Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.(Science of Religion and Missiology))--University of Pretoria, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1933. / On Cover: University of Pennsylvania. Published also without thesis note. Bibliography: p. 541-558.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1966. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-59). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Alberta, 1997. / Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Sociology. Also available online.

No description available.

This dissertation investigates the Preacher and his/her homiletic contribution to transformation, development and healing of human society. Descartes (1596-1650) is the father of modern thinking. A fragmented approach to life, which he accentuated reason above all other aspects of human endevour, thus derived the dichotomy that emphasizes the material and despises the spiritual as metaphysical. It appears that from this thinking, the preacher has been bombarded with misperceptions and misconceptions when confronted with the transformation, development and therapeutic issues of this modern; if not post modern era. The modern Church is not free of blame for enforcing this approach that sidelines the Preacher from his full balanced mandate that is God given, namely: work it and care for it. Meaning transform the earth for the better and heal it as a divine decree with a bearing of preparing people for the hereafter. The Preacher is crucial and pivotal to society’s transformation, development and the healing of the human condition, which is bedevilled by many natural and unnatural maladies that constantly challenge life as God ordained it. A holistic approach of the Preacher and his/her homilies is critical and is an important contribution to the unlocking, unfolding, releasing and unleashing of the hidden potential which can heal human society. This dissertation proposes the need for change /shift of mindset in order to embrace progress and healing of humans; as this is a very human phenomenon with transcendent help. This need is observed in the homilies that are preached in the rural villages; which lack balance in the holistic approach. The homilies of Billy Graham, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and ancient John Chrysostom are depicted to demonstrate how preaching has contributed to bring regeneration, progress and healing to human society. The case studies of three churches in Venda namely Tshigubu (Drum) Church (African Independent), Lutheran Church (Churches of Reformation) and Calvary Christian Church (charismatic church) are investigated with regard to changes they have brought within the Venda society. When the history of western/ modern civilization is traced from Sumerian and Graeco- Roman times, the Preacher features prominently; and even in rural Venda with its kings and chiefs; the Preacher remains critical to the phenomenon under study. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This thesis provides a critical analysis of how Islamic-based Civil Society Organisations (IBCSOs) contribute to poverty reduction in Egypt, through a qualitative study of four Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). The thesis closely examines case study IBCSOs’ organisational structures, their activities and the values that shape their conceptualisation of poverty. It reveals the similarities between IBCSOs’ poverty reduction work and official social protection, and discusses how their approaches to poverty reduction can be understood in terms of the various discourses justifying social protection (risks, rights and needs). The thesis also uses these case studies to examine the validity of Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) as vehicles for poverty reduction and social protection. Finally, it discusses the relationship between these organisations’ poverty reduction activities and political mobilisation through an examination of the role they played in the recent political rise of the Islamist movement in Egypt, as well as the impact of recent political developments on their operations. A key purpose of this critical investigation of IBCSOs' approaches to poverty reduction is to explore more broadly their wider implications for development theory and practice by assessing whether they can contribute to existing knowledge on the means of civil society’s contribution to poverty reduction and development.

Exposure to volcano hazards can lead to crises; with or without an eruptive event. Therefore, it is important to distinguish that volcanic events (unrest & eruptions) are physical phenomena while volcanic crises are social. Volcanic eruptions, unlike some other geologic hazards are often preceded by weeks or months of precursors, which offer the opportunity to reduce risk by early intervention. However, resistance to discussion of local hazards can hinder stakeholders’ (emergency managers, scientists, etc.) ability to mitigate volcano hazards and create well-informed protocols to respond when disaster strikes. The Long Valley Caldera (LVC) east of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, has experienced unrest since 1978, at which time a M5.6 earthquake ended 20 years of seismic quiet. Seismicity continued, followed by significant ground deformation and doming of the caldera floor, increased fumarolic activity, and CO2 degassing which has contributed to tree kills and human fatalities. Extensive research in volcano science provides an understanding of the physical phenomena behind the mechanics of volcanos, but limited resources have been dedicated to understanding human processes in response to volcano hazards and their corresponding disasters. Misconceptions and uncertainty surrounding organizational and physical communication of risk information can amplify economic consequences resulting from volcanic crises. This study will utilize two methods to obtain perceptions that local stakeholders and residents hold towards hazards in their region; and their confidence in the agencies that are responsible in responding to crises. A questionnaire sent to 1,200 households in February, 2018 asked head-of-households about their awareness of volcano hazards, preparedness for a volcano emergency, and perceptions of stakeholders responsible for decision making and warning systems. Mental model interviews conducted with stakeholders in summer, 2018 will provide insight on methods used by decision makers tasked with responding to disasters at LVC and the greater Long Valley Volcanic Region (LVVR). Mental models, i.e. schema, are a representation of how a person thinks about and mentally conceptualizes objects, events, and relationships in the real world. Robust to change, mental models are not easily altered; however, new information is either dismissed or made to fit within previous beliefs. Research suggests that the more discordant new information is with respect to existing beliefs, the more likely the information is to challenge those beliefs, providing opportunities for change. Together, these household and stakeholder studies will identify issues surrounding risk communication and risk management to improve tools that communicate the uncertainty of volcanic activity in the LVVR.