Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology

Für die Untersuchung der Kontextualität der Theologinnenarbeit wurden Theologinnen aus drei Kirchen mit gemeinsamer lutherischer Konfessionalität ausgewählt, die im Untersuchungszeitraum in differenten sozioökonomischen Kontexten existierten: die Evangelisch-Lutherische Landeskirche in Bayern, die Evangelisch--Lutherische Landeskirche Mecklenburgs sowie die Evangelische Kirche lutherischen Bekenntnisses in Brasilien (IECLB). Ziel war die Reflexion der Kontextuaität der theologischen Urteilsbildung und des kirchlichen Handelns. Anstöße aus der feministischen Theoriebildung und der emprischen Sozialforschung wurden einbezogen, z.B für die Interviews mitr je 20 Theologinnen aus jeder der drei Kirchen, die mit Hilfe eines Fragebogens nach ihrer Arbeitssituation, der Relevanz des Geschlechterverhältnisses, konfessioneller und ökumenischer Aspekte sowie ihrer Berufskonzeption gefragt wurden. Die Darstellung der Auseinandersetzung mit der Theologinnenarbeit in der theologischen Literatur zeigte, daß erste Überlegungen in Deutschland und in der Ökumene seit der ahrhundertwende angestellt wurden. Nach einer Phase einer geschlechtsspezifschen Konzeption eines Amtes sui generis erfolgte das Plädoyer für die kirchenrechtliche Gleichstellung und schließlich in den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten Überlegungen hinsichtlich des Innovationspotentials der Theologinnenarbeit. Die drei Hauptteile zur Entwicklung der Theologinnenarbeit jeweils in einem der drei Kontexte beginnen mit einer Einführung in den jeweiligen sozioökonmischen Kontext von Frauen sowie in die jeweilige kirchengeschichtliche Entwicklung. Einzelne Phasen der Diskussion und Gestaltung der Theologinnenarbeit werden mit Hilfe von Archivmaterialien sowie weiteren schriftlichen und mündlichen Quellen dargestellt. In Bayern und Meckleburg fingen jeweils einzelne Theologinnen vor 1945 in individuell organisierten Arbeitsfeldern an. Nach 1945 wurden geschlechtsspezifische Berufskonzepte entwickelt, die sich jedoch als diskriminierend und einschränkend erwiesen, so daß es schließlich zur weitgehenden rechtlichen Gleichstellung kam. Insbesondere jedoch durch den gesellschaftlichen Aufbruch der Frauen kam es in den 80er Jahren zu einer erneuten Reflexion geschlechtsspezifischer Chancen im Pfarrberuf. Im brasilianischen Kontext suchten die lutherischen Theologinnen nach ihrem Einstieg ins Gemeindepfarramt nach alternativen Formen des pastoralen Amtes und reflektierten ebenfalls ab Ende der achtziger Jahre ihre Arbeit unter feministisch-befreiungstheologischen Aspekten. Das Resümee zeigt hinischtlich der sozioökomonischen Kontextualität der Theologinnenarbeit zunächst die Wechselwirkungen zwischen dem jeweiligen sozioökonomischen Kontext und der Entwicklung der Theologinnenarbeit auf und reflektiert dann die sich daraus ergebenden sozialethischen, biblisch-hermeneutischen und anthropologischen Fragen sowie Konsequenzen für eine inklusive Pastoralethik. Die Reflexion der kirchlich-instiutionellen Kontextualität der Theologinnenarbeit vergleicht die realen Einwirkungen der kirchlich-institutionellen Aspekte und reflekiert die sich daraus ergebenden ekklesiologischen Fragestellungen z.B hinsichtlich der Konzilität kirchlicher Entscheidungsfindung. Die Berücksichtigung der realen Einwirkungen der ökumenischen und konfessionellen Zusammenschlüsse auf die Entwicklung der Theologinnenarbeit in den drei genannten lutherischen Kirchen sowie die Darstellung der Positionen der orthodoxen Kirchen und des römisch-katholischen Lehramtes zur Frauenordination bzw. Priesterinnenweihe zeigt die weitergehenden Differenzen hinsichtlich der Konzeptionen kirchlicher Einheit, Anthropologie, Hermeneutik und Ekklesiologie auf. Am Ende werden ökumenisch-theologischePerspektiven für eine weitere gemeinsame Urteilsbildung hinsichtlich der Theologinnenarbeit entwickelt. / The research of the history of female theologians shows the development of women pastors in three lutheran churches living in three different socioeconomic contects of RFA, GDR and Brazil. Based on literal souce mateial and interviews with 20 women pastors of every church surge the historical steps of female participation in the ordainend ministry. At the beginning some women studied theology, looked for individal possibilities to work in the church. The next step has been a special limited form of women ministry until their ful participation of men and women in the ordained ministry happened. In the last years the chances oft the gender is discussed in a feminist view. The summary reflects the importance oft the socioeconomic contect, of the different forms of ecclesiastical instiutions and of the influence of the different convictions in the orthodox churches,. in the roman catholic teaching und in the protestant theology. The result is that the development of female participation in lutheran churches challenges all christians and all churches to inquire their biblical hermeneutic, anthropology and ecclesiology. The history of the female theologians in the lutheran churches provokes a vision of christian unity which includes the ful participation of men and women in the ordained ministry.

Basée sur la perspective des théologies contextuelles, cette recherche porte sur la stratégie discursive des enseignements sociaux catholiques locaux (ESCL) comme discours théologiques qui visent à libérer la population de Madagascar des possibles confusions dans leur discernement social. À partir d’une approche postcoloniale, l’analyse des discours abordés dans cette thèse étudie la manière dont les leaders catholiques élaborent les ESCL. Ces discours sont conçus en fonction de leur interprétation de la situation de Madagascar entre 1982 et 2002. Utilisant l’analyse discursive postcoloniale, le travail développe la vérification des catégories coloniales dans les enseignements sociaux des leaders catholiques. La présence des généralisations et des affirmations non fondées, la manière de penser en dichotomie ainsi que la hiérarchisation des idées et des humains seront vérifiées. L’analyse tient compte de l’importance des rapports qui lient les ESCL à l’identité malagasy et au processus de globalisation néolibérale et de démocratisation sur la Grande île. / Based on the perspective of contextual theologies, this research focuses on the discursive strategy of Local Catholic Social Teachings (ESCL) as theological discourses aimed at liberating the population of Madagascar from possible confusions in their social discernment. Using a postcolonial approach, the analysis of the discourses addressed in this thesis studies the way in which Catholic leaders develop their social teachings. These theological discourses are designed according to their interpretation of the situation of the country between 1982 and 2002. Using postcolonial discursive analysis mean scrutinize the presence of colonial categories in the ESCL. The presence of generalizations and unfounded affirmations, the way of thinking in dichotomy, and the hierarchization of ideas and humans will be verified. The analysis takes into account the importance of the relationships that link the ESCL to the Malagasy cultural identity combined to the process of neoliberal globalization and the process of democratization of the Island of Madagascar.

In this dissertation an attempt has been made to investigate the means by which God is at work in our world. The researcher has acted on the assumption that God rules in our world, but investigates the content of such a belief. The question whether God acts in our world from a basis of control, or from a motivation of shared interest is currently brought to the surface. Istrumental is the use of Critical Theory to investigate the above mentioned problem. With this instument oppressive perspectives (paternalistic views) are identified and unmasked as well as new perspectives (stewardship) implemented. Biblical stewardship seems to be a perspective on how God wants to use the local church to assist in his plan of salvation for those in need. Authority with others rather over others seems to be the stewardship strategy God wants us to participate in. / In hierdie verhandeling word ondersoek ingestel na die wyse waarop God in die wereld betrokke is (Missio Dei). Daar word uitgegaan van die veronderstelling dat God in die wereld regeer en wat hierdie navorsing poog om te verstaan hoe God in die wereld regeer. Die problematiek wat deurgaans in hierdie studie hanteer word, hou verband met die vraag of God vanuit 'n beheerstelsel (pantokratiese stelsel) in die wereld betrokke is en of sy werksaamhede eerder vanuit 'n bestuurstelsel (oikonomos) verstaan moet word. In 'n poging om bogenoemde probleem op te los word gebruik gemaak van die Kritiese Teorie. Met hierdie instrument word enersyds gepoog om onderdrukkende perspektiewe (soos God as Pantokrator) te weerle, wat onderdrukkende ideologie instand hou. Andersyds word die Kritiese Teorie as instrument gebruik om alternatiewe te ondersoek (soos God as bestuurder van ons heil) wat nuwe perspektiewe daar kan stel. Bybelse rentmeesterskap hou gevoglik daarmee verband dat God die mens/kerk medeverantwoordelik maak in bogenoemde bestuursproses ten einde God se Missio Dei deelnemend te bestuur. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Title in English and Afrikaans / Summaries in English and Afrikaans / In this dissertation an attempt has been made to investigate the means by which God is at work in our world. The researcher has acted on the assumption that God rules in our world, but investigates the content of such a belief The question whether God acts in our world from a basis of control, or from a motivation of shared interest is currently brought to the surface. Instrumental is the use of Critical Theory to investigate the above mentioned problem. With this instrument oppressive perspectives (paternalistic views) are identified and unmasked as well as new perspectives (stewardship) implemented. Biblical stewardship seems to be a perspective on how God wants to use the local church to assist in his plan of salvation for those in need. Authority with others rather over others seems to be the stewardship strategy God wants us to participate in. / In hierdie verhandeling word ondersoek ingestel na die wyse waarop God in die wereld betrokke is (Missio Dei). Daar word uitgegaan van die veronderstelling dat God in die wereld regeer en wil hierdie navorsing poog om te verstaan hoe God in die wereld regeer. Die problematiek wat deurgaans in hierdie studie hanteer word, hou verband met die vraag of God vanuit 'n beheerstelsel (pantokratiese stelsel) in die wereld betrokke is en of sy werksaamhede eerder vanuit 'n bestuurstelsel (oikonomos) verstaan moet word. In 'n poging om bogenoemde probleem op te los word gebruik gemaak van die Kritiese Teorie. Met hierdie instrument word enersyds gepoog om onderdrukkende perspektiewe (soos God as Pantokrator) te weerle, wat onderdrukkende ideologie instand hou. Andersyds word die Kritiese Teorie as instrument gebruik om alternatiewe te ondersoek (soos God as bestuurder van ons heil) wat nuwe perspektiewe daar kan stel. Bybelse rentmeesterskap hou gevolglik daarmee verband dat God die mens/kerk medeverantwoordelik maak in bogenoemde bestuursproses ten einde God se Missio Dei deelnemend te bestuur. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th.(Missiology)

The research started in a school context where the teachers were severely affected by the changes in and closing of their school. In my qualitatively based research project, I embarked with the research participants on a pastoral, narrative- and appreciative inquiry approach which assist the teachers to deal more efficiently with the effects of the changes they experienced. By sharing and reflecting on their stories, a climate that's conducive to their well-being was constructed. I describe how my participatory action research invited the teachers to be active research participants, who are responsible for their own construction of richer or alternative meanings in their lives. / Practical theology / M. Th. (Pastoral Therapy)

This paper is intended to analyze the contributions of Contextual Theology and Contextual theologians to dismantling the South African apartheid system. It is intended to demonstrate that the South African churches failed to effectively politicize and radicalize to confront the government until the advent of Contextual Theology in South Africa. Contextual Theology provided the Christian clergy the theological justification to unite with anti-apartheid organizations. Its very concept of working with the poor and oppressed helped the churches gain favor with the black masses that were mostly Christian. Its borrowing from Marxist philosophy appealed to anti-apartheid organizations. Additionally, Contextual theologians, who were primarily black, began filling prominent leadership roles in their churches and within the ecumenical organizations. They were mainly responsible for radicalizing the churches and the ecumenical organizations. They also filled an important anti-apartheid political leadership vacuum when most political leaders were banned, jailed, or killed.

Text in Afrikaans / Loosit is a pastoral care model which may be applied to primary school children in South Africa and the use thereof is explored in this research project. Loosit consists of a series of plays as well as a discipleship program. These plays, humoristic yet contextually relevant to children, are done on a set resembling school toilets. Children are encouraged to write to the leading character, Uncle Jani Tor, and to post the letters in the `toilet` post box. Themes focused on in this project are problems with friends, social pressure, problems in the family and death. There is a specific focus on the ethics of Loosit as a model of pastoral care applicable to children. / Practical Theology / M. Th. (Practical Theology)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The research for this study has shown that the circumstances in which the majority of children in South Africa find themselves, are extremely complex and problematic, to such an extent that not only the quality of children's lives is endangered, but their lives as such. Besides the measures taken by government to improve the situation of children, it is pre-eminently the Christian church that is able to render a unique and, at the same time, a fully relevant contribution to the debate, processes and actions regarding children in South Africa. For this to be achieved, however, the church should be guided by a theology that is truly contextual and missionary in nature. In this study, therefore, distinct critical elements are being identified, which could be utilized in shaping a theory for child ministry. What is visualized by the researcher in this regard, is the formulation of a practicail-theological theory that is derived from a Scripturally sound theology, on the one hand, and, on the other, oriented to the contextual realities of children. / Die navorsing vir hierdie studie het getoon dat die lewensomstandighede van die meerderheid kinders in Suid-Afrika uiters kompleks en problematies is, in so 'n mate dat nie alleen die lewenskwaliteit van kinders nie, maar hulle lewe selfbedreig word. Benewens die maatreels van owerheidswee om die lot van kinders te verbeter, is dit by uitstek die Christelike kerk wat in staat is om 'n unieke en tegelyk volledig relevante bydrae te lewer tot die debat, prosesse en aksies rakende kinders in Suid-Afrika. Hierin sal die kerk hom egter moet laat lei deur 'n teologie wat op kontekstueel en missioner verantwoorde wyse beoefen word. In die studie word daarom bepaalde kritiese elemente geifdentifiseer wat in verdere teorievorming oor kinderbediening aangewend kan word. Wat in die verband die navorser voor oe staan, is die formulering van 'n prakties-teologiese teorie wat enersyds aan 'n Skrifgetroue teologie ontleen en andersyds aan die kontekstuele realiteite van kinders georienteer is. / Social Work / M. Diac. (Youth work)

This dissertation of limited scope explored via a qualitative reflective approach how pastoral therapy and care practices contributed to workplace transformation and ethics at a factory that had to be restored to profitability. In Chapter 1, the study's research curiosity questions how pastoral therapy and care practices could inform business in its resistance of workplace trauma and injustice. The epistemology of contextual theology and social constructionism is reviewed in Chapter 2 in its support of the research. Themes and ideas such as; participatory ethical care, ethics, the prophetic role, narratives, workplace culture, witnessing and participant awareness and empowerment are applied to workplace culture transformation. Chapter 3 explores the factory's dominant story of low morale, financial loss and feelings of no hope for the future in context of discourses of capitalism. In resistance to the dominant story, Chapter 4 focuses on practices and experiences that supported the factory's alternative story and Chapter 5 reviews the factory's alternative story in context of purposeful transformation practice. Chapter 6 concludes the study by reflecting on the research curiosity, the research aims and the researcher's development. / Practical Theology / M. Th ((Specialising Past Therapy) Practical Theology)