With the form on ,,Krankensegnung [mit -salbung]'" (blessing the sick [including anointment]) in the book of liturgy on ,,Dienst an Kranken" (ministering to the sick), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony has put the anointing of the sick back into tocus while still stating some "unfamiliarity" with this topic. Is the anointing of the sick therefore rather a biblical possibility than a practised reality? The ''practised reality" is examined qualitatively using expert interviews with six theoretically sampled ministers of the Church of Saxony. The results obtained show a wide range of practice. They are subsequently compared with theoretical results (history and fundamentals from systematic theology) under the primacy of James 5:14-15. The interpretation shO\vs the observed practice partially corresponding to James 5. From this, conclusions for practice are drawn followed by an evaluation of the survey / Das Thema ,Krankensalbung" wird in der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche durch das Formular Krankensegnung [mit -salbung] in der Agende .. Dienst an Kranken'' liturgisch neu ins Blickfeld geri.ickt, zugleich aber eine gewisse .. Fremdheit'' beztiglich des Themas konstatiert. Deshalb ergibt sich die Frage, ob Krankensalbung eher eine biblische Moglichkeit als eine gelebte Wirklichkeit ist. Die ,gelebte Wirklichkeit" wird mit Hilfe eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns untersucht. Dabei wird die Praxis der Krankensalbung durch Experteninterviews mit sechs bewusst ausgewahlten Ptarrern der sachsischen Landeskirche erhoben. Die Darstellung der hierbei gewonnenen Ergebnisse Hisst ein breites Praxisspektrum erkennen. In einem weiteren Schritt folgt die Interpretation der Resultate. Der lnterpretationsrahmen besteht aus den Ergebnissen der Theorie (Geschichte und systematisch-theologischen Grundlagen) unter dem Vorrang von Jak 5,14-15. Die Interpretation zeigt, dass die vorgefundene Praxis teilweise Jak 5 entspricht. lnfolgedessen werden Schlussfolgerungen als Hilfen fur die Praxis gezogen. Den Abschluss bildet die Evaluation der Untersuchung. / Practical Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

This academic study provides a historical background to the unsung hero Dr. Manas Buthelezi. He is amongst many such heroes who contributed enormously to the liberation of South Africa. Buthelezi fought against apartheid by promoting human liberation and rights; just like other circle unrecognized of heroes who were interested in combating the agonies caused by the apartheid system. This academic study presents the work of Buthelezi in the South African political, socio-economic, cultural and ecumenical effort at combating the apartheid policies. The history of Buthelezi‟s contribution can be deliberated in relation to the South African political and socio-economic dimensions. Church history is an alternative engagement to the social struggles hence a church leader like Buthelezi had to participate in the public arena. Not really; the focus is more on issues within the current ELCSA. Broader historical evidence is considered on the theoretical writings in the field of church history. The analytical aim of the study develops how the struggles internal to the church and the understanding of struggle for liberation in South Africa. The study highlights the history of Lutheranism in South Africa as the background of creating an understanding of this research. The findings of the study are that although the Lutherans were fighting against apartheid system in South Africa they were divided on racial identify between the white and the black. This was also operational in the church in South Africa as well. The church in South Africa was theologically challenged around issues of struggle and liberation. The white community was part of the apartheid government aimed as its interests to benefit from the dominant values of racial connections. The dominant apartheid government oppressed the black community through racial discrimination. Study shows how Buthelezi and other theologians critiqued both the church and the state to resistant apartheid that was operational in the church and the society. The study investigates his contribution in this respect. It will be necessary to look at what happened historically in apartheid and Black Theology. The intention of this study is to investigate how Bishop Dr. Manas Buthelezi in South Africa was involved and committed in the struggle against apartheid. I would like to analyse and reflect on his contribution and writing during apartheid, as this has not yet been researched. Buthelezi served the Lutheran Church and the South African Council of Churches (SACC) as its president, from where he viewed apartheid ideology and practice as contradictory to the Word of God and human wholeness of life. One cannot research Buthelezi without considering his Church where I will explore the ordained ministry and the „lay‟ ministry. Questions on teaching, training and service offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) raise serious matters about its present and future. In the conclusion, I provide an analysis of the problems outlined and make recommendations which can be considered to be alternatives to challenges that face our South African context and that of the church. My recommendations are opened to everyone, to engage each other to furnish alternative solutions to the problems that face the church and the South African context. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Church History)

German text / Die Bulgarische Evangelische Gesellschaft (BEG) ist die erste organisierte Eigeninitiative bulgarischer evangelischer Christen, die dem Ziel verpflichtet war, zur Evangelisation der Bulgaren beizutragen. Neben der Literaturarbeit und der finanziellen Unterstützung von Predigern und Pastoren gehörte die Förderung von Einheit unter den evangelischen Christen zu den wichtigsten Arbeitsbereichen der BEG. Letzteres wurde vor allem auch in den Jahresversammlungen verwirklicht, die allgemein eine wichtige Plattform für die verschiedenen Arbeitszweige darstellten. 1875 in einer äußerst unsicheren Zeit gegründet, überstand die BEG mehrere Kriege wie auch interne Probleme, bis sie (wie andere Vereine) 1958 vom kommunistischen Regime aufgelöst wurde. Ihre Geschichte spiegelt in weiten Teilen die Entwicklung der bulgarischen evangelischen Bewegung wider – deren Beschaffenheit und Besonderheiten, deren Erfolge sowie interne und externe Herausforderungen. Als interdenominationelle Organisation und mit der breiten Unterstützung durch einen Großteil der evangelischen Leiter wie auch durch viele Gemeindemitglieder nahm die BEG in der sich entwickelnden protestantischen Landschaft Bulgariens eine prägende Rolle ein. Bis dato ist die frühe protestantische Geschichte Bulgariens hauptsächlich aus dem Blickwinkel der Missionsarbeit der amerikanischen Missionen behandelt worden. Anhand der neu aufgefundenen Jahresberichte der BEG und anderer Primärquellen kann nun das Augenmerk auf diese heute fast vergessene Eigeninitiative der noch jungen evangelischen Bewegung Bulgariens gerichtet werden. Diese Studie leistet einen Beitrag zur evangelischen Kirchen- und Missionsgeschichtsschreibung in Bulgarien. / The Bulgarian Evangelical Society (BES) was the first organized initiative by Bulgarian evangelical Christians to evangelize Bulgarian people. In addition to publishing Christian literature and providing financial help for preachers and pastors, one of its major activities was to work towards unity among evangelical Christians. This was mostly realized at the annual meetings of the membership of the BES, which provided an important platform for the society's different ministries. Founded in 1875 in a very insecure time for the Bulgarian people, the BES managed to survive several wars and various internal problems until it was dissolved in 1958 by the Communist Regime, along with other non-governmental organizations. The history of the BES to a large extent reflects the development of the Bulgarian evangelical movement as a whole in its qualities and characteristics, its successes and in its internal and external challenges. As an interdenominational organisation and because it had the broad support of a large part of the evangelical leaders as well as many church members, the BES played an important role in the development of Protestantism in Bulgaria. In the past, the early Protestant history of Bulgaria frequently has been portrayed as the missionary work of American missionaries. With the newly rediscovered annual reports of the BES and other primary sources it has now become possible to uncover the significant role of this almost forgotten initiative of the early Bulgarian evangelical movement. In doing so, this study contributes both to history of missions and to the history of the Protestant Church in Bulgaria. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

With the form on ,,Krankensegnung [mit -salbung]'" (blessing the sick [including anointment]) in the book of liturgy on ,,Dienst an Kranken" (ministering to the sick), the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony has put the anointing of the sick back into tocus while still stating some "unfamiliarity" with this topic. Is the anointing of the sick therefore rather a biblical possibility than a practised reality? The ''practised reality" is examined qualitatively using expert interviews with six theoretically sampled ministers of the Church of Saxony. The results obtained show a wide range of practice. They are subsequently compared with theoretical results (history and fundamentals from systematic theology) under the primacy of James 5:14-15. The interpretation shO\vs the observed practice partially corresponding to James 5. From this, conclusions for practice are drawn followed by an evaluation of the survey / Das Thema ,Krankensalbung" wird in der Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche durch das Formular Krankensegnung [mit -salbung] in der Agende .. Dienst an Kranken'' liturgisch neu ins Blickfeld geri.ickt, zugleich aber eine gewisse .. Fremdheit'' beztiglich des Themas konstatiert. Deshalb ergibt sich die Frage, ob Krankensalbung eher eine biblische Moglichkeit als eine gelebte Wirklichkeit ist. Die ,gelebte Wirklichkeit" wird mit Hilfe eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns untersucht. Dabei wird die Praxis der Krankensalbung durch Experteninterviews mit sechs bewusst ausgewahlten Ptarrern der sachsischen Landeskirche erhoben. Die Darstellung der hierbei gewonnenen Ergebnisse Hisst ein breites Praxisspektrum erkennen. In einem weiteren Schritt folgt die Interpretation der Resultate. Der lnterpretationsrahmen besteht aus den Ergebnissen der Theorie (Geschichte und systematisch-theologischen Grundlagen) unter dem Vorrang von Jak 5,14-15. Die Interpretation zeigt, dass die vorgefundene Praxis teilweise Jak 5 entspricht. lnfolgedessen werden Schlussfolgerungen als Hilfen fur die Praxis gezogen. Den Abschluss bildet die Evaluation der Untersuchung. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.Th. (Practical Theology)

German text / Die Bulgarische Evangelische Gesellschaft (BEG) ist die erste organisierte Eigeninitiative bulgarischer evangelischer Christen, die dem Ziel verpflichtet war, zur Evangelisation der Bulgaren beizutragen. Neben der Literaturarbeit und der finanziellen Unterstützung von Predigern und Pastoren gehörte die Förderung von Einheit unter den evangelischen Christen zu den wichtigsten Arbeitsbereichen der BEG. Letzteres wurde vor allem auch in den Jahresversammlungen verwirklicht, die allgemein eine wichtige Plattform für die verschiedenen Arbeitszweige darstellten. 1875 in einer äußerst unsicheren Zeit gegründet, überstand die BEG mehrere Kriege wie auch interne Probleme, bis sie (wie andere Vereine) 1958 vom kommunistischen Regime aufgelöst wurde. Ihre Geschichte spiegelt in weiten Teilen die Entwicklung der bulgarischen evangelischen Bewegung wider – deren Beschaffenheit und Besonderheiten, deren Erfolge sowie interne und externe Herausforderungen. Als interdenominationelle Organisation und mit der breiten Unterstützung durch einen Großteil der evangelischen Leiter wie auch durch viele Gemeindemitglieder nahm die BEG in der sich entwickelnden protestantischen Landschaft Bulgariens eine prägende Rolle ein. Bis dato ist die frühe protestantische Geschichte Bulgariens hauptsächlich aus dem Blickwinkel der Missionsarbeit der amerikanischen Missionen behandelt worden. Anhand der neu aufgefundenen Jahresberichte der BEG und anderer Primärquellen kann nun das Augenmerk auf diese heute fast vergessene Eigeninitiative der noch jungen evangelischen Bewegung Bulgariens gerichtet werden. Diese Studie leistet einen Beitrag zur evangelischen Kirchen- und Missionsgeschichtsschreibung in Bulgarien. / The Bulgarian Evangelical Society (BES) was the first organized initiative by Bulgarian evangelical Christians to evangelize Bulgarian people. In addition to publishing Christian literature and providing financial help for preachers and pastors, one of its major activities was to work towards unity among evangelical Christians. This was mostly realized at the annual meetings of the membership of the BES, which provided an important platform for the society's different ministries. Founded in 1875 in a very insecure time for the Bulgarian people, the BES managed to survive several wars and various internal problems until it was dissolved in 1958 by the Communist Regime, along with other non-governmental organizations. The history of the BES to a large extent reflects the development of the Bulgarian evangelical movement as a whole in its qualities and characteristics, its successes and in its internal and external challenges. As an interdenominational organisation and because it had the broad support of a large part of the evangelical leaders as well as many church members, the BES played an important role in the development of Protestantism in Bulgaria. In the past, the early Protestant history of Bulgaria frequently has been portrayed as the missionary work of American missionaries. With the newly rediscovered annual reports of the BES and other primary sources it has now become possible to uncover the significant role of this almost forgotten initiative of the early Bulgarian evangelical movement. In doing so, this study contributes both to history of missions and to the history of the Protestant Church in Bulgaria. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

This academic study provides a historical background to the unsung hero Dr. Manas Buthelezi. He is amongst many such heroes who contributed enormously to the liberation of South Africa. Buthelezi fought against apartheid by promoting human liberation and rights; just like other circle unrecognized of heroes who were interested in combating the agonies caused by the apartheid system. This academic study presents the work of Buthelezi in the South African political, socio-economic, cultural and ecumenical effort at combating the apartheid policies. The history of Buthelezi‟s contribution can be deliberated in relation to the South African political and socio-economic dimensions. Church history is an alternative engagement to the social struggles hence a church leader like Buthelezi had to participate in the public arena. Not really; the focus is more on issues within the current ELCSA. Broader historical evidence is considered on the theoretical writings in the field of church history. The analytical aim of the study develops how the struggles internal to the church and the understanding of struggle for liberation in South Africa. The study highlights the history of Lutheranism in South Africa as the background of creating an understanding of this research. The findings of the study are that although the Lutherans were fighting against apartheid system in South Africa they were divided on racial identify between the white and the black. This was also operational in the church in South Africa as well. The church in South Africa was theologically challenged around issues of struggle and liberation. The white community was part of the apartheid government aimed as its interests to benefit from the dominant values of racial connections. The dominant apartheid government oppressed the black community through racial discrimination. Study shows how Buthelezi and other theologians critiqued both the church and the state to resistant apartheid that was operational in the church and the society. The study investigates his contribution in this respect. It will be necessary to look at what happened historically in apartheid and Black Theology. The intention of this study is to investigate how Bishop Dr. Manas Buthelezi in South Africa was involved and committed in the struggle against apartheid. I would like to analyse and reflect on his contribution and writing during apartheid, as this has not yet been researched. Buthelezi served the Lutheran Church and the South African Council of Churches (SACC) as its president, from where he viewed apartheid ideology and practice as contradictory to the Word of God and human wholeness of life. One cannot research Buthelezi without considering his Church where I will explore the ordained ministry and the „lay‟ ministry. Questions on teaching, training and service offered by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA) raise serious matters about its present and future. In the conclusion, I provide an analysis of the problems outlined and make recommendations which can be considered to be alternatives to challenges that face our South African context and that of the church. My recommendations are opened to everyone, to engage each other to furnish alternative solutions to the problems that face the church and the South African context. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Church History)

For the last two decades Haddon Robinson's homiletic text Biblical Preaching has been a significant influence in evangelical homiletics. In an endeavor to evaluate the homiletic method within it, this study asked the following questions: What is Robinson's theological methodology and how does it affect his homiletical method? What is his hermeneutical methodology and how does it affect his homiletical method? These two questions lead into the main issue of this study expressed in two other questions: Is Robinson consistent with his theological and hermeneutical methodology in his homiletical method? What are the strengths and weaknesses of his ten-stage method? Based on these issues, the purpose of this study was to investigate Robinson's theological and hermeneutical methodology, evaluate his ten-stage method in light of this investigation, and based on any problematic areas, suggest pointers toward new theory and procedure for the enhancement of expository pedagogy. To provide a framework for this study, four homiletical paradigms in contemporary American homiletics were identified and explained. Robinson's method was found to be in one of these paradigms. With this framework in mind, Robinson's theological and hermeneutical methodology was investigated. Following this, his definition of expository preaching with its five components was set forth and investigated. It was found that Robinson's expository methodology as expressed in his view of Scripture, hermeneutics, and definition of expository preaching, is a consistent foundation for his ten-stage method. Nevertheless, several problematic issues were noted. Having investigated Robinson's expository methodology, this study formally evaluated his ten-stage method and found its center of gravity to be on the two center stages dealing with the homiletical idea and purpose statement. Furthermore, this evaluation found the ten stages to be consistent with Robinson's definition of expository preaching in its movement from interpretation to application. In seven of the stages, however, this study found deficiencies due to procedural weaknesses and a lack of theoretical focus. The study concluded with ten pointers based on the problem areas addressed throughout the investigation and evaluation. These pointers suggested a new theory and procedure to enhance expository pedagogy and practice. / Practical Theology / D. Th. (Pratical Theology)

The Evangelical Reformed Church is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary. This study investigates this church's unique view of Scripture and places it within the broader context of a Reformed approach. To this end, a literary study is conducted, whereby the Evangelical Reformed conviction is compared to that of Calvin and Barth, as put forward in their Institutions and Church Dogmatics, respectively. This procedure allows for a collation of the Evangelical Reformed stance and the Reformed view. Since the belief regarding Scripture has an effect on many aspects of the traditional reformed dogma, several bibliological facets are singled out, namely, revelation, authority, inspiration, and the inception of the canon. By way of illustration, these details are considered with specific reference to the Reformed doctrine of Predestination. The goal of this exercise is to evaluate the application of the bibliological dogma in the formulation of theology. / Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics / M.Th

Text in German / This dissertation shows the possibilities of interdisciplinary application of principles and methods in bible didactics, adult education, school education and learning style research to Christian education in evangelical free churches. The research objective is the establishment and development of a bible didactic methodology for practical teaching in order to convey biblical contents to postmodern adults. This objective is achieved by the practical-theological establishment of the necessity of basic biblical education in free churches, the presentation of the postmodernist church pedagogical framework for bible courses, the elaboration of possible applications of didactic principles of bible didactics, adult education and school education for conveying biblical contents in bible courses, and finally, by the compilation of suitable bible didactic principles and methods for bible courses. The dissertation closes by stating the requirements of pastors and teachers in free churches as well as the challenges of church pedagogy training for future pastors. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Ecumenism and Theological Convergence: A Comparative Analysis of Edinburgh 1910 and the Lausanne Movement." This thesis evaluates the Edinburgh 1910 World Mission Conference, the ecumenism that flowed from Edinburgh 1910, and its relationship to the ecumenical trends that exist within the Lausanne movement. Additionally, this thesis determines how ecumenism has attributed to a theological convergence, and then examines the impact of such theological convergence on the global church through parachurch organizations. It begins by laying the foundation for any theological convergence that existed at Edinburgh 1910. It then examines ecumenism within the Lausanne movement, theological significance of ecumenism, and its impact on the global church. Finally, the thesis explores the theological convergence within select parachurch organizations since Lausanne 1974 and analyzes the impact of theological convergence on the global church. The researcher of this thesis has surveyed several sources to determine the originality of this topic through search engines World Cat, World Cat Dissertations, Dissertations, Article First, ATLA Religion, Humanities Index, Humanities Abstract, Christian Periodical Index, Worldscope, and also significant works about Lausanne 1974. The search revealed nothing substantial concerning Lausanne’s impact on the Global Church through parachurch organizations, the researcher deems this thesis to be an original work. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology