Constructing a relevant dialogue between Sunni Muslims and Pentecostal Christians in Ekurhuleni, 1970-2018

Abstract

Muslim Christian relations in South Africa have undergone many changes. This thesis firstly traces these changes by using four categories described by Lochhead (1988) in relation to hostility, isolation, partnership, and competitiveness. Prior to the rise of the Apartheid era, the Dutch Reformed church played a crucial role in instigating hostility towards the Muslim community. During the Apartheid era, the Group areas Act contributed to the isolation of Christians and Muslims, as each group was geographically separated. At the height of the Apartheid era, many Muslims and Christians stood together as partners, to fight against this oppressive regime that stripped away their dignity. At the advent of democracy and the introduction of the Religious Freedom Charter, Christians and Muslims saw an opportunity to compete and exert their influence on government policies. However, while changes were taking place socially and politically, the theological arena remained stuck in the realm of debating. Public debates started becoming more frequent from the 1970s until today. This thesis examines the lives and theology of the two giants (Ahmed Deedat and John Gilchrist), who defined and shaped public debating between these two faiths. Both the Bible and the Quran will also be investigated to ascertain what these sacred scriptures have to say about debating, religious tolerance, and dialogue. Sunni Muslims and Pentecostal Christians were selected as interlocutors in this debate. Their views, feelings, and objections to the current affair in debating, was analysed and examined by Pentecostals, who were given an opportunity to present a way forward, from debating to dialoguing. Pentecostal leaders reviewed the three current theologies of religion: exclusivism, inclusivism, and pluralism. The exclusivist model was seen to be too rigid and left no room for religious dialogue. The pluralist model was totally rejected, while the inclusivist model was a viable model that would promote dialogue, while maintaining their Pentecostal convictions. Finally, the researcher presented a way forward for dialogue between Sunni Muslims and Pentecostal Christians, that would promote tolerance and respect, while still upholding Pentecostal integrity.