The past and future of Black Theology in South Africa: in discussion with Maimela

Abstract

This article pays tribute to Simon Maimela by engaging with some of the views on Black Theology which he expressed during his active days as academic writer. It tests the waters regarding the future of Black Theology in South Africa. Maimela wrote much on Black Theology, but his contribution seems to have been forgotten – especially since 1994. The article addresses this situation in two parts: The first part looks at Maimela’s essays on Black Theology, especially his contributions on contextualisation, gender and ecumenism; central themes; and the significance of his work by way of a historical evaluation. The second part is an attempt to look into the future to see whether or not Black Theology can be revived. The following aspects are some of the contemporary problems that are addressed: renaming Black Theology; spirituality; revisiting and redefining racism; principles; relationship with the theology of the clergy; the visibility of women in theology; view of collective evil, which increase the personal suffering of victims of oppression and poverty, violence, criminality, unemployment and homelessness.