South African society 

Yesterday I described my church background. Today I will focus on my South African background.  I have spoken about South African history and society in the past and information about this is widely available. This just a brief summary which i hope will help you understand where I am coming from in future entries. 

Let me begin with a terminological difference. The terms conservative and liberal mean very different things to a South African. In fact,  almost the opposite from how it might be understood in America. Except that here, conservativism is a very complex concept. Diversity is considered a strength here and multiculturalism is encouraged. Many groups have their own traditions and from that perspective, each group have their own brand of conservatism. The other thing to remember is that the native people of the land are both the majority and, as a result, also dominate in government.

However,  in many areas South Africa has been westernised.  

It is also a very religious society,  although it does not usually look like you might expect it to. By far the majority of people believe in God. However,  many of these people are not well educated and only know the basics. They also freely mix Christianity with their own beliefs. There are strong anglican and catholic communities.  There is a fairly large Muslim population.  But protestants form the majority. Many of these are quite nominal, although church attendance here is still quite high (when it isn't restricted by Covid regulations).

A lot of things have been influenced by our past. This includes education and this is our biggest issue. There are plenty of problems.  Yet you will find that many South Africans are quite resilient and intensly patriotic.  

I can consider myself  blessed.  I am well off, in spite of struggling to find work. I have had one of the best education available to a South African. I've  been birn in a part of the country that is well ordered and economically stable. And I've been exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints. My more problematic circumstances are partly the result of the problems facing our country as a whole, but they have affect me less negatively than it would had I not been born into an academic, Christian family. I am a compassionate person and when I look around me, I often feel uncomfortable because I am in a better position than so many who are working so hard to make ends meet. 

There is a lot more to what I have said here. And if you have any questions you are welcome to ask. But I think this should be enough for now. Next time I want to discuss my own personality and where I am, mentally, at this point. Again, I'm doing this, not to focus on myself. But I believe that so much of how we approach scripture, has to do with our background and our current ways of thinking. And that's why I'm beginning this way.