Moral regeneration : the role of the church in reviving morality in the society

Abstract

This thesis seeks to be an answer, to the unanswered questions. The writer tries to page back, and find out that which is lost in human kind. The writer tries to find out society in which he was born and nurtured. A society characterised by good morals, virtues, good standards and culture. Something is lost in humanity. What is that? - Morality. The present society seems to contradict the latter society. The present lifestyle seemed to have no morals. If they do, they must have inherited from somewhere. They see to have lost respect for other people's property etc. South Africa's, new dispensation seemed to have eroded Ubuntu away. I am trying to recapture, revive, relive, and resuscitate morality back in the agenda of every South African. How? Moral regeneration is the vision or dream of the South African Deputy President. But I believe it has taken a wrong direction. Politicians cannot lead moral regeneration. Instead the church must lead it, because the church has the spirituality. The answer to moral decay is in the church. The church need to teach, rebuke and lead by example on morality. It shall not compromise its gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, South Africa is facing a serious crisis of sexuality, unfaithfulness in marriages, corruption, unemployment, HIV Aids etc. morality is the broad concept,and in this thesis I've confirmed myself In addressing: sexuality, marriage unfaithfulness and corruption. Moral regeneration can be realised in this country, the church can address unfaithfulness in marriages, sexuality and corruption vigorously. Parliament cannot legislate on these issues. But the church can consciously teach people responsibilities coupled with democracy. Zeerust, is the small town in the North West Province. I have chosen to write this thesis from Zeerust context. The reason being, I have pastoral oversight of Methodist people in Zeerust and surrounding villages. Zeerust shares the same problems the country is facing that of corruption, sexuality and unfaithfulness in marriages. Lastly, the church needs to take seriously the cultural factors of its indigenous people. Before we became Christians, we were Africans. The church must be ready to learn from people's cultures, and the way they kept moral uprightness. Dialogue and consultations is a dire need between the church and the culture, between theologians and African healers. This thesis says the church is the answer to moral regeneration.