Text in Afrikaans / Rituals are part of our everyday life and are usually performed unconsciously. In this dissertation rituals are used consciously, within a therapeutic context, with the purpose to facilitate healing and growth. The aim of the research is to focus the readers' attention on the therapeutic potential of rituals and its value as an intervention strategy. The study concentrates on the grieving process. The researcher therefore specifically wants to show how rituals are used during grief counselling. The following research problem was investigated in the study: "What is the attitude, opinion and knowledge of professional caregivers concerning the use of rituals as a therapeutic tool during grief counselling?" Out of the research data the following hypothesis was formulated: - To grief over a loss is essential. Because of the basic properties and remedial functions of rituals, rituals can be a valuable therapeutic tool in the facilitation of this process. - There is an inherent connection between professional caregivers' attitudes, opinions and knowledge of therapeutic rituals and the regular and effective use of them during grief counselling. - The use of rituals during grief counselling is only one component in the comprehensive pastoral care of the bereaved. / Practical theology / M.Th.

The thesis focuses on the ways of making the Bible accessible und understandable to young people. It deals with the methods and techniques which could be used for this purpose. The possible application of music, as one of the approaches to the Bible study, is explained in more detail. In the first part the author presents the theoretical concepts, which make obvious, why it is so important to meet with young for the purpose of reading and studying the Bible. Furthermore, the basic set of information necessary for the organization of such a meeting is introduced. In the second part the author offers theoretical instructions how to use the particular methods and techniques for the Bible meeting. Subsequently the practical application of these particular methods and techniques is described. In the third part the musical theory and particular musical methods and techniques in relation to the Bible meeting are dealt with.

In South Africa, no occupational or professional councils for pastoral work exist as yet. In order to support pastoral counsellors in their negotiations to obtain professional status in this country, the presumed limitations and ineffectiveness of present mental health systems in South Africa is examined. Pastoral counselling as a possible national health resource is explored with reference to primary health care, freedom of choice, consumer rights, cost-effectiveness, spirituality, social change and reconciliation and multi-cultural application. Arguments are imbedded in relevant theory and supported by vignettes of suffering, survival, and redemption in spirituality. A postmodern, qualitative approach is used. Participants' narratives indicate that they have experienced healing through utilising their religion and spirituality. However, this study does not claim to provide conclusive proof that pastoral work is relevant in this country - it should be seen as part of a process which aims to develop pastoral counselling as a profession. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M. TH. (Pastoral Therapy)

Text in Afrikaans / Dr. J D Vorster het gedurende sy bedieningstyd in die N.G.Kerk [1935-1978] ontwikkel en gegroei tot 'n invloedryke kerkleier. Die faktore en omstanighede wat tot sy vorming bygedra het is die onderwerp van hierdie studie. Die f eit dat hy in die Stormberge gebore en getoe is asook .karaktereienskappe wat hy van sy voorsate geerf het, was belangrike komponente in sy vorming. Boustene soos godsdiens en volksliefde het in sy ouerhuis die grondslag gele vir sy teologiese beskouings wat op universiteit ontwikkel het. Sedert 1935 is hy in die bediening verder gevorm deur pastorale werk, kerklike vergaderings en briefwisselings. Kulturele en politieke betrokkenheid asook gevangenisstraf het horn bekend gemaak en gebrei. 'n Doktorsgraad in die Kerkreg was verder die regte skoling vir die amp va.n Aktuarius - 'n pos wat met soveel deeglikheid uitgevoer is dat hy later as kerkleier erken is met sy verkiesing as Moderator. / During his ministry in the D.R.Church, dr.J D Vorster developed and grew to become an influential church leader. The subject of this study is the factors and circumstances which contributed to his forming. The fact that he was born and bred in the Stormberge as well as the characteristics he inherited from his ancestors were important components in his forming. Building stones such as religion and nationalism in his parents home laid the .foundation of his theological views which developed at university. He was further formed in his ministry through pastoral work, church meetings and correspondence. Cultural and political participation as well as imprisonment made him well-known and tough. His doctorate in church law put him on the right track for the post of Actuary - an off ice which he filled with so much efficiency that his leadership in the church was recognised with his election as Moderator. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / Th. M. (Church History)

This thesis is about pastoral work with people who live with mobility impairment. The research address two main questions, namely "What are the implications of acquired mobility impairment for personal identity and collective identity?" and "How can we in Christian faith communities, through pastoral work, facilitate a sense of belonging and strengthen personal identity and collective identity for people who are mobility disadvantaged?" This thesis therefore addresses the problem of identity. Thus, a theoretical analysis from literature sources is undertaken to explore theories about narrative identity in relation to personal identity and the importance of the metaphor "belonging" to bridge the gap of personal identity to collective identity. Consequently, religious identity is discussed in relation to the notion of multiple identities and the importance of collective identity to shaping personal identity. The research questions are answered through a theoretical exploration of approaches to disability and qualitative, narrative empirical research is undertaken. A few people who are quadriplegic, a family member and an occupational therapist are interviewed and the recounting of their "stories" facilitated. The empirical research results in highlighting that the research participants' "stories" discloses a link between bodily restrictions and social restrictions to mobility. This combination works together to make social interaction very difficult and clearly influenced the transition from pre-quadriplegia to post-quadriplegia. Analysing the "stories" told by the research participants allows for critical reflection on a preferred pastoral work praxis to people living with mobility impairment. Narrative identity is linked with a theology of embrace and metaphors of "covenant" and "belonging" which expresses that faith communities should imitate the embracing love and compassion of the Triune God who through the act of suffering included all humankind. It provides the foundation for a preferred pastoral work praxis of "embrace" which can be practised holistically and actively through integration with the other practices of faith communities to facilitate a sense of belonging to a collective identity. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

Establishment of Chaplaincy Service at the Hospital in Cheb This thesis describes the process of implementation of the hospital chaplain service in a hospital in Cheb, including a description of the obstacles and problems related to organizational culture change in this medical device. The aim of launching this new service was to contribute in improving the quality of services through complementing existing health services with the spiritual dimension of patient care. In the theoretical part the thesis focuses on knowledge about ecumenically-scale pastoral work of the hospital chaplains in the specific environment of hospitals. These findings are derived from publicly available sources - from secondary sources, or from websites. The practical part of the thesis describes the sequential steps that have been made in the implementation of chaplaincy services in Cheb hospital. The practical part contains interview with a professional chaplain, an experienced priest and nurses of Cheb hospital and a subsequent analysis of these interviews. Processed outputs of the interviews were then applied in the process of individualization of services according to the specific needs of this hospital. In this part also the state of new services a month after its launch had been evaluated. In the conclusion of the...

Presented master thesis deals with description of the gradual development and positions of the church schools in CR during the last 20 years. These schools are then complemented by the schools of theology at CR universities. This thesis is in a certain way a continuation of a bachelor thesis, successfully defended in 2007 at the School of Education of Charles University. The thesis describes in brief the history of education and pedagogy in general, church schools including. Then there are specified all the pertinent valid legal regulations for operation of church schools based on experience of the author from a managerial position of such a school for many years. The role of the general management and management of human resources on one side and the theological reflection of the church schools on the other side is discussed. In detail, the equipment of the facilities and their economy is analyzed as well as the goals and calling of these schools. In a wide spectrum of opportunities open to church schools in 21st century their potential can be used through new and fresh methods for evangelizing, mission and pastoral care.