Publisher's Synopsis
This selection of papers was read at the founding congress of the South African Academy of Religion (SAAR) in 1994. Religion is assigned an important role within South African civil society - a society characterised by a multiplicity of cultures and faiths, Christianity being the dominant faith. This book reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the religious dialogue that is taking place in South Africa. The essays are grouped under three major headings: Introductory issues; Religion and religious traditions; and Religion and social change in South Africa. Topics include inter alia an examination of the boundary lines between religions, an analysis of the phenomenon of religion itself, religion and identity, the idea of a civil society; the contribution of South African religions to a shared value system, and the role of religion in promoting democratic values in a postapartheid era.
