Thesis (M.Th.)--Universiteit van Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The debate on homosexuality has become increasingly painful and divisive between people of the Christian faith. A very relevant question is asked; are homosexual people included in the ecclesial community? The aim of my research paper is to propose a way forward for the inclusion of homosexual people in the ecclesial community. Inclusion, however, does not imply legitimization of wrongs. Conceptual clarifications are given in the definition of words such as; ekklesia, ethics and homosexuality. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is used as an interpretive framework to illustrate that “evidence from four sources: scripture, tradition, reason and experience” is necessary when seeking guidance on complex moral issues. The role of scripture in ethics, specifically with regard to the homosexuality debate is mentioned while the different interpretations of scriptures are discussed. Two dominant opposing approaches are identified, namely the conservative-traditional approach and the liberal approach. The ethic of inclusion and the hermeneutic of hospitality is introduced. It is argued that inclusion and hospitality constitute the thrust of the ethics of the bible and the church through the ages. The point is made that the debate on homosexuality should take this broader ethic of inclusion and hospitality of the bible into consideration. One of the implications is that even though dissensus exist among Christians on the meaning of the biblical texts that deal directly with homosexuality, consensus should exist that the broader biblical message, as well as the witness of the long church history, is one of inclusion and hospitality. Heterosexual Christians are challenged to function with love, embrace and recognition of the full membership of homosexual brothers and sisters. The same challenge of love and embrace are directed to homosexual members of the body of Christ. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die debat oor homoseksualiteit veroorsaak verdeeldheid tussen gelowiges en het toenemend pynvol begin word. ‘n Baie belangrike vraag word gevra; word homoseksuele mense ingesluit in die gemeenskap van die gelowiges? Die doel van hierdie navorsingstuk is om ‘n rigting aan te wys wat homoseksuele gelowiges deelmaak en insluit in die kerk. Deelmaking beteken nie dat dit wat verkeerd is, nou wettig verklaar word nie. Woorde soos ekklesia, etiek en homoseksualiteit word gedefinieer om die begrippe te verduidelik. Wesley se viersydige metode van skrifuitleg word gebruik om komplekse aangeleenthede te vertolk. Hierdie metode word as noodsaaklik bestempel veral wanneer leiding benodig word rondom morele aangeleenthede. Twee oorheersende, teenoorgestelde posisies van skrifuitleg word geïdentifiseer, naamlik die konserwatiewe-tradisionele vertolking en die liberale vertolking. Die etiek en skrifverklaring van gasvryheid word voorgestel. Die argument word aangevoer dat gasvryheid die kern van etiek is wat deur die jare in die bybel en in die kerk saamgestel is. Alhoewel gelowiges nie saamstem met die verskeie skrifverklarings nie, behoort hulle saam te stem oor die wyer boodskap in die bybel, naamlik dat die getuienis van die lang kerk geskiedenis een is van deelname en gasvryheid. Heteroseksuele Christene word uitgedaag om in liefde op te tree, om die homoseksuele gelowige te omhels en ten volle te aanvaar as mede lidmate in die gemeenskap van die gelowiges. Homoseksuele Christene word uitgedaag om met dieselfde liefde hulle heteroseksuele broer en suster te omhels.

Thesis (DPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / Digitized at 600 dpi grayscale to pdf format (OCR), using a Bizhub 250 Konica Minolta Scanner. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is no scarcity of publications on the subject of anger in the Hebrew Bible. Most of these concern themselves with the theological significance of the wrath of God. In particular, its function as chastisement for sin is repeatedly accentuated while other conceptual elements as conveyed by Classical Hebrew words and expressions for anger are usually overlooked. In the majority of cases, lexicographical studies of anger terminology contend themselves with the accepted 'literal' meaning of words. The result is an impoverished appreciation of the concepts that governed the mind of the ancient Israelites and determined their use of language with respect to the conceptualisation of anger. This situation provided a good incentive for a study on anger concepts in the Hebrew Bible. The cognitive theory of language proved to be an ideal tool for analyzing Classical Hebrew lexemes and expressions relating to the concept of anger. Several figurative sayings were identified that relate directly to culturally defined concomitants of this emotion. They can be summarised in an idealised cognitive model that include the following conceptual metonymies for anger: body heat, quickened breathing, frowning, glaring, gnashing of teeth, internal pressure, redness in the face/neck, agitation, internal agitation, slaver at the mouth, lifting the hand, clapping the hands, stamping the feet and violent, frustrated behaviour. Over and above these metonymies, a number of conceptual metaphors have been identified that added a great deal of conceptual content to the idealised cognitive model of anger in the Hebrew Bible. The ANGER IS HEAT metaphor seems to have its basis in the experience of bodily heat. Environmental phenomena, such as the hot desert wind, earthquake, clouds, storms and floods also proved to be prolific source domains for metaphoric transfer. Other conceptual domains employed by the ancient Israelites to image anger are: burdens, winepresses, poison, opponents, dangerous animals, transgression, presence and bounded spaces. The data analysed in this study pointed to a clearly defined conceptual model for anger that can best be viewed as a prototype scenario with several stages. The phases follow on each other in temporal order. Anger typically follows on the occurrence of an intended offending event. Although the ideal is to control anger, this rarely happens. In the majority of cases, anger results in some violent act of retribution. In conclusion, several suggestions have been made with regard to the study of concepts, such as anger, in the Hebrew Bible. Firstly, the fact that most theological dictionaries and Hebrew lexicons to date have been dominated by the Autonomic View of language and its interest to identify the detachable 'meaning' of Classical Hebrew terms needs to be acknowledged. In order to fully appreciate the idealised cognitive model of the ancient Israelites with regard to a specific concept, a thorough diachronic study of related words and expressions needs to be undertaken in view of their humoral theories and beliefs regarding magic and spirits. Finally, some recommendations relating to the etymology of certain Classical Hebrew terms for anger were made. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oorgrote meerderheid ondersoeke oor die emosie van woede in die Hebreeuse Bybel het as sentrale idee die teologiese implikasies van die toorn van God. Die funksie daarvan as straf vir menslike sonde word dikwels beklemtoon, terwyl nagelaat word om ook aandag te gee aan konseptuele elemente soos dit neerslag vind in die taal wat gebruik word om die emosie te beskryf. Leksikografiese studies fokus meesal op die 'letterlike' betekenis van woorde en verwaarloos so die konseptuele inhoud van uitdrukkings wat aangewend word om woede te beskryf. Dit is die agtergrond vir die besluit om 'n deeglike ondersoek te doen na konseptualisasie van woede soos dit bestaan het in die gedagtewereld van die ou Israeliete. Die kognitiewe teorie van taal bied die mees gepaste metodologie vir 'n bestudering van sodanige konsepte in die Hebreeuse Bybel. Met behulp van hierdie metodologiese raamwerk is verskeie konseptuele metonimiee geidentifiseer wat neerslag vind in 'n ideale kognitiewe model van toorn soos dit beskryf word in die Hebreeuse Bybel. Die konseptuele metonimiee vir woede sluit direk aan by verskeie liggaamlike ervarings en wyses van uitdrukking wat geassosieer word met hierdie emosie. Die volgende elemente, wat gebruik is as basis vir die metaforiese taalgebruik in die verband, is geidentifiseer: liggaamlike hitte, vinnige asemhaling, 'n frons, glurende oe, tandekners, interne druk, rooiheid in die gesig/nek, agitasie, skuim by die mond, oplig van die hand, handeklap, voete stamp en gefrustreerde gedrag. Bo en behalwe hierdie metonimiee, is daar ook verskeie konseptuele metafore onderskei wat baie help om 'n meer volledige kognitiewe model van toorn daar te stel. Die TOORN IS HITTE metafoor het waarskynlik sy oorsprong in die ervaring van liggaamshitte deur die persoon wat die emosie ervaar. 'n Hele aantal metafore blyk gemotiveer te wees deur meteorologiese en omgewingsfaktore, soos die warm woestynwind, aardbewings, wolke, storms en winde. Ander bronne vir metaforiese oordrag met betrekking tot woede is: swaar laste, wynperse, gif, opponente, gevaarlike diere, oortreding, teenwoordigheid en begrensde ruimtes. Die data wat so versamel is, dui op 'n goed-gedefinieerde konseptuele voorstelling vir woede in die Hebreeuse Bybel. Hierdie model kan gesien word as 'n prototipiese gebeurtenis waarvan die elemente kronologies op mekaar volg. In 'n tipiese geval word die emosie ontlok deur 'n doelbewuste benadeling van die subjek wat die emosie beleef. Die ideaal is dat die persoon sy woede in toom hou. Meesal is dit egter nie die geval nie en loop dit uit op gewelddadige, vergeldende optrede. Ten slotte is sekere suggesties gemaak rakende die etimologie van sekere terme vir woede in die Hebreeuse Bybel. Daar is ook aanbeveel dat in toekomstige studies van sodanige konsepte in die Hebreeuse Bybel in ag moet neem dat die oorgrote meerderheid van beskikbare teologiese woordeboeke en Hebreeuse leksika ten onregte hulself ten doel stel om die 'letterlike' betekenisse van sodanige emosie-woorde na te gaan, met verwaarlosing van die konseptuele wereld wat die uitdrukkings onderle. Derhalwe is ook 'n deeglike diakroniese studie van die konseptuele aard van dergelike woorde en uitdrukkings, met inagneming van ou Israelitiese humorale opvattings betreffende die bonatuurlike, van wesenlike belang.

This study examines the theology and social ethics of John Howard Yoder with a view toward how creation and redemption are related in his theology. The first chapter examines Yoder's aversion to certain construals of creation and argues that he is not inherently hostile to creation as such, but is cautious with respect to the possible abuse of creation as a theological and ethical category. The second chapter evaluates the nature of the state in Yoder's theology, examines his view of the Powers in this context, and argues that his view of redemption can be seen as a restoration of an eschatologically open creation. The third chapter compares Yoder's theology and social ethics with those of J. Richard Middleton, arguing that there may be a potential for interconnection between Yoder's Anabaptistic focus on the politics of Jesus and Middleton's Reformational emphasis upon the goodness of the power of creation seen in the imago Dei of Genesis I.

Apocalypse is one of the major motifs of Jewish-Christian civilization. The Book of Daniel represents a vital status in understanding the Jewish apocalypse. After summarizing the scholarship on The Book of Daniel and Jewish Apocalypse, I adopt a "intertextual hypothesis" approach to connect the Book of Daniel, Jewish Apocalypse and modern films in order to expand the horizons of discussion and interpretation. / In the thesis I will introduce the current biblical scholarship on Bible and Film, and by using "intertextual hypothesis", I will interpret from different aspects the apocalyptic thoughts in the film entitled <the Second Renaissance>. I will arrive at several points of new understanding of both the theme of "dualism" in Dan.7 and the much discussed area of the origin of Jewish Apocalypse. / This thesis aims at discussing the effect modern films has on our understanding of Daniel 7 and Jewish apocalypse. The main argument of this thesis is that the ancient Jewish apocalyptic thoughts (especially those in Dan. 7) can obtain a richer interpretation by the participation of modern film arts. / 叶洛夫. / Adviser: Archie C. C. Lee. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-03, Section: A, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 91-112). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / Ye Luofu.

This dissertation analyzed the relationship between second-wave feminist philosophy and the interpretation of biblical gender roles by entering seminary students in select theological schools accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The study also considered the influence of select demographics (gender, race/ethnic origin, denominational affiliation, state, theological persuasion, and age) upon student beliefs regarding feminism and gender roles. The research design consisted of a descriptive quantitative survey that analyzed responses from two instruments that are both made up of Likert type scales. One survey instrument is entitled the Attitudes Towards Women Scale (AWS), which consists of fifteen questions and was developed in 1978. Another survey instrument that will be administered is entitled the Spiritual Interpretations of Gender Issues Survey (SIGIS) developed in 2005. The research revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between second-wave feminist philosophy and the interpretation of gender roles, and that the relationship is very strong. The respondents, for the majority, were classified as profeminist, concerning the AWS and also scored complementarian on the SIGIS. This finding exposed a disconnection in espoused theology versus theology-in-practice. The findings are beneficial for educators, who may now be cognizant of generalized student belief regarding the cultural influence of second-wave feminist philosophy. Evangelical seminaries may seek to develop instructional methods that relate to the influence of second-wave feminist philosophy and its relationship with the interpretation of biblical gender roles.

This dissertation examines seminary students' understanding of biblical gender roles and their perceived quality of learning experience while considering the gender of the faculty, for the purpose of determining what relationship, if any, there is between these two factors. The findings from this research were used to make recommendations to seminary students, faculty, and administration. Two forms of data were gathered for this quantitative research design. The instrument used is Joy Fagan's Scriptural Interpretations of Gender Issues Survey, consisting of sixty closed questions utilizing the Likert Scale response system, and one open-ended question. Fagan's scale is aimed at determining whether the respondent is egalitarian or complementarian in their beliefs regarding biblical gender roles. The framework of the survey provides into the participant's theological leanings and the consequential applications of those beliefs. The final close-ended question asks the student to identify with either the complementarian or egalitarian viewpoint for the purpose of determining if their stated view is the same as their view revealed in the rest of the survey. In addition to this instrument, a course evaluation survey was used to determine students' perceived quality of learning experience. The goal of the combined data was to test for a relationship between students understanding of biblical gender roles and their perception of the learning experience. The resulting outcomes is beneficial for seminary administration, faculty, students, and churches by providing understanding as to what the future leaders of the church will believe in regard to gender roles. As with any study, this research was limited in its generalizations. Further researched could be done using as its population all evangelical seminaries. The research could also be replicated in Christian colleges. A longitudinal study, comparing the perceived quality of learning experience in a course taught by a male professor and the same course taught by a female professor is encouraged.

The scope of the thesis is a reflection on the present marriage process within the church, focusing particularly on the U.P.C.S.A. This reflection is done through exegesis of Mark 10:2-12, using Professor J. Draper's tri-polar exegetical model. The aim is to broaden the church's understanding of the marriage process, thus making this key transition in peoples' lives more profound. This Thesis endeavours to bring together doctrine and praxis, through both textual and contextual analysis. Using Narrative and Ritual Theory at both the textual and contextual level, this thesis seeks to examine both the text and context in a new and innovative way. The use of anthropological ritual models allows one not only to step back from the text, but also initiates doctrinal discussion at a practical level. Further both the text and context are examined through historical reflection, placing both the book of Mark and present the marriage doctrines in their broad social, political and economic circumstance. Is the church's doctrine with regard to marriage adequately represented in praxis through the present wedding ceremony or have other forces lead to a misappropriation of Mark 10:2-12? The nature of the tri-polar exegetical model is that it is both dependent on the context for input and acknowledges that any exegesis must have an impact upon the lived-experience of the community of believers. Both present doctrine and praxis of marriage, I believe, are challenged in this thesis through a careful analysis of Mark 10:2-12, in the context of Mark through the use of both, ritual analysis and narrative criticism. In 2003, the church not only is faced with a crisis in respect of marriage and its decline, but it is also faced with an opportunity - the present increase in the interest in ritual. This thesis gives some insights into how the church can take up the challenge and use ritual as a tool of liberation. This thesis is thus by nature complex as it seeks to bring together doctrine and praxis, through ritual theory and analysis. / Thesis (M.A)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

This thesis examines the informal sector of the economy in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and the role the church can play in assisting those who are involved. In describing the nature of the informal economic sector the thesis investigates the reasons for the existence of the informal sector, namely the economic structural adjustment programme, unemployment, land and climatic conditions in Bulawayo, post independence political disturbances and easy entry into the industry; the types of the sector, namely, manufacturing and wholesaling, which has the clothing, steel and furniture manufacturing industries; the retail sector, which has the vegetable vending and the flea markets; and the service sector, which has the foreign currency traders and other activities such as television, radio and shoe repairs, prostitution, shebeens and pirate industries. The impact the informal sector has on established business has also been considered, and the role of the funders of the informal sector. Particular attention is drawn to the problems of the informal traders , which are identified as lack of legal protection and freedom of operation, lack of training, lack of access to business and marketing information, lack of credit facilities, lack of quality merchandise, the fact that it is considered illegal business, the problems of foreign currency, fuel shortage and high prices, lack of sanitary conditions, lack of adequate support from the city authorities, lack of equipment and lack of social security. The thesis then presents an argument for the church's involvement in assisting people engaged in the informal economic sector, with a reflection on the Biblical tradition and the concept of humanization. The projects of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa are discussed and attention is drawn to the background history of the activities and administration of the projects, the problems encountered and the way forward. Finally, the thesis proposes eight key strategic initiatives that the church can take. These are the change of attitude of the church in order to meet the needs of the church, advocacy to government, advocacy to banks and financial institutions, by establishing financial support for the informal industry, by supporting organizations such as BUTA and the formation of the National Association of the Informal Sector, by offering training and mentorship , by giving support and counselling and finally by giving of the church's own facilities where necessary and appropriate. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

The objective of this research study is to investigate the problems of the divorced Christians within the Anglican Diocese of Kirinyaga in Kenya. A selection was made of some the divorced Christians in this diocese who even after their separation and divorce remained in the Church. The divorced Christians in this study were observed to have many more problems than ordinary Christian people. Their failure to survive their marriage made them feel desperate, tending towards a sense of personal failure. It was hypothesized that divorcees experience being sidelined in the Church, thus causing them physical and psychological emotions which affect them and label them as people who are unpardonable. Jack Dominian (1979), in search of information leading to the breakdown of marriages, has observed that the Christian Churches' teaching on sexuality and marriage has been a factor contributing indirectly to the breakdown of marriages and specifically to divorce. He also confirmed that another important contributing factor is the background of the partners. With this in mind the Christian Churches will want to do everything possible to save marriages. Therefore, the Churches have to be properly prepared and equipped for undertaking the challenges involving in building a worthy marriage. At the end of this research study the emphasis on marriage counselling is appealed to as a worthy tool to guide people towards a stable marriage. The dissertation commences with chapter one as an introduction which defines the objectives, motivation and the hypothesis to be tested. The literature review is tabled and is followed by definition of the terms so as to make the reader familiar with their usage. Finally, the chapter closes with the structure of the study. Chapter two deals with the methodology, explaining the sample and the development of the tool. The survey and all procedures are explained. Chapter three is divided into three parts. Part one introduces Agikuyu marriage and divorce, part two brings a theological review of divorce problems in the scriptures and part three brings a challenge to the missionary endeavours in the Anglican Diocese of Kirinyaga. It deals with the tensions created by the efforts of the Western missionaries and the Church as they came up against the African traditional heritage. Chapter four brings out the results of the methodological work. Hypothesis analysis is done and the interpretation given. The findings are given for and against the hypothesis. Discussion of the findings is done and then a conclusion is made. Chapter five is divided into three parts. First, a few ideas arising from the findings are discussed at length.The second part is the way forward which suggests possible ways in dealing with divorcees and enhancing a stable marriage. The final part carries the concluding remarks as a summary of the research study. / Thesis (M.Th. ; School of Theology)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998

In this study, the Babylonian Exile of the Jews is approached from the perspective of a sociological analysis of more recent historical cases of mass deportation and refugee behaviour. After this survey, four behaviour patterns are isolated that function as 'Mechanisms for Survival' for minorities in crisis and under domination in a foreign environment. These 'Mechanisms' include 1) Structural adaptation, 2) The rise of, and conflict between, new leaders. 35 new Folklore patterns, especially 'Hero' stories, and 4) adoption or elaboration of ritual as a means of boundary maintenance and identity preservation. These four mechanisms are then illustrated from Exilic texts of the Old Testament. The rise of Elders and the changing nature of the Bet Abot is seen as structural adaptation. The conflict of Jeremiah and Hananiah, and the advice of Jeremiah in his 'letter', is seen as the conflict of new leaders in crisis. The 'Diaspora Novella' is compared to Messianic expectation and especially to Suffering Servant to show how folklore can reflect social conditions and serve a function as 'hero stories'. Finally, the latest redactional layers of 'P' reveal concern for purity and separation that expressed itself in social isolationism and boundary maintenance, particularly in the dissolution of marriages with foreign wives. There is also a section on social conflict after the restoration, as a measure of the independent development of exilic social ideology and theology. The conclusion is that sociological analysis of the Exilic material reveals the exilic-post-exilic community exhibiting features of a minority group under stress, and the creative means by which that group responds by Mechanisms for Survival.