Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Faculty of Arts in the subject ETHICS at the University of Zululand, 2008. / The year 2004 marked South Africa's celebration of ten years of democracy as encapsulated by guaranteeing a better life for all. The gap between the rich and the poor as well as moral degradation challenges the euphoria of our young democracy. The South African government's commitment to non-racism, justice, democracy and non-sexism constitutes a centre of values that challenges us all to live better lives. This social-democratic society is a secular expression of a Biblical social vision. Within the juxtaposition of Theopoiitics and secularism, this research explicates the challenges of liberal and secular laws as imposed on a fervently religious country. Theopoiitics, as described as the continual interrelationship between government and church, is firmly cemented in South Africa. Nevertheless, how far would the secular, socialist-inclined government go in distancing itself from religious interference? How willing are churches to move away from a marginalised social agent to become a re-energised moral watchdog? Consequently, South Africa's transformative democracy needs to rediscover its spiritual heritage, while churches and Christianity need to invigorate Theopoiitics to participate in and guarantee the realisation of a just democratic order. This study therefore examines the level of interaction between church and state, specifically the Anglican Church and the Dutch Reformed Church. Furthermore, the degree of representation of church attendants and the electorate, as linked to transformation and their leaders in church and government respectively, are scrutinised. In conclusion, it becomes apparent that Theopoiitics will continue to play a role in the secular South Africa. Church-state relationships will be united in their shared vision of a fair, just and socio-economically viable South Africa.

No description available.

Thesis (MTh (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology. Church History and Church Polity))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Different theologies have sprung up around the celebration of the Eucharist. Consequently at the very point where Christians should be most united there is often controversy, bitterness and division. This is true of the writer’s own social location within the Anglican Church. The central question of this thesis is therefore how an engagement with Christianity’s Jewish roots helps us to reframe Eucharistic theology. In this regard a historical theological approach is employed to track how Eucharistic theological emphases have changed over time in relation to Jewish meal traditions, Jesus’ meal parables and table fellowship. The implications to reconnecting with the essence of Jesus’ social location are somewhat radical and potentially discomforting. Yet there are several obstacles to connecting with roots of our faith. The first obstacle examined in this thesis is the problematic interpretative gap of history, between the strangeness of the past and the familiarity of the present. A second obstacle only briefly touched upon is the attitude of anti-intellectualism in some churches today and an ignorance of the histories of Christianity. However, given the thesis question, the primary focus is on the obstacle of Christian anti-Semitism and the de-Judaising of Christianity. To seek greater continuity with Judaism is, in some ways, to Christianize Christianity. ii

Thesis (DTh)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study presents a practical-theological examination of the changing face of theological education in the Church of Uganda (COU). It explores the hypothesis that both the effectiveness of the Church’s training and its mission are inextricably tied to their responsiveness and integrity in the midst of multiple transitions. As an example of practical theology, it identifies itself with the praxis-centred stance of the contemporary practical theology movement, an identification that makes it both action-oriented and contextual. The action-oriented nature of the research is introduced in Chapter One, where it is described using social-science categories, and is developed in Chapter Two through an introduction to a specific theological framework for transforming theological education. This framework guides the study along practical, biblical, missional and local lines. The contextual concern is maintained throughout the study. Chapters Three, Four and Five draw on an extensive primary database and explore the Ugandan context from the socioeconomic, socio-cultural and ecclesiastical perspectives. That contextual analysis is shaped by, and continually connects with the concerns of theological education and those chapters raise and explore a number of issues. These include socio-economic challenges such as dramatic regional variation and demographic change, the need for theological education to connect with culture, particularly in relation to its heterogeneity and its oral-literary nature, and the significance of the unique narrative and identity of the COU for its theological education. However, through the synthesis of these contextual findings, two dominant requirements for the transformation of theological education in the COU emerge, namely integration and flexibility. The history, curriculum, pedagogy and structures of theological education in the COU are then evaluated in Chapters Six and Seven in the light of those two requirements, as well as from the perspective of the discipline of curriculum development. The analysis recognises where recent developments in the sphere have already begun to incorporate these values, but it also highlights the need for more radical transformation. With this in mind, Chapter Eight then examines the implementation of a recent model of training, Integrated Leadership Development (ILD), into the COU. It suggests that ILD is not only a valuable programme of transformational training in itself, but that it also serves as a pointer to and catalyst for wider changes in the education programmes of the COU. Finally, the study concludes by synthesising the findings into a dynamic curriculum development model for use in transforming theological education in the COU. Furthermore, the application of the model demonstrates its relevance and generates some specific strategic recommendations for change. As such the study contributes to both the local and global discourse on theological education, and to the field of practical theology. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is ‘n prakties-teologiese ondersoek wat die veranderende gelaat van teologiese opleiding in die Anglikaanse Kerk van Uganda navors. Die navorsing ondersoek die hipotese dat beide die effektiwiteit van die kerk se opleiding sowel as sy roeping integraal verweef is met die kerk se vermoë om met integriteit te reageer op die stroom van veranderinge waarmee dit gekonfronteer word. As praktiese-teologiese ondersoek volg dit ‘n praxis-georiënteerde, kontekstueel betrokke benadering. Hoofstuk een lei dit in, stel die probleem en hipoteses en verduidelik voorts die sosiaal-wetenskaplike aard van die studie. Die tweede hoofstuk beskryf ‘n bepaalde teologiese raamwerk vir die transformasie van teologiese opleiding. Dié raamwerk begelei die studie prakties, bybels, missionêr en kontekstueel. Die studie ontwikkel kontekstueel. Hoofstukke drie tot vyf gebruik belangrike primêre navorsingsdata wanneer dit die Ugandese konteks uit verskillende verbandhoudende perspektiewe beskryf: sosio-ekonomies, sosio-kultureel en ekklesiologies. Die analises is voortdurend in dialoog met die sentrale tema van teologiese opleiding wat van verskeie hoeke oopgedek word. Wat uitstaan is die sosio-ekonomiese uitdagings wat teweeggebring is deur die demografiese veranderings wat plaasgevind het. Die belang van die verband tussen teologiese opleiding en die kulturele situasie word hoe langer hoe skerper belig en mens besef die implikasies van die land se kulturele heterogeniteit en sy mondelinge tradisie. Dit het ‘n bepalende effek or die storie van die Anglikaanse Kerk in Uganda en die aard van sy teologiese opleiding. Die sintese van die kontekstuele analise wys twee wesentlike vereistes vir die transformasieproses van teologiese opleiding in die kerk uit: integrasie en soepelheid. Die geskiedenis, kurrikulum, opvoedkunde en strukture van teologiese opleiding in die Anglikaanse Kerk in Uganda word in Hoofstuk Ses en Sewe in die lig van die twee vereistes ge-evalueer. Dit word ook getoets aan die vereistes van kurrikulum ontwikkeling. Die analise wys daarop dat resente ontwikkelinge in die vakgebied reeds geïnkorporeer is in die praktyk, maar toon aan dat radikaler stappe nodig is. Teen die agtergrond toon Hoofstuk Agt aan hoe die model van Geïntegreerde Leierskap Ontwikkeling in die kerk geïmplementeer word. As sodanig toon dit aan dat Geïntegreerde Leierskap Ontwikkeling ‘n waardevolle transformasiegerigte opleidingsprogram is wat die weg kan aantoon vir verreikende veranderinge in die opleidingsprogramme van die kerk. Die studie sluit af deur die bevindinge van die studie saam te voeg in ‘n dinamiese model vir kurrikulum ontwikkeling wat die transformasieproses in teologiese opleiding in die Anglikaanse Kerk van Uganda kan begelei. Die toepassing van die model wys reeds die toebaarheid daarvan uit en genereer voortdurend belangrike strategiese voorstelle op die pad van die transformasieproses in teologiese opleiding. As sodanig lewer dit ‘n praktiesteologiese bydrae in die plaaslike en globale gesprek oor teologiese opleiding.

This thesis examines the importance Kentucky's religious denominations played in the development and transformation of early Kentucky (1770's to 1830). This thesis will show that though federal and regional governments may have created the laws that established newly opened territories, it was often the denominations that played an important role in the creation of that community and stability of the wider societies. Beginning with camp meetings this thesis will argue that denominations began the process of creating community by actively placing these meetings outside the bounds of early congregations and into the backcountry. In doing so denominations brought outsiders, in many cases for the first time, into direct contact with the denominations. This thesis will also argue that denominations developed a new form of worship that was more inclusive and more communal, allowing for wider participation by settlers, especially by women, children, or slaves at these meetings. This thesis will then turn its attention towards the ideas and concepts of the local congregation. This thesis will argue that the local congregation was ideally situated to reinforce the beginnings of community which were established with camp meetings. Through activities such as the calling of ministers as well as the election of elders, deacons, and other lay positions in their local congregation, settlers became active members of the local congregation and entered into a deeper connection with the community. The local congregation offered settlers access to an institution that was both local and communal. Finally this thesis will turn towards a study of physical church buildings arguing that such buildings expressed and reinforced concepts of community and stability. This thesis will argue that over time those congregations that had access to a church often found stability and security. This thesis will also focus on the layout of churches arguing that denominations strengthened already established and shared ideas of community within their congregations through these layouts. By understanding how denominations created community within Kentucky this thesis will argue that the denominations played an important role within newly established territories and that only through a study of these denominations can one begin to understand how the process of western expansion was able to succeed.

This thesis deals with the Harambee as an indigenous lived philosophy and its capacity of empowering the poor in the Kenyan Anglican Church. From a historical perspective, it explores and scrutinises the origins, the definition and the philosophy behind Harambee. The thesis shows how Harambee was incorporated in the Kenyan Anglican Church and how it has been used as a survival strategy in the midst of the dominant development models which have failed to address the social-economic and political issues in Kenya. The thesis notes that even though Harambee is promoted in Kenya as a cultural, socio-economic and political philosophy its basic orientation is in harmony with the Christian theology. In this regard, the thesis offers a theological understanding of Harambee in the light of themes such as creation, imago Dei, incarnation, justice, redemption, love and solidarity. In undertaking this task, the thesis attempts to shed more light on how Harambee is in harmony with the principles and values of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) model. It argues that Harambee shares many concerns with ABCD even though Harambee has a Kenyan cultural flavour. Therefore, it affirms that Harambee as a lived philosophy is likely to empower the poor in the community, and the Kenyan Anglican Church should consider enhancing Harambee to mobilise the local resources. In view of this, the study highlights various projects initiated by the church through Harambee and it concludes by proposing that the Church needs to go beyond humanitarian programmes and initiate sustainable projects that can address the causes of poverty thus striving to make the twenty-first century a century of hope for millions of people who are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This research project concerns the role that local Anglican Churches can play in alleviating poverty in rural Nigeria. After a brief overview of the political, economic and social background of Nigeria, the first chapter considers the causes and impact of rural poverty in Nigeria. The paper then defends a theological vision for rural development, identifying four key elements, namely stewardship, empowerment, self-reliance and the mobilization of local assets. In the final chapter, the paper argues that a combination of agriculture and micro-enterprise, in the form of small agricultural business, provides the most practical contribution the Church can make. A number of such business opportunities such as garri processing and livestock farming are considered. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

Many books and articles have been written about the role of women in the Church by both local and foreign authors but I note with special interest, that the factors behind the preponderance of women over men in the Church have not been adequately highlighted. To me this is very important at this moment when we are celebrating 'a demographic shift in the centre of gravity of the Christian world with African Christianity being regarded as potentially the representative Christianity of the twenty-first Century'. The growth of Christianity in Africa as represented by the Church reflects a great disparity. Men dominate in leadership while women dominate in membership. Therefore the study seeks to investigate , examine and critically analyze the reasons for their conversion in order to build a balanced Christianity both in Church membership and leadership. The study was undertaken in the ACK diocese of Mt. Kenya Central and concentrated mainly on Murang'a district in the period between 1906-2000. Among other things the study was undertaken as a contribution to the emancipation of women in our African Churches. Chapter one is an introduction to the whole thesis . Included is the statement of the problem, the methodology used to collect data and the literature review. Chapter two examines Gikuyu myth of origin plus the place of women in traditional society. Chapter three investigates the role of women in the development of the ACK Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central with a special interest in the work of the CMS women missionaries and the MU. Chapter four is the major work of the study. Here we look at the dynamics of women converting into Christianity. A sample of four case histories have been analysed giving reasons as to why women embraced Christianity. This is followed successfully by a critical analysis of the specific reasons for women entering Church. It has singled out several reasons: first in the list is the quest for salvation and eternal life, pursuit for peace and search for identity among others. In Chapter five we have analysed our research findings using the feminist theretical framework of Carolyn Osiek. Chapter six is the summary and concluding remarks which sums up the main findings of the study. This chapter has concluded that Gikuyu women are attracted to Christianity mainly because of the Gikuyu patriarchal culture and the promise of emancipation preached by the Church. The same chapter has given several recommendations, which if followed can help bring equilibrium in the Church's leadership and membership. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002. / African Theological Fellowship.

[Truncated abstract] Within the State of Western Australia, from its early years, education has been provided not only by the State, but also by religious denominations, particularly the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and other Christian groups. This thesis is concerned with Anglican education in the State from the years 1917-92. The particular focus is on the structures established for the provision of Anglican education in the Diocese of Perth throughout the period. The central argument of the thesis is as follows. During the period 1917-92, the structures established for the provision of Anglican education in the Diocese of Perth changed across four subperiods: 1917-50, 1951-60, 1961-80 and 1981-92. During the first subperiod, provision was made under structures which allow for the schools which existed to be classified according to three ‘types’: ‘religious-order schools’, ‘parish schools’, and ‘schools of the Council for Church of England Schools’. The first two types continued during the second subperiod and were joined by two new types, namely, ‘Perth Diocesan Trustees’ schools’ and ‘synod schools’, while ‘schools of the Council for Church of England Schools’ceased as a type. During the third subperiod ‘synod schools’ continued as a type, but the other three types ceased to exist. At the same time, one new type emerged, namely, ‘schools of the Church of England Schools’ Trust’. During the fourth subperiod there were also two types of schools within the Diocese, but the situation was not the same as in the previous subperiod because while ‘synod schools’ continued as a type, ‘Perth Diocesan Trustees’ schools’ ceased to exist. Furthermore, a new type was established, namely ‘schools of the Anglican Schools Commission’. This two-type structure for provision which was established during the sub-period 1981-92, is still that which exists to the present day for the provision of Anglican education within the Diocese of Perth.

Thesis (M.A.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1997. / Bibliography: leaves [188]-209.