Thesis (MTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Young people, teenagers and children are members of various communities. These communities include their families, society, their schools and their churches or, more appropriately, their parents’ church. These various communities impact their lives in significant ways: they provide the frameworks which determine who they are and what they are going to become. Through their interaction within these communities, life is given meaning. All of these communities operate according to a “liturgy” i.e. an order or style that allows each individual to discover his or her purpose in life. Parents, as the primary community, should provide a healthy and positive environment in which the young life is shaped. However, this is not the only community in which the young person interacts. The church is another and has an enormous influence and vital responsibility in helping to facilitate this shaping process. If, however, the church does not identify fully with young people and their needs, it will become irrelevant and their young lives will be shaped by other communities of influence that are not necessarily positive. A new liturgy i.e. “New Wine” is required to be effective with today’s postmodern generation. The institutionalized church faces a very real danger of being complacent and apathetic in terms of “doing church” in a way that is relevant and attractive. The purpose of this dissertation is to propose a different form of faith community i.e. a “New Wineskin”, a wineskin that is elastic and flexible. Along with the positive nurturing and influence of the family, the church as a new faith community must become creative and authentic if it is to reach postmodern youth. Central to this new liturgy is relationships: relationship with God, with parents, with family, with friends and others. As the Godhead is made up of three “Beings” in relationship with each other, so we have been created to be in relationship firstly with God and then with each other. Thus in a postmodern society, relationships within the family and the church are essential in order to lead young people into a real, authentic and healthy relationship with God.

Thesis (DTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The patriarchal and hetero-normative structures in the church have the potential to hurt and alienate people. According to the population census of 2001, there has been a decrease in the number of people belonging to churches within the white and colored church groups in South Africa. In the Independent African churches the numbers are growing. These churches can be described as conservative in their understanding of gender issues and sexual diversity (Jenkins 2002).The church today exists in a liminal phase as a result of globalization and availability of information, which create an opportunity for reformation. According to Castells (2004) the development of a contra-culture identity is the most consequential way of bringing about change in society, because it does not simply offer resistance against oppressive structures, but also question the ideologies at the heart of dominating structures. Throughout the ages, church structures were developed with reference to the patriarchal family, of which examples can be found in the letters to Timothy and Titus. Patriarchy is characterized by the institutionally sanctioned authority of men over women and their children. The primary relationships within the household influence all subsequent relationships – also in the church. This conjecture defines the opportunity for the household to be a key to transformation. To form an image of the household of God – which can be viewed as ideal for believers – the life and teachings of Jesus as well as the slavery-images in the New Testament, should be explored. To interpret this image for the church, the book of James is used, because James was writing to a community of believers. This community is not viewed as having been made up out of family members all familiar with their established positions, but as a family of God, cared for within households. An interwoven community such as this corresponds with the eco-feministic understanding of the interdependence of all things. The theme of friendship with God is dominant in the book of James. Within friendship relationships, people exist as equal partners – even in the household. Nobody is requested to relinquish ownership of their bodies – even in marriage. To every person room for individualization is allowed – even to children, by parents. Hospitality as central value of friendship invites the stranger to enter into joyful togetherness and mutual provision of care. Friendship with God brings completion, and liberates people from envy and competitive actions. People who have been made whole, can live in simplicity and in this way leave room for all people to have enough to satisfy their needs, as well as take responsibility for God’s recreation. The key to living in friendship relationships, is the release of awarded power. This new understanding of relationships within the church and household, can be established through the understanding of God as Mother, Lover and Friend, through “unmaking” and “merrymaking”. As the interpretation of the household as healing and liberating space, described in the letter of James, find substance in the reality of ministry, it will offer for all believers, but in particular for the oppressed and marginalized ones, a home for their faith and a place of healing. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die handhawing van patriargale en heteronormatiewe denke binne die gemeenskap van gelowiges het die potensiaal om mense te verwond en van die kerk te vervreem. In Suid-Afrika kwyn die getalle van tradisioneel blanke en bruin kerkgroepe volgens die bevolkingsensus van 2001. Hierteenoor toon Onafhanklike Afrika-kerke groei. Die groeiende Afrika-kerke word deur Jenkins (2002) beskryf as konserwatief, veral ten opsigte van gender-vraagstukke en seksuele diversiteit. Die kerk bestaan vandag as gevolg van globalisasie en inligtingsmatigheid in ’n liminale fase wat ’n geleentheid bied tot reformasie. Volgens Castells (2004) is die ontwikkeling van ’n kontra-kultuur identiteit die mees sinvolle wyse om verandering in die samelewing teweeg te bring, omdat dit nie bloot weerstand bied teen onderdrukkende strukture nie, maar die ideologie agter die heersende strukture bevra. Kerklike strukture is deur die eeue aan die hand van die patriargale gesin ontwikkel, waarvan voorbeelde in onder andere Timoteus en Titus gevind kan word. Patriargie word gekenmerk deur die institusioneel bekragtigde outoriteit van mans oor vroue en hul kinders. Die primêre verhoudings in die huishouding beïnvloed alle latere verhoudings – ook in die kerk. Hierdie gegewe maak dat die huishouding ’n sleutel tot transformasie kan wees. Om ’n beeld te vorm van die huishouding van God – wat as ideaal vir gelowiges kan dien – word daar na die leer en lewe van Jesus en die slawe-beeld in die Nuwe Testament gekyk. Om hierdie beeld vir die kerk te kan vertolk, is van die boek Jakobus gebruik gemaak. Die gemeenskap in Jakobus word nie beskou as opgebou uit gesinseenhede waar elkeen sy of haar plek ken nie, maar as familie van God wat in huishoudings versorg word. Die tema van vriendskap met God kom spesifiek op die voorgrond in Jakobus. Alhoewel eerste-eeuse vriendskapsverhoudings binne die konteks van weldoenerskap verstaan moet word, bied Jakobus ’n verdere perspektief naamlik dat mense as volwaardige vennote binne die verhoudinge verstaan kan word – ook in die huishouding! Niemand gee seggenskap op hul liggame op nie – ook in die huwelik. Aan elke mens word ruimte gegun om te individualiseer - ook aan kinders deur ouers. Gasvryheid as sentrale waarde van vriendskap nooi die vreemdeling in tot ’n vreugdevolle saamwees en wedersydse versorging. Vriendskap met God bring voltooidheid en bevry mense van afguns en kompeterende optrede. Heel mense kan in eenvoud leef en op hierdie wyse ruimte laat vir alle mense om genoeg te hê om van te leef en medeverantwoordelikheid vir God se herskepping te kan neem. Die sleutel tot die uitleef van vriendskapsverhoudings is die afstaan van toegekende mag. Hierdie nuwe verstaan van verhoudings binne die kerk en huishouding kan deur die verstaan van God as Moeder, Geliefde en Vriend deur ontdaning en viering gevestig word. As hierdie spesifieke interpretasie van Jakobus oor die huishouding van God as helende en bevrydende ruimte, in ’n bedieningspraktyk gestalte kan vind, sal dit vir alle gelowiges, maar veral die onderdruktes en gemarginaliseerdes in die samelewing, ’n geloofstuiste en herstelruimte bied.

Thesis (DTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation deals with the relationship between the problems of the Korean Presbyterian Church and the identity of the Korean Presbyterian preachers. The study offers guidelines for the future by analyzing and evaluating the Korean Presbyterian Church context related to the Korean history according to Thomas Long.s guidelines. Chapter 1 is a statement of the problems faced by the Korean Presbyterian Church such as the blessing of success rather than the blessing of suffering, false success and a distortion of the preacher.s identity, the idolization of the preacher, secularization during the period of economic growth, and the inheritance of authority, fame, and status. Through an analysis and evaluation of these aspects, we are able to suggest guidelines for the future. Chapter 2 is the analysis of the Korean context, which shows us that many foreign missionaries dedicated themselves to the Korean people, led the Korean Presbyterian preachers to hold a herald image though theological, social, political, economical, and cultural factors made the Korean Presbyterian preachers choose between three positions, viz. conservative, progressive, and centralist. In addition, this chapter shows that the difference of theological, political, and social opinion, localism, and the problem of WCC joining, and so forth positioned Hyung-Nong Park (1897-1978), Jae-Jun Kim (1901-1987), Sang-Dong Han (1901-1976), and Kyung-Chik Han (1902-2000) at the centre of the split of the Korean Presbyterian Church. Chapter 3 is the homiletical evaluation of the identity of four Korean Presbyterian preachers according to Thomas Long.s guidelines. This evaluation shows that Hyung-Nong Park and Sang-Dong Han had a herald image, Jae-Jun Kim a pastoral and storytelling image, and Kyung-Chik Han a witness image as regards their respective lives and theological views. Chapter 4 analyzes and evaluates the identity of contemporary Korean Presbyterian preachers based on 145 Korean Presbyterian preachers. question sheets according to Thomas Long.s guidelines. In addition, the chapter shows that these preachers have a positive idea concerning the relationship between God, the preacher, the Bible, and the congregation and are trying to maintain the merits of the four metaphors. Chapter 5 offers guidelines for the future, which suggests the role of the Holy Spirit and prayer as an alternative to overcome the Korean Presbyterian Church.s problems such as an identity distortion, idolization, and secularization of the preacher based on a relationship between God, the preacher, the Bible, and the congregation. The Holy Spirit is the greatest Preacher, the co-worker with the preacher and vindicator of the preacher.s authority. Prayer invigorates, strengthens and energizes the preacher. In conclusion, this chapter suggests the acceptance of ¡°the unity of diversity¡±, preachers. sincere, faithful, and devotional life, and the restoration of the power of God.s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit as guidelines for the future. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif handel oor die verhouding tussen die probleme van die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse Kerk en die identiteit van die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse predikers. In die lig van Thomas Long se riglyne, verskaf die studie leidrade vir die toekoms deur middel van . analise en evaluasie van die konteks van die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse Kerk in verband met die geskiedenis van Korea. Hoofstuk 1 vermeld die probleme wat die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse Kerk in die gesig staar soos die seen van sukses eerder as die seen van lyding, valse sukses en . verdraaiing van die prediker se identiteit, die verafgoding van die prediker, sekularisasie gedurende die periode van ekonomiese groei en die vererwing van mag, roem en status. Deur middel van . analise en evaluasie is dit vir ons moontlik om riglyne vir die toekoms aan te bied. Hoofstuk 2 is . analise van die Koreaanse konteks waardeur aangetoon word dat baie buitelandse sendelinge hulself aan die mense van Korea gewy het, die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse predikers gelei het om aan . boodskapper beeld vas te hou alhoewel teologiese, sosiale, politiese, ekonomiese en kulturele faktore die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse predikers laat kies het tussen die konserwatiewe, progressiewe en sentralistiese posisies. Daarbenewens toon die hoofstuk aan dat die verskil in teologiese, politieke en sosiale mening, lokalisme en die probleem van die WCC aansluiting en so meer, Hyung-Nong Park (1897-1978), Jae-Jun Kim (1901-1987), Sang-Dong Han (1901-1976), en Kyung-Chik Han (1902-2000) in die middel van die Koreaanse Presbiteraanse Kerk skeuring geplaas het. Hoofstuk 3 is . homiletiese evaluasie van die identiteit van vier Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse predikers volgens die riglyne van Thomas Long. Hierdie evaluasie toon aan dat, in terme van hulle onderskeie lewens en teologiese opvattings, die beeld van boodskapper op Hyung-Nong Park en Sang-Dong Han van toepassing was, die beeld van herder op Jae-Jun Kim en beeld van getuie op Kyung-Chik Han betrekking gehad het. Hoofstuk 4 analiseer en evalueer die identeit van hedendaagse Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse predikers gebasseer op 145 Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse prediker vraelyste op grond van Thomas Long se riglyne. Daarbenewens toon die hoofstuk aan dat hierdie predikers . positiewe seining het rakende die verhouding tussen God, die prediker, die Bybel en die gemeente en poog om dit wat wesentlik is aan die vier metafore te behou. Hoofstuk 5 bied riglyne vir die toekoms aan wat die rol van die Heilige Gees en gebed as alternatiewe voorstel om die probleme van Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse Kerk soos identiteitsverdraaiing, verafgoding en sekularisasie van die prediker, in die lig van die verhouding tussen God, die prediker, die Bybel en die gemeente, die hoof te bied. Die Heilige Gees is die grootste Prediker, die medewerker van die prediker en verdediger van die prediker se gesag. Ter afsluiting stel hierdie hoofstuk die aanvaarding van geenheid in verskeidenheid h, predikers se opregte, getroue en toegewyde lewens en die herstel van die krag van God se Woord, gebed en die Heilige Gees as riglyne vir die toekoms voor.

Thesis (DTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation explores lay leadership developments in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe by investigating the leadership history of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) from 1891 when it was founded in Zimbabwe, to the present. Chapter 1 introduces the problem statement, i.e. the exclusion of laity and women in the broader church structures, dominated by male clergy. It currently blocks transformation. The hypothesis of this study is that lay leadership is not sufficiently represented in the leadership structures of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. Reasons for this can be that the influence of the clerical paradigm model of leadership, or the hierarchical Shona culture structures, adopted by the missionaries of the RCZ are still haunting the leadership of the church. The methodological framework for the study is practical theology, used by Hendriks (2004). Some important working concepts are explained and a short historical background of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe is laid out. In Chapter 2 different views on church offices are discussed. Methodologically, the Word of God provides the normative basis from which the problem statement is addressed. In Chapter 3 some aspects of the historical background of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe are described. The Shona cultural background and its hierarchical structures are discussed in order to determine how the Shona culture influenced the leadership structures of the church to exclude laity and women. In Chapter 4 the history of leadership in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe is explored and the position of the lay people from 1891 to the present is discussed. This is done to determine whether there have been developments in the area of laity inclusion in the broader leadership structures of the church and to prove or disapprove the statement that the broader leadership structures of the church were dominated by male clergy. Chapter 5 presents the empirical part of the study. Attitudes towards women in the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe are analyzed through qualitative research methods. The data was gathered through interviews that assessed the relation between laity and clergy and men and women in the church. Negative and positive attitudes have been noted from the different groups that were interviewed. Chapter 6 describes the Zimbabwean situation which influences the church leadership due to the pressure of the political, economic, education and health situation in the country. The influence of modernism and postmodern megatrends towards church leadership styles are discussed. These trends seek participation of every individual member for transformation to take place. In Chapter 7 the focus is on five strategies to empower lay leadership to participate in all the broader structures of the RCZ. It also focuses on the applicability of lay leadership development in the RCZ. Finally, the overall summary, conclusion and recommendations are given in Chapter 8. The recommendations need to be considered by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe in order to strengthen the inclusion of laity and women in the broader structures of the church. The research proved that lay leadership development is gradually taking place in the RCZ, but empowerment of laity and women is still needed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif is 'n verkennende studie oor ongeskoolde leierskapontwikkelings in die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe. Leierskap geskiedenis van die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe word ondersoek vanaf 1891 toe dit tot stand gekom het in Zimbabwe tot huidiglik. Hoofstuk 1 omskryf die probleemstelling, naamlik die uitsluiting van ongeskooldes en vroue in breë kerk strukture wat gedomineer word deur manlike klerke. Huidiglik stuit dit transformasie. Die hipotesis van die studie is dat ongeskoolde leierskap nie voldoende verteenwoordig word in die leierskapstrukture van die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe nie. Redes hiervoor kan wees dat die invloed van die klerklike paradigma model van leierskap of die hierargiese Shona kultuur, wat deur die sendelinge van die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe aangeneem is, steeds die leierskap van die kerk oorheers. Die metodologiese raamwerk van die studie is praktiese teologie, soos gebruik deur Hendriks (2004). Van die belangrike konsepte word verduidelik en 'n kort historiese oorsig van die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe word uiteengesit. In Hoofstuk 2 word verskillende standpunte van kerkkantore bespreek. Metodologies verskaf die Woord van God die normatiewe basis vanwaar die probleemstelling aangespreek word. In Hoofstuk 3 word sekere aspekte van die historiese agtergrond van die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe beskryf. Die Shona kulturele agtergrond en sy hierargiese strukture word bespreek sodat daar bepaal kan word hoe die Shona kultuur die leierskapstrukture van die kerk beinvloed het om ongeskooldes en vroue uit te sluit. In Hoofstuk 4 word die geskiedenis van leierskap in die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe verken en die posisie van ongeskoolde mense, vanaf 1891 tot huidiglik, word bespreek. Dit word gedoen om te bepaal of daar enige ontwikkelings in die area van die insluiting van ongeskooldes in die breë leierskapstrukture van die kerk was en om te bepaal of die stelling dat die breë leierskapstrukture van die kerk gedomineer is deur manlike klerke waar of onwaar is. Hoofstuk 5 behels die empiriese deel van die studie. Houdings teenoor vroue in die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe word geanaliseer deur middel van kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodes. Die data is versamel deur middel van onderhoude wat die verhouding tussen ongeskooldes en klerklikes en mans en vroue in die kerk assesseer. Negatiewe en positiewe houdings is genotuleer komende vanaf die verskillende groepe wat deelgeneem het aan die onderhoude. Hoofstuk 6 beskryf die Zimbabwiese situasie wat die kerkleierskap beïnvloed deur middel van die druk wat die politieke, ekonomiese, onderwys en gesondheidsituasie in die land daarop plaas. Die invloed van modernisme en postmodernistiese mega-neigings teenoor kerkleierskap style word bespreek. Hierdie neigings streef na die deelname van elke individuele lid sodat transformasie kan plaasvind. Hoofstuk 7 fokus op vyf strategieë om ongeskoolde leierskap te bemagtig om deel te neem aan die breë strukture van die RCZ. Dit fokus ook op die toepaslikheid van ongeskoolde leierskapontwikkeling in die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe. Die algehele opsomming, slot en aanbevelings word in Hoofstuk 8 bespreek. Die aanbevelings moet deur die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe oorweeg word sodat die insluiting van ongeskooldes en vroue in die breë strukture van die kerk versterk kan word. Hierdie navorsing bewys dat ongeskoolde leierskap ontwikkeling geleidelik besig is om plaas te vind in die Gereformeerde Kerk in Zimbabwe, maar dat bemagtiging van ongeskooldes en vroue steeds nodig is.

Thesis (DTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Through the ages, the gospel of Jesus Christ calls on believers to witness to their faith and hope and to be obedient in word and deed to the love commandment of the Holy Trinity. This implies, among others, that the implications of the gospel should be effected in politics, economics and civil life. The shaping of a public meaning on corporate values and general well-being is a necessary result and is generally known as public theology. One of the communication channels through which the formation of public opinion can be shaped is the mass media. The Kerkbode (Afrikaans for the messenger of the Church) is the official newspaper of the Dutch Reformed Church and in that capacity it is an important public theological instrument of communication. During the years of change following the first democratic election of 1994 in South Africa, members of the Dutch Reformed Church felt a particular need of leadership and guidance. The Church leadership had a focused need of effective communication to members and non-members. Due to the loss of “governing members”, the church had to rely on public witness on concept legislation and other matters of public interest. Under the circumstances the importance of the newspaper of the church as a mouthpiece stands to reason. Because the shaping of opinions is one of the primary functions of a newspaper, the question with the researcher is as follows: whether the theories of opinion-shaping have been used in writing the leading articles of the Kerkbode during the years of change (1994 – 2003). The focus is on the leading article because it is the most important opinion- shaping column in any newspaper. The research of the leading articles was limited to articles concerned with the “Role of the Church” during the years 1994 – 2003. On completion of an inter-disciplinary study of theories of opinion-shaping from the subjects of Theology, Sociology, Social Psychology and Communication Studies, theories suitable for use in written mass media and in compliance with theological ethical principles were identified. Main principles of these theories were identified and the main articles were then studied in light of these principles. The conclusion was reached that it might be possible that the principles of identified theories were kept in mind when the articles were written. In view of the importance of effective opinion-shaping communication in, inter alia, the mass communication of the Church, recommendations were done on the use of main principles of opinion-shaping theories. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die evangelie van Jesus Christus roep gelowiges deur al die eeue op om te getuig van hulle geloof en hoop en om met woord en daad gehoorsaam te wees aan die liefdesgebod van die Drie-enige God. Dit behels onder meer dat die implikasies van die evangelie tot uitdrukking moet kom in die politieke lewe, die ekonomiese werklikhede en die burgerlike lewe waarin Christene deel. Die vorming van 'n openbare mening oor gemeenskaplike waardes en die algemene welsyn is 'n noodsaaklike gevolg daarvan en staan in die omgang as publieke teologie bekend. Een van die kommunikasiekanale waardeur die vorming van 'n openbare mening gedoen kan word, is die massamedia. Die Kerkbode is die amptelike koerant van die Ned. Geref. Kerk en is as sodanig onder meer 'n belangrike publieke teologiese kommunikasie-instrument. Gedurende die oorgangsjare ná die demokratisering van Suid-Afrika in 1994 het die lidmate van die Ned. Geref. Kerk 'n besondere behoefte aan leiding gehad. Die kerkleiding het ook 'n toegespitste behoefte aan effektiewe kommunikasie na binne en na buite die kerk gehad. As gevolg van die verlies aan “regerende lidmate”, was die kerk ook aangewese op openbare getuienis oor konsepwetgewing en ander sake van openbare belang. Die belang van die kerk se koerant as spreekbuis, spreek onder dié omstandig-hede vanself. Omdat die vorming van menings een van die primêre funksies van 'n kerkkoerant is, het die vraag by die navorser ontstaan of daar by die skryf van die hoofartikels van Die Kerkbode in die oorgangsjare (1994 – 2003) van meningsvormingsteorieë gebruik gemaak is. Daar is op die hoofartikels gefokus omdat dit by uitstek die opinievormende kolom van koerante is. Die bestudering van die hoofartikels is beperk tot artikels wat gerig was op die “Rol van die Kerk” gedurende die jare 1994 – 2003. Nadat 'n interdissiplinêre studie van meningsvormingsteorieë binne die vakgebiede van die Teologie, Sosiologie, Sosiale Sielkunde en Kommunikasiekunde gedoen is, is teorieë geskik vir gebruik in geskrewe massamedia en in ooreenstemming met teologies-etiese eise geïdentifiseer. Kernbeginsels van dié teorieë is daarna geïdentifiseer en die hoofartikels is aan die hand van die geïdentifiseerde kernbeginsels ontleed. Daar is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat kern-beginsels van die geprioritiseerde meningsvormingsteorieë moontlik by die skryf van die artikels in ag geneem is. In die lig van die belang van werklik effektiewe meningsvormende kommunikasie in onder meer die massakommunikasie van die kerk, is aanbevelings gedoen oor die benutting van kernbeginsels van meningsvormingsteorieë.

<p>This dissertation interprets the origins and growth of per-Restoration Quakerism through concepts developed in social-psychology and the sociology of religion. It argues that previous attempts to interpret Quakerism through psychological or mystical perspectives fail to locate the group in its socio-historical setting, and therefore these interpretations provide inadequate explanations of the group and its most prominent personality, George Fox. By utilizing, however, the social-psychological theory of "relative deprivation," the dissertation both explains the origins of Quakerism's religious ideology, and shows how its members' sense of felt deprivation determined the group's decisions about allocating economic and personal resources in an anti-tithe campaign.</p> <p>Briefly stated, the central argument of the study is that the Quakers felt frustration and resentment toward the victorious Puritans (post 1648) whom they believed had failed to implement a series of promised social and political reforms, including tithe-abolition. In fact, the 3roup emerged among religious and political radicals who felt particularly resentful over the continuation of the state-supported tithe system, and Quakerism launched a vehement campaign to have governmental officials abolish tithes at the same time that it encouraged people to withhold payment of them.</p> <p>Quakerism's anti-tithe campaign generated a number of staunch opponents, however, and the dissertation uses the concept of 11 relative deprivation" to explain their reaction to the group. These fearful opponents felt deprived relative to the social conditions that would be imposed if the Quakers were to succeed in achieving their goal of tithe-abolition, since many of them were tithe-receivers themselves.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (M.Div. (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Identity refers to the beliefs and values, the lifestyles, character, style and history of a congregation. A person has an identity, so a congregation develops an identity which is in a very close association with its members, their circumstances and history. The Kwe San and their unique history and circumstances have contributed to their current identity. This identity also determines the way in which the ministerial praxis is tailored for a specific congregation and community. The Kwe San’s current context has a practical theological response which is contextually based. Their traditional free-roaming abilities have been limited by the Tsumkwe Constituency, a prior homeland. The various original social organizations which form an integral part of the Kwe San’s life within their System Two, forms an integral part of their current life. These aspects need to be taken into consideration when formulating a congregation’s ministerial praxis. Within this community the practicality of theological ecclesiology has become important. This is due to the change in context of the Kwe San. To have a better understanding of the present ministerial praxis I have incorporated the Gestalt theory principles which help us to address the current situation and also the System Theory, in order to understand the current contextual nature of the Kwe San people. Any form of a holistic ministerial approach requires that we understand the interdependence of people and nature. It also emphasizes the fact that we are all connected to one another and that the church needs to raise to the occasion and play its part within each segment of the community. It needs to be an active participant within different interdependent or interrelated parts within the society in which we interact with one another, interact with nature and interact with God.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The United Nations (UN) declared the period 1983 to 1992 the “Decade of Disabled Persons”, and introduced the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Rules demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding human rights and provide guidance for policy formulation to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through their equal participation and maximizing their welfare. There is no consensus on a definition and measurement of disability (Altman, 2001; Mitra 2005:7). The study used the medical, social, and theological models to explore the theoretical, conceptual and theological meaning of living with disabilities; examine the respondents’ perceptions of the church’s influence on their spirituality and daily lives; describe the respondents’ socio-economic conditions with particular attention to civic participation, discrimination, employment, education and health, and make recommendations, based on the findings, to inform policy on people with disabilities in South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative and quantitative approach in the study. The population consisted of parents or caregivers to minor and adult children with varying degrees of disabilities, adults with physical disabilities, and family members with disabled persons. Data was collected by means of informal and semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The main barriers to participation were that the respondents did not feel well enough to participate owing to their disabilities; lack of money; lack of confidence, and the attitudes of others either in the community, at work or at service points. Choice and control in the respondents’ lives was established to be an important aspect of wellbeing and life satisfaction. The respondents who felt they had a choice were satisfied with the services they received. The respondents with mental health conditions reported the least positive experiences and outcomes. Many of the barriers they reported related to their lack of confidence and the attitudes of others in their communities. The study was limited to a relatively small sample of respondents in the greater Cape Town area in the Western Cape, comprising only Evangelical Christians. Consequently, the findings cannot be generalised to all areas of the country and all the Christian churches. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: "Geen opsomming"

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research is a response to the question: what is the relationship or link between the URCSA Saron‟s identity and leadership challenges that it faces. Furthermore, the research aims to identify both the identity as well as the challenges that the local leadership faces. Currently the minister is central to everything, while the church leadership is not really taking independent co-responsibility for the problems and challenges that the congregation faces. The church leadership will be making decisions, but when it comes to the physical execution of the decisions it is expected of the minister to do that. If the members‟ receival is unfavourable it is easy to blame the minister, but if the minister for any reason cannot execute the decisions simply silt up. The research try to generate answers to the following questions: why is the minister so central to everything? Why is it so hard to develop local leadership who understand their calling to take independent ownership of the gospel and the challenges of the community? In a search for answers to these questions the congregation will be analyzed as follows: profile, contextual, processes and identity. In Section A the respective analysis will be done, while Section B, Chapter 6 put the identity of the Triune God into words. The reason for this is to become thoroughly aware of the current identity of the church. Special attention is given to the prehistoric revelation of God for the Khoe-San, while the coming of Jesus Christ for the latter is a second revelation of God. In Chapter 7 the focus shifted to the relationship between the Triune God and the faith community. Chapter 8 articulates the Triune God and the Kingdom. Section 3 deals with the leadership of the URCSA Saron and put it‟s identity into words. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing is ʼn respons op die vraag: Wat is die verband tussen die VGK Saron se identiteit en die leierskapsuitdagings waarvoor dit staan? Vervolgens het die navorsing dit ten doel om beide die identiteit van die gemeente asook die uitdagings wat die plaaslike kerkleierskap in die gesig staar, te identifiseer. Huidig staan die leraar sentraal in alles, terwyl die kerkleierskap daarenteen nie eintlik onafhanklik mede-verantwoordelikheid neem vir die probleme en die uitdagings waarvoor die gemeente staan nie. Die kerkleierskap sal wel besluite neem, maar wanneer dit kom by die fisiese uitvoer van die besluite word verwag dat die leraar dit moet doen. Indien die besluite wel deur die toedoen van die leraar ten uitvoer gebring word en ongunstig by die lidmate ontvang word, is dit maklik om die blaam na die leraar te projekteer. Indien die leraar om welke rede nie die besluite ten uitvoer bring nie of nie daarby kan uitkom nie, dan versand dit eenvoudig net. Hierdie navorsing probeer om antwoorde te genereer op die vrae: Waarom staan die leraar so sentraal in alles? Waarom is dit so moeilik om plaaslike leierskap te ontwikkel wat hul roeping verstaan deur onafhanklik eienaarskap te neem van die evangelie asook die uitdagings van die gemeenskap? In ʼn soeke na antwoorde op hierdie vrae, word die gemeente as volg geanaliseer: profiel, kontekstueel, prosesse en die identiteit. In Afdeling A word die onderskeie analises gedoen, terwyl Afdeling B, hoofstuk 6 die identiteit van die drie-enige God onder woorde bring. Die rede hiervoor is om eers deeglik bewus te word van wat die huidige identiteit van die gemeente is. Daar word veral ook gekyk na die oeropenbaring van God wat vir die Khoe-San as eerste openbaring gekom het, terwyl die koms van Jesus Christus vir die Khoe-San ʼn tweede openbaring van God is. In hoofstuk 7 word die fokus verskuif na die verband tussen die drie-enige God en die Geloofsgemeenskap. Hoofstuk 8 verwoord die drie-enige God en die Koninkryk. In Afdeling 3 handel dit oor die Leierskap van die VGK Saron. In hierdie hoofstuk word die identiteit van die leierskap onder woorde gebring. ʼn Slotsamevatting sluit die tesis af.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis critically analyses the appropriateness and effectiveness of the ABC model in the HIV/AIDS prevention within the context of Swaziland. According to Louw (2008:423), the ABC model stands for the following: A = Abstinence, B = Be faithful and C = use Condoms. According to Green and Herling (2007:1) the ABC model has gained the attention of many countries. The attempt of this model in HIV prevention was to “aim at empowering people through value-based programs to basically abstain from sex as long as possible, to be faithful to one intimate partner and to use condoms correctly and consistently” (De la Porte 2006:79). The assessment of the HIV/AIDS virus in 1983-1984 came as a shock. It was difficult for the church to know at that time how to respond. Some of the responses pointed to the virus as punishment of God. Gradually the church started to become involved in the pandemic. From a Christian spirituality perspective it was argued that the so called ABC model could be viewed as a means of remedy within a prevention approach. The cultural issues as well as human sexuality factors have been discovered to be an obstacle in the ABC model in playing a progressive role in Swaziland. The cultural factors that prevent the ABC model from accomplishing effective results are listed in the final report of (Whiteside et al. 2006: 18-19): bunganwa (having multiple sexual partners; a cultural practice of male married and unmarried to have many girlfriends); kungenwa (levirate or wife inheritance); a widow is given in marriage to marry the brother of her deceased husband without the consent of the women which exposes women to the HIV virus. This practice is done without the consent of the women. Kujuma (occasional overnight visits between unmarried lovers); kuhlanta (a young girl bearing the children of her infertile sister); kushenda (extramarital relationships); kulamuta (a man having a sexual relationship with a younger sister of his wife); and sitsembu (polygamy, one man with more than one wife); this is a common cultural practice found in many African countries due to gender inequality (Chitando 2009:26). This has led to Swaziland being seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS virus (Rupiya 2006:66). The high rate of infection is frightening in a small country with a population of 1 million. As Bishop M, Mabuza, the Anglican bishop indicated, the nation‟s existence is threatened. (Rosenow 2011: 32). Therefore the researcher proposed a pastoral model which gives dignity to human and adds the spiritual dimension of healing in the pastoral care and counselling. There is an urgent need for church leaders to be empowered to face the HIV/AIDS with knowledge that the pandemic is not a punishment for promiscuous people. The theology of sexuality emphasises the responsibility in every sexual engagement for people to be conscious to whatever decision they take. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie navorsing word die toepaslikheid en effektiwiteit van die ABC model in die voorkoming van MIV/Vigs binne die konteks van Swaziland krities ontleed. Volgens Louw (2008:423) staan ABC (in Engels) vir: A = Onthouding, B = Getrouheid aan een maat en C = Die gebruik van kondome. Die navorser, ‟n geordende predikant van die Evangeliese Lutherse Kerk, bespreek die erns van die voorkoms van die MIV/Vigs-infeksie in Swaziland. Empiries is bewys dat Swaziland een van die lande in Sub-Sahara en die wêreld is met die hoogste infeksiekoers (Rupiya 2006:66). Dit is ernstig in ‟n klein landjie soos Swaziland met ‟n bevolking van slegs 1 129 000. Die pandemie het ‟n impak op alle gemeenskappe in die land en bied‟n groot uitdaging vir die Kerk in Swaziland. Die vraag is hoe die Kerk, in haar pastorale bediening, die ABC model kan gebruik om die globale poging te steun om te verhoed dat MIV/Vigs versprei. Hoe kan die konsep van die ABC model toegepas word sodat die Kerk, as hulpgewende gemeenskap, kan sorg vir die siele van die gemeentelede (cura animarum) en effektief inligting omtrent die ABC model kan versprei en uitreik na MIV-positiewe mense? Die navorser stel voor dat daar verandering moet kom in die gesindheid van die Kerk en dat daar ‟n herkonseptualisasie van die voorkomingstrategie en die Skrifverklaring van menslike seksualiteit moet wees. Die Kerke in Swaziland moet hulle houding verander. Daar moet baie meer openlikheid wees sodat sosio-kulturele kwessies openlik bespreek kan word. Daar moet ‟n kritiese herbepaling wees van die tradisies en die kerkbeleid rondom menslike seksualiteit en hoe dit betrekking het op die MIV/Vigs-pandemie.