For religious couples, the spiritual domain stands alongside the biological, psychological, and systemic domains as an influence upon interaction and mechanism for change. This study is a quantitative expansion of Butler, Gardner, and Bird's (1998) qualitative study, of the change dynamics of prayer. This study attempted to improve the generalizability of the Butler et al. (1998) study through its use of a larger, and religiously and geographically more diverse sample. This study investigated the effects of prayer during times of marital conflict through a quantitative methodology with a survey design. The researchers developed a survey based on the findings of the Butler et al. (1998) study, regarding the effects of prayer on couple conflict. The data on over 90 Christian religious couples was statistically analyzed to determine the reliability of the Prayer Conflict II instrument and to further confirm the Butler et al. (1998) findings. Findings indicated that prayer invokes a couple-God system which significantly influences couple interaction during conflict. Overall, prayer appears to be a significant "softening" event for religious couples, facilitating reconciliation and problem solving. Prayer 1) invokes an experience of relationship with Deity, 2) de-escalates hostile emotions and reduces emotional reactivity, 3) enhances relationship and partner orientation and behavior, 4) facilitates empathy and unbiased perspective, 5) increases self-change focus, and 6) encourages couple responsibility for reconciliation and problem solving. Therapists' support of religious couples' use of prayer as a change mechanism is considered.

The purpose with this paper is to study anti-muslim content within Swedish parliament proposals between the years 2019 and 2022. The constitutional comittee response is highlighted so it could be compared to EU:s attempts to create a unified European identity. The questions for this paper are: what ideological content is uttered in anti-muslim Swedish parliament proposals during 2019 and 2022, what ideological content is shown in parliament debate and the following parliament decisions in relation to anti-muslim proposals and how does the Swedish parliament debate relate to both binding and nonbinding international guidelines and documents? Document- and content analysis has been used for this paper. The chosen theory for this paper is the multilateral model for understanding islamophobia as well as the conclusions made by Olivier Roy. The conclusions for this paper are that Swedish parliament proposals are in accordance with what is warned by international documents where islamophobias presence is increased in Sweden. The constitutional committe is seen as in accordance with international documents for the promotion of a united European identity and European values.

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Syftet med denna uppsats skriven i livsåskådningsforskning under ämnet systematisk teologi, är att generera kunskap om vad som skiljer upplevelsen av bönen Fader vår, egenformulerad bön och bön genererad via artificiell intelligens (AI). Relationen mellan människa och maskin, andlighet och teknologi studeras med särskilt fokus på hur AI kan komma att påverka upplevelsen av den kristna praktiken bön. Uppsatsen ämnar besvara följande forskningsfråga: Hur skiljer sig upplevelsen av att be en egenformulerad bön, en personligt anpassad AI-bön och att be Fader vår? Metoden för studien är att tio intervjupersoner genomfört en övning under fem dagar där man bett på tre sätt. För det första har deltagarna bett den traditionella bönen Fader vår, för det andra har man bett egenformulerad bön och för det tredje har man bett med hjälp av ett AI-verktyg. Efter en introduktion har var och en av deltagarna genomfört övningen och fört egna noteringar över sina upplevelser. När övningen genomförts har enskilda intervjuer genomförts. Resultatet har dokumenterats och förts in i uppsatsen och därefter analyserats och diskuterats. Det kan konstateras att deltagarna, som alla har frikyrklig bakgrund, har haft allra störst vana vid den egenformulerade bönen. Bönen Fader vår har funnits med deltagarna under varierande del av deras liv om än inte så självklart i den personliga andakten och den AI-stödda bönen har för samtliga deltagare först skett i samband med denna studie. Slutsatsen av uppsatsen ger vid handen att upplevelsen av bön med hjälp av artificiell intelligens kan leda i en imaginär och individualiserad riktning vad gäller framtida utlevnad av bön och andlighet.

[pt] Jesus é retratado no NT realizando inúmeros sinais e prodígios, dentre os quais, os exorcismos chamam a atenção. Eles estão presentes apenas nos sinóticos e indicam o confronto entre o Senhor da Vida contra aquelas forças que desumanizam e oprimem o homem. O objeto da presente pesquisa é a exegese de Mc 9,14-29, utilizando-se do Método Histórico-Crítico, buscando-se dimensionar a influência de culturas circundantes a Israel do AT e NT, quanto à crença na ação de demônios, como causadores de doenças/enfermidades (e morte), bem como quanto à prática de exorcismo/cura (e reanimação). A partir do texto marcano, é proposta a análise dos termos poder, fé e oração (e seus cognatos) nesse evangelho em sua relação com perícopes que tratam de exorcismos, missão, ensino, cura e reanimação. Tudo isso tem como escopo formar discípulos aptos para continuarem o projeto de Jesus. / [en] Jesus is portrayed in the New Testament performing numerous signs and wonders, among which exorcisms stand out. They are present only in the Synoptics and indicate the confrontation between the Lord of Life against those forces that dehumanize and oppress humanity. The object of the present research is the exegesis of Mark 9:14-29, using the Historical-Critical Method, seeking to assess the influence of cultures surrounding Israel in the Old and New Testaments regarding belief in the action of demons as causes of diseases/illnesses (and death), as well as the practice of exorcism/healing (and resuscitation). From the Markan text, the analysis of the terms power, faith, and prayer (and their cognates) is proposed in this Gospel in relation to pericopes dealing with exorcisms, mission, teaching, healing, and resuscitation. All of this aims to form disciples capable of continuing Jesus project.

Psalms using the language of enmity present a challenge for Christians who wish to use these psalms as prayer. This study investigates the language of enmity in Psalms 110, 119, 129, 137, 139 and 149 as Christian prayer and beyond the normal form category of lament or complaint of the individual. An argument is proposed to understand Book V of the Psalter as an integral unit, which editors have arranged to represent the post-exilic early restoration period. The study begins with an exegesis of each psalm and seeks to determine the perceived suffering of the psalmist(s) at the hands of enemies and the meaning of the responses to these adversaries. It then moves to a limited historical survey of how commentators through Church history have perceived the suffering and responses in these psalms which use language of enmity. This historical survey is used to correct or clarify the findings in the exegesis. In the third movement of this thesis, the results of the individual exegesis and historical survey of Psalms 110, 119, 129, 137, 139 and 149 are compared in order to elucidate the meaning of the language of enmity. The findings suggest that the language of enmity represents images of judgment on a recalcitrant adversary. The psalms are also investigated as prayers and as normative scripture. The use of the language of enmity in these psalms suggests a use of language that differs from normal use. In this regard the rhetorical device of synecdoche is most helpful in explaining how the texts function. The basis for the language of enmity seems to be the unchanging nature of moral evil. The study then investigates the psalms as canonical, normative prayer in order to move towards developing a theology of God’s just dealing with people and his people in particular. In this regard the psalms are approached as prayer, regardless of the voice in which they were composed. It is suggested that the text as normative prayer allows the psalmist, God, and the pray-er to inhabit and celebrate the same sacred time and space. Of particular concern is how each psalm speaks to the issue of how God engages with moral evil and the question of what can be known about moral evil. The findings suggest that these psalms are an invaluable spiritual resource for the church and should remain unaltered in their use as Christian private and public prayer. / PhD (Old Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus in cooperation with Greenwich School of Theology, 2015

Psalms using the language of enmity present a challenge for Christians who wish to use these psalms as prayer. This study investigates the language of enmity in Psalms 110, 119, 129, 137, 139 and 149 as Christian prayer and beyond the normal form category of lament or complaint of the individual. An argument is proposed to understand Book V of the Psalter as an integral unit, which editors have arranged to represent the post-exilic early restoration period. The study begins with an exegesis of each psalm and seeks to determine the perceived suffering of the psalmist(s) at the hands of enemies and the meaning of the responses to these adversaries. It then moves to a limited historical survey of how commentators through Church history have perceived the suffering and responses in these psalms which use language of enmity. This historical survey is used to correct or clarify the findings in the exegesis. In the third movement of this thesis, the results of the individual exegesis and historical survey of Psalms 110, 119, 129, 137, 139 and 149 are compared in order to elucidate the meaning of the language of enmity. The findings suggest that the language of enmity represents images of judgment on a recalcitrant adversary. The psalms are also investigated as prayers and as normative scripture. The use of the language of enmity in these psalms suggests a use of language that differs from normal use. In this regard the rhetorical device of synecdoche is most helpful in explaining how the texts function. The basis for the language of enmity seems to be the unchanging nature of moral evil. The study then investigates the psalms as canonical, normative prayer in order to move towards developing a theology of God’s just dealing with people and his people in particular. In this regard the psalms are approached as prayer, regardless of the voice in which they were composed. It is suggested that the text as normative prayer allows the psalmist, God, and the pray-er to inhabit and celebrate the same sacred time and space. Of particular concern is how each psalm speaks to the issue of how God engages with moral evil and the question of what can be known about moral evil. The findings suggest that these psalms are an invaluable spiritual resource for the church and should remain unaltered in their use as Christian private and public prayer. / PhD (Old Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus in cooperation with Greenwich School of Theology, 2015

The dissertation is a study of the origins, development and contemporary manifestations of Christian retreats. It traces origins from the Biblical record until current retreats. Christian retreat is a period of withdrawal from usual activities to experience encounter with God through Christian prayer. Jesus' pattern of engagement in ministry and withdrawal is a vital basis for retreat. Other Biblical descriptions of retreat are studied. There is an examination of retreat experiences in Church history with a particular focus on monasticism, as a major expression of retreat life, and Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the modern retreat movement. Varieties of subsequent retreat types in the spiritualities of different traditions from the Protestant Reformation onwards are considered. The spectrum of study includes Protestant, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Pentecostal spiritualities. The study culminates in focusing on current Ignatian and other retreats in their many forms. This includes private devotions to lengthy periods of retreat. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)

The application of Qur'ān and Hadith in the teaching of life skills in Muslim schools in South Africa. This study explores the application of Qur‟ān and Hadith in the teaching of life skills, as part of the Islamic Studies curriculum, at Muslim schools. The study further discusses the need to equip learners at Muslim schools with the necessary skills, values, attitudes and orientations that are conducive to greater participation in adulthood. The study is aimed at examining the potential of an Islamic perspective to meet these needs. The discussion focuses on five areas: health development, personal development, social development, physical development and orientation to the world of work. The research reveals that the Islamic Studies curriculum can be holistically integrated with life skills development, and the Qur‟ān and Hadith can make a significant contribution for the optimal implementation of this learning area. Muslim schools are urged to implement the recommendations made in this study. The sustained training of educators and the continuous development of learning support materials is needed to ensure that this learning area achieves its objectives. / Religious Studies and Arabic / M.A. (Islamic Studies)

This dissertation examines the spiritual growth of individuals: what growth is; why growth is necessary; and how it can be nurtured. An individual's spiritual growth needs to happen in relationship with others, so that Christ's commandments to love God and neighbour are fulfilled. Thus the dynamics, goals and effects of community life are examined. Spiritual growth and community raises implications for the Christian Church. These are examined, in particular the need for transformed leadership and models of ministry, transforming communities that will enable the church to fulfil its mission to the world. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)