Thesis (M.A.)--University of Malawi, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [137]-144) and index.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Malawi, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [137]-144) and index.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the youngest Christian denominations in modern history. It is also one of the smallest, numerically, in South Africa. However, because of the church’s high evangelistic zeal Adventists can be found in almost every part of South Africa. From a motley figure of about 3500 at the time of the church’s legal organisation in 1861, Adventists now number about 18 million globally. There is a notable presence of Adventists in Soweto, west of Johannesburg. In this study, the focus is on how the Adventist church responds to the phenomenon of poverty in Soweto. The intent is to identify current activities of the church relative to poverty alleviation, actual or possible weaknesses in the church’s response to poverty and whether these are consequences of socio-theological or other factors in the structures and institutions of the church. The end of the study will be a propositional discourse that will suggest pointers towards a more relevant and sustainable poverty alleviation programme informed by sound theological, practical pastoral and developmental considerations. This work is a missiological study focusing on Soweto, seeking to critically assess the extent to which Adventists are involved in alleviating poverty in Soweto. It also explores a model by which they can successfully and redemptive encounter the poor at their point of need. Although the main focus will be given to the missiological task of the Adventists of Soweto, the study will also integrate other disciplines to deal with sociological and political considerations. The approach adopted in this study is a pastoral contextual approach of doing theology in Soweto. Within this contextual approach I shall apply the pastoral cycle since this method converges with other relevant methods of analysis and social critique. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

Language maintenance investigations have, for the most part, been limited to the study of the effect that socio-cultural factors have on language preservation. Unfortunately, language maintenance has been studied in tandem with language shift. Language shift has generated more interested from scholars than has language maintenance. This dissertation is an attempt to open up new ways to look at the study of language maintenance by presenting a theoretical framework whereby the domain of language use is the principal focus of study. I studied the domain of religion, subdivided into several dimensions. One dimension, that of ideology, is at the center of my study. The main objective of the dissertation was to identify ideological themes within the doctrinal body of the church selected for the study. Twenty-five such themes were identified and analyzed to determine the ways in which the themes influence language maintenance among the church members. The case study approach and the use of several ethnographic data collection methods were employed to assist us in having a better understanding of the phenomenon of language maintenance and to pave the way for future language maintenance studies.

The integration and evangelisation of the minority groups in Zimbabwe in general, and in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in particular poses a challenge. The situation has become more acute after independence. Evidently, the socio-political atmosphere in Zimbabwe has not ameliorated the condition. Certainly, challenges stem from issues concerning racial prejudice, finances, cultural differences, as well as worship styles. While the efforts of the current multicultural ministries are appreciated, the results of the survey indicate that a lot still needs to be done. First, the organizational structure of the ministry needs to be reviewed. Such a review is relevant in order to check and regulate the balance and distribution of power, control and authority. Second, the need for the recruitment of leaders from within the minority groups themselves especially from the white population was clearly articulated. Third, it may be necessary to approach the whole issue from a social standpoint, so as to formulate theological strategies. Apparently, the social distance is more pronounced than the theological one. In addition, integration and evangelisation specifically among the Coloured population is further compounded by the split, which occurred in the early 1990s. Most of the Sabbath-Keeping Adventists from this group anticipate challenges if they would opt to merge with the national Conference. Some of the major barriers to such a step revolve around issues of properties, finances, and positions as well as the general upkeep of the workers. Unless, these apprehensions are clarified and the fears are allayed, integration seems enigmatic. Ecclesiological unity and theological unity in diversity seem to be eclipsed by racial solidarity and socio-economic and political expediency. Similarly, the reconciliation among the black majority itself, also needs a close and deliberate attention from both the church and society in Zimbabwe. For that reason, tribalism, racism, ethnicity, nepotism and any other discrimination should not be tolerated, first and foremost by the church and second, by all peace loving Zimbabweans (Gal 3:28). The reconstruction of the cultural landscape in Zimbabwe demands an affirmation of the common destiny for all Zimbabweans. / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

The integration and evangelisation of the minority groups in Zimbabwe in general, and in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in particular poses a challenge. The situation has become more acute after independence. Evidently, the socio-political atmosphere in Zimbabwe has not ameliorated the condition. Certainly, challenges stem from issues concerning racial prejudice, finances, cultural differences, as well as worship styles. While the efforts of the current multicultural ministries are appreciated, the results of the survey indicate that a lot still needs to be done. First, the organizational structure of the ministry needs to be reviewed. Such a review is relevant in order to check and regulate the balance and distribution of power, control and authority. Second, the need for the recruitment of leaders from within the minority groups themselves especially from the white population was clearly articulated. Third, it may be necessary to approach the whole issue from a social standpoint, so as to formulate theological strategies. Apparently, the social distance is more pronounced than the theological one. In addition, integration and evangelisation specifically among the Coloured population is further compounded by the split, which occurred in the early 1990s. Most of the Sabbath-Keeping Adventists from this group anticipate challenges if they would opt to merge with the national Conference. Some of the major barriers to such a step revolve around issues of properties, finances, and positions as well as the general upkeep of the workers. Unless, these apprehensions are clarified and the fears are allayed, integration seems enigmatic. Ecclesiological unity and theological unity in diversity seem to be eclipsed by racial solidarity and socio-economic and political expediency. Similarly, the reconciliation among the black majority itself, also needs a close and deliberate attention from both the church and society in Zimbabwe. For that reason, tribalism, racism, ethnicity, nepotism and any other discrimination should not be tolerated, first and foremost by the church and second, by all peace loving Zimbabweans (Gal 3:28). The reconstruction of the cultural landscape in Zimbabwe demands an affirmation of the common destiny for all Zimbabweans. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D. Th. (Missiology)

The thesis proposes solutions for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Newcastle area to perform Christ’s mission work effectively. It examines how mission could be meaningful in contemporary society, which is challenging mission so gravely. The study challenges all churches, including youth, women, men and clergy towards mission. An analysis of a mission perspective is delineated, aware of the social contexts for mission in Newcastle. The context of culture has been dealt with, encouraging the Church to be culturally sensitive, and to use cultural means to reach people. God uses cultural means to reveal himself. Evil cultural practices, for example, ancestral ‘worship’ and ‘talking to the dead’ are exposed and denounced. Bible readings promote mission in the Adventist Church. The teacher of the Bible is to study it thoroughly, ensuring that he/she is able to proclaim the gospel. Creative teaching of the Bible includes different levels of understanding, namely, a rote level, a recognition level, a repetition level, an interactive and a realisation level. The gospel is to be applied in life. Different hermeneutical approaches to the Bible are summarised, for example, a postmodern approach. Strategic planning regarding evangelism is vital. ‘Gift-based’ ministry would inspire all believers to perform mission work according to people’s ability. All Christians should be able to evangelise others, leading people as acknowledged sinners to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord, and to establish the reign of God in society according to his justice. The heart of the thesis is as follows:- The gospel of Christ is a missionary message to reach all people with the gospel of salvation and societal renewal - The church of Christ is a missional church, which stands and falls by its missionary task to proclaim Christ as Saviour and his reign and justice as ultimate in society / Christian Spirituality, Church History & Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

The thesis proposes solutions for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Newcastle area to perform Christ’s mission work effectively. It examines how mission could be meaningful in contemporary society, which is challenging mission so gravely. The study challenges all churches, including youth, women, men and clergy towards mission. An analysis of a mission perspective is delineated, aware of the social contexts for mission in Newcastle. The context of culture has been dealt with, encouraging the Church to be culturally sensitive, and to use cultural means to reach people. God uses cultural means to reveal himself. Evil cultural practices, for example, ancestral ‘worship’ and ‘talking to the dead’ are exposed and denounced. Bible readings promote mission in the Adventist Church. The teacher of the Bible is to study it thoroughly, ensuring that he/she is able to proclaim the gospel. Creative teaching of the Bible includes different levels of understanding, namely, a rote level, a recognition level, a repetition level, an interactive and a realisation level. The gospel is to be applied in life. Different hermeneutical approaches to the Bible are summarised, for example, a postmodern approach. Strategic planning regarding evangelism is vital. ‘Gift-based’ ministry would inspire all believers to perform mission work according to people’s ability. All Christians should be able to evangelise others, leading people as acknowledged sinners to accept Christ as Saviour and Lord, and to establish the reign of God in society according to his justice. The heart of the thesis is as follows:- The gospel of Christ is a missionary message to reach all people with the gospel of salvation and societal renewal - The church of Christ is a missional church, which stands and falls by its missionary task to proclaim Christ as Saviour and his reign and justice as ultimate in society / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)