Assignment (M.Div.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research was done from the viewpoint that because of different reasons believers and congregations of the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa are struggling to make a significant contribution to processes of reconciliation in this country and thereby to a certain extent fail to live out the church’s witness in this regard. Therefore the question was asked how this church can be guided to play a bigger part in processes of reconciliation in the midst of phenomena like race-prejudice, race-discrimination and subtle and blatant forms of racism in South Africa today. By focusing on few of the causes of these phenomena as well as certain perspectives on missio Dei theologies, an attempt are made to guide the Dutch Reformed Church towards involvement in processes of reconciliation, the transformation of broken relationships between people of different races and the eradication of racism. A number of hermeneutical processes are being emphasized in order to guide the church towards a miss ional praxis of reconciliation. The essence of this praxis entails the eradication of stereotypes regarding ‘the other’, by focusing on an inculturation approach in the light of missio Dei theology. By focusing on an interpretation of missio Dei as God’s reconciliation through the poor, an attempt was made to guide the church towards involvement in processes aiming at economic justice. This research is therefore an attempt to guide the church towards the discernment of her role as the witnesses of Christ within this context in South Africa today. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing is vanuit die uitgangspunt gedoen dat gelowiges en gemeentes van die NG Kerk in Suid-Afrika om verskeie redes in ‘n mindere mate daarin slaag om ‘n daadwerklike (getuienislewerende) bydrae tot versoeningsprosesse in Suid-Afrika te lewer. Na aanleiding van hierdie stelling word die vraag gevra na hoe die NG Kerk ‘n groter rol kan speel in prosesse van versoening en die transformering van verhoudinge tussen verskillende mense in Suid-Afrika, veral te midde die realiteit van rassevooroordeel, rassediskriminasie en subtiele en blatante rassisme vandag. Deur te let na enkele oorsake van rasseskeiding en rassisme, asook verskeie perspektiewe op missio Dei teologieë, word daar derhalwe gepoog om die NG Kerk hierdeur tot betrokkenheid in die transformering van gebroke rasseverhoudinge en die uitwissing van rassisme in Suid-Afrika vandag te begelei. Verskeie hermeneutiese prosesse word in die proses benadruk ten einde die kerk by te staan in die onderskeiding van ‘n missionale versoeningspraksis binne hierdie konteks. Die essensie van hierdie praksis, wat op verskeie hermeneutiese prosesse steun, bestaan daaruit om stereotipes aangaande ‘die ander’ uit die weg te ruim deur op ‘n inkulturasie-benadering tot missio Dei te fokus. Daar word ook voorstelle gemaak oor hoe om versoening tussen mense te bevorder deur die nastreef van ekonomiese geregtigheid. ‘n Aanvullende benadering tot missio Dei, nl. missio Dei as God se versoening asook God se sending deur die arme dien as basis hiervan. Op hierdie manier het hierdie navorsing ‘n bydrae gelewer oor wat die NG Kerk kan doen om versoening tussen mense groepe in Suid-Afrika te kan bewerkstellig en om haar getuienis i.t.v. hierdie konteks te oriënteer.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The research work has engaged in a critical missional reflection on the effectiveness of Tarayyar Ekklesiyoyin Kristi A Nigeria (TEKAN) as an ecumenical instrument for justice and peace in Jos, a central area in Northern Nigeria that has been bedevilled with violent conflicts commonly associated with religio-cultural and socio-political factors. The scope of this study is limited to a conceptual exploration of the issues. In the critique of TEKAN, an inherent contradiction is identified within its identity, vocation and witness. The theoretical framework that guided this study embraced an interdisciplinary approach on issues about God’s mission (Missio Dei) through the Church (Missio Ecclesia) that propels Ecumenical engagement (Oikoumene) and leads to the quest of Justice and Peace (Dikaiosune & Shalom) for all humanity. The ecumenical witness of TEKAN within the environment of Jos calls into question its effectives as a tool of transformation in a multi-political and religious environment plagued by violence. The data gathered by various commissions of inquiry into the crises of Jos seems to suggest that a study approach to problems of justice and peace will not resolve the deeply entrenched problems. Therefore, the ultimate test of whether TEKAN will develop into an effective missional and ecumenical instrument for justice and peace in Jos will be dependent on taking radical steps that embrace a genuine mission audit of its identity, vocation and witness that will empower the organization to meet the deep challenges of the people of Jos and their quest for authentic human development built on justice and peace. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

This thesis provides a theological and exegetical reflection on the water and environmental crisis in South Africa. The central aim of this thesis is to create a basis for the formulation of an African contextual hermeneutic of the environment using the text of John’s Gospel as a resource. This study will formulate and utilize an African contextual hermeneutic of the environment to interpret John 7:37-39. This reading will focus on the three poles of a contextual reading of a text, namely my context as a South African reader concerned with water and the environment; a literary reading of the text against its own historical context, and a dialogical appropriation of the text in response to the questions of the South African environmental crisis. Out of this process, the study will identify points of agreement between the African understanding of nature and Christian approaches to nature in ways that can help in the formulation of an African Christian hermeneutic of the environment. The study conducts an overview of the water and environmental crisis both globally, and in South Africa. In this area we look at the contributing factors of the rate of environmental degradation and the possibility of clean water running out. Also we will look at the African approaches to fertility and rain making and how their ethics towards the environment can help in creating a Christian ethic of caring for the environment. This will be linked to a study of the feast of Tabernacles as a background to reading John 7:37-39. in light of my concerns for the fertility of the earth and the assurance of abundant rains. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

This study explores whether and how Mabutho’s (The UCCSA men’s organization) teachings on masculinities can mediate HIV prevention in the Mozambique Synod of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA). It begins by showing the importance of Mabutho in church and society in order to establish whether this male-dominated Christian organization can play a role in HIV prevention. The study is premised on the growing literature which suggests that organized religion (especially Christianity and Islam)*[¹], which are the main religious institutions in the world, and in Africa in particular, have been the birth place for the patriarchal ideologies which are critical in the promotion of the HIV pandemic. Through a close analysis of Mabutho’s teachings, the study will show that though most of Mabutho’s teachings are sustained by a patriarchal ethos, Mabutho have agency, and can be an asset in the prevention of the HIV pandemic. It further argues that Mabutho, just like other men’s organizations which play a pivotal role in the life of many churches, can be used as a space for the liberation of harmful notions of masculinities in the era of the HIV pandemic. The study concludes by recommending that the UCCSA in Mozambique improve in the pre- and post-marital teachings on marriage and sexuality. *[¹] See Manda, D. (2009). “Religion and the Responsibility of Men in Relation to HIV and Gender Based Violence: An Ethical Call”. In Journal of Constructive Theology: Gender, Religion, and Theology in Africa, 15 (2). 23-40; and Camody, D. (1994). Response to 101 Questions about Feminism. Great Britain, 95. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

This thesis focuses on the question of “how can the Keiskamma Art Project, its processes and art, be understood in relation to a contextual ecofeminist spirituality?” This study is concerned with women’s experience and expression of the divine through their creativity. It explores how women’s art projects contribute to their aesthetic and creative development and the impact it has on their lives. The study argues that the “Spirit” which manifests as the power of divine creative energy which is released through human creativity can promote full life for women in South Africa. It also explores how the creative process offers a catalyst towards change which affects both personal and communal transformation. Protest art is presented and examples of its historical use both locally and internationally are sited. The discussion offers an understanding of why subordinates in society need to find a safe place to express their protest. Art projects are presented as ‘safe’ sites for women who find themselves oppressed by their societal circumstances to find opportunity for the exploration of their ideas and personal development. Ecofeminism is presented as a contemporary protest movement and the study engages with some of the work of three key ecofeminist theologians; Rosemary Radford Ruether, Ivone Gebara and Sallie McFague. Themes are developed which best describe the characteristics of an emerging ecofeminist spirituality. The focus of the case study is on the Keiskamma Art Project, its processes and art, with specific focus on the Keiskamma Altarpiece. The process of dialogue and consultation which preceded the art making and the artwork are discussed in detail. The context of the Keiskamma Art Project is explored in location in the Eastern Cape in the rural and coastal town of Hamburg. The socio-economic context of the Keiskamma Art Project is outlined, indicating the lived reality of women engaged in this Art Project. In conclusion, the study argues that an emerging contextual ecofeminist spirituality is evidenced through the women’s art, the Keiskamma Altarpiece and the Keiskamma Art Project and has contributed towards the empowerment of local women and helped them articulate a sustainable life giving vision of hope for the future. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

This research seeks to retrieve elements of an economic ethic from Ezra’s building project that can dialogue with poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district in Mozambique. The research argues that the Mosaic economic ethic retrieved from Ezra’s building project is a valuable biblical resource which can be used to orient economic analysis and reflection in Homoine district in the context of poverty and economic inequality. This research consists of three related parts. One part consists of a detailed socio-historical analysis of the context of poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district in Mozambique. The focus here is on three related issues. Firstly, it analyses the general economic-historical background of Mozambique, focusing on the three micro-economic policies that have been influencing the development process of the country since independence. Secondly, it locates Homoine district within this economic-historical background of the country, focusing on the causes of poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district. Thirdly, it analyses the response of the church (United Methodist Church in Mozambique) to the problems of poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district. The second part consists of a socio-historical and literary analysis of Ezra’s building project. The focus here is on three related aspects. Firstly, it analyses the economic-historical background of Ezra’s building project, focusing on the economic situation of the Israelites who were left in Palestine after the destruction of Judah, the economic situation of the Israelites who were deported to Babylon and the economic policies of Persia. Secondly, it locates Ezra 3 within this economic-historical context in order to retrieve elements of an economic ethic from this narrative. Thirdly, it analyses the response of religion towards the economic struggle in Ezra’s building project. The third part consists of an analogical dialogue between Ezra’s building project and the context of poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district. The focus here is on the affinity of struggle for economic liberation between the two contexts and the relevance of the Mosaic economic ethic retrieved from Ezra’s building project in the context of poverty and economic inequality in Homoine district. The research concludes by suggesting that the United Methodist Church and/or theologians should educate communities in Homoine district (and elsewhere in Mozambique) about the Mosaic memory and its liberation capacity as an alternative economic motivation which can reduce the problems of poverty and economic inequality. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Through a case study of female traditional healers who practice same sex relationships, this study attempts to provide some reasons for the opposition to same sex-relationships in Africa. The main question that the study grapples with is: If traditional healers practice same sex relationships, why does the Zulu community (and African communities in general) insist that same sex relationships are “un-African?” Given that homosexuality has been labeled as “un-African” and “un-cultural”, how does one explain the existence of homosexual relationships amongst Zulu sangomas, who are considered the custodians of culture? The study draws on the experiences of ten female traditional healers from Kwa-Ngcolosi and Inanda. The data was produced through workshops, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Queer theory and African feminist cultural hermeneutics were the lenses through which the data was analyzed. The findings show that beliefs in procreation as a means for the continual survival of the ancestors in the community and beliefs in the supremacy of the male in society as demonstrated in the killing of lesbians are the major reasons for the rejection of same sex relationships in African societies. The study concludes that within the traditional belief systems of the ancestors, women do have authority and can choose alternative relationships. Furthermore, in the sphere of traditional healing, recognition is given to different sexualities. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

This study is a critical exploration and analysis of the experiences of 'being church‘ for women married to pastors in the Baptist Convention of Malawi (BACOMA). The study focused on the following research question: 'What does being church mean for women who are married to pastors in the BACOMA, whose distinctive mark is freedom of choice in matters of faith and ministry according to the Baptist-held principle of the priesthood of all believers? It is a qualitative empirical study of the life experiences of pastors‘ wives which used feminist narrative methods of inquiry. In order to get a full picture of the role perceptions and experiences of pastors‘ wives, the study used in depth interviews, group discussions and participant observation. A purposely selected group of twenty-nine pastors‘ wives from BACOMA-affiliated Lilongwe Baptist Association of Malawi were individually interviewed by the author. In addition, two group discussions with members of the Lilongwe Baptist Association Pastors‘ Fraternal group (LBAPF) were conducted and fifty church members that included women, men, and young people were also interviewed in order to determine the congregational perceptions of a pastor‘s wife. The purpose of my study was to determine the ideo-theological and socio-cultural factors that contribute to the construction of the identity of a pastor‘s wife in the BACOMA. By presenting a synthesis of the various perspectives on the experiences of pastors‘ wives, this study has demonstrated that a plurality of perspectives contribute to the construction of the identity of a pastors‘ wife. This causes her to be identified as a "dialogical self"¹ because of the many positions that contribute to the self understanding of her identity. These perspectives, which are embedded in patriarchal ideologies, include: doctrinal or biblical, ecclesiastical, congregational, cultural, and the "Self". I have also shown that the areas of conflict and tension between the Self and the "others" can be clues towards transformation. This is in addition to the alternatives suggested by feminist theologians in the study. Baptist ecclesiology in Malawi is challenged to take cognisance of these factors in order to build an inclusive ecclesiology that affirms the humanity of women in general and pastors‘ wives in particular. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.