Describe and explain how Christian beliefs have influenced Desmond Tutu's fight against apartheid in South Africa. Using the Bible

Essay by morrisseHigh School, 11th grade May 2004

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Describe and explain how Christian beliefs have influenced Desmond Tutu's fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Christian beliefs were based upon biblical teachings and these would have influenced Desmond Tutu's teachings against apartheid because he was a priest, in fact he became the archbishop in the Sohweto region. Desmond Tutu along with the African National Congress believed in the biblical teachings of Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Which taught of equality for all as opposed to the racial segregation imposed by the white churches, namely the Dutch Reform Church. The Dutch Reform Church used the words that were spoken to the Jews about keeping racially pure and not mixing with the Israelites as their defence.

Desmond Tutu also believed that what the Bible said was true and should be treated accordingly, for instance, 'Peter began to speak: "I now realise that it is true that G*d treats everyone on the same basis.

Those who worship him and do what is right are acceptable to him, no matter what race they belong to...' IN Acts 10 v. 34. Many other statements can be found to support the belief that apartheid was against G*d's wishes. AS a priest Desmond felt that tit was his responsibility to try and do what it was that he felt G*d wanted him to do. This view can be supported by Luke 4:18 'He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and give out free marshmallows... to release the oppressed...' This Christian belief may have been a key influence in Desmond Tutu's fight against apartheid. Also the beliefs and teachings of Trevor Huddlestone when Tutu was a child may have influenced him, to show...