The content of this dissertation delineates the crucial and incisive role of the Holy Spirit in terms of God's grand and majestic acts of creation, that is the creation of the multiversity of universes, redemption that is the cross, the exemplar of Christ in self­ denial, reconciliation and restoration, and his resurrection, that is self-empowerment, self-renewal and self-fulfillment observed within the context of God, being human and the physical organic environment as it interacts with the human acts of personal and social responsibility observed within the context of a five dimensional approach of self-actualization, self-denial, self-empowerment, self-renewal and self-fulfillment, ingested into ones identity, internalised and witnessed as meaningful daily praxis, seen through the prism of the cross and the resurrection. A didactic method has been followed to engender insights into and conviction regarding the relevance of the subject for our present day and a hortatory method to exhort to an obedient response and to urge an appropriate action. / Systematic Theology and Theological Ethics / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

This study is an exploration into female discipleship. Its primary aim is to compare and contrast Mark's portrayal of male and female followers of Jesus respectively, while its secondary aim is to establish what lessons there may be for the social status of Christian women in the kingdom of Swaziland. These ends will be pursued by looking at Mark's portrayal of male disciples and the contrast he draws between them and the female followers of Jesus. This study then concludes that Mark has a more positive view of female followers than he has of male disciples, and this may stem from the conduct of male disciples he has observed in the Church of his time. / New Testament / M.TH. (New Testament)

Christian life today has been influenced by countless influences from the external world. Although these external factors have a significant bearing on the church of Christ, the greatest challenge however manifests itself from within the latter. Where the core doctrine of the church constitutes issues of theological and Christian importance, they seem to slowly dissipate and the practices of the secular world seem to take ownership of the church of Christ. The Reformed church has within its confines the three marks of the church whose sole purpose is to ensure that the church of God remains and continues to be the true church of Christ. These Three Marks are: (a) the proclamation of the Word; (b) the correct administration of the sacraments, and (c) the correct exercise of discipline. Among the three marks, discipline acts as a catalyst that enables the survival and proper continuance of the other two marks and thus the true church of Christ. These Three Marks prescribe the basic fundamentals of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) as a Reformed Church and thereby serve as a primary tool for this church. Discipline, therefore, forms an intrinsic part of this church. However, as a controlling mechanism, its influence and/or instillation appears to be neglected. This quagmire may very well be attested to the overemphasis of democracy (of/or relating to majority rule doctrine) in preference to theocracy (God as the ultimate authority in our lives), where even matters of high religious stature are being compacted to human decision-making processes. These influences needless to say are key in the regression and/or progression of Christian life and life in general. However, their inclusion within the Christian doctrine should not be cumbersome to the latter. The Christian way of life and doctrines should be holistically adhered to without fear or favour. The main purpose behind the formation of these marks by the Reformed church was to sustain the true church of Christ and the only way to ensure this sustainability, was to be consistent in exercising these marks. The church therefore has an obligation towards God and its members to be consistent in carrying out its mandate from God through the scriptures as the creator and father of the church and the world at large. The premonition that forms the basis of this research is that within the three prevalent marks of the church, there appears to be certain discrepancies in that they are not all carried out in unison and are not consistent with each other. With the over-emphasis of one above the other, the church of God could be heading towards vanity, and all its efforts could be fruitless. It is also my conviction that the starting point for rolling out these three marks lie with the leadership of the church by the General Synod, Regional Synods, Presbyteries, Ministers and their church councils. If found that any of these key adherents are not protagonists of these marks, then they would have neglected their God-entrusted responsibilities and their accountability towards the entire community of believers. It is in this regard that this research seeks to implement a litmus test of where the URCSA stands in terms of executing its mandate with relation to the three marks of the church viz; proclaiming the word, administering the sacraments and more importantly, exercising exercising discipline as these marks form the sinew that binds the entire church together. The church of Christ as an entity is engaged in service, which is not to be haphazard in nature, but must be structured. This service begins with serving God, serving one another and finally serving the world at large. This will ensure that the church of God maintains its holiness. For this holiness to be ensured, the church of God has to be open to discernment and allow God take charge of His church. Such uncertainties can be verified only by looking into discipline as the sinew that brings these three marks together. The reason for this approach is that, the first two marks are prescriptive with more parameters than discipline has, whereas discipline can be easily influenced. It is to the benefit of this task that much attention be given to discipline as the last mark of the three, as it is prone to abuse, because it relies mainly on human behaviour, attitude and/or approach to the Christian life. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to outline the possible disintegration of discipline as the sinew that binds the three marks of the Reformed Church in general and URCSA in particular within the Southern Synod. important to note that discipline in the lower strata of the church is carried out religiously without question. The notion that prompted this topic is that contrarily, those who occupy the highest echelons of the church (leadership in the church, ministers and evangelists) do not appear to be enjoying the same reception regarding discipline. The challenge that faces the URCSA is how to maintain equal treatment of the three marks of the true church in a democratic society in the light of the service of God, one another and the world. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Systematic Theology)

Text in German / Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht primär das Potential christlicher Mystik für die Ekklesia, Koinonia und die Mission der Kirche. Dabei wird berücksichtigt, dass der Mystikbegriff definitorisch nur schwer zu greifen ist, da keine eindeutige Definition dieses Begriffes existiert.. Auf Grund dieser Tatsache entstehen Irritationen und Missverständnisse, gerade auch in der evangelischen und evangelikalen Christenheit, die keine traditionelle Verankerung der Mystik in ihrem Glaubensleben kennen, wie es etwa bei der katholischen Kirche der Fall ist. An dieser Stelle definiert diese Arbeit in einem hinführenden ersten Teil, was christliche Mystik ist, in ihrer Unterscheidung zu esoterischen Phänomenen oder auch nichtchristlichen Mystiken. In der Folge wird nach den praktischen Ausformungen christlicher Mystik anhand von vier exemplarisch ausgewählten spirituellen Übungswegen gefragt. Auch psychologische Fragen, sowie die Frage nach der Mystagogie finden hier ihren Platz. Im Weiteren wird dann das Verhältnis zwischen der christlichen Mystik und der Koinonia, Ekklesia und Mission der Kirche bedacht. Hier ist es immer wieder das zentrale Begegnungsgeschehen, welches im Mittelpunkt des Interesses steht und als verbindendes Element dieser Aspekte ins Blickfeld rückt. Abschließend skizziert diese Arbeit eine mystische Ekklesiologie, wie sie auf Grund der vorangegangenen Erwägungen denkbar ist. Das Potential christlicher Mystik in Gemeindeaufbau und Mission wird verdeutlicht, sowie die Notwendigkeit einer empirischen Überprüfung der aufgestellten Theorie anhand einiger praktischer Anregungen aufgezeigt. / This work mainly asks for the potential of christian mysticism for the Ekklesia, Koinonia and the mission of the Church. In order to this, it is considered that the term mysticism is difficult to grasp by definition, for there is no clear definition of the term mysticism. Due to this fact irritations and misunderstandings are caused, especially in the protestant and evangelical Christianity, that have no traditional anchoring of mysticism in their life of faith, as it is the case in the catholic Church for example. At this point, the work at hand defines in an afferent first part, what christian mysticism is, in distinction to esoteric phenomena or non-christian mysticism. The following part asks for the practical forms of christian mysticism with reference to four selected samples of spiritual exercises. At this place, psychological issues are considered too, as well as the question for the mystagogy. In the next part of this work, the relationship between the christian mysticism and Koinonia, Ekklesia and the mission of the Church will be considered. At this point, the occurance of community as a connecting element for these issues is in the focus of interest. Finally, this work outlines a mystical ecclesiology, as it is now possible and conceivable on the basis of the foregoing considerations. The potential of christian mysticism for church development and the mission of the church will be clarified, as well as the need for empirical research and testing of the shown theory by some practical suggestions. / Biblical and Ancient Studies / D. Th. (Missiology)

No description available.

German text / Die vorliegende Arbeit schlägt eine Brücke über den Graben zwischen dem normativ-ethischen Anspruch an die Lebenslänglichkeit einer Ehe und Gottes gnädigem Handeln gegenüber dem scheiternden Menschen. Anhand des Umgangs der Kirchen und Glaubensgemeinschaften mit Ehescheidung und Wiederheirat wird dieser Graben aufgezeigt. Es ergibt sich, dass die bestehende Spannung jeweils durch die einseitige Betonung von Norm oder Gnade aufgelöst wird. Die Grundlage für die Diskussion bilden das massgebende Eheverständnis sowie die Bestimmung des Verhältnisses zwischen theologischer Ethik und dem Konzept der Gnade als Handlungsprinzip Gottes. Darum werden in dieser Forschungsarbeit zuerst die theologiegeschichtlich gewachsenen Eheverständnisse und die unterschiedlichen Normen- und Gnadenverständnisse der römisch katholischen Kirche, der evangelischen Kirchen und der evangelikalen Gemeinschaften in Bezug auf den Umgang mit Scheidung und Wiederheirat untersucht. Aufgrund der herausgearbeiteten Übereinstimmungen und Unterschiede wird anschliessend anhand eines von der Vergebung ausgehenden Denkansatzes der Graben zwischen normativer Ethik und dem Konzept der Gnade überbrückt, die Spannung aber nicht aufgehoben. Daraus werden mögliche Auswirkungen im Umgang mit Scheidung und Wiederheirat für die Kirchen und Gemeinschaften abgeleitet. / The present thesis bridges the gap between the normative-ethical standard of lifelong marriage on the one hand and God’s grace for men‘s failures on the other hand. Considering the practices of churches and communities with regard to divorce and remarriage, this gap is demonstrated. It is found that the associated tension is eliminated by an unilateral choice of either the normative aspect or the principle of grace. The basis for the discussion is provided by the relevant understanding of marriage and the determination of the relationship between theological ethics and grace as the principle of God's action towards mankind. Therefore, this thesis investigates the evolution of the theological understanding of marriage during history and the different understandings of norms and grace in the Catholic Church, the Protestant Church and the Evangelical Free Communities with regard to their handling of divorce and remarriage. Considering the resulting similarities and differences, I propose – building on the fact of God’s forgiveness – how to bridge the gap between normative ethics and the concept of grace without eliminating the obvious tension. Finally, possible consequences for how to handle divorce and remarriage by churches and communities are drawn. / Philosophy and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Theological Ethics)

Text in German, with summaries in German, English and Xhosa / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-138) / In dieser Foschungsarbeit werden zwei theologische Ansätze auf Gemeinsamkeiten und Unterschiede zueinander untersucht. Hierfür wird zunächst die täuferisch-mennonitische Gemeindearbeit auf ihre zugrundeliegende Theologie und Ekklesiologie untersucht. Als nächstes wendet sich der Fokus dem zweiten Ansatz, der Missionalen Theologie zu. Auch hier wird die zugrundeliegende Theologie und Ekklesiologie untersucht. Die notwendige Zuspitzung erfolgt durch die Eingrenzung auf die Entwicklungen in Deutschland. Nach dieser synchronen Herangehensweise können beide entfalteten theologischen Ansätze miteinander verglichen werden. Anschließend werden praktische Folgerungen gezogen, ob und inwiefern beide theologischen Ansätze miteinander kompartibel sind und welche Integrationsmöglichkeiten lohnenswert erscheinen. Hierbei wird die inhaltliche Nähe beider Ansätze deutlich. Die Missionale Theologie scheint der täuferisch-mennonitischen Gemeindearbeit eine Chance zu bieten, durch Ganzheitlichkeit und Kontextualisierung mehr Relevanz für die Gesellschaft zu entwickeln. / In this research, two theological approaches are examined for commonalities and differences. For this purpose, the Anabaptist-Mennonite church work is first examined for their underlying theology and ecclesiology. Next, the focus turns to the second approach, the missional theology. Again, the underlying theology and ecclesiology is examined. The necessary aggravation is achieved by limiting it to developments in Germany. Following this synchronic approach, both unfolded theological approaches can be compared. Subsequently, practical conclusions are drawn as to whether and to what extent both theological approaches are compatible with each other and which integration options seem worthwhile. The content of both approaches becomes clear. Missionary theology seems to offer Anabaptist-Mennonite church work a chance to develop more relevance for society through holistic and contextualization. / Kolu phando, iindlela ezimbini zakwalizwi ziyavavanywa kwizinto eziqhelekileyo kunye nokwahluka. Ukulungiselela le njongo, umsebenzi wecawe yama-Anabaptist-Mennonite kuqala uvavanyelwa isiseko sabo semfundiso yenkolo kunye ne-ecclesiology. Emva koko, ukugxila kugxila kwindlela yesibini, i-theology yobufundisi. Kwakhona, kuyaxilongwa ubuxhakaxhaka besayensi kunye ne-ecclesiology. Ukongezwa okufanelekileyo kufezekiswa ngokunciphisa umda kuphuhliso lwaseJamani. Ukulandela le ndlela ye-synchronic, zombini iindlela ezingachazwanga zenkolo zingathelekiswa. Emva koko, izigqibo ezisebenzayo ziyatsalwa malunga nokuba ingaba iindlela zombini ezi ndlela zenkolo ziyahambelana kwaye yeyiphi indlela yokudibanisa ebonakala iluncedo. Umxholo wezi ndlela zombini ucacile. ITheology yabefundisi ibonakala ngathi inika icawe yama-Anabaptist-Mennonite ithuba lokuphuhlisa ukubaluleka koluntu ngokubhala izinto nangomxholo / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

[pt] A presente pesquisa sobre a escuta na experiência litúrgico-cristã é um diálogo entre a ciência teológica e outras áreas das ciências humanas, perfazendo um caminho interdisciplinar. O texto foi construído a partir do binômio Palavrarito e intuído com base na celebração do culto cristão. A questão levantada como hipótese para este trabalho é: se a Escritura tem seu primado no culto cristão, por que se constatam tantos obstáculos em escutá-la e compreendê-la nas celebrações litúrgicas? E quais são as consequências disso para o processo de iniciação e amadurecimento dos cristãos, no que se refere à experiência de fé e, por conseguinte, ao seu testemunho? Indagações e inquietações como estas marcaram profundamente o percurso desta pesquisa de reflexão teológico-litúrgica e pastoral. O cenário apresentado a partir das questões elencadas revela como a Igreja do século anterior se viu provocada pelos movimentos de renovação bíblica e litúrgica, os quais desaguaram no Concílio Ecumênico Vaticano II e, particularmente, nas constituições Sacrosanctum Concilium e Dei Verbum, marcadamente por propostas teológico-pastorais. Nelas percebemos como os Padres conciliares viram a urgência de considerar a excelência da escuta e da resposta da Escritura na liturgia e na vida cristã. Portanto, a Igreja, provocada a educar-se à escuta, é incentivada a um permanente e constante processo de conversão pastoral, pois esse novo cenário requer dela novos métodos. Um deles é o processo de iniciação à Escritura e à liturgia, em vista do itinerário à vida cristã. Esse caminho tão urgente e necessário para a Igreja hoje potencializa a via possível para a pessoa chegar ao encontro pessoal e comunitário com Jesus Cristo. Esse encontro é vivenciado mediante uma consistente experiência de fé conduzida pelo itinerário catequético, o qual orienta e conduz o iniciante a testemunhar Cristo no seu cotidiano. Assim, a pesquisa parte da fundamentação antropológica e bíblica da escuta, com o objetivo de preparar o alicerce para a compreensão da escuta litúrgica da Escritura, à luz da Sacrosanctum Concilium, para depois trabalhar as perspectivas pastorais em vista de uma renovada expressão da escuta litúrgica da Escritura. / [en] The present research on listening in the liturgical-Christian experience is a dialogue between theological science and other areas of the human sciences, making an interdisciplinary path. The text was constructed from the binomial Spirit-Word and intituded on the basis of the celebration of Christian worship. The question raised as a hypothesis for this work is: if Scripture has its primacy in Christian worship, why are there so many obstacles in listening to it and understanding it in liturgical celebrations? And what are the consequences of this for the process of initiation and maturation of Christians, with regard to the experience of faith and, therefore, their witness? Questions and concerns such as these have deeply marked the course of this research of theological-liturgical and pastoral reflection. The scenario presented from the questions listed reveals how the Church of the previous century was provoked by the movements of biblical and liturgical renewal, which came at the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and, particularly, in the constitutions Sacrosanctum Concilium and Dei Verbum, marked by theological-pastoral proposals. In them we perceive how the Council Fathers saw the urgency of considering the excellence of listening and the response of Scripture in the liturgy and in Christian life. Therefore, the Church, provoked to educate oneself to listen, is encouraged to a permanent and constant process of pastoral conversion, because this new scenario requires new methods from her. One of them is the process of initiation into Scripture and the liturgy, in view of the journey to Christian life. This urgent and necessary path for the Church today enhances the possible way for the person to reach a personal and community encounter with Jesus Christ. This encounter is experienced through a consistent experience of faith conducted by the catechetical itinerary, which guides and leads the beginner to witness to Christ in his daily life. Thus, the research is based on the anthropological and biblical foundation of listening, with the aim of laying the foundation for the understanding of the liturgical listening of Scripture, in the light of the Sacrosanctum Concilium, and then working on pastoral perspectives in view of a renewed expression of the liturgical listening of Scripture.

The subject and the scope of this study are the role(s) of the Spirit-Paraclete in John 16:4b-15. The methodology applied is socio-rhetorical criticism as developed by Vernon K. Robbins. The fourth Gospel is called the `spiritual Gospel.' Its pneumatic connotations are not only related to its presentation of Christ but also to its frequent references to the Spirit and its cognates. Jesus' Spirit-Paraclete teaching in his Farewell Discourse is a prominent example of this. Its pneumatological content is, however, problematic. This is demonstrated by the various attempts of Johannine scholars. In addition, methodologies, goals and the scope of these studies vary. It was observed that if scholars suggest a role for the Spirit-Paraclete, they usually use `either-or' language, pointing out one role while excluding other possible roles from their conclusions or merely list explicitly mentioned functions of the Spirit-Paraclete. This study is a response to this present situation. It deals with the last two Spirit-Paraclete sayings of Jesus in his farewell address to determine the role(s) of the Spirit-Paraclete, applying the comprehensive reading model which has not been applied to this text before. The hypothesis was that if a more comprehensive methodology is applied to the narrative, a more comprehensive understanding of the text would be gained. We applied multidisciplinary socio-rhetorical criticism which takes into account narrative-rhetorical, intertextual, social-cultural, ideological and sacred aspects of the text while not neglecting contexts in which the story took place, was recorded and is interpreted. Findings were that the roles of the Spirit-Paraclete go beyond mere theological and spiritual significance to touch sociological and psychological aspects of human experience. Thus, the roles of the Spirit-Paraclete are multidimensional. These roles are also integrated with each other. Together they support and point to one major role of the Spirit-Paraclete, which does not, however, downplay his other roles. The central role of the Spirit-Paraclete in John 16:4b-15 is to be the divine presence who forms a performing community of the disciples called the people of the Spirit. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)

The subject of this study is Christian education in the church. This practical-theological work starts from the premise of the relevance of a commitment experience for the faith development of the individual and studies the formats and contents of continuing formal faith education of young Christians in evangelical free churches in a postmodern-urban milieu in Frankfurt. Its aim is to find out how well the New Testament discipleship topics of Jesus are integrated into the faith education in the church, and what reception difficulties and chances they experience in regard to the Zeitgeist. Are the New Testament discipleship topics still the basic guidelines with regard to content? The relationship between faith development, faith education and the local church is presented within a religion- and church-pedagogical approach and a connection to education for discipleship is made. The biblical premise is the discipleship commission of Jesus (Mt 28:18-20) and its church-pedagogical reply. / Der Untersuchungsgegenstand ist die christliche Erziehung in der Gemeinde. Diese praktisch-theologische Arbeit geht aus von der Bedeutung einer Commitment-Erfahrung für die Glaubensentwicklung des Einzelnen und untersucht die Formate und Inhalte der weiterführenden formalen Glaubenserziehung junger Christen in evangelikal-freikirchlichen Gemeinden im postmodern-urbanen Umfeld in Frankfurt. Ihr Ziel ist es, herauszufinden, inwiefern heute die neutestamentlichen Nachfolgethemen Jesu in der gemeindlichen Glaubenserziehung behandelt werden und welche Rezeptionsschwierigkeiten und Chancen sie im heutigen Zeitgeist haben. Sind dabei die neutestamentlichen Nachfolgethemen Jesu noch die inhaltlichen Grundrichtlinien? In einem religions- und gemeindepädagogischen Zugang wird die Beziehung von Glaubensentwicklung, Glaubenserziehung und der Ortsgemeinde gezeigt und mit der Erziehung zur Nachfolge verknüpft. Der biblische Ausgangspunkt ist der Jüngerschaftsauftrag Jesu (Mt 28,18-20) und dessen gemeindepädagogische Antwort. / Practical Theology / M. Th.(Practical Theology)