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A Zulu martyr? What are the factors that led to the sparse and irregular public commemoration of Maqbamusela Kbanyile in the Lutheran church to which he belonged?

  • Authors: Nürnberger, Margarete Paula Luise
  • Date: 2001
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:21087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6301
  • Description: From Foreword: About a fortnight after I had submitted the thesis on factors that lead to the sparse and irregular public commemoration of Maqhamusela Khanyile in the Lutheran church to which he belonged when the archivist of the Norwegian Mission Society in Stavanger sent an e-mail that new material had been found. It consisted of a miscellany of various documents connected with the erection of the first cross, dating from 1926-1940, to be found in Misjonskapets archiv SA, boks nr. 2A legg nr. 8. The new material falsified two hypotheses on which the thesis had worked. The first of these hypotheses states that the initiative for the erection of the first monument to Maqhamusela had come from the Anglican interest in and research on him in 1935. Source 1a in the new material proves that in 1926 there were already appeals for contributions towards such a monument among the Lutheran congregations that grew out of the Norwegian work. The second hypothesis falsified by the new material had issued from memories of interviewees (e.g. Dean Shobete in interview 33) which stated that a stone with the Zulu inscription had been placed in the saddle of the hill where the execution had taken place before the erection of the first cross. The new material proves that the suggestion for a marble plate dates from 1927 (source 2a) and that the slab was eventually ordered in October 1939. A receipt (document 10) for "making the Maqhamusela monument" is dated 11.5.1940. Altogether, then, there was earlier commemoration of Maqhamusela in the church of which he was a member than the thesis had found, and the impetus to erect a monument had come from White and some black Norwegian Lutherans themselves.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

An examination of the development of Christian worship in the Southern Congo United Methodist Church with a view to promoting a relevant and indigenous form of worship

  • Authors: Nkonge, Jean-Marie
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Christianity Christianity -- Congo United Methodist Church -- Congo
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007445
  • Description: The scope of this thesis is the investigation of the nature and purpose of Christian worship with specific reference to its development in the Southern Congo United Methodist Church. The study combines three main sources of information - namely, the study of key theological concepts (chapter 3), the Holy Bible (chapter 4), and the investigation by questionnaires (chapter 6) - in order to address the issue of improving the worship and Christian life style for the contemporary Christian church within the Congolese context. Christian worship has been defined as a twofold event involving God's initiative in and through Jesus Christ, and men and women's response towards God's saving acts through the same Mediator, Jesus Christ. Seeing that the unchangeable Gospel relates to each culture, it is argued in this thesis that Congolese cultural values (local clergy, local languages, art forms, and other cultural elements) could be an integral part of worship. This long and slow process of incarnating the Christian message into the Congolese context could result in finding original and meaningful expressions of the Christian faith in the African context. Insights are drawn from the research to offer theological and pragmatic guidelines. In fact, it is suggested that the integration of Congolese cultural elements should be monitored by a Theological Commission at the congregational level, the district level, and the Annual Conference level. Furthermore, the last section of the last chapter provides helpful suggestions in dealing with practical issues with regard to the overall management of the Southern Congo United Methodist Church.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

Aspects of imagery in Catherine of Siena from a Jungian perspective

  • Authors: Munro, Alison Mary
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Catherine of Siena, Saint, 1347-1380 , Christian Saints -- Italy , Jung, C G (Carl Gustav), 1875-1961
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1308 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018216
  • Description: This study investigates whether or nor not the imagery of Catherine of Siena can be interpreted from a Jungian perspective. It takes a lead from other studies, notably one on Teresa of Avila and Jung. Reading of medieval literature suggests that medievals applied the use of symbols and imagery in ways that are at times baffling to people of our time. Carl Jung was no stranger to imagery and symbol. In our current age with its renewed emphasis on the insights of spirituality, and to some extent its disenchantment with aspects of traditional psychology, there is room for a dialogue between the two disciplines of mysticism and psychology across a six-hundred year divide. The use of imagery, as a window to the soul, in the Christian tradition is examined. Catherine of Siena is situated within her own medieval context, one of upheaval in the church, but also an age of mysticism and spiritual/religious phenomena strange to our own time. Catherine is introduced against the background of her world and against the backdrop of the Dominican tradition. A discussion of some of her major imagery demonstrates her aim of union with God. An understanding of conscious aspects and of unconscious aspects of the self is shown as key to Jung ' s view of the psyche. Elucidation of some archetypes and a discussion of Jung's dream analysis demonstrates how Jung believed the unconscious becomes conscious, and how individuation becomes a possibility. Key Catherinian images are examined from a Jungian perspective. Catherine has relevance for the twenty first century, and we are invited to be challenged by the mysteries and truths to which her images point us.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

Aspects of the cosmic Christ in the spirituality of Dom Bede Griffiths

  • Authors: Forster, Dion Angus
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Griffiths, Bede, 1906-1993 , Catholic Church -- India -- Clergy -- Biography
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018212
  • Description: Alan Griffiths was born at Walton-on Thames, England in 1906. He was educated at Christ's Hospital and later at Oxford (under the tutelage of C.S. Lewis). At Oxford he read English literature and philosophy. After considerable inner turmoil he was converted to Christianity in 1931 and entered the Roman Catholic Church in 1933. As a novice Benedictine he was given the name Bede, and was finally ordained as a priest 1940. In 1955 Fr Bede went to India to start a Benedictine community with Dom Benedict Alapatt. He later moved to Kurisumala Ashram in Kerala, and finally, in 1968, to Shantivanam Ashram in Tamil Nadu. He died at Shantivanarn in 1993. Fr Bede was, and still is, regarded by many as a spiritual pioneer. This high regard stems from an appreciation of his spirituality which was rooted in a mystical experience of God. This thesis investigates aspects of Fr Bede's cosmic christology as they arise from his spirituality. The aim of this research is to show that Fr Bede’s cosmic christology that stems from an expression of a real mystical experience of Christ, as the source, sustainer and goal of the whole cosmos, offers both value and insight to Christian spiritual practice and the formulation of doctrine. What makes Fr Bede's spirituality so valuable is the manner in which he integrated East and West in his spirituality and person, coupled with his ability to draw upon that integration in reflecting and articulating his experience - which ultimately shaped his cosmic christology. In order to share his knowledge and experience of the cosmic Christ, Fr Bede draws upon linguistic and philosophical concepts from the East (and Hinduism in particular) as well as the language and theory arising from discoveries in the areas of quantum physics, microbiology and transpersonal psychology in the West. It is the primacy of spiritual experience, coupled with Fr Bede's ability to integrate the religions, cultures and world-views of the East and West within himself, which makes his cosmic christology so compelling.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

In the gaze of God : aspects of the spiritual significance of Rublev's holy trinity

  • Authors: Snyman, Desiree
  • Date: 2001
  • Subjects: Prayer , Spirituality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Bachelor , BDiv
  • Identifier: vital:1302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016261
  • Description: An icon is more than an image. It is a "sacramental form of presence" that makes present that which it signifies (Evdokimov 1976: 167). To come before an icon is to come before the presence of God. To gaze at an icon is to pray. Rublev's Holy Trinity icon (see frontispiece) is a theology in colour. Inspired by the story in Genesis 18, the icon depicts the three hypostases of the Trinity sitting around an altar with a chalice placed on top. The Biblical story is an account of the genuine hospitality that Abraham and Sarah shared with three pilgrims. This theme of hospitality is expressed by the three hypostases in the icon who invite the cosmos to share in their love-life. This research project investigates aspects of the spiritual significance that Rublev's icon has on our Christian living. To this end, an interpretation of the icon is offered in chapter two. Chapter three focuses on the relationship among the three hypostases in the icon. This chapter reflects on the meaning that trinitarian pericheresis could have on our spiritual living in the way we develop our relationships and the type of church and socio-political structures we adopt and support. The research project also explores the meaning that Rublev's icon could have for Methodists. The resource that Wesleyan spirituality offers to those who seek a deepened spirituality is the doctrine of Christian perfection. Perfection, in the Wesleyan model, is sought through the means of grace, nurtured through Christian koinonia and evidenced in social transformation. Christian perfection is discussed with reference to Rublev's icon in chapter four. Chapter five summarises aspects of the spirituality of the icon, postulates some implications that the icon has and unravels key issues arising out of this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

Superstition, atheism and reasonable faith in Acts 26: a Graeco-Roman perspective on Paul’s defence before Festus and Agrippa

  • Authors: Germiquet, Edouard Ariste
  • Date: 2001
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:21065 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6224
  • Description: This thesis investigates Luke‟s presentation of Paul‟s final and climactic defence of the gospel which takes place before Festus and King Agrippa II (Ac.26). It indicates how Luke has made use of the philosophical doctrine of the mean in order to present Christianity as a reasonable and rational faith. This investigation explores how Luke creates a literary framework within which to promote Paul as reasonable and rational through the application of the topos that true piety is the mean between the two extremes of superstition and atheism. The thesis is therefore structured around three dominant sections in which the major themes of superstition, atheism and rational faith are treated independently. Each section consists of an analysis of Luke‟s choice of words and his description of the behavioural patterns of each representative group so that a consistent picture progressively emerges in support of the basic framework. At all stages of the investigation, reference is made to contemporary moral philosophers, Hellenistic Judaism and the early Christian apologists so that the language, literary settings and stereotypes used by Luke can be clearly defined. This not only clarifies the text of Acts 26 but contributes to an overall appreciation of Luke‟s literary technique. At all points in the development of the thesis, the relevance and centrality which the resurrection has for Luke is kept in mind. This not only acts as a backdrop in understanding Luke‟s depiction of the superstitious and the atheist but is crucial in grasping Luke‟s presentation of Christianity as a rational faith. The thesis is brought to a close by a discussion on Luke's intended audience and the significance of his dedication to Theophilus.
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  • Date Issued: 2001

Hidden presences in the spirituality of the amaXhosa of the Eastern Cape and the impact of Christianity on them

  • Authors: Mtuze, P T
  • Date: 2000
  • Subjects: Spirituality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) -- Religion , Missions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Missionaries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Christianity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , Christianity and culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1296 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015612
  • Description: This thesis is an attempt to reopen the debate on the whole question of inculturation in Southern Africa especially in light of the fact that we are now in a multi-lingual and multi-religious state. It is an attempt to rehighlight the plight of the spirituality of the amaXhosa people over the last century when missionary and imperial onslaught relegated it to the doldrums. This plunged the amaXhosa in a crisis that has left them directionless, to put it mildly. This is said because the total onslaught destroyed their self-respect and their identity and begs the question as to whether their acceptability to God was contingent on renouncing their culture especially the hidden presences - Qamata, the living-dead and the notion of evil spirits. It is precisely because of these misconceptions regarding African culture and spirituality that the thesis has a strong expository and apologetic bias primarily aimed to address, and put into proper perspective, the significance of the Supreme Being, the living-dead and the evil spirits in African culture. The issues are discussed within the broader socio-historical context. The thesis is basically comparative in that it uses Celtic spirituality and the approach of the early Celtic church to the question of inculturation as its point of departure and as a foil against which the preposterous actions of the church in Africa should be seen. This comparative element is also reflected in the unmistakable `dichotomy’ of Western religion and African spirituality, or better still, lack of spirituality, that was so fervently maintained by the missionaries and the colonialists alike. It is for this reason that I concur with Chidester (1996:xiv) that `the study of religion must find itself, once again, on the frontier’. The study is informed by this approach right through. It should be stressed, from the outset, that the idea is not comparison in order to satisfy our curiosity, nor is it comparison in order to try to authenticate and vindicate the beleaguered African culture. The central idea of the study is to expose the absurdity of the policies of the past century in this regard. The myth of the pure blooded Christianity is confronted, if not exploded. Several examples of both inculturation and continuities between Christianity and other faiths such as the Jewish founding faith are given. The subtheme of cultural domination subtly spans the whole study culminating in Chapter Four where the blacks begin to appropriate some of the Christian symbols and the whites also begin to assimilate African concepts such as ubuntu.
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  • Date Issued: 2000

A critical examination of the policy and practice of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa regarding the readmission of ministers who have resigned or who have been discontinued as a result of divorce

  • Authors: Van Niekerk, Ockert
  • Date: 1999
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:21093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6356
  • Description: The scope and purpose of this research is the examination of the theology and practice of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in matters relating to marriage, divorce and remarriage in ministry. The theology of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is based on its understanding of the scriptural injunctions on these matters and the Wesleyan tradition. These are examined in some detail as is the one paper in existence produced by the church on the subject. This is the report by a committee appointed by the Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, convened by Dr Donald Cragg; M.A. (OX ON) D.Phil. (OXON). This document is referred to in this thesis as The Cragg Document. Section One of this thesis deals with research into the theology of the church. The practice of the church is examined using the recently completed study by the writer of the decided cases of the church in all disciplinary matters dealt with by Conference from 1957 to 1997. These were compiled from the existing record of Conference proceedings kept in the Methodist Connexional Office in Durban. This case precedent is included in a larger work also recently completed by the writer, namely A Handbook/or Disciplinary Committees. This book is in the process of being published by the church. Section two of this work deals with research into the practice of the church. The conclusions drawn at the end of this paper include a possible model for ministry to ministers and their families in the area of marriage and family enrichment and pastoral assistance to families in crisis. This thesis includes qualitative research into the aforesaid practice and procedure of the church in these matters and it is submitted that the conclusions drawn and the model posed in the concluding chapters can be of value to the church as it seeks to deal of the problem of an increasing number of ministers suffering the breakup of their homes and going through the trauma of divorce.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

An investigation into the effect of military influences on the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercise of Ignatius of Loyola

  • Authors: Christie, David Osborne
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, 1491-1556. Exercitia spiritualia
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1241 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008540
  • Description: The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the influences of a military nature affecting the life of Ignatius of Loyola up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises, and to assess whether such influences may have affected the theology and form of The Spiritual Exercises. The investigation opens with an apologetic on why the author considers it desirable to examine The Spiritual Exercises from this point of view. Thereafter a review of the life of Ignatius up to the time he wrote The Exercises is undertaken to identify which sources may have provided influences of a military nature or nuance, and to examine what possible effect these had upon Ignatius. The potential sources of influence examined include Ignatius's family background and the milieu in which he grew up, the attitude of his mentors in particular and society in general to the profession of arms, and Ignatius's own response to this attitude. From the age of twenty-five to thirty Ignatius was employed on duties of a principally military nature until he was severely wounded at the Battle of Pamplona in 1521. Therefore his military experience is examined together with an attempt to assess the degree, if any, of his spirituality at that point in his life. This is followed by an investigation of the literary sources available to Ignatius from the time of his wounding up to the time when he wrote The Spiritual Exercises at Manresa. Thereafter an examination of the changes which took place in his psyche and spirit, from the time he was wounded up to the time he wrote The Spiritual Exercises is undertaken, in order to ascertain whether his attitude to military concepts immediately prior to writing The Exercises had changed from his pre-Pamplona days. The Spiritual Exercises are then examined to consider which portions, if any, were affected in form or theology by military influences or nuances. The conclusion reached is that whereas The Spiritual Exercises are in no way a military treatise, the form is affected to a reasonable degree by Ignatius's experiences of, and attitude to, the military life, whereas the theology is affected only slightly.
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  • Date Issued: 1999

The development from a Wesleyan perspective of an appropriate model of multi-cultural ministry, from within a traditionally mono-cultural Methodist congregation

  • Authors: Rist, Timothy John
  • Date: 1999
  • Subjects: Wesley, John, 1703-1791 , Religion and culture , Methodist church buildings -- South Africa , Methodist church buildings -- South Africa -- Bloemfontein
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1309 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018218
  • Description: From introduction: The intention of this thesis is to develop a model for multi-cultural ministry, and, in so doing, to enable Trinity Methodist Church, Charles Street, Bloemfontein to provide a comprehensive and meaningful ministry to all people, one that is not limited by the constraints of language and culture but which transcends them. The fact that Trinity is a Methodist Church means that I will be establishing the "Model for Multi-Cultural Ministry" firmly within Wesleyan theology. South Africa has undergone far-reaching political change since the general elections of April 1994. This political transformation has emphasised a need for the bringing together of people across the barriers of race, culture and religion. In this thesis I will be focusing my attention on the latter - the realm of religion - and specifically that of Christianity. Furthermore, I will be restricting my attention to a specific congregation within the denomination of Methodism, within the religion of Christianity, namely Trinity Methodist Church, Charles Street, Bloemfontein'. The "Model for MultiCultural Ministry" developed in this thesis will therefore be 'congregation specific'. The Methodist ChurcQ of Southern Africa2 proclaims itself to be a Church "one and undivided" (Minutes: 1980: 65: para l(a) ), where people from all racial groups can worship God together in a meaningful way. In many respects this is not the case. The years of political pressure that the (MCSA) has endured, in particular the years of legislated Apartheid (1948-1989), ensured that existing divisions between the Methodist congregations became entrenched along racial, cultural and religious lines (Thompson: 1990: 187ff). The Group Areas Act (1950) is but one such example where the National Party Government "divided urban areas into zones where members of one specified race alone could live and work" (Thompson: 1990: 194). The homeland policy (implemented from 1963, but legislated from 1971 in the Bantu Homelands Constitution Act).
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  • Date Issued: 1999

A rock in the seething chasm : Thomas Keating's understanding of the human person and of spirituality as a basis for contemporary pastoral counselling

  • Authors: Burton, Rodney Lawrence
  • Date: 1998
  • Subjects: Pastoral counselling Psychology and religion Psychology and religion Spirituality -- Christianity Spiritual life -- Christianity Keating, Thomas -- Criticism and interpretation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009960
  • Description: Contemporary pastoral counselling has many unresolved problems associated with its practice, causing frustration for both counsellors and counsellees. This thesis suggests that such problems are related to the fact that pastoral counselling is overshadowed by the dominant schools of psychology, to the detriment of its spirituality. Furthermore, by attending to both its "values" and its "aims", contemporary pastoral counselling is shown to lack a distinctive theoretical base. This thesis proposes that pastoral counselling is, in fact, the reparative dimension of spiritual direction. Referring to such counselling as " therapeutic spiritual direction" best expresses this concept. Some of the ways in which this redefinition of pastoral counselling may alleviate problems which are currently experienced, particularly by counsellors, are highlighted. A spirituality appropriate to this discipline is outlined. Both Keating's life in general, and eight anthropological models used in conjunction with his teaching on Centering Prayer, are examined to provide a theological foundation for therapeutic spiritual direction. Utilising a conflation of Keating's models, supplemented by insights from his spirituality, individuals are located within an evolutionary-developmental context, within which the reality of sin is acknowledged. Attention is given, in a holistic fashion, to the physical, emotional, and spiritual faculties, and to relationships with both the world at large, and God in particular. Real and potential problems in emotional and spiritual formation are explained with reference to four "energy centres". Therapeutic spiritual direction is characterised by the environment within which it is conducted, and SLX identifiable stages through which it passes. Based on Keating's models, an Instrument is developed to facilitate such counselling, particularly in its diagnostic phases. Use of the means of grace and traditionally Christian disciplines and forms of ministry are emphasised for healing, and a spectrum of suggested treatment modalities is generated. The place of other health-care disciplines and social-care agencies is recognised, and discriminating co-operation and dialogue with them and with other faith traditions is encouraged This thesis has profound significance for the way in which pastoral counselling should be practised. In the light of these insights, some implications for the training of counsellors and for ministry in South Africa are noted.
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  • Date Issued: 1998

The Anglican Church's mission to the Muslims in Cape Town during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries : a study in the changes of missiological methods and attitudes

  • Authors: Pratt, Derek Alfred
  • Date: 1998
  • Subjects: Missions to Muslims -- South Africa -- Cape Town Mission of the church Anglican Communion -- South Africa -- Cape Town Christianity and other religions -- Islam
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1236 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007592
  • Description: When Bishop Robert Gray arrived at the Cape in 1848, he was concerned at the large percentage of the former slave population who had been attracted to the Muslim faith. He appointed Michael Angelo Camilleri (1848-1854) as a missionary to the Muslims of Cape Town. Camilleri's tenure was short and he was frequently used to fill other ecclesiastical posts. From 1854 until 1911 the responsibility of mission to the Muslims was given to priests whose parishes had large Muslims populations. In 1911 a fulltime missionary was once again appointed. Thomas Fothergill Lightfoot, arrived at the Cape in 1858 and served at St Paul's, Bree Street until his death in 1904. His was a ministry of love and caring. He was greatly respected for his work by all sections of the population. John Mühleissen Arnold worked in the parish of St Mary's, Woodstock. His aggressive missiological technique broke down much of the religious tolerance which had existed. His publication of a pamphlet supposedly written by a Muslim, raises doubts about his integrity as a missionary and his ethical stance as a Christian. In 1907 the Diocesan Mission Board took control of the Muslim mission and in 1911 appointed Stephen Garabedian as director. Under Garabedian the policy of the mission was aimed primarily at preventing Christian women 'lapsing' from Christianity and becoming Muslims through marriage. After his resignation in 1922, the work continued under numerous women workers who concentrated on Muslim women and children through sewing guilds and childrens' clubs. In 1960, George Swartz was appointed as director. Swartz was the first Coloured and South African-born priest to hold the post of director. Swartz served as director until he was appointed to Bonteheuwel as parish priest. He subsequently chaired the board until it ceased to meet in 1976. Throughout its one hundred twenty eight years of active existence, the Anglican mission to the Muslims failed to attract a large number of converts. Initially this could be attributed to the attraction the Muslims had to those seeking a strong community life. Later, outside influences from the Islamic world strengthened the faith of the Muslim community against any Christian conversion attempts. During the latter part of the twentieth century the mission viewed its tasks as preventing the conversion of Christians who wished to marry Muslims and informing and educating Christians on the Islamic faith. In the late 1960s, the Board encouraged dialogue rather than confrontation. It changed its name to the Board of Muslim Relationship. Apartheid was seen as the common enemy of both Christians and Muslims and they worked together against its evils. The need for a Mission Board was seen as redundant and from 1976 it ceased to be active.
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  • Date Issued: 1998

Tolerance as an ethical issue with special reference to South Africa

  • Authors: Mnyaka, Mluleki Michael
  • Date: 1998
  • Subjects: Religious tolerance , Toleration , South Africa -- Constitution
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020852
  • Description: From Introduction: It was a feature of South African political life to have senseless and continued political violence especially in areas such as KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng., There were certain places that were demarcated as "no-go areas" in other parts of the country for political rivals* This research has been directed by the cries of many South Africans pleading for political tolerance. Tolerance was a term used by both politicians and ordinary people alike and therefore open to misuse and various interpretations. As a term it was therefore without adequate clarification on its meaning. It is an attempt of this study to clarify and promote this value of tolerance. In Chapter One, the value of tolerance is examined. It is described as putting up with what is disliked or disapproved for the sake of others. But it is deliberate and is therefore a virtue. Positive attitudes, motives and power are central to tolerance. For tolerance to be sustained, solid foundations such as education, respect for others and their freedoms, democracy, justice, stability and reciprocity are to be laid. A light is also being shed on the limits of this virtue. Considerations and circumstances which need to be taken when deciding on each an action are the very motives and conditions for tolerance. This further makes the issue of tolerance to be complex. Church history shows that tolerance does not come naturally. It is a difficulty because of certain principles that are at stake. When viewed from the twentieth century perspective many of Church history's periods were of intolerance because the church had power. Tolerance was an exception, a plea of those without power. South Africa has to unlearn much of intolerance because of the past that militated against tolerance. Fortunately tolerance is now being firmly entrenched as law. Even though it is so, the tension of being tolerant and intolerant still exists especially in the whole area of abortion. Let us examine why tolerance is such a complex issue and a virtue to be promoted.
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  • Date Issued: 1998

A theology of spiritual direction for the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa

  • Authors: Snyman, Kevin
  • Date: 1997
  • Subjects: Spiritual direction , Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016260
  • Description: This essay is written in response to a lacuna that appears to exist within the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa with regard to the ancient and highly regarded ministry of spiritual direction. My primary assertion is that, in the light of what might be perceived of as a crisis of relevance in Presbyterian life and spiritual practice, spiritual direction offers one particular way of fostering an exciting and existentially relevant spirituality for the denomination. Through the hoped-for renewal brought about by direction, Presbyterians may well have something to say to a South Africa racked not only with violence and poverty, but also bored by an increasingly irrelevant Christianity. The essay traces that history of spiritual direction most apposite to Presbyterianism in South Africa. This includes an overview of aspects of the Celtic and African spiritual traditions with a view to finding any correspondence that would help to narrow the distance between the spirituality of its black and white members. It then asks questions about the character and tasks of directors. Highlighted is the task of fostering an awareness of God that is not purely ''heavenly minded", but is able to speak into the real issues facing Presbyterians today. The essay goes on to explore the relationship that should exist between director and directee, focussing for a moment on the direction necessary in the directee's prayer life. The essay comes full circle as it considers the implications of introducing direction more widely in this largely "directionless" denomination. As a microcosm of the country, divergent cultures are as much a reality in the P.C.S.A. as in the rest of South Africa. So respect for uniqueness and the practice of interpathy are encouraged as part of the familiarisation process. Throughout the essay, I attempt to show that spiritual direction is a means of allowing the directee to more clearly discern the voice of the Spirit, who constantly encourages the transcendence of self - viz. the breaking of and dying to old perceptions, habits and beliefs so that s/he might more fully enter into the mystery that one usually refers to as God.
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  • Date Issued: 1997

The human soul (jivatma) and its ultimate goal (moksa) in the context of Taittiriya Upanisad (3.10.5): a study in an aspect of Hindu eschatology

  • Authors: Saradananda, Swami
  • Date: 1995
  • Subjects: Upanishads -- History and criticism , Hindu eschatology , Soul -- Hinduism , Suicide -- Religious aspects -- Hinduism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:1304 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016396
  • Description: This research was stimulated by pastoral concerns regarding the high rate of suicide in the South African Hindu community. On the one hand it was found that traumatized individuals contemplating suicide were woefully ill-equipped with helpful religious guidelines and on the other it is known that the primary and authoritative scriptures of Hinduism possess a wealth of information that can promote healing. This work uses the Taittiriya Upanishad (3.10.5) to address this challenge. The early Vedic writings are not systematized nor are they fully explicable except through commentaries. This research surveys the early Vedic and Upanisadic Writings in order to show the literary, social and philosophical conditions under which the texts were produced. The Taittiriya Upanisad is the culminating part of several strands of thought that emerged from the earlier Taittiriya School. In order to interpret the text of this Upanisad it was necessary to link its key concepts with other Upanisads of this period. Further interpretations emerged from later Upanisads. These texts were viewed in the light of several commentators - Shaukara (medieval period), and Vivekananda, Aurobindo and Radhakrishuan of the Neo-Vedanta movements. In the early Vedic period the soul is a metaphysical entity. Upon death it is judged and in accordance with its good or bad actions, heavenly rewards or the punishments of hell are meted out to it. Heaven and hell are final eschatological goals for the soul in the Vedic period. In the later Vedic or Upanisadic period it is found that heaven and hell are temporary eschatological goals. The ultimate goal becomes Liberation which implies the cessation of duality and the realization of non-duality. Correspondingly the Taittiriya Upauisad defines the soul in a manner in which its components have the potential to achieve this later goal. Here the soul is a formulation of five sheaths: body, vital energy, mind, intellect and bliss with an immortal consciousness as its focus. Functioning under the effects of ignorance each sheath binds the soul to suffering and rebiiths either on earth or on other planes (heaven or hell). However, each sheath also possesses an intrinsic capacity to liberate the soul from suffering. Tills work explores these negative and positive capabilities of the sheaths and points out the path by which the soul's divine potential may be realized. The ultimate healing or liberation occurs when the 'focus-consciousness' of the soul is intuitively realized. This consciousness is one with the universal consciousness. This achievement produces the 'liberated soul' who experiences ecstasy at this knowledge of oneness. This research also points out that the Neo-Vedanta movements, unlike their medieval counterparts, have a life-affirming and positive social attitude that seeks to draw from ancient texts for the purposes of healing and social upliftment.
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  • Date Issued: 1995

An investigation into the significance of celebration in Black preaching

  • Authors: Moeketsi, Isaac Tseko
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Preaching -- Africa , Public worship , Christianity -- Africa , African Independent Church , Independent churches -- Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1298 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015662
  • Description: The Christian faith in God is undergirded by the good news of God's intervention in human life. This intervention of God is good news because the sin of humankind has resulted in alienation with God as well as rendering humankind incapable of restoring fellowship with God. This good news of God's intervention in human affairs through the act of His son Jesus Christ is the centre of Christian kerygma. One outstanding feature of this proclamation is celebration. Salvation offered and given to ailing humankind is cause for celebration for God has paved the way for reconciliation. In Black preaching this note of celebration is remarkably achieved in the extravagant use of figures of speech and imagery drawn from traditional African religiosity, for the African human life in whatever state and condition is cause for celebration. The African responds to life at all levels of encounter with celebration. In sorrow and joy, in sad moments and moments of delight, in want and in plenty, the voice of the African will always rise up in spontaneous acts of celebration. In normal human conversation the use of the African idiom and allegory drawn from their cultural worldview creates unique style. In the use of these the African past is expressly drawn into the present to emphasize the belief in life as a gift from God, a gift to be acknowledged and celebrated. Therefore living through all sorts and conditions of life sharpens the deep feeling and expression of this celebration. The song, praise and dance for the African therefore flows from this spiritual engagement with God in life. The biblical message and the daily experience of life is for the African preacher a stage from which the human drama with God is understood. The nature of God is seen in relation to God's encounter with sinful humankind. God's mercy and grace inspires humans to live their life in confident trust in God. The vicissitudes of life for the African have no dampening effect for life rather they sharpen the awareness of God's surpassing mercy and sustaining steadfastness upon his creatures. Thus in similar vein with the African moroki, the Black preacher calls and inspires his/her audience to celebrate, to engage with life in perfect African celebration.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Direct experience of God in contemporary theology

La possibilité de la révélation et du salut dans les religions non chrétiennes : le debat protestant contemporain

  • Authors: Matungulu, Givule Floribert
  • Date: 1994
  • Language: French
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1307 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018215
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  • Date Issued: 1994

The concept of "the people" in liberation theology

  • Authors: Menatsi, Richard
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: Liberation theology , Poor -- Religious aspects , Poverty -- Religious aspects -- Christianity , Government, Resistance to -- Religious aspects -- Christianity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
  • Identifier: vital:1297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015654
  • Description: The concept of "the people" has become a key concept within the work of several Latin American theologians, Korean Minjung theologians and South African theologians. When liberation theologians use the concept of "the people" in their literature they do so with a lack of clarity, to the extent that the exact meaning of the term is obscure. In their usage of the concept "the people" liberation theologians come up with differing and at times contradictory meanings, particularly as regards the concrete and symbolic meanings of the concept. This thesis sets out to investigate the use of the concept "the people" by liberation theologians by consulting a selection from Latin American theology, Korean Minjung theology, South African liberation theology and Marxism, to detect its influence on the use of this notion. A general overview of the thesis indicates the following. The first chapter provides a detailed analysis of the concept of "the people" in the work of different liberation theologians. Chapter two considers "the people" in relation to poverty and oppression. The third chapter deals with "the people" as subjects of history. In the fourth chapter "the people" as a concept is developed in relation to belief within the Christian church. The final chapter is an evaluation. The thesis reveals that the following characteristics are central to "the people", they are poor and oppressed but are also inclusive of all those persons who identify and actively support the struggle against poverty and oppression. "The people" are subjects of their own history, finally they are Christian believers.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Prodigality, liberality and meanness in the parable of the prodigal son : Greco-Roman perspective on Luke 15:11-32

  • Authors: Holgate, David A
  • Date: 1993
  • Subjects: Bible. Luke XV, 11-32 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc. , Prodigal son (Parable) , Ethics in the Bible
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:1244 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009701
  • Description: This dissertation consists of an interpretation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) from the perspective of Greco-Roman moral philosophy. It is divided into three parts. Part 1 traces the history of relating the New Testament to Greco-Roman literature and philosophy. Despite the importance of this perspective for the study of Luke-Acts, the relationship between Luke 15: 11-32 and Greco-Roman moral philosophy has not been investigated before. The legitimacy of this approach is demonstrated by a literary analysis of the parable, which demonstrates the formal emphasis placed upon the liberal and compassionate words and actions of the father. The strong moral orientation of the parable is further illustrated by the formal, linguistic and thematic features which it shares with the other L parables. Part 2 consists of a study of the Greco-Roman moral topos On Covetousness. The use of the Greco-Roman topos as a critical tool for the study of the New Testament is evaluated, the term is defined, and the influence of the topos On Covetousness upon representative works of moral philosophy is studied. This part ends with a summary of the characteristic features of the topos and its use by writers with differing philosophical affiliations. Part 3 reads the whole parable in terms of the topos On Covetousness,with the emphasis being placed on the relationship between the Lukan text and works of Greco-Roman moral philosophy. The parable is seen to be structured according to the influential Peripatetic doctrine of the mean, with the father representing the virtue of liberality, and his two sons the opposing vices of prodigality and meanness. The comparison with the topos reveals Luke's strong rejection of the two vices, and his endorsement of the Greco-Roman virtue of liberality, which is modified by his emphasis upon the Christian virtue of compassion. The approach affirms and demonstrates the internal unity of the parable and its close relationship to the Lukan theme of the correct use of possessions.
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  • Date Issued: 1993
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