More on Ubuntu theology.
The concept of interdependence defines and informs Tutu's Ubuntu theology. The definition of Ubuntu and how Tutu's theological interpretation of it counters the theological narrative of apartheid have to do with how the imago dei is made intelligible in South Africa. Tutu summarizes the problem this way, "It is absolutely necessary for us to share certain values. Otherwise discourse between us would be impossible for we would be without common points of reference." I stress the intelligibility of the concept of Ubuntu because the environment in which Tutu forged his synthesis had been corrupted by ideologies of power totally contrary to the concept of Ubuntu. Tutu's Ubuntu theology seeks to understand these tendencies of power.
Ubuntu theology demands that we start over again. We do this in the present space and time of our existence - so that no side is left out. There must be an understanding of the other in order to build something new. Otherwise, we would find it so easy to tumble into ways of living that will simply follow the old powers of division and warfare. Ubuntu theology demands that we look around and take in all that is us...all that is human - without cutting anyone off. Once people are cut off or fear being cut off, we all know that we begin to flex our strength and our might in order to hold on to what we have and what we want to keep in our grasp. This is the way of war. This is the way of racism. This is the way of class divisions that create more and more reasons to stay separated rather than to move together.
Connection: It is not an easy road to walk when we insist on seeing all those who walk with us and around us. And yet, it is the way of Reign of God - the way of promise.
Lord of Life, teach us to love our neighbors - the ones we have learned to enjoy and the ones we have learned to hate. Encourage us to be open to surprising adventures that reveal your Reign even when we are afraid to step forward. Amen.
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