Heart of Darkness by Arnold Maurits Meiring

Arnold Maurits Meiring's doctoral thesis, "Heart of Darkness," challenges conventional Christian ideas of reconciliation by exploring them through the lens of religious studies, comparing Christian and African religious perspectives. The author employs postmodern thought and deconstruction to critique traditional Christian models like victory over the devil, objective substitution, and the subjective model. Meiring investigates African concepts of reconciliation, examining their myths, rituals, and emphasis on community, ancestors, and life force. Ultimately, the thesis aims to identify alternative, contextually relevant metaphors and models for reconciliation, particularly within the South African context, drawing insights from both Christian and African traditions to foster deeper understanding and potential for new liturgical practices. The work evaluates various rituals and theological perspectives, seeking to find common ground and innovative approaches to reconciliation that resonate with contemporary needs.