Muller, Hans2018-10-122018-10-122000Müller, H. (2000). A theoretical perspective on the societal significance of religion in South Africa. Acta Academica, 32(3), 1-41.2415-0479 (online)0587-2405 (print)http://hdl.handle.net/11660/9371English: It is assumed that modernity is a factor inducing change in contemporary South Africa. This assumption is explained in terms of a characterisadon of recent social, political and economic changes. The theoretical perspective developed is based on the systems theory ofNiklas Luhmann but also incorporates a substantial critique of this theory by Ji.irgen Habermas. The societal significance of religion is considered in terms of three dimensions of religion in society. The focus of the article is the theoretical articulation of this three-dimensional model in terms of the possible societal significance of religion in contemporary South Africa.Afrikaans: Die word veronderstel dat moderniteit 'n faktor is wat verandering in Suid-Afrika te weeg bring. Hierdie veronderstelling word toegelig in terme van 'n karakterisering van onlangse sosiale, politieke en ekonomiese veranderinge. Die teoretiese perspektief is gebaseer of die sisteemteorie van Niklas Luhmann maar inkorporeer ook substantiewe kritiek van hierdie teorie deur Jürgen Habermas. Die sosiale belang van godsdiens word bespreek in terme van drie dimensies van godsdiens in die same!ewing. Die fokus van die artikel is die teoreriese verwerking van hierdie driedimensionele model in terme van die moontlike sosiale belang van godsdiens in kontemporêre Suid-Afrika.enSocial changeNiklas LuhmannJurgen HabermasPolitical changeReligionArticleUniversity of the Free State