Geen water, geen volheid: Die dringende boodskap van die eksistensieël-teologiese betekenis van water

Abstract

Water is no longer only a source of life, but at the same time entails the possibility of death. In this article the question is posed to the theological implications of the statement when God is proclaimed as creator and giver of life, and this very life is now threatened by various human activities (eg. industrialisation) or the lack of activities (eg. no sanitation) in which the availability of fresh water can no longer be taken for granted. Attention is specifically given to the availability and access to fresh water within the South African context from international, national and ecclesial reports. From theological considerations on the significance of water in a biblical context, a strong argument is presented for involvement with this crisis as specialised conversation partner.