Multiculturalism and the church in Acts.

Abstract

This research on Multiculturalism has basically a three-pronged or a multidimensional approach. Firstly, the definitions of culture and multiculturalism are discussed. Secondly, multiculturalism in relevance to the book of Acts, and how the early church was able to deal with the phenomenon of multiculturalism. Thirdly, multiculturalism and the Church in South Africa, in context with the book of Acts are discussed. The 'definitions of multiculturalism', is included, in order that the reader may fully comprehend the aspect of multiculturalism in the early church, and the church of the present day. Without first understanding what is culture is all about, one will not be able to fully understand the nature of multiculturalism as related to the church. Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 deals with some the questions like, cultural diversity, problems and challenges of multiculturalism, race and ethnicity, cultural change, language, and religion. The early church from the time of the apostles, and the church past and present, have all experienced some or most of the challenges with regards to multiculturalism. Thus, in the light of the definitions of multiculturalism and its different challenges, the phenomenon of multiculturalism and the church is hereby discussed. I have not done an empirical research on the phenomenon of multiculturalism, but a literature survey of what other scholars have written on the subject. Hopefully, in the Doctoral thesis, I shall go to the next level in my research to determine the viewpoint of others, on the phenomenon of multiculturalism, its problems, especially in the 'post-apartheid' South Africa and the Church. I want to place on record my sincere a thanks and appreciation to Dr. S.K. Moran, my supervisor, for his assistance in acquiring a bursary in connection with this research. To the National Research Foundation (NRF), for the bursary; for without which, this research would not have been possible. To Dr. J.A. Smit, for his input, guidance, critical evaluation, and helpful suggestions in completing this research. To my wife, Grace, for her patience and tolerance during the time of doing this research. My prayer is that we in South Africa, as a multicultural, multiracial, and multiethnic society, will begin to understand our 'rainbow nation' a little better.