Thesis (Ph.D. (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The aim of this study was to determine how preaching can stimulate spiritual growth and intensify the spirituality of Listeners. The working method for the study has been based on the mode[ formulated by Zerfass (1974) for Practical Theology and follows a Reformatory angle. • In the first place, basis-theoretical principles regarding preaching, spirituality and spiritual growth have been researched, as well as the relationship between preaching and spiritual growth. To do this, exegetical hermeneutical studies about a series of Bible texts, as well as some literary studies regarding these topics have been conducted. • In the second place, meta-theoretical principles regarding studies in Communication and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality have been researched by means of Literary studies. • In the third place, a qualitative empirical study has been done to test the basis and meta-theoretical principles in practice. Interviews have been conducted with 21 participants from seven Reformatory churches. • In the fourth place, the results of the empirical study have been put in hermeneutical interaction with the basis- and meta-theoretical principles in order to formulate readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles. The readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles have been used to formulate a readjusted practice theory which gives guidelines on how preaching can contribute to spiritual growth and intensified spirituality. Out of this, a model has been formulated which can help preachers to promote spiritual growth among their listeners by means of their preaching. The result of this study is as follows: A preacher can promote spiritual growth and contribute to intensified spirituality among their Listeners by means of: • Identifying voids and problems in their listeners' spirituality • The context • Taking into account the level of spiritual growth of the listeners while preaching. These matters must be addressed in sermons which communicate effectively. In preaching, effective communication can be obtained by: • Having clarity regarding the tone to be used during the sermon (proclaiming, teaching, consoling or admonishing) • Having clarity regarding the exact goal of the sermon • Ensuring that the sermon possesses a strong structure • Thorough exegesis of Scripture • Effectively addressing all kinds of noise • Using techniques to make people actively listen to the sermon • Using techniques to make it easier for listeners to follow the sermon • Ensuring that the preacher is credible. Although preaching is a monologue in nature, feedback i s of the utmost importance to the preacher. Feedback can help in clearing up obscurities, identifying problems and other voids. These problems and voids can be addressed in follow-up sermons and over time preaching can encourage and accompany listeners in a congregation lo grow spiritually and deepen their spirituality. In this way, preaching contributes to Listeners having an ever growing fervent relationship with the Lord. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The aim of this study was to determine how preaching can stimulate spiritual growth and intensify the spirituality of Listeners. The working method for the study has been based on the mode[ formulated by Zerfass (1974) for Practical Theology and follows a Reformatory angle. • In the first place, basis-theoretical principles regarding preaching, spirituality and spiritual growth have been researched, as well as the relationship between preaching and spiritual growth. To do this, exegetical hermeneutical studies about a series of Bible texts, as well as some literary studies regarding these topics have been conducted. • In the second place, meta-theoretical principles regarding studies in Communication and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality have been researched by means of Literary studies. • In the third place, a qualitative empirical study has been done to test the basis and meta-theoretical principles in practice. Interviews have been conducted with 21 participants from seven Reformatory churches. • In the fourth place, the results of the empirical study have been put in hermeneutical interaction with the basis- and meta-theoretical principles in order to formulate readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles. The readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles have been used to formulate a readjusted practice theory which gives guidelines on how preaching can contribute to spiritual growth and intensified spirituality. Out of this, a model has been formulated which can help preachers to promote spiritual growth among their listeners by means of their preaching. The result of this study is as follows: A preacher can promote spiritual growth and contribute to intensified spirituality among their Listeners by means of: • Identifying voids and problems in their listeners' spirituality • The context • Taking into account the level of spiritual growth of the listeners while preaching. These matters must be addressed in sermons which communicate effectively. In preaching, effective communication can be obtained by: • Having clarity regarding the tone to be used during the sermon (proclaiming, teaching, consoling or admonishing) • Having clarity regarding the exact goal of the sermon • Ensuring that the sermon possesses a strong structure • Thorough exegesis of Scripture • Effectively addressing all kinds of noise • Using techniques to make people actively listen to the sermon • Using techniques to make it easier for listeners to follow the sermon • Ensuring that the preacher is credible. Although preaching is a monologue in nature, feedback i s of the utmost importance to the preacher. Feedback can help in clearing up obscurities, identifying problems and other voids. These problems and voids can be addressed in follow-up sermons and over time preaching can encourage and accompany listeners in a congregation lo grow spiritually and deepen their spirituality. In this way, preaching contributes to Listeners having an ever growing fervent relationship with the Lord. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

An estimated 33% of all college students take at least one online class (Allen & Seaman, 2013). Online classes are offered across a wide range of domains, including courses designed for spiritual development. Little research exists examining students' experiences in these types of classes. The purpose of this research is to help address this gap by describing the phenomenon of spiritual growth in an online religious education course. Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho) offers online courses designed to help students grow spiritually. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten students who took one of these classes and who reported positive gains in spirituality as a result of the course on an end-of-course survey. Interviews focused on two major ideas: First, how did students describe the difference between previous face-to-face religious education experiences and their experience in the online course? Second, what elements of the online course encouraged spiritual growth? Ideas from each interview were combined to create some key observations and a potential model for online religious education that reflects these observations. Findings suggest participants took a great deal of ownership of their own spiritual journey. The online course encouraged this through a curriculum that was flexible enough for students to explore, yet at the same time provided a structured environment for growth. Reflection through writing appeared to be important for students' success. Participants felt online instructors played a less prominent role in their spiritual journey than face-to-face instructors. The online course appeared to change the traditional role of the instructor from one who provides direct instruction into one who acts more as a guide and a facilitator. Interactions between students appeared to have minimal impact on spiritual growth as this particular course was designed, but some interviews suggest this is an area for potential impact.

Sexual abuse causes incalculable damage to the life of the sexually abused person on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical. God included children in His covenant with mankind. Jesus always gave a special place to children during his time on earth. Current statistics are shocking: One in every four girls and one in every six boys are being sexually abused. Considering that up to 43 children are raped each day in South Africa, it has to be acknowledged that sexual abuse in South Africa is reaching epidemic proportions. The spiritual/religious results of sexual abuse show that pastoral care is essential in the healing process. Traumatised children themselves express the need for this problem to be addressed pastorally. Children acknowledged that the problem of sexual abuse influenced their relationships with God. Every child also expressed a need for spiritual growth and spiritual knowledge. The most effective method of helping seems to be an eclectic approach. On the one hand it is important to take note of contributions from other sciences surrounding play therapy, which could be used effectively in the helping process. On the other hand pastoral guidelines should be fully utilised and adhered to. The solution thus lies in a holistic approach where attention is given to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the child. From the empirical data that was collected it is clear that a combination of pastoral care and play therapy is very effective. The uniqueness of this combination centres on the fact that God, the great Healer, works in a restorative and healing fashion in the lives of children through something that comes completely naturally to them, namely play. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

„ Į meninę veiklą reikia žiūrėti, sako prof.V.Matonis (2000 m.) kaip į labiausiai atitinkančią vaikų amžiaus ypatumus, nes meno mistiškumas ir sąlygiškumas leidžia vaikams išties atsidurti savo tikroje dvasinio gyvenimo terpėje“. Menas, o ypač poezijos ir dailės sąveika turi savyje dvasinį, kūrybinį kodą ir todėl ugdymas šia veikla ypač tampa aktualus ir reikalingas. Kūrybingas, savo darbą ir ugdytinį mylintis pedagogas turi puikią dirvą puoselėti pačias gražiausias it tikriausias vertybes šiandieną tik reikia prie jų arba grįžti arba teisingai įvardinti.“Tikėjimas yra paskutinė būtinosios ginties atspara“( 1 priedas ) Viską mes turim savyje savo vidiniam „dvasiniam“ pasauly. Tyrimo tikslas. Išsiaiškinti teorinius ir praktinius dailės ir poezijos sąveikos ypatumus ir jų poveikį tiek ugdytinio, tiek menininko brandai. Tyrimo objektas. Dailės ir poezijos sąveikavimo būdai poetų ir dailininkų kūryboje; asmens raiška dailės ir poezijos sintezės procese Tyrimo hipotezė: Mokiniai suvokia dailės ir poezijos sąveiką, jos aspektus, tos sąveikos reikšmę, bet vaizdo ir teksto jungimui, dailės ir poezijos sąveikai, moksleivių ugdyme skiriamas dėmesys nėra pakankamas ir yra daug rezervų šios problemos sprendimui. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Išsiaiškinti menų sintezės , bei dailės ir poezijos sąveikos raidos tendencijas 2. Susipažinti su žodžio ir vaizdo jungimo būdais ir galimybėmis bendrojo lavinimo bei dailės mokyklose. 3. Atskleisti dailės ir poezijos sąveikos įtaką asmens udyme... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / According to prof. V. Matonis (2000) “Artwork should be attended as the most accordant to children’s age, because the mysticism and convention of art lets children to actually discover themselves in a special environment of their spiritual life.” Art and especially the interaction between poetry and fine art has a spiritual and creative code, so this kind of education is very important and topical. A creative and loving educator has a good stage to nurture the best values of today. But first he needs to name them. “Faith is the last pivot for self-defence” (appendix 1). We have it all in our inner worlds. Research aims. To realize practical and theoretical aspects of interaction between fine art and poetry and it’s effect on artist’s and his pupil’s maturity. Research objective. Means of interaction between fine art and poetry in creative work; self-expression in the processes of fusion of art and poetry. Research hypothesis. Pupils understand the interaction between fine art and poetry and the significance of its aspects, but there is not enough stress on consolidation of text and image and interaction between art and poetry in education. There is a great number of ways to solve this problem. Research goals: 1. To explain the tendencies of interaction between fine art and poetry; to explain the fusion of arts. 2. To familiarize with the ways and possibilities of consolidating the text and the image in comprehensive and art schools. 3. To discover the significance of... [to full text]

Sexual abuse causes incalculable damage to the life of the sexually abused person on all levels: emotional, spiritual and physical. God included children in His covenant with mankind. Jesus always gave a special place to children during his time on earth. Current statistics are shocking: One in every four girls and one in every six boys are being sexually abused. Considering that up to 43 children are raped each day in South Africa, it has to be acknowledged that sexual abuse in South Africa is reaching epidemic proportions. The spiritual/religious results of sexual abuse show that pastoral care is essential in the healing process. Traumatised children themselves express the need for this problem to be addressed pastorally. Children acknowledged that the problem of sexual abuse influenced their relationships with God. Every child also expressed a need for spiritual growth and spiritual knowledge. The most effective method of helping seems to be an eclectic approach. On the one hand it is important to take note of contributions from other sciences surrounding play therapy, which could be used effectively in the helping process. On the other hand pastoral guidelines should be fully utilised and adhered to. The solution thus lies in a holistic approach where attention is given to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the child. From the empirical data that was collected it is clear that a combination of pastoral care and play therapy is very effective. The uniqueness of this combination centres on the fact that God, the great Healer, works in a restorative and healing fashion in the lives of children through something that comes completely naturally to them, namely play. / Thesis (M.A. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The 1859 revival is the most significant spiritual awakening that has affected Scotland in modern times, but it has remained little examined by scholars. This thesis aims to highlight the importance of this religious phenomenon and to analyse it in a critical manner. In the first instance, it considers the three principal traditions of revival that have evolved since the seventeenth century so that the 1859 movement can be located within this history. It also examines the various theories that have arisen during the last fifty years which have sought to explain how and why these movements have appeared at certain times and in particular contexts. It is significant that, unlike previous studies which have explored the revival from either a narrow local or broad national perspective, this thesis considers the awakening on a regional basis, covering the north east of Scotland. It analyses the manner and expression of the revival as it arose in the city of Aberdeen, in the rural hinterland of north east Scotland, and among the fishing communities along the Moray Firth. In addition, by using data from church records and the 1861 census, it determines the composition of the people who were affected by the movement in each of these three separate situations. Furthermore it investigates the factors which explain the relative failure of the revival to affect the fishing town of Peterhead. Accordingly the thesis demonstrates that the 1859 revival was not a single, uniform religious movement. On the contrary, it establishes that local factors, which include the theological and social nature of a particular context, exercised a powerful effect upon the character of this 'season of grace.

Thesis refers to the topic of differences in depth of experiencing the faith. It attempts to point out the importance of continuous self-consecration and building relationship with God. Evangelization is the main responsibility of the Church. It is aimed within the Church to ensure the spiritual growth of the faithful and also beyond to spread the glad tidings. Thesis provides examples of these actions through the description of the selected evangelization programs as Koinonia John the Baptist, Light-Life movement, Parish Evangelization Cells, House of Prayer and the Alpha course.

One in seven women will develop breast cancer. Most will suffer medically and psychologically from the disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions such as tai chi and spiritual growth groups have proven to be beneficial for this population, however, many questions remain regarding the mechanisms of action in these techniques. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychosocial effects and mechanisms of two 10-week interventions (tai chi and spiritual growth groups) within the context of a larger randomized, controlled NCI-funded study (R01 CA114718, Nancy McCain, PI) in women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The present study evaluated dispositional predictors (optimism, attentional style, emotional intelligence) as well as the effects of these interventions on measures of mood, coping, and quality of life (QOL) in a subsample of 40 women enrolled in the larger study. Participants were primarily Caucasian (73%) with a mean age of 49 years. Data were collected just prior to beginning chemotherapy when the interventions began, and again 10 weeks later. Twenty-nine participants completed the interventions and had both time 1 and time 2 data. There were 15 women in the tai chi group, 6 in the spiritual growth group, and 8 in the control group. Results from this subsample revealed differential effects of the interventions on total mood disturbance, depressive symptoms and QOL. Optimism was a significant predictor of TNF-α levels, monitoring was a significant predictor of changes in anxiety and QOL, and emotional intelligence was a significant predictor of changes in QOL. These findings give promise to future studies aimed at cross-validating with a larger sample. This research could potentially guide the treatment of women with breast cancer by providing enhanced understanding of how tai chi and spiritual growth groups affect this population psychologically, behaviorally, and biologically.