Theses and Dissertations (Biblical and Religious Studies)

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Drivers of and the current church stand on infidelity among the clergy in the church of the province of Uganda
(University of Pretoria, 2024-01-20) Maniraj, Sukdaven; Obetia, Joel; rmuwonge130@gmail.com; Mulindwa, Richard
The Church of the Province of Uganda is one of the most well-positioned churches as far as inculcating good morals, leading people to salvation, and ensuring optimal spirituality. However, the achievement of the five marks of the mission of the Church, in totality, largely depends on having efficient and exemplary clergy. Such an ideal situation in the Church ought to be maintained at all costs, with the implication that its antagonists have to be prevented or significantly minimized. The antagonists in this case are many things that can significantly dent the trust that members of the Church of the Province of Uganda can have in their leaders. Among the many possible variables that can dent trust in the church, there is possibly none as concerning as infidelity among the clergy, given its propensity to discredit the church of the province of Uganda as a whole. Worryingly, although infidelity among church leaders has been quite a long-standing vice in history, there is ample evidence indicating that even in the church of the province of Uganda, it has persisted and could be on the rise. The purpose of this study was to explore the drivers of and the current Church stand on infidelity among the clergy in the Church of the Province of Uganda. This study adopted a constructivist research philosophy and, hence, a case study exploratory design, targeting ordained clergy in the Anglican Province of Uganda, whose sample size was determined using data saturation. A census of all the dioceses in the province (37 dioceses) was made, and the clergy along with key informants in each diocese were purposefully sampled. Data was collected using focus group discussions and key informant interviews and captured using focus group discussions and key informant interview guides, along with digital voice recording. The collected data was analyzed thematically, using an inductive approach. Four characterizations of clergy who engage in infidelity were revealed, one of which was salvation status, duration in the ministry, numerous connections with church leadership, and non-satisfaction with sex in marriage. The intrapersonal drivers of infidelity among clergy in the church of the province of Uganda included not being truly saved, familiarization with God, engagement in risky counseling sessions, the tendency to always leave one’s wife behind whenever one goes for ministry, and low moral commitment to the church cause. The interpersonal drivers of infidelity among clergy in the Church of the Province of Uganda are three in number, and they include familial relations with church leaders, collegial influence, and dissatisfaction with sexual needs by wives of the clergy. The institutional drivers of infidelity among clergy in the Church of the Province of Uganda were the most reported; the exploration of what the current Church stand on infidelity among the clergy revealed that the church had no explicit stand on the issue. Clergy in the Church of the Province of Uganda who engage in infidelity are those who are not saved (not showing fruits of the holy spirit in their daily lives), those who have been clergy for more than five years, and those with connections with church leadership. There are intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional drivers of infidelity among the clergy in the church of the province of Uganda, but, whereas all three are important, it is evident that intrapersonal and institutional drivers take more precedence compared to the other one (interpersonal). The church of the province of Uganda has no official stand on infidelity among clergy in the province. The study proposed that to minimize and/or prevent the incidence of infidelity among clergy in the Church of the Province of Uganda, the following evidence-based solutions are suggested: There is a need for the directorate of mission, evangelism, and outreach, along with the respective bishops of each diocese, to organize staff development programs for clergy in the church of the province of Uganda, focused on rejuvenating and rekindling the faith and spirit of all clergy, given that some of them are no longer in salvation, as the Bible defines it.
Agencies of capitalism : evaluating Nigerian Pentecostalism using African moral philosophies
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Pillay, Jerry; Daniel, Oghenekevhwe Orogun
The parallel existence of turbo-casino or monopoly capitalism and the commodification of the gospel among the Nigerian Neo-Pentecostals in recent times may be beyond rumour. The alleged accompanying socio-moral and socio-economic damages may have put about forty million Nigerian Pentecostal Christians in a high risk of manipulation, extortion, and exploitation. Logically, it makes no sense for the government, ecumenical bodies, and other stakeholders to address the issues except the claims against the pulpit entrepreneurs and capitalists are scholarly validated. With this background, it is the purpose of this research to investigate the existence of socio-moral abnormalities, the causes, and effects among the Nigerian Neo-Pentecostals. Under the lens of African moral philosophies namely Philosophical Consciencism, Ujamaa, and Ubuntu, this thesis focuses on three (3) churches which represent the Classical, Contemporary, and Paradigm Neo-Pentecostalism, respectively. They are the Lifaworld Church (LFC), Paholag Church (PHC), and Daystar Christian Centre (DCC). The research used literature, media, and fourteen (14) relevant and available interviewees to gather information on these churches. The outcome revealed that unaccountability, fraudulent fundraising styles, sales of miracles and healings, personalisation of the churches as family businesses, nepotism, tribalism, staff and associates’ exploitation, corruption via a pastoral elitist alliance with the political class, abuse of spiritual authority, and poor corporate social responsibility, all exist in the LFC, PHC and possibly the Neo-Pentecostals in general. Using their style of leadership, lifestyle, cultural and western influence, and prosperity theology, the LFC and PHC leaders were categorized as agents of turbo-monopoly capitalisms, while the paradigm church DCC was categorized under the responsible capitalism. Thus, this research upheld that not all Neo-Pentecostals are agencies of turbo-monopoly capitalism and that the paradigm Neo-Pentecostal practices should be emulated and improved upon by most Neo- Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. Alongside many recommendations, the ultimate submission of this research is that the causes of Pentecostal capitalism, ranging from greed to selfishness are founded on ‘lack of love’ towards the sheep; as 1Corinthians 13:13 sustained where there is love, turbo and monopoly capitalisms which validate abnormal socio-moral activities among Nigerian Neo-Pentecostal pastors can be eradicated.
A Journey of Missional Intent : Organizational Strategy in the Context of God’s Mission
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); susan_van_wynen@wycliffe.net; Van Wynen, Susan Elaine
This research addresses the following issue: Traditional strategic planning philosophies and methodologies were not created or developed to reflect or support organizational participation in missio Dei (God’s mission). The following questions provided the focus for the research— Can the concept of a journey: • provide a more biblically and missiologically-aligned, helpful, and effective basis for creating new ways of leading and participating in organizational thinking and planning in and among mission and church organizations?” • address organizations’ desires to flourish in and respond to the complex local and global environments of today and tomorrow? • be effective in multicultural and global contexts? The questions above were addressed through three key areas of research: Metaphor and strategy, multi-cultural impressions of journey, and journey and Scripture. A process of qualitative inquiry drew from literature review, survey and case studies. The literature review included contributions from theology, missiology, business, history, and literary classics. The research was also enriched by the wisdom, cultures, contexts, and experiences of survey and case study participants, organizational leaders from more than forty nations. The findings come together to make a unique contribution to the study of strategy as relates to organizations that seek to be a part of God’s mission. The research primarily, but not exclusively, addresses the needs of Christian organizations, including churches. The study of strategy metaphors and the journey concept could be of benefit to any organization’s leaders. The research is informed by the work and journey of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, but the application potential and implications of the research are broader and deeper than any one group or type of organizations. Exploring the concept of journey led to findings concerning the importance of metaphor, the near-universality of journey as a metaphor, and the many rich facets of this concept when voices from many nations are heard. The case studies and research associated with the literature review also provided insights into how the journey concept can be practically applied across cultures and in ever-changing, and often complex, global and local contexts.
A Virtue Ethics Construct for the Restoration of an Ethical Society in South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2020) Veldsman, D.P. (Daniel Petrus), 1959-; dawie.venter2@standardbank.co.za; Venter, Dawid
The Preamble to the Constitution embodies the dreams, aspirations, wishes and hopes of most South Africans who elected to opt for the freedom without violence path during the 1994 referendum and subsequent democratic elections in South Africa. Due to its progressive nature and protection of human rights the South African constitution is often described as the envy of the liberal world. The constitution grants equal rights to life, equality, freedom and dignity to all citizens. The sad reality for the Rainbow nation is that moral decline and ethical apathy has taken the centre stage and drictly influences the lives of most if not all its citizens. This calls into question the prevailing views and actions of the Christian tradition and community which rests in the power centres of religion; the churches, Christian institutions and communities.The breakdown of morality in South Africa and the contrasting fact that as a nation South Africa implores God to protect and bless her, raises the question as to why South Africa is still shying away from seeking a spiritual - religion based solution to redress the waning ethical narrative of South Africa? The moral fibre of a dominant Christian country has become brittle and tacky with very few strands still hanging onto some respectable form of morality. The research followed the qualitative method and whilst incorporating the most recent empirical research highlighting the relevance and importance of people’s responses to and opinions of morality and ethical conduct it considers the historical, current and future of ethical conduct and morality in South Africa. The theoretical findings and proposals are incorporated into a theoretical construct built on Virtue ethics and presented as an alternative which provides the opportunity and possibility to influence and arrest the decline of morality in South Africa.
A critical analysis of ‘submit to the governing authority’ (RM 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia
(University of Pretoria, 2019) Van Eck, Ernest; ; u14212481@tuks.co.za; Siame, Lordwell
This study focuses on a critical analysis of the usage of 'submit to the governing authority' (Romans 13:1) among some African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia. The study deals with the role ordinary citizens in Zambia play in keeping their political leadership accountable, or otherwise, by looking at how biblical texts in Zambia are used in the democratic dispensation. In Zambia, Romans 13:1-7 is widely used to support the political status quo; any political government that comes into power is assumed to have been ushered in by the will of God. Hence, in some circles it is assumed that whatever these leaders say or do is divinely proclaimed, therefore, criticising them is tantamount to fighting the will of God. African Pentecostal preachers are widely accused of being the ones championing this kind of teaching. Thus, the research questions; how do African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7? Is their interpretation of the text legitimate? In my view, the way scriptures are interpreted, coupled with the consciousness drawn thereof, they influence citizens actions and decisions. Therefore, the way in which an understanding of Romans 13:1-7 by African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia is arrived at and grounded is the concern this study has thoroughly investigated. In Chapter 2, a summary is given on how some selected scholars have interpreted and analysed Romans 13:1-7, using different lenses and approaches. This history of interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 will then be used to identify the research gap that will be addressed in the study. In Chapter 3 a discussion on the theoretical perspectives of this study has been given. The chapter begins with a discussion on the meaning of social-scientific criticism (SSC), and an overview or description of social-scientific criticism. Secondly, in this chapter a detailed discussion on “African enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” theories have been given. The description of the above-mentioned theoretical perspectives is necessary because it will be against this understanding of the approach that the understanding and interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 among African Pentecostal preachers in Zambia will be undertaken. In Chapter 4 an analysis of Romans 13:1-7 is presented in order to uncover its possible original intended (contextual) meaning and purpose. This is done by discussing the socio-cultural-, economic- and political situation in which Paul’s letter to the Romans was applicable. In order to achieve this, the study engages with social-scientific models and theories that are designed to unlock the meaning entrenched in ancient texts. Chapter 5 provides an overview on the role African Pentecostals play in the Zambian political dispensation. The Chapter has given a brief history of Pentecostalism and African Pentecostalism respectively. Furthermore, the chapter paints a vivid picture of the church and state relationship championed by African Pentecostals in Zambia. Additionally, the Chapter attempts to outline the impact of such church and state relations model on the democratic dispensation of the country. Chapter 6 provides an overview on how some selected African Pentecostal preachers understand and interpret Romans 13:1-7. Using “enchanted worldview” and “field consciousness” analytical lenses, the chapter analyses how these selected preachers interpret and understand Romans 13:1-7 and how such interpretation and understanding impacts on the democratization of the country: Zambia. Chapter 7 outlines the findings of the study, as well as recommendations for further research.
A missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex-work industry
(University of Pretoria, 2019) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); pkotze001@gmail.com; Kotze, Peter
This research deals with the importance of a missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex work industry. This research is necessitated by a current limited theological reflection on this growing global issue and the complexities surrounding it. As the most common form of trafficking in humans, the recruitment, movement and sexual exploitation of human beings is a crime against humanity that often causes nearly irreparable physical and psychological damage to its victims. Unfortunately, due to the complexity and invisibility of this issue, it remains a challenging field of research. The complexity not only surrounds the victims, but starts from the ever-evolving definitions of human trafficking, the changing nature of perpetrators, the healing and reintegration strategies of victims into society, the family of victims and perpetrators, economic challenges, traditional cultural practices, the different channels offering assistance, ethical implications, to the ever-growing demand. Within each of these mentioned categories are many questions and challenges that need to be theologically addressed by this research. This theological reflection will be built upon existing research from other academic fields and will attempt to move beyond mere words and theories to strategies for action. Unfortunately, the growth, magnitude, complexity and hidden nature of human trafficking make this a particularly tricky human rights concern to address adequately, or even to develop a reliable victim estimate. It is often compared to modern-day slavery that requires a global multiple stakeholder approach to address effectively. The global ecumenical church could play an important part in the lives of the victims hereof. As the missionary action of churches cannot be separated from their being, the church could channel this missionary identity to include an ethically motivated mission to the marginalised in sex trafficking circles. In this missionary action, unity and ecumenism become very important as the whole church is called to witness in the whole world, becoming an inclusive life bringing community promoting human dignity, justice, healing, and hope. The current research gap within theological reflections lies therein that it does not approach this complex issue transformatively, ethically, missionally, multi-dimensionally or phenomenologically. A new missional theological theory for the global ecumenical church’s involvement needs to be developed, one where human trafficking as a phenomenon is reinterpreted to be a theological issue leading to action being taken in a life-giving mission. This theory will serve as the foundation for this study. According to missional theology, this life-giving mission should happen from the margins in order to confront and transform all that denies life. Missional theology coupled with social ethics could assist in this endeavour, as it provides essential insights for bringing life to the marginalised. All complexities, challenges, and opportunities therein are explored. As this issue remains a local problem stemming from global pressures, the challenge for the researcher lies therein to create a glocal theological theory, meaning a theological theory that has global influence, but one that can be customed for local use. It needs to enable both the creation of a global life-giving mission through the ecumenical church, as well as the creation of a customised local life-giving mission with key concepts derived from the global initiative. As a destination for sex trafficking, the empirical research is carried out in South Africa, with the city of Rustenburg as a specific focus, where the researcher has previously been involved in counter-trafficking projects since January 2013. This focus on the local is especially important for this research as the challenge of human trafficking lies simultaneously in the global and the local, and a need exists to move beyond words and theories. The empirical research will then aim to relay narratives of the marginalised victims and survivors in this area, in order to investigate the viability of a global theological theory that can be used to derive and set up a local life-giving mission to the victims of sex trafficking through the ecumenical church. A central aim of the research is then to create a glocal theological theory, with the integration of missional theology and ethics, from which local strategies and methodologies for a life-giving mission can be derived, tested and evaluated. This includes a life nurturing mission that brings healing and prophetically denunciates the root causes of suffering and that promotes the transformation of structures that dispense injustice while bringing hope of the transformation of all things. Both the theory and praxis are examined with the fullness of life, human dignity, hope, justice, healing and the end goal in mind, which is the formulation of a missional appropriation of human trafficking for the sex work industry. This examination takes place within the transformative paradigm using a mixed methods approach. As a missional and ethical theological foundation for the ecumenical church’s involvement in the complex issue of sex trafficking has not been tabled as of yet, neither concrete theoretical models for this involvement, this research could bring a new dimension to the nature of Church in the post-modern global culture.
Religion in the city
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Beyers, Jaco; leon.geel27@gmail.com; Geel, Leon
Religion within the urban environment has been debated for a few years now. The debate does not get easier, nor will it disappear overnight. There seems to be a few problems between these different structures and their systems within. Questions regarding certain religious institutions towards the society are notable to look at. Even the current topic on how to correlate the relationship between society and religion are note-worthy. These concerns create an opportunity for us to re-evaluate these relationships. Could there be a way to reconcile these relationships? What then can we discern from the perspectives of history, sociology and consumerism when given a description of what cities and religion proclaim to be and what it ought to be? Can we find a way to reconcile religion and our understanding of urban society? Should religion be re-envisiond to fit into a transformed urban society? This study suggests that the Apparatus theory can be of assistance when relating religion and the city. This study will in no way attempt to provide a detailed overview of these elements: city and religion. Rather, possibilities for areas of dialogue will be considered. Could religion be an Apparatus we need to consider in a society that has totally lost its barriers and means of dialogue in society? The Apparatus theory could be seen as the connection needed to understand all inter-dependant forms that the society builds on. Religion can either promote social cohesion and integration or religion can force social division. Religion has a role to play and a place to fill within the urban barriers. This study wants to emphasize that the characteristics of religion will change over time, but will never die out.
Masters, slaves and spiritual sexuality
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Human, Dirk J.; Lombaard, Christoffel Johannes Stephanus; annelise.erasmus1@gmail.com; Erasmus, Annelise
No abstract
‘n Missionale Inkarnasiemodel vir Nederduitse Gereformeerde gemeentes in voorstedelike gemeenskappe, met spesiale verwysing na die apostoliese leierskap van Paulus
(University of Pretoria, 2018) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus); cjl@mweb.co.za; Lindeque, Cornelis
In both church as well as theological circles much attention has been paid, during the past decades, to the development of missional congregations. The General Synod of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa adopted a policy document in 2013, to encourage and empower local congregations on their way to becoming truly missional churches. This thesis analyses and evaluates one congregation’s attempt to discover the meaning of being a missional congregation in a local setting: Doornkloof Family Church within the Doringkloof community, Centurion. In the Introductory chapter, Chapter 1, the research proposal is presented. The following Chapter 2 is devoted to a discussion of the theological concepts underpinning the development of a missional theology and practice, namely the concepts of missio Dei and missio ecclesiae. At the heart of the development of a missional church lies the concept of incarnation. The church needs to follow in the footsteps of Christ, committing itself to be incarnated in the world, as well as in the local community. This is attended to in Chapter 3, by discussing inter alia the importance of contextualisation and inculteration in the local setting. In Chapter 4 the demands of apostolic leadership are discussed, by analysing the leadership model of the apostle Paul. Attention is given to modern research on Paul’s leadership example, making use –inter alia – of the so called chaos-theory. Chapter 5 is devoted to the DRC Family Church Doornkloof and its endeavours on the road to becoming a missional church. The role of the clergy as well as other leaders are analysed. After that, the context in which the church operates, on macro-meso- and micro-levels, comes under the lens. In Chapter 6 the development of a missional strategy for the DRC Family Church Doornkloof is discussed and evaluated. Local projects, inter alia the Straatgeloof (“Faith on the street”) initiative, are scrutinised. In the final chapter, Chapter 7, the results of the research are discussed, together with a brief note on areas for future research on the subject.
Ndebele and Shona Ethnic Cohesion : a Dialogue with Paul's Ethics of Reconciliation
(University of Pretoria, 2018-02) Dube, Zorodzai; ishegusha2@gmail.com; Gusha, Isheanesu Sextus
The tension between the Ndebele and Shona people dates back to the precolonial era and this has been one of the major threats to Zimbabwe’s peace. Ethnic tensions have resulted in the loss of thousands of lives since the country’s independence, especially during the Entumbane clashes and Gukurahundi massacres. The government has in several ways, tried to bring social cohesion between the two with limited success. Four examples are: the initiatives done through the 1980 reconciliation pronouncement by Prime Minster Robert Mugabe, 1987 Unity Accord between PF ZAPU and ZANU PF, the Government of National Unity, and the Commission on National Healing and Reconciliation of 2008. The failure may be attributed to amnesia and the unwillingness to repent from past evils by the perpetrators. Seemingly, the major problem may be attributed to the fact that interested parties often played the mediatory role; and one cannot objectively be both player and referee. In addition, over the years, the church through her ecumenical bodies has tried to build bridges between the two but the efforts were also fruitless due to the unwillingness by the government to take recommendations from the church and civic organisations. The thesis proposes Pauline ethics regarding reconciliation in the Corinthian correspondence as inspiration for social cohesion between the Ndebele and Shona tribes. As hermeneutical tools, Paul’s key symbols such as Christ, the Cross of Christ, Ambassador, New Creation, and Baptism shall be deployed as epistemological lenses in promoting identity tags that go beyond ethnicity. I propose that, for these symbols to be effective, the following recommendations should be taken seriously; setting up of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), refraining from using ethnic offensive language, introduction of Ndebele and Shona languages in primary and secondary schools in the provinces dominated by these two ethnic groups, substituting ethnic provincial names with neutral ones, substituting ethnic registration system of people with a neutral one, and the devolution of power.
Die toekoms van spiritualiteit binne Afrikaanse hoofstroomkerke - 'n Godsdiens-sosiologiese studie
(University of Pretoria, 2017) Beyers, Jaco; bjt2012@yahoo.co.uk; Tolmay, Barry John
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Religious education in South African public schools : opportunities and problems
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Human, Dirk J.; Etherecia@damonsinc.co.za; Damons, Etherecia Oryetta
No abstract available
Luke 4:16-30 amidst poverty in Zambia
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Van Eck, Ernest; lovesiame@gmail.com; Siame, Lordwell
This study titled The golden Jubilee year: Luke 4:16-30 amidst poverty in Zambia looks at responsible ways of interpreting biblical texts in impoverished faith communities. The research question this study seeks to address is: How can Luke 4:16-30 be social-scientifically read in the context of the golden Jubilee year amidst impoverished Christians in Zambia, and to what extent can a social-scientific reading of this text be developed? It is the view of this study that the method of interpretation plays a pivotal role when it comes to extracting transformational messages from the Bible. In Chapter 2, a summary is given on how some selected scholars have interpreted and analysed Luke 4:16-30, using different lenses and approaches. This history of interpretation of Luke 4:16-30 will then be used to identify the research gap that will be addressed in the study. In Chapter 3 a discussion on the meaning of social-scientific criticism (SSC), and an overview or description of social-scientific criticism is given. This description is necessary because it will be against this understanding of the approach that a reading of Luke 4:16-30 amidst poverty in Zambia in the year of golden Jubilee will be undertaken. In Chapter 4 an analysis of Luke 4:16-30 is presented in order to uncover its possible original intended (contextual) meaning and purpose. This is done by discussing the socio-cultural-, economic- and political situation in which Jesus ministered. In order to achieve this, the study engages with social-scientific models and theories that are designed to unlock the meaning entrenched in ancient texts. Chapter 5 provides an overview of the poverty situation in Zambia. The Chapter paints a vivid picture of the poverty situation in Zambia, as well as its causes (i.e., geographical, economic, cultural and demographic). Additionally, the Chapter attempts to outline the impact of poverty upon the livelihood of Zambians, and the measures being put in place to alleviate the poverty situation. Chapter 6 outlines the findings of the study, as well as recommendations for further research.
Injunctions towards an Afrocentric theology of worship music : an Old Testament perspective
(2016) Human, Dirk J.; Ndoga, Sampson S.; Karonwi, John
Worship music on the African continent has become a very contentious issue, especially in the contemporary religious settings. Music generally has also been identified to play a vital role in all forms of worship in Africa. Thereby, it has been packaged and segmented in various classes and genres that suites its practitioners, such that they can interact and freely express themselves. Music in African worship is extremely unique, such that it is intimately connected to African customs and practices. African music has created a new phase to Africans response to the Gospel. On the other hand, music has been instrumental in the contextualisation of African theology. Above all, music as well as prayers (i.e. imprecatory psalms) played an important role in the biblical worship and celebrations such that it expresses love and praise to Yahweh
The Church, national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe : a womanist perspective on Churches in Manicaland (CiM)
(University of Pretoria, 2016) Mahlangu, Elijah; Manyonganise, Molly
Given that women are the major victims of any conflict, their lived experiences should be the starting point of any post-reconstruction process. Proceeding from this premise, this study looked at the role of the church in national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe from a gendered perspective focusing specifically on Churches in Manicaland (CiM), a forum of churches operating in Manicaland province. While academic scholars have written about the activities of the church and church organisations in Zimbabwe (in the national healing and reconciliation process), there have been limited attempts at examining the intersections of gender and post-reconstruction processes such as national healing and reconciliation especially in as far as the church’s participation in the process is concerned. This study comes in to fill this gap in the existing scholarly literature by proposing a new model for national healing and reconciliation on which the church can lean. The aim of this study is to provide a womanist perspective to CiM’s activities in the national healing and reconciliation process in Zimbabwe by finding out if the Forum prioritises women’s experiences of political violence. The study is qualitative in nature and it utilised documents and interviews as tools for data collection from CiM officials. Input from women survivors of political violence as well as some men and women who witnessed political violence in the communities in Mutare Urban and Mutare Rural provided the raw data from which an analysis was drawn. The study found out that though CiM has been active in trying to bring healing and reconciliation to communities in Manicaland, it has not focused on women’s experiences of political violence as requiring special attention. From the responses of study participants, the study probed the possible reasons behind this neglect. Drawing from the experiences of women in Manicaland of political violence, the study proposed the adoption of a womanist model for national healing and reconciliation. The study argued that from this model, the church in Zimbabwe can come up with an all-inclusive African Womanist Theology of national healing and reconciliation, a theology which pays particular attention to how women experience conflict.
Jewish scholarship on the resurrection of Jesus
(University of Pretoria, 2015) Van Eck, Ernest; mishkindavid@yahoo.com; Mishkin, David
This thesis, Jewish scholarship on the resurrection of Jesus, is meant to contribute to the wider body of literature on the Jewish study of Jesus. The resurrection is deemed the most important event in the New Testament (1 Cor 15:17), yet it is often neglected among Jewish New Testament scholars. There are two main goals to this dissertation. The first is to determine the potential reasons for this aversion, particularly among scholars who are studying the historical Jesus. The second is to examine the findings of the Jewish scholars who have interacted with the resurrection. There are five main chapters. Chapter 1 presents the background issues for this study. These include the evolving nature of the Jewish study of Jesus, the relationship between historiography and the supernatural, the factors that have contributed to the Jewish-Christian schism, and the historic Jewish views of the resurrection of Jesus. This dissertation focuses on scholarship from 1900 to the present. Chapter 2 surveys the books and articles that have documented the Jewish study of Jesus as a whole. This too serves as a prelude to the present discussion, and it also helps expose the deficiency of scholarship on the resurrection. Chapter 3 is the longest, and it considers the potential reasons why Jewish scholars may assume that the resurrection is either not historical, or that it is of no consequence for Jewish people. This chapter is subdivided into six topics of discussion. These include miracles, the New Testament texts, anti-Semitism, resurrection in general, the messiah, and the means of atonement. For each, it will be demonstrated that alternative viewpoints exist within mainstream Judaism, and also that these presuppositions, in themselves, do not present a barrier to the study of the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus. Chapter 4 addresses the writings of Jewish scholars who have made at least some comment on the resurrection. The first section examines the books that have attempted to offer a biography of the life of Jesus. The next section includes the authors who have specifically addressed the resurrection. The remaining two sections of this chapter survey the comments about the resurrection of Jesus that appear in works of Jewish history, and in a few works that fall just outside the parameters of this study. Chapter 5 synthesizes the conclusions from the previous chapter. The overall level of interaction with the resurrection was, indeed, quite limited. For example, only one of the eleven biographies included more than a passing comment or a quick dismissal of the event. The scholars who addressed the subject more directly approached it from a variety of angles. But, the alternative suggestions ranged from incomplete to untenable. None of them successfully provided a plausible alternative to the canonical narrative. The Jewish study of Jesus has come a long way in the last century. But, until this all-important topic is adequately confronted, the scholarship remains incomplete. The ultimate purpose of this dissertation is not to prove the historicity of the resurrection, but rather to promote further study.
'n Ondersoek na die bronne wat Matthias Grünewald gebruik het vir die skilder van die Isenheim-altaarstuk : die Kruisigingstoneel
(University of Pretoria, 2015) Groenewald, Alphonso, 1969-; Slabbert, Carmen A.
Using the Bible as inspiration for paintings was popular during the Middle Ages. External factors also influenced the artists’ life. Matthias Grünewald is one of the artists inspired by the Bible and external factors. This study attempts to determine what possible sources the painter, Matthias Grünewald,used for the painting of the crucifixion scene of the Isenheim altar. It will also look at the life and works of Matthias Grünewald. Matthias Grünewald's life is as much a mystery as William Shakespeare's life. There are few records of his life available and he used his wife's maiden name. Many of his works have been mistaken for the works of Albrecht Dürer. There are two people whose influence can be clearly seen in his works, namely Martin Luther and St Bridget of Sweden. The Isenheim altar piece is seen as one of his most famous works. The Isenheim altar piece was painted as a means of encouragement for the monastery of St Anthony whose patients suffered many skin diseases. Many of these patients were illiterate and, as they could not read, this painting was an attempt to encourage the patients. The crucified Jesus is portrayed in a very gruesome way. Grünewald did not attempt to make it more appealing for people to look at because it would not have been suitable in their situation. The disease in the painting is associated with a disease called ergotism. Ergotism is a disease that,due to ignorance,led to many people dying a horrible death. Their limbs fell off and for some people it felt like they were being burnt alive. Based on comparisons between the different Gospels, it can be said fairly safely that the Gospel of John was used as the source for the painting of the crucifixion scene. There is symbolism present in the painting that is only available in the Gospel of John, for example: the Gospel of John is the only Gospel that speaks of the Lamb of God and that Jesus bowed His head before he died.
A Social-Scientific interpretation of fasting in the New Testament asa critical analysis of fasting in contemporary evangelicalism
(University of Pretoria, 2013) Van Eck, Ernest; Mathews, Steven Hugh
No abstract available
Kritiese Rasionalisme en Teologie
(University of Pretoria, 1990) Wethmar, Conrad Johannes; Maree, David J.F.
Hierdie studie fokus op die waarde van die Kritiese Rasionalisme van Karl Popper vir die teologie. Tans staan die Kritiese Realisme as geloofwaardige denkmodel vir die teologie in die huidige teologiese diskussie onder bespreking. Hierdie studie analiseer die krities realistiese denkmodel in die teologie aan die hand van die Kritiese Rasionalisme van Popper ten einde 'n krities rasionalistiese suiwering in die krities realistiese denkmodel vir die teologie te weeg te bring. Deel I van die studie behels 'n bespreking en 'n analisering van die wetenskapsteorie van Popper. Uit hierdie bespreking blyk dit dat die wetenskap volgens Popper op 'n duidelike doel afgestem is. Wetenskap mik na waarheid en 'n verstaan van die werklikheid. Ten spyte van die intensie van die wetenskap, kan die wetenskaplike nooit met sekerheid bepaal of sy teorie wei waar is nie. Gevolglik funksioneer die waarheidsgerigtheid van die wetenskap as 'n regulatiewe beginsel. Die wetenskaplike kan van die waarheid van die doel van sy wetenskap oortuig wees, maar hierdie oortuiging en ander oortuigings met betrekking tot die waarheid of die realiteit van 'n teorie, word in die Popperiaanse beskouing van die wetenskapsproses krities gekontroleer. Popper se fallibalistiese epistemologiese beskouings word gevorm deur sy mening dat aile denkmodelle of filosofiee wat waarheid wil begrond, ongeldig is. Sy kritiek teen positivisme lei hom tot 'n omverwerping van 'n induktivistiese strategie wat oor die algemeen as die ware metode van die empiriese wetenskappe beskou word. Aangesien aile epistemiese uitsprake voorwaardelik van aard is, en uitsprake nie begrond kan word nie, stel hy 'n krities rasionalistiese denkmodel voor. Hierdie model word triadies gestruktureer: die wetenskapsproses verloop vanaf 'n identifisering van probleme na pogings om hierdie probleme op te los. Hierdie oplossings word krities getoets deur pogings om die oplossings te weerle. Op hierdie wyse kan foute uitgeskakel word en valshede vermy word. Uit die bespreking van Popper se teorie blyk dit dat die kenmerk van die krities rasionalistiese model verwoord kan word met behulp van 'n Kritiese Beginsel. Die elemente wat in Popper se Kritiese Rasionalisme ge'identifiseer is, te wete die wyse waarop oortuigings as 'n wetenskapsintensie funksioneer en krities gekontroleer word, die belang van die proses van weerlegging as kritiek in die wetenskapsproses en die nie-begrondingstruktuur van 'n geldige wetenskapsproses, word as evalueringsriglyn vir 'n krities realistiese model aangewend. Kritiese Realisme maak aanspraak op die feit dat epistemiese uitsprake inderdaad na die werklikheid verwys, ten spyte van die voorwaardelike aard van kennis. Die versoening tussen die konjekturaliteit van kennis en die werklikheid of objektiwiteit van uitsprake vind plaas deur die aanwending van 'n spesifieke modeljmetafoor-teorie. Dit blyk egter dat hierdie aanwending 'n afgeswakte vorm van verifikasie behels wat struktureel induktivisties van aard is. Voorts dui die analise van Kritiese Realisme aan dat die rol van grondverbintenisse nie voldoende deur hierdie model opgelos word nie aangesien daar steeds elemente van 'n begrondingstrategie by Kritiese Realisme teenwoordig is. Deur die Kritiese Realisme van hierdie problematiese elemente met behulp van die Kritiese Rasionalisme wyse te suiwer, kan Kritiese Realisme as 'n geloofwaardige denkmodel vir die teologie aangewend word.
The female quest for enlightenment: Compassion and patience in transforming gender bias in Tibetan Buddhism, with specific reference to Western Tibetan Buddhist nuns and Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo
(University of Pretoria, 2013) Beyers, Jaco; swanepoel.elizabeth@gmail.com; Swanepoel, Elizabeth
This thesis investigates the nature of gender bias in Tibetan Buddhism and the specific role Western Tibetan Buddhist nuns have played in transforming such prejudice. The afore-mentioned gender bias pertains particularly to the unavailability of full ordination (bhikshuni ordination) for nuns in the Tibetan tradition. The research highlights the specific contribution made by Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, a British woman and currently the most senior Tibetan Buddhist nun. Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo attained fame for spending twelve years meditating in a cave in the Himalayas, and for her statement that she intends to attain enlightenment in a female body. She is also the founder and abbess of a Tibetan Buddhist nunnery Dongyu Gatsal Ling in India. Tenzin Palmo is particularly outspoken in her efforts to transform gender bias within the ranks of Tibetan Buddhism, and serves as an inspiration to countless lay and monastic Buddhist women worldwide. The researcher postulates that gender equality has not yet been attained within Tibetan Buddhism. Androcentric record keeping, certain misogynistic meditation practices, and cumbersome decision making processes within the Tibetan ecclesiastic system have maintained gender bias within its institution, despite His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama’s efforts to assist in the transformation of monastic attitudes. The Dalai Lama, spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism and one of its most learned scholars, has made his position clear as far back as 2007 when he expressed his full support for the establishment of the Bhikshuni Sangha in the Tibetan tradition. Two years earlier, in 2005, he had already urged Western bhikshunis to become more involved in the issue of full ordination in Tibetan Buddhism. Western nuns in particular have therefore played a leading role in their attempts to transform gender bias in a true Buddhist spirit of patience and compassion. His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa has been equally outspoken on the issue. In 2010 in Bodhgaya, India, he made a commitment in front of an international audience to ordaining women as bhikshunis, and stated unequivocally that he was prepared to ordain these women himself. However, he did caution against expecting quick results, asking the audience to have patience. In conclusion the thesis suggests that despite a favourable doctrinal attitude to women, ambiguity still characterises the Tibetan Buddhist approach towards females. There is tension between an underground tradition of highly accomplished female practitioners and the institutional preference for male practitioners. Institutionalised gender bias in Tibetan Buddhism therefore has no sound doctrinal basis in view of the fact that the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon is rife with female Buddhas, goddesses, dakinis, and other highly spiritual and enlightened women. Present times are characterised, especially in the West, by accomplished female academics and Tibetan Buddhist teachers, as well as prominent nuns. The yogini-tantras furthermore attest to the reverence and honour the male should afford to the female. Gender hierarchy and male dominance cause untold suffering and pain, especially devastating for female monastics, and is therefore both contradictory to Buddhist principles and to the norms of a progressive society.

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