What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?

What is the connection between faith (Jerusalem) and the secular world (Athens)? The rhetorical question above was first posed by Tertullian, a 2nd Century Christian apologist. It is a question that St Paul answered by his own actions (as read from the Acts of the Apostles earlier this week). He went to the academic heart of Athens – the equivalent of Wits Senate House! – and talked to his audience about ‘the unknown God’ and about Resurrection. Their reaction is instructive: a few became believers; some burst out laughing; but the largest group were just intrigued to find out more.

As Christians, we often shy away from talking to people who do not share our views.

Jerusalem is very good at speaking to Jerusalem; Rome to Rome; and occasionally Rome to Jerusalem. But how often do we talk to Athens – or to Pretoria, to Wits or UJ? Perhaps we are afraid that they will laugh at us. Or perhaps we are even more afraid that they will ask questions that we cannot answer. We need to accept that a conversation is not about delivering ready-made answers but exploring for answers together with dialogue partners.

Trinity Church and the Jesuit Institute are well placed to pursue this dialogue. We are clearly religious institutions. But we are placed in the heart of Athens – between the CBD and the universities – and through the chaplaincy work, the lectures and our very physical presence we can engage in conversation.

One area in which we believe we can do so is in response to the President’s call for a National Debate on Morality. In a country where most people’s personal morality is linked to their faith, religions must have a contribution to make. But in a country which has a staunchly secular constitution and a variety of religious traditions, we need to think carefully about how best to make that contribution.

What would not work is for any one religious leader to dictate to politicians or the media what ‘national morality’ should be. We need instead to engage across the spectrum of faiths and be willing to listen as well as to talk. With that in mind the Jesuit Institute will be hosting, with UJ, 2 round-table conversations. Senior religious leaders will be exploring the question of the role of religion in the national debate. Our own Archbishop Buti Tlhagale is speaking. But also Bishop Peter Lee from the Anglican tradition, Prof Habib from a Muslim background, Prof Steven Friedman from a Jewish perspective and others besides. They will be talking and listening to each other; and we hope that you will also attend – to listen and to talk.

Some people think that we should be trying to re-establish a religious order (‘Christendom’) in which the State and the Church are intertwined. In January of this year Pope Benedict warned us against that temptation: "There is an urgent need to delineate a positive and open secularity which … can foster healthy cooperation and a spirit of shared responsibility." It is right that we ask for space in the public debate for the voice of religion. But when we get that space we must willing and able to use it in the right way.

Notice
“The National Debate on Morality: Is God Invited?” The Jesuit Institute is hosting, with the University of Johannesburg, 2 round-table conversations about the role of religion in the national debate. Wednesday 26th May at UJ – Kingsway Campus in the Council Chamber; Wednesday 9th June in Trinity Hall, both at 7pm. A different panel will lead each conversation including Archbishop Buti, Prof Adam Habib and other senior church leaders. All welcome; admission free.