Research Institute for Theology and Religion’s impact on theological and religious research in South Africa

Verbum et Ecclesia

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Research Institute for Theology and Religion’s impact on theological and religious research in South Africa
 
Creator Rakotsoane, Francis C.L.
 
Subject — Research Institute for Theology and Religion; theological scholarship; contextual theology; interfaith dialogue; inclusivity; academic freedom.
Description This article explores the history and impact of the Research Institute for Theology and Religion (RITR) at the University of South Africa over the past 50 years, from its inception in 1975 to its current challenges and future directions. It examines the foundational contributions of key figures, including Professors Willem Vorster and Cornel du Toit, and analyses the development of the institute’s research agenda within the broader socio-political context of South Africa. The article discusses significant milestones in the history of RITR, including its response to apartheid, its commitment to contextual and liberation theologies, and its role in fostering interfaith dialogue. In addition, it addresses critiques related to academic freedom, the relevance of its research and the need for diversity and inclusivity in theological discourse.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implication: The article outlines potential future directions for the RITR, emphasising innovation in theological education, interdisciplinary collaboration, engagement with global movements, and the cultivation of an inclusive scholarly community. Through this comprehensive examination, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the RITR’s legacy and its ongoing significance in South African theological scholarship.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor —
Date 2025-04-14
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — —
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ve.v46i3.3386
 
Source Verbum et Ecclesia; Vol 46, No 3 (2025); 9 pages 2074-7705 1609-9982
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3386/8660 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3386/8661 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3386/8662 https://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/ve/article/view/3386/8663
 
Coverage — — —
Rights Copyright (c) 2025 Francis C.L. Rakotsoane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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