This thesis reinterprets the letter to Philemon as a letter exhorting a new loving relationship for a slave by applying Vernon Robbins’ socio-rhetorical interpretation framework in light of the new institutional economics. Based on the runaway hypothesis, the letter has long been read as written by Paul to beg Philemon’s forgiveness for Onesimus. This thesis argues that the runaway hypothesis is based on a biased view of the slave trade, as well as incomplete consideration of the first century slave-master relationship and Pauline theological and ethical thought; therefore, it is not sufficiently justified. In turn, we argue that, instead of approaching the text based on an a priori hypothesis or the occasion of the letter, the framework of socio-rhetorical analysis provides a step-by-step method for producing mutual dialogue between different disciplines to analyze the letter. / Beginning with an analysis of the inner texture, we can see—through the word analysis, epistolary analysis, and rhetorical analysis—that a relational problem is the major concern of the letter. The analysis also demonstrates that there is a need to incorporate other textures to help them understand what problem is more likely for Paul to address and what ground he bases this on in the letter. Then, in chapter 3, we investigate the theological and ethical thought of Paul as an intertextual texture. With Paul’s theological thought in mind, reconstructed from his other undisputed letters, we can start to re-read Phlm through the structure of love. The intertextual texture helps us to see how Paul would see the problem and how to read the letter in light of Paul’s understanding of love. At the end of the chapter, we also see the need for a contextual analysis of Roman slavery to provide us with a more specific explanation of the slave-master relationship in light of the apparently contradictory practice and the complicated institutions that upheld Roman slavery. / In chapter 4, we first argue the relevance and applicability of NIE to help us to analyze Roman slavery. Then, we introduce the framework of new institutional economics (NIE), arguing that it can give a more comprehensive explanation of how ideology, law and institutions related to Roman slavery together served the economic interests of slave owners. These insights from NIE will be brought into the interpretation process in a socio-rhetorical framework. Based on the three textures— inner texture, intertexture, and economic texture—chapter 5 will show that the body of the letter exhorts a transformation of the relationship from economics to one of loving brotherhood, from master and slave to the household of the church. More specifically, we will demonstrate how Paul argues rhetorically both for a loving relationship and against the slave-master economic relationship. / 本論文是利用弗農羅賓斯(Vernon Robbins)社會修辭批判學(Socio-rhetorical interpretation)的框架，配合新制度經濟理論對羅馬奴隸制度分析的貢獻，對腓利門書提出一個新的解釋。本文的主旨是，腓利門書一方面不是一封為一個逃走奴隸而寫的求情信，相反是保羅根據他一貫的神學及倫理思維而向腓利門提出的一封勸告信，希望腓利門能根據過往保羅對愛的教導，修正他與阿雷西母的關係，由原來由經濟主導的奴僕關係，轉化成由愛主導的弟兄關係。 / 本文由文本研究層(inner texture)開始，透過字詞、書信格式及修辭分析，初步總結出，保羅在這信中的重心是要處理由阿雷西母回到腓利門的家所引申的關係衝突問題。但同時在這章亦指出，單從文本分析是不足的，要提出一個新的解釋，我們必須依賴另外兩個研究層來幫助分析文本所沒有提供的資料及保羅的立場。本文的第三章是文本互參研究層(intertextual texture)，這研究層主要是透過保羅其他另外六卷沒有爭議的書信來重構保羅在有關方面的神學與倫理思想，再利用這結構來幫助理解保羅如何理解信中隱含的問題，及解釋信中保羅提出的理據。在這章的結論我們亦會提出，我們需要另一個研究向度來幫助我們更深入地理解在第一世紀時的奴僕關係。 / 第四章是本論文其中一個主要的貢獻，就是利用經濟研究層(economic texture)，來幫助處理錯綜複雜的奴僕關係。本研究層主要是利用新制度經濟理論來分析在羅馬不同層次的制度中，如何互相配合地來幫助奴隸主人及整個社會，利用奴隸不同方面的經濟功用，來達致其最大經濟效益。本章首先論述利用新制度經濟理論來研究第一世紀奴隸制度的合法性，繼而利用該理論分析有關奴隸制度的正式與非正式的制度(formal and informal institutions)，當中包括當時的宏觀經濟狀況、哲學、法律制度及用來管理奴隸的主要合約條件。最後，我們會利用這章的分析來總結出當時由經濟考慮而主導的奴隸關係的主要特徵。 / 第五章是綜合二、三及四章的研究所得，對腓利門書的主要勸導部分進行重讀。本章首先會利用各章的結論重構保羅在這信要處理的問題，最後，會總結出這信是一方面透過勸導腓利門有關愛的關係的重要，另一方面針對當時根深柢固由經濟主導的奴僕關係，來勸導腓利門選擇改變他與阿雷西母的關係。 / Ip, Hon Ho. / Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2014. / Includes bibliographical references. / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on 06, October, 2016). / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only.

This dissertation analyzed the relationship between second-wave feminist philosophy and the interpretation of biblical gender roles by entering seminary students in select theological schools accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The study also considered the influence of select demographics (gender, race/ethnic origin, denominational affiliation, state, theological persuasion, and age) upon student beliefs regarding feminism and gender roles. The research design consisted of a descriptive quantitative survey that analyzed responses from two instruments that are both made up of Likert type scales. One survey instrument is entitled the Attitudes Towards Women Scale (AWS), which consists of fifteen questions and was developed in 1978. Another survey instrument that will be administered is entitled the Spiritual Interpretations of Gender Issues Survey (SIGIS) developed in 2005. The research revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between second-wave feminist philosophy and the interpretation of gender roles, and that the relationship is very strong. The respondents, for the majority, were classified as profeminist, concerning the AWS and also scored complementarian on the SIGIS. This finding exposed a disconnection in espoused theology versus theology-in-practice. The findings are beneficial for educators, who may now be cognizant of generalized student belief regarding the cultural influence of second-wave feminist philosophy. Evangelical seminaries may seek to develop instructional methods that relate to the influence of second-wave feminist philosophy and its relationship with the interpretation of biblical gender roles.

This paper outlines a model of human development to help guide contemplative practice in parenting and facilitate prayerful understanding of parent-child development with a focus upon one's own parent-child relationship. The model draws from the tree of life symbolism represented by the cross and the spiral and further elaborated through symbolic interpretations of the seed, root, stem, branch, leaf, and fruit. Contemplative prayer is seen as a path of self-development that allows parents to respond to children with goodness, love, wisdom, and justice. / Graduation date: 1992

No description available.

This research proposes a Nigerian indigenous oikotheology to assist the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) better meet the challenges of the “double earth crisis” of poverty and environmental degradation. The thesis begins by arguing that the crisis of poverty and the crisis of ecology are inextricably linked. It does this by examining the situation globally, in Africa and in Nigeria. It argues that for the church to be able to articulate the needed theological paradigm in response to the “double earth crisis”, it is important that it is adequately informed and equipped with environmental knowledge as well as the dynamics of the global capitalist system and its hegemonic influences. This understanding is imperative because these affect the environment and poverty nexus. The thesis then examines the response of the Anglican Church to the environment and poverty by situating this within the wider biblical, Christian and ecumenical history, and the history of the Anglican Church itself. It then looks at the Anglican Church in Nigeria by investigating the engagement of the three Anglican Dioceses in Anambra State (Nigeria) in environment and poverty issues. It also investigates the understanding of the diocesan clergy on these issues. Findings from the research field work indicate that a majority of the clergy exhibited an appreciable level of environmental awareness contrary to the hypothesis of the study. However, this knowledge is a “paper knowledge” because of its heavy reliance on the ‘traditional’ view of understanding of the environment. Thus it creates a huge gap between theoretical knowledge and practical commitment on the part of the dioceses. Collective will and practical commitment which are vital for the church’s engagement in poverty and environment issues are therefore lacking, and this leads to the church’s difficulty in significantly living up to its environmental responsibility in practical ways. In responding to the identified gap, the thesis examines ‘four generations’ of ecological motifs in theology, namely, dominion, stewardship, eco-theology and oikotheology. Oikotheology is an attempt to strengthen the weaknesses in the Christian ecological thoughts (from dominion to ecotheology) and hence provide an eco-theological framework that will engender commitment and action. However, because of the challenges with which Oikotheology grapples (strong eschatological influences and inaccessibility to African culture), it could not achieve this aim in the Nigerian setting. In a continued search for an eco-theological framework that is more African, the study articulates the synthesis of Oikotheology and African indigenous ecological ethics (a fifth generation) as a theological framework which would uniquely appeal to African Christianity in its attempt to collaborate with other disciplines in addressing the challenges of the environment and poverty in Africa and the world. Key to this synthesis is an examination of Nigerian Igbo proverbs-the egbe belu precautionary principle and onye aghana nwa nne ya in particular, and the African cosmology in general. This synthesis, considered in our opinion as Africa’s gift to humanity and Christendom, will no doubt significantly contribute to the global discussion on the current double earth crisis of environment and poverty. The thesis concludes with a series of practical suggestions including among others the formation of a National Commission on the environment by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as a way of fostering environmental education. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

When something is about masculinities it is not always about men. Kosofsky-Sedgwick (1995 :12) Any society that is lauded for its exemplary National Constitution that asserts and affords their citizens basic human rights is accountable for how those rights are translated into the "lived experiences" of its citizens. In South Africa, a pronounced and violent identity has become notoriously established by the blatant disrespect for women's rights, a reality predominantly present within the marital dyad. Unfortunately, even after eighteen years of political liberation and some fourteen years after the promulgation of the much-lauded Domestic Violence Act No. 116 of 1998, the culture of human rights has not demonstrably translated into women's rights as countless women continue to be challenged in their marriages by the dictates and privileges of hegemonic masculinities that their husbands subscribe to. In order to engage with this prevailing and destructive state of disharmony and abuse in marriages, this study concentrates on a simple yet logical question of "why do men do what they do?" centred as it is within the compass of their violent relationships with their wives. This exploratory research project afforded an in-depth understanding and examination of seven married men who were afforded an opportunity to engage in four focus group discussions to describe and detail their subjective narratives of their violent relationships. This research provided spaces for men's reflective accounts of their violence, thereby offering insightful interpretations of the contours of the contradictions contained in the social construction of masculinities which in South Africa is multi-faceted. The sample frame comprised of men who reside in Phoenix, a large township, north of the city of Durban. According to racial profile, all were South African Indian. Their ages ranged from 34 to 61 years, while their wives were between 35 to 60 years of age. Years of marriage ranged from 3 to 35. Three respondents were in their first marriage, while four were married for the second time. Five respondents had matriculated; while one possessed a post-matriculation qualification and one had completed Standard Six (present High School Grade 8). Concerning their religious affiliation, six of the respondents were Christian and one was Muslim. Utilising critical, freminist and masculinity theories, the 'authoritative discourses' offered by the respondents were meaningfully interrogated, examined and analysed. In particular, the study paid careful attention to the inextricable links between the constructions of masculinities, domestic violence and the sociology of religion. Emergent meta-themes that emanated from the extensive narratives of the men on their violent relationship with their wives included the priveleges of patriarchy; religion and male privelege, and finally the clash between religious belief and the South African criminal justice system. It is within the acknowledged space of the "web of associated factors" which contribute to domestic violence, that conclusions were reached. The study logically concludes that a deliberate, coherent, sustained, and spiritual ethos is needed in South Africa so as to ameliorate the damaging and destructive effects that are presently and overwhelmingly dictated by the presence of hegemonic masculinities. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not Sallie McFague's body of God model is an adequate resource for a Christian ecological theology. The study endeavours to evaluate, test and revise this particular theological model. It is located on the abstract and hypothetical level and is thus a non-empirical analysis of McFague's thought. The researcher analysed the body of God model by using theological and philosophical resources. Current literature on ecological theology was studied in order to formulate thirteen criteria for an adequate Christian theology. These criteria were used throughout the study to test the theology that accompanies McFague's model. The study analysed three key areas of McFague's thought: cosmology, anthropology and theology. It was found the body of God model tends towards reductionism, because it does not appear to endorse a coherent complexity hierarchy. This reductionism was apparent in the three key areas of McFague's thought. However, it was found the body of God model functions as a transformative metaphor that takes into account the social reality that affects the health of planet earth. Its strength is a clear orientation towards ethics that takes Jesus' praxis as its departure point. The researcher provides suggestions on how the body of God model may overcome reductionism. After consideration of the three key areas of McFague's thought, the researcher concluded that the body of God model is an adequate resource for a Christian ecological theology. It is suggested that this theological model is applicable to the South African context in three areas: the socio-economic reality and its impact on the natural environment, the land ownership and the issue of racism. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, [2006]

Text in Afrikaans / Musiekvideos is 'n integrerende deel van die (rock)-musiekbedryf, hoofsaaklik as reklame vir die kunstenaars en hul musiekopnames. Musiekvideos is verder 'n wesenlike deel van die massamedia, in so 'n mate dat daar verskeie spesialismusiektelevisiekanale is wat 24 uur per dag op al die kontinente uitsaai, wat 'n aanduiding gee van die omvang van musiekvideos. Hierdie videos speel veral 'n vemame rol by die jeug as sub-kultuurgroep. Ook christenmusikante gebruik musiekvideos, en hul videos word gereeld as deel van christelike programme uitgesaai. Dit is gewoonlik een van die oogmerke van christenkunstenaars om die evangelie deur hul musiek uit te dra, en in die geval van christelike musiekvideos dien hulle dikwels nie net as reklame nie, maar word daar ook 'n christelike boodskap oorgedra, veral in die geval van verhalende en konsepvideos. Daar word na die rol van hierdie videos in die konteks van die christene se benutting van die massamedia gekyk en daar word onder meer 'n teologiese fundering vir die gebruik van die massamedia in die algemeen, asook musiekvideos in die besonder gegee. 'n Aantal musiekvideos van kontemporere musiekkunstenaars soos Carman, Michael W. Smith, Steve Taylor, The Newsboys, en Steven Curtis Chapman word individueel beskryf en vanuit 'n teologiese perspektief beoordeel om te sien hoe suksesvol hulle in die oordra van 'n christelike boodskap is. Daar word 'n vergelyking getref tussen christelike en sekulere musiekvideos en hoe sekere onderwerpe benader word. Sekere tekortkominge, sowel as positiewe aspekte by christelike musiekvideos word as deel van 'n missiologiese reflektering uitgewys. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / D.Th. (Missiology)

Nobody has a safeguard against loss. All people experience loss and the accompanying grief process during their lifetime. Grieving is a complex process. There are many different forms of grief. The grief process is understood in this study as identifiable moments rather than successive stages. The moments of grief are experienced on an unconscious level and vary in intensity. The role of the counsellor is to facilitate the process of bringing the experiences of grief into the conscious. This provides the counselee with the opportunity to work through his or her experience of loss. The contention of this study is that an existential experience of God’s presence can counteract the despair often associated with loss and the grief process. A method of story telling is used to bring hopeless stories into the empathic presence of God. Hope then becomes possible. A person’s experience of God is articulated by means of metaphors. Some of these are shared with the faith community as a whole, whereas other metaphors express the person’s individual experience of God. The different God images function in relation to one another. This study investigates how images of God can be harmful or helpful to the counselee in the grief process. The use of imagery assists in bringing the person’s perceptions of God to conscious awareness. By means of questions asked from a not-knowing position the counsellor helps to facilitate the telling of their story of grief, the story of God’s presence, and eventually their new story of hope for the future. The counselee experiences consolation, healing, liberation and a victory which becomes an existential reality in God’s presence. This pneumatic event is understood as God’s deliverance through Jesus Christ from a situation of hopelessness. This liberation takes place here-and-now. At the same time it is open toward the future. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The aim of this study is: To critically correlate insights from the normative Christian sources and other disciplines so as to formulate a pastoral counsel on building strong families for Christian men in Singapore as they live out their faith and interact with others in a success-oriented society. This study is important in that it attempts to: - Expose the false belief that homemaking should not be a masculine responsibility, and to challenge Christian men in Singapore to lead their families as God-honouring husbands and fathers in a materialistic and success-oriented society. - Help the Church in Singapore in the ministry of building strong Christian families so that a good witness can be presented before a highly secularised society. - Nurture professionalism in the ministry by formulating a pastoral guide with which those in Christian full-time vocation or voluntary work can use to effectively care and counsel Christian men with troubled family lives. To accomplish these tasks, the four aspects – descriptive, historical, systematic and strategic – advocated by Don S Browning in his book, A Fundamental Practical Theology, were considered. An opinion poll was also done to augment the library research. Additionally, qualitative interviews in the form of conversational partnerships were conducyted to better hear and understand the work-family complexities faced by some Christian men. The findings in terms of some features that give a preliminary profile of the average Christian man in Singapore as a basis for further research are: i. He accepts competition as inevitable in a meritocratic society. ii. He works hard so as to develop; to his best potential and to provide well for his family materially. iii. He often has little time to bond with his family relationally unless he makes a deliberate effort to do so. iv. He does not equate male headship with sole leadership at home. Hence, he shares or delegates family responsibilities, including that of breadwinning, housekeeping and parenting. v. He discusses rather than dictates decisions related to major family concerns. Hence, he is pragmatic enough to seek and adopt alternatives that are most beneficial to the family. These include choosing options like dual-income, child care centre, maid and grandparent to meet the breadwinning, child caring and housekeeping needs of the home. Finally, to help Christian men and the Church in Singapore to be actively pro-family in perspective and action, the study concludes by proposing five suggestions: i. Work hard so as to earn enough to turn limited time and energy into actual pro-family events. ii. Adopt an extended family member into one’s own home. iii. Enhance pro-family facilities and services by establishing, giving and volunteering more. iv. Emphasise family life education in the Christian faith in order to advance it in the Church, home, workplace and society at large. v. Be prepared to do that which honours Christ even if it means losing 'face', beginning at home. / Thesis (PhD (Practical Theology: Pastoral Family Care))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / unrestricted