HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies ISSN: (Online) 2072-8050, (Print) 0259-9422 Page 1 of 8 Original Research Theological dialogue towards ethical restoration in a homophobia-riddled society Author: Homosexuality and homophobia in South Africa exist side by side. Homophobia is very common 1 Kelebogile T. Resane in communities and churches. Biblical texts, traditional cultures and politics partner to dismiss, Affiliation: discredit or disqualify homosexuality, but historians and anthropologists have evidence that 1Department of Historical & homosexuality has been around within African cultures for many ages. Christians are divided Constructive Theology, Faculty into two camps. There are those who openly oppose gay rights with citations from biblical texts, of Theology and Religion, claiming that homosexuality is forbidden by God. Others claim that this is poor biblical scholarship University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa and a cultural bias read into the Bible. To these, the Bible says nothing about homosexuality as an innate dimension of personality; as a sexual orientation, it was not understood in biblical times. Corresponding author: Despite a progressive constitution and affirming legislation, sexual and gender minorities Kelebogile Resane, experience discrimination in South Africa. The church expresses homophobic tendencies by
[email protected] excluding homosexual people from the sacraments, liturgy and ordination. Theology is invited to Dates: embark on a journey of dialogue with communities and homosexual people in order for it to be Received: 08 Apr. 2020 meaningful and relevant and contribute towards social, political and economic empowerment. Accepted: 23 June 2020 Through dialogue with the homophobic community, theology can journey out of the continuous Published: 24 Aug.