Abstract:
The dissertation is titled: “Blackness as the way to and state of salvation: A search for true
salvation in South Africa today”. The research was prompted by the question of salvation and
what it means for blacks. The provocation arose out of the problem and/or interpretation of
classical theology on the subject of soteriology. The biblical text of the Song of Songs 1:5: “I
am black and beautiful, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents Qedar, like the curtains of
Solomon”, is used as key to the argument. Origen (an early Christian theologian, who was
born and spent the first half of his career in Alexandria) interpretation of the preceding
biblical text is identified as problematic for blackness and African salvation. The problem
identified with his interpretation of the said text and its theology and/or soteriology is that,
first; he identifies and affirms the “ugliness’ of the black external and physical colour and/or
conditions. Secondly, his theology and/or soteriology is identified as dualistic, separating the
physical and the soul, which the researcher challenges and is against it as does not reflect the
understanding of soteriology and/or theology by Africans. The researcher attacks and argues
against the ugliness of blackness and dualism as a white and Eurocentric logic and problem.
The researcher in his argument exposes whiteness and eurocentrism as problematic. The
problem associated with whiteness is its claim that it is beautiful and positions itself as the
way of and to salvation. Moreover, whiteness is problematised as a racial identity, position of
power, structural evil and sin, exploitative, oppressive, and as related to capitalism.
In response, the researcher, a black theologian argues against the theology of Origen and
labelling it as European and white. The researcher exposes blackness as beautiful, powerful,
and as a way of life. For the researcher, salvation must be understood as holistic and as here
and now, situated in the black conditions. The researcher argues against dualism and
individualism in favour of a holistic and a communal African approach that is not exclusive
and self-centered. This approach is inclusive of the belief in God, the self, others human
beings and the natural environment. He is propagating a black theology that is in favour of
blackness as life, beautiful, powerful, liberating, and socialistic.
