD inform our understanding of socio-ecological, political and economic challenges in South Africa, and what implications does it have for development practices both locally and globally? This study employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating theological analysis with development theory, drawing from De Gruchy’s works and contextual examples. It examines the historical injustices in South Africa, critiques neoliberal economic paradigms and emphasises participatory frameworks for social change. Findings reveal that De Gruchy advocates for TD that transcends economic metrics, highlighting ecological, social and spiritual dimensions. His emphasis on integrated approaches, such as the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, illustrates the necessity of empowering marginalised communities. The role of faith communities as catalysts for social change underscores the potential for constructive engagement between secular and religious sectors. This study is significant as it reiterates the relevance of De Gruchy’s insights in addressing ongoing development challenges, advocating for a reconceptualisation of TD that intertwines theory and praxis, promoting collaborative solutions in the African context and beyond.
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article honours De Gruchy’s lasting impact on contemporary TD discourses and the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa’s 50 years of scholarship. His liberation theory of holistic development encourages theologians to address socio-ecological challenges, promoting ethical responses in South Africa and beyond. It bridges gaps with sociology and environmental science, fostering collaborative efforts for sustainable solutions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-dc846d77b2904641a6b2ada36d683886 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1609-9982 2074-7705 |
| language | Afrikaans |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Verbum et Ecclesia |
| spelling | doaj-art-dc846d77b2904641a6b2ada36d6838862025-08-20T01:50:57ZafrAOSISVerbum et Ecclesia1609-99822074-77052025-03-01463e1e1010.4102/ve.v46i3.33932047De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyondGift Masengwe0Research Institute of Religion and Theology, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa; and, Department of Research, Vice Chancellery, Zimbabwe Open University, HarareThis study reflects on Steve de Gruchy’s holistic model of theology and development (TD), emphasising his commitment to justice, human dignity and social transformation in the context of post-apartheid South Africa. De Gruchy was a notable South African theologian whose scholarship significantly influenced development theory, public theology and social ethics. This article is presented in response to the commemoration of 50 years of scholarship at the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa, and the question is: How does De Gruchy’s holistic model of TD inform our understanding of socio-ecological, political and economic challenges in South Africa, and what implications does it have for development practices both locally and globally? This study employs an interdisciplinary approach, integrating theological analysis with development theory, drawing from De Gruchy’s works and contextual examples. It examines the historical injustices in South Africa, critiques neoliberal economic paradigms and emphasises participatory frameworks for social change. Findings reveal that De Gruchy advocates for TD that transcends economic metrics, highlighting ecological, social and spiritual dimensions. His emphasis on integrated approaches, such as the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, illustrates the necessity of empowering marginalised communities. The role of faith communities as catalysts for social change underscores the potential for constructive engagement between secular and religious sectors. This study is significant as it reiterates the relevance of De Gruchy’s insights in addressing ongoing development challenges, advocating for a reconceptualisation of TD that intertwines theory and praxis, promoting collaborative solutions in the African context and beyond. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article honours De Gruchy’s lasting impact on contemporary TD discourses and the Research Institute of Theology and Religion at the University of South Africa’s 50 years of scholarship. His liberation theory of holistic development encourages theologians to address socio-ecological challenges, promoting ethical responses in South Africa and beyond. It bridges gaps with sociology and environmental science, fostering collaborative efforts for sustainable solutions.https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3393steve de gruchydevelopment theorysocial justicehuman dignityfreedomparticipatory developmentneoliberalismsustainable livelihoodschurch communitiesfaith communitiesethical engagementcommunity empowerment |
| spellingShingle | Gift Masengwe De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond Verbum et Ecclesia steve de gruchy development theory social justice human dignity freedom participatory development neoliberalism sustainable livelihoods church communities faith communities ethical engagement community empowerment |
| title | De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond |
| title_full | De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond |
| title_fullStr | De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond |
| title_full_unstemmed | De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond |
| title_short | De Gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in South Africa and beyond |
| title_sort | de gruchy and his holistic model of theology and development in south africa and beyond |
| topic | steve de gruchy development theory social justice human dignity freedom participatory development neoliberalism sustainable livelihoods church communities faith communities ethical engagement community empowerment |
| url | https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3393 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT giftmasengwe degruchyandhisholisticmodeloftheologyanddevelopmentinsouthafricaandbeyond |