MTh Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2591

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A Deconstructionist Critique of Christian Transformational Leadership
(South African Theological Seminary, 2009) Scarborough, Thomas Oliver; Atterbury, Vincent E.
Christian Transformational Leadership is a popular leadership model whereby the Christian leader, most simply, seeks to influence (or transform) followers on the basis of his or her character and vision. This mini-thesis uses the deconstructionist method to critique this model. That is, it seeks to highlight “absence” and “difference” in Christian Transformational Leadership texts, to determine whether the model reveals significant omissions, or is “at variance with itself”. First the exegesis in the texts is deconstructed, then the concepts which lie at the heart of the model are deconstructed. This reveals a diminished role for God, and exaggerated human responsibility, which together lead to the expe- rience of extraordinary strain by the Christian transformational leader. Finally, a synthesis is sought between the deconstructionist critique and the “conscious intentions” of the authors. This proposes a more rounded understanding of Christian Transformational Leadership.
Practical Proposals for raising the profile of Children’s Ministry in the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church
(South African Theological Seminary, 2010) Abera, Abay; Jabini, Frank
This mini-thesis, titled "Practical Proposals for Raising the Profile of Children's Ministry in the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer's Church," addresses the critical issue of children's ministry within the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church (EFGBC). Submitted in partial fulfillment for the Master of Theology degree at the South African Theological Seminary, this work comprehensively explores identifying and rectifying the deficiencies in spiritual and social nurturing of children within the EFGBC. The research is structured into several key sections: an introduction providing background, significance, research questions, objectives, and methodology; an examination of biblical perspectives on children’s spiritual and social life; a survey assessing the current state of children’s ministry within EFGBC; identification of existing problems based on research findings; and proposed strategies for improvement. Key findings reveal that children in the EFGBC are significantly neglected both spiritually and socially. The study highlights the necessity for a biblically grounded approach to children’s ministry, emphasizing evangelism, teaching, caring, proper discipline, and equipping children for ministry. The proposed strategies include enhanced parental involvement, structured teaching programs, and church-led initiatives aimed at the holistic development of children. The research methodology involved data collection through written interviews with 90 church leaders and members across five zones of Ethiopia. Analysis of this data, supported by relevant graphs and comparisons with biblical teachings, led to practical recommendations aimed at transforming the current state of children's ministry in the EFGBC. The study concludes that for the EFGBC to cultivate a godly generation and future leaders, it must prioritize children’s ministry, adhering to scriptural principles. This transformation requires concerted efforts from both church leadership and the wider believing community to ensure children are adequately evangelized, nurtured, disciplined, and equipped for future ministry. The mini-thesis thus serves as a vital resource for pastors, parents, and church leaders dedicated to the spiritual and social development of children within the Ethiopian Full Gospel Believer’s Church.
De Bijbelse Rol van Oudsten en Diakenen in de Volle Evangelie Gemeente “The Open Door” in Suriname: Een Gevalstudie
(South African Theological Seminary, 2010) Gregor, Ewald F. F.; Jabini, Frank
Dit onderzoek zal de Bijbelse rol van de ambten van diakenen en oudsten binnen de Volle Evangelie Gemeenten, in het bijzonder de Volle Evangelie Gemeente The Open Door, behandelen. Na onderzoek is gebleken dat er binnen de kerken, maar vooral de Volle Evangelie Gemeenten in Suriname, geen duidelijke richtlijnen en ook geen publicaties zijn die handelen over de ambten. Vanwege het feit dat er geen publicaties zijn, zal er gebruik worden gemaakt van interviews, enquêtes en gesprekken. Vanwege de verschillende kerkdenominaties in Suriname, zal er een verscheidenheid van meningen zijn met betrekking tot de rol van deze ambten binnen deze kerken. Elk van de geïnterviewde kerkleiders deelt naast de stand van zaken binnen zijn kerkdenominatie ook zijn eigen ervaring en de verwachte rol van deze ambten binnen de huidige levenssituatie mee. Er zullen ook boeken en andere publicaties die handelen over de ambten besproken worden om zodoende een goede Bijbelse Theologische basis te leggen voor de Bijbelse rol van de ambten binnen de Volle Evangelie Gemeente The Open Door. De nadruk zal ook gelegd worden op de eventuele verschillen in het functioneren van deze ambten. Er zal onderzoek gedaan worden van twee van de pastorale brieven van de apostel Paulus, namelijk 1 Timotheüs 3:1-13 en Titus 1:5-9, om de verantwoordelijkheden van deze ambten duidelijk te zien. Ook zal er gekeken worden naar de kwaliteiten die deze ambtsdragers volgens deze brieven behoren te hebben. Dit onderzoek zal in de opbouw de gangbare indeling van een verslag van Soudijn opvolgen: Soudijn 1991:60. Ook zal er een soort “trechter” methode worden gevolgd naar het voorbeeld van Soudijn (Soudijn 1991:63-65). Deze “trechter” methode zal als volgt worden toegepast. Ik wil eerst de internationale ontwikkelingen bestuderen, daarna die van de Surinaamse kerken in het algemeen, vervolgens die van de Pinkster Gemeenten, en tenslotte zal ik voor de Volle Evangelie Gemeente The Open Door een strategie ontwikkelen.
The Existence of a Jewish Remnant as Evidence of God’s Redemption Plan for Israe
(South African Theological Seminary, 2011) Onen Ongeya, Louise Kearsney; Lioy, Dan T.
The purpose of the mini thesis was to present enough biblical evidence to show that God’s plan of redemption for Israel is fulfilled through the elect Jewish remnant. The research followed a thematic approach, making full use of literary scholarship and exegesis. The theme of the remnant was initiated in the Abrahamic Covenant with the promise given to Abraham of both physical and spiritual descendants. It was the concept of spiritual heirs that was the focus of the study. The link was then made between the Abrahamic Covenant and Paul’s teaching in Romans Chapters 1 to 10. Here Paul uses Abraham to emphasize that salvation is a personal matter based on God’s prerogative to elect those who shall come to faith in Christ and has nothing to do with national heredity. An exegesis of Romans 11:26 followed. It was important to try and reconcile Paul’s doctrine of salvation in the previous chapters with the seemingly contradictory statement made here that the whole nation of Israel (literally) shall be saved. The scholarly debate of those who fiercely defend a literal interpretation and not a spiritual one was noted. The context of Romans 11:26 however makes Paul’s message clear. All those who shall be saved constituted the total number of the remnant; individual Jewish believers, saved according to God’s predetermined plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. The thesis statement was substantially proven that the salvation of Israel is fulfilled in the remnant; the connotation of spiritual heirs of Abraham being synonymous with the remnant.
Debating Scientific Origins: Can Intelligent Design Be Supportively Involved in Natural Science Debates on the Origin of Life?
(South African Theological Seminary, 2013) Farr Williams, Michael Scott; Pretorius, Mark
This study endeavors to understand the writings of Ken Miller and Eugenie Scott in terms of their objections to Intelligent Design being involved in the Natural Science Debates on the Origin of Life. These writings include Ken Miller’s books *Finding Darwin's God: A Scientist's Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution* and *Only a Theory: Evolution and the Battle for America's Soul*. These writings also include Eugenie Scott’s books *Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Classrooms* and *Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction*. Further, this study identifies the objections these two authors have with Intelligent Design and looks for possible solutions from the Intelligent Design Movement. The idea is that advocates of both sides are quick to judge and slow to listen. This study is not to convince one side or the other, but to simply listen to the objections and possible answers from both sides. In this way, a bridge can be made between the two sides and these divergent groups can begin to understand one another. The objections that were raised by Miller and Scott include Miller’s objections to the age of the earth, limitations on evolution’s mechanism of natural selection, family trees in animals, Aristotle’s idea of four distinct kinds of causes, and finally design imperfections. This study also brought out ID’s connection with creationism and its contention with mainstream science. ID advocates answer these objections by saying that Intelligent Design (hereafter designated as ID) is not necessarily connected with a literal Genesis or a young-earth position. They do contend that the scientific community and its reliance on naturalism is a stumbling block for the Intelligent Design Movement. The study also explores the nature of a designer and how this affects the acceptance of Intelligent Design. The study then moves to the proper use of science as expressed in the scientific method and how the concept of a designer could hinder the acceptance of Intelligent Design. The study continues with how the Christian and Hebrew scriptures relate to the issue of ID and its objections. Finally, the study moves on to give some practical implications and suggestions on how ID can answer these objections.
"For it is God's will that you should be holy." 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Analysis and Systematization of Fundamental Aspects of a Holy Lifestyle in the Pauline Epistles
(South African Theological Seminary, 2014) Rhode, Ria Elisbeth; Arhelger, Thomas; Friedrich, Carsten
Trotz des langen Bestehens des Christentums haben Christen damals wie heute Schwierigkeiten, ihr Leben nach dem Willen Gottes zu führen. Der christliche Lebensstil soll heilig sein. Während Christen durch das Kreuz Christi geheiligt sind, bleiben sie dennoch unvollkommene Menschen. Diese Forschung zielt darauf ab, grundlegende Aspekte eines heiligen Lebensstils zu entwickeln. Anhand der Untersuchung von achtzehn Passagen aus den Briefen des Apostels Paulus durch Exegese und unter Bezugnahme auf Wayne Grudems „Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine“ wird dargelegt, dass die Heiligung ein dreiphasiger Prozess ist. Die erste Phase ist Gottes freies Geschenk der Heiligung durch den stellvertretenden Tod Jesu Christi. Die zweite Phase umfasst die menschliche Verantwortung, gemäß dieser Heiligung zu leben, da ein heiliger Lebensstil die angemessene Antwort auf Gottes Gnade ist. Diese beiden Phasen liegen in der Vergangenheit und Gegenwart. Die dritte Phase versichert die vollständige Heiligung, wobei der Fokus auf dem Jenseits oder dem zweiten Kommen Christi liegt. Dieser Prozess systematisiert die Heiligung und hebt universelle Aspekte eines heiligen Lebensstils hervor, während persönliche Freiheit im Leben nach Gottes Willen erlaubt wird. Schlüsselwörter: Heiligung, Heiliger Lebenswandel, Apostel Paulus, Exegese, Systematische Theologie
Widowhood Practice in Ezeagu, Nigeria: The Role of the Anglican Church
(South African Theological Seminary, 2014) Mgboo, Agubuzu-Oyi Celestina; Lessing, Pelham
The mini-thesis explores the socio-cultural practice of widowhood in Ezeagu, Nigeria. The study found through both the literature study and the empirical component, that harmful cultural practices are associated with the cultural rituals of widowhood. These rituals are deeply rooted in hegemonic theory, a type of moral and philosophical leadership, which promotes dominance and control at the expense of the oppressed and marginalized. Hegemonic practice in Nigeria, as it relates to widowhood practices, rests with major social, political, and religious groups who provide consent to cultural practices. Furthermore, the study found hegemonic theory undermines the human dignity and rights of widows and their children in the research locale and has added to the stress (life crisis units) and hardships of widowhood. The study proceeds to reflect on the role of Scripture and consequently the church in addressing these harmful widowhood practices as well as charting a path to assist widows in ordering their personal worlds. The people of God in the Old Testament (the Kehal Yahweh) and the Church in the New Testament (the Ecclesia), the study argues, have always been at the forefront of addressing issues related to social justice. Drawing on the Biblical narrative and secondary sources, the researcher highlights the social responsibility of the [Anglican] Church. The Anglican Church, the study also found, has been very active in alleviating the plight of widows in Ezeagu. Through its pastoral and caring activities, the church assisted several of its members as well as citizens attached to other religions to find accommodation; assisted in supplying food; through its advocacy programs addressed issues relating to legislation, education, and creative strategies in their attempt to eradicate the harmful practices relating to the nature, rituals, and damaging practices of widowhood. The study concludes by making recommendations on how widows, the church, and society at large can continue to upgrade and intensify their efforts to empower especially Anglican widows, who are members of the church, to order their private world and become mentors and/or coaches of those who enter the status of widowhood and serve as advocates for the plight of widows in Ezeagu. The study appeals to the spiritual senses of the Anglican Church deeply rooted in the biblical narrative to continue to seek the welfare of widows as an expression of biblical advocacy and action in relation to human hardships. Solitary religion is not an option for the church. In keeping with one of the central biblical passages for the church at large, Matthew 22:34-40, [social] holiness is deep intentional love for neighbor. Stressing religion, evangelical spirituality, or social action, one without the other, the study argues, leads to problems in both directions (Evangelical Gnosticism), and keeping the balance is the task of the church; this is theology in action.
Christsein im ersten Johannesbrief Ausführungen zur christlichen Existenz vor dem Hintergrund der wichtigsten johanneischen Alternativbegriffe
(South African Theological Seminary, 2014) Grader, Daniel; Heller, Margarita
Das Konzept des Christseins ist vielfältig und kann auf verschiedene Weisen interpretiert werden. Der erste Johannesbrief bietet eine einzigartige Perspektive, indem er sich auf die grundlegenden Elemente des christlichen Glaubens konzentriert. Der Verfasser des Briefes beginnt mit dem Bekenntnis des Glaubens an Christus als den Sohn Gottes, was die Grundlage seiner Weltanschauung bildet. Diese Arbeit untersucht die wesentlichen Themen, die im ersten Johannesbrief behandelt werden, und betont dabei die dualistischen Ausdrücke wie "Licht und Finsternis", "Wahrheit und Lüge" sowie "Leben und Tod". Diese Dualismen werden nicht verwendet, um einen wahren ontologischen Dualismus vorzuschlagen, sondern um die moralischen und ethischen Unterscheidungen hervorzuheben, die für ein christliches Leben wesentlich sind. Die Arbeit ist in vier Hauptabschnitte unterteilt: 1) Die Existenz des Gläubigen im Licht, 2) Das Handeln des Gläubigen, 3) Das Vertrauen des Gläubigen und 4) Die Kämpfe des Gläubigen. Die Studie kommt zu dem Schluss, dass ein echtes christliches Leben durch das Leben im Licht gekennzeichnet ist, das durch die Kenntnis von Jesus Christus ermöglicht wird. Diese Perspektive bietet einen soliden Rahmen für die Auseinandersetzung mit aktuellen Fragen zur christlichen Existenz.
Evaluating an Evangelical Universalist Interpretation of Romans 5:12–21
(South African Theological Seminary, 2014) Wheeler, Stephen; Smith, Kevin G.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the claims of Trinitarian Universalism to the effect that Romans 5:12–21 teaches that all human beings were included in Christ’s atoning death and, therefore, that all people are already reconciled to God. In order to achieve this objective, the study will seek to answer three major questions: 1. How does a Trinitarian Universalist reading of Romans 5:12–21 compare with other theological readings? 2. How does a Trinitarian Universalist reading of Romans 5:12–21 account for the discourse structure of the pericope? 3. How does a Trinitarian Universalist reading of Romans 5:12–21 correlate with the macro-context of the pericope? The proposed research requires a literary methodology; specifically, in-depth exegesis of the Greek text of Romans 5:12–21. This pericope will be read in its immediate, book, and theological contexts in an attempt to assess whether Paul intended it to convey the central implications advanced by Trinitarian Universalists, namely, whether it teaches that all people are already saved by their inclusion in the death of Christ. The study is envisaged to require three content chapters, in addition to its introduction and conclusion. This yields the following outline: 1. Introduction 2. Literature Review 3. The Meaning of Romans 5:12–21 4. The Message of Romans 5. Conclusion The first chapter, the Literature Review, serves to contextualise the TU reading of Romans 5:12-21 in the light of the history of research and interpretation. The next three chapters analyse the coherence of the TU interpretation of the pericope, moving progressively outward from the immediate to the canonical context. The concluding chapter will offer a brief review of the objectives of the research, the arguments advanced, and the conclusions reached.
An Exegesis of Luke 5:12-16 and its Relevance for Shaping Christian Attitude towards People Stigmatized by HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa
(South African Theological Seminary, 2015) Hoy, Barbara-Anne; Asumang, Annang
All three synoptic evangelists narrate a miracle performed by Jesus in the earliest phase of His public ministry in which He was accosted by a leper requesting cleansing, to which He duly responded (cf. Mk 1:40-45; Mt 8:1-4; Lk 5:12-16). A key feature of the socio-cultural and religious experiences of the biblical leper is stigmatization, ostracism, and marginalization from full participation in the life of the community. Several scholars have examined the Synoptic Gospels’ account of the healing of the leper, seeking to identify their relevance and application in contemporary scenarios. Although these discussions have shed significant light on the modern relevance of the miracle, as far as I am aware, none have focused on the specific presentation of the miracle in Luke’s Gospel in relation to people living with HIV and AIDS, who, like the biblical leper, are also often stigmatized and marginalized from full participation in their communities, including church life. This is a significant scholarly omission, given Luke’s heightened interest in the poor, stigmatized, and marginalized. This mini-thesis exegetes the text of Luke 5:12-16 to determine its theological relevance for Luke’s first readers and, by reflective comparison, maps out some of its implications for shaping contemporary Christian attitudes towards people stigmatized by HIV and AIDS. To this end, a historical-grammatical method of exegesis, together with a literary-theological investigation, directed primarily towards historical and philological goals, is employed. In order to paint a broad social and cultural background for a closer study of the Lucan text, the purity laws of first-century Palestine and specifically how they resulted in the ostracism of those diagnosed with leprosy are examined. The study found that in this narrative Jesus gives concrete expression to the inclusive character of the gospel, the kingdom of God, and the Christian community as He deliberately reaches out and touches an ‘untouchable’. Instead of protecting Himself with the purity regulations, Jesus revealed a reformed idea of purity. Moreover, Jesus’ involvement of the priest in the restoration of the leper offers a challenge to the contemporary Church in Southern Africa. His attitude towards this social outcast has much to contribute to a greater understanding of the Christian attitude necessary in facilitating the eradication of HIV-related stigmatization.
New Testament Church Building Principles ... and What Can/Should Be Learned from Them for Local, Western European Small Church Work in General
(South African Theological Seminary, 2015) Sieber, David; Sondheimer, Florian
This thesis examines the principles of New Testament church building and explores their relevance to contemporary small church work in Western Europe. The study is motivated by the promise of Jesus in Matthew 16:18 to build His church and the subsequent insights provided by the New Testament on how God, through the apostles, established diverse Christian communities despite severe persecution. The central question addressed is whether the New Testament contains explicit principles for church building and, if so, what lessons can be learned for local small church work in Western Europe. The hypothesis of this thesis is that although the New Testament does not contain a systematic doctrine of church building, it does include various principles that are fundamental to the construction of the New Testament church. These principles are essential, timeless, and applicable across different cultures and situations. In addition to these principles, there are also exemplary practices that, while not obligatory, are worth emulating. The thesis is structured to first establish a working definition of New Testament church building principles (nGp) and then to examine key biblical passages to identify these principles. The study includes a detailed analysis of passages such as Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-37, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 14:21-27, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 4:11-15, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, and Acts 6:1-7. These passages are analyzed to extract and categorize the principles and exemplary practices they contain. In the final chapters, the thesis discusses the implications of these principles for small church work in Western Europe, offering practical insights and recommendations. The aim is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing a foundation for local churches to build upon these New Testament principles in a way that is relevant and effective in the contemporary Western European context.
Begleitwirkungen und mögliche Risiken des Internet-Pornografie-Konsums Ein Beitrag aus der Perspektive christlicher Ethik
(South African Theological Seminary, 2015) Fürstenberg, Merlin; Schirrmacher, Thomas
Begleitwirkungen und mögliche Risiken des Internet-Pornografie-Konsums: Ein Beitrag aus der Perspektive christlicher Ethik Diese Arbeit untersucht die begleitenden Wirkungen und potenziellen Risiken des Konsums von Internet-Pornografie, analysiert aus der Perspektive der christlichen Ethik. Angesichts der allgegenwärtigen Verfügbarkeit von Internet-Pornografie zielt diese Studie darauf ab, ihre ethischen Implikationen sowohl auf individueller als auch auf gesellschaftlicher Ebene zu bewerten. Die Forschungsfragen konzentrieren sich auf drei Hauptbereiche: die individuellen und gesellschaftlichen Folgen der Produktion und des Konsums digitaler Pornografie aus der Sicht der interdisziplinären Sexologie; die Integration dieser Erkenntnisse in die christliche Sexualethik, um einen Dialog zu schaffen; und die Bereitstellung nachdenklicher Anstöße zur existenziellen Bewertung des ethischen Werts der Pornografie durch die Leser. Die Arbeit stellt die Hypothese auf, dass die soziologische Forschung wahrscheinlich eine pornografie-freundlichere Bewertung präsentieren wird, die eine erhöhte sexuelle Aufklärung und Befreiung hervorhebt, während die psychologische Forschung kritischer sein wird und vor einer möglichen Sucht und der Konditionierung abweichender sexueller Vorlieben warnt. Die christliche Ethik, die sich auf soziologische und psychologische Erkenntnisse stützt, wird einen normativen Rahmen auf der Grundlage biblischer Maßstäbe bieten, wobei insbesondere der einzigartige Wert der Ehe als exklusiver Kontext für sexuelle Intimität betont wird. Die Struktur der Arbeit ist in drei Hauptabschnitte unterteilt: Soziologie, Psychologie und Theologie. Jeder Abschnitt zielt darauf ab, wichtige Erkenntnisse und Perspektiven innerhalb seines Fachgebiets zu präsentieren, die letztlich in einer umfassenden ethischen Bewertung des Konsums von Internet-Pornografie münden, die den Lesern hilft, informierte und gottesfürchtige Entscheidungen zu treffen.
Die Schatten der himmlischen Dinge Typologie im Hebräerbrief
(South African Theological Seminary, 2015-10-01) Friedrich, Carsten; Kinker, Thomas
Ziel und Aufbau der Arbeit οἵτινες ὑποδείγματι καὶ σκιᾷ λατρεύουσιν τῶν ἐπουρανίων, καθὼς κεχρημάτισται Μωϋσῆς μέλλων ἐπιτελεῖν τὴν σκηνήν, Ὅρα γάρ φησίν, ποιήσεις πάντα κατὰ τὸν τύπον τὸν δειχθέντα σοι ἐν τῷ ὄρει· [Die Priester,] die dem Abbild und Schatten der himmlischen Dinge dienen, wie Mose eine göttliche Weisung empfing, als er im Begriff war, das Zelt aufzurichten; denn „Sieh zu“, spricht er, „dass du alles nach dem Muster (Typos) machst, das dir auf dem Berge gezeigt worden ist!“ Hebr 8,5 Diesem Vers ist der Titel der vorliegenden Arbeit entnommen: „Die Schatten der himmlischen Dinge“. Dieser einzelne Vers gibt schon viele Hinweise, die das Thema der Arbeit betreffen: Typologie im Hebräerbrief. Es kommt darin eine spezielle Ausformung des typologischen Denkens zum Ausdruck, die von einer Entsprechung zwischen himmlischen Urbildern und irdischen Abbildern ausgeht. Jedoch, und auch das macht der Vers schon deutlich, sieht der Hebräerbrief das irdische Abbild nicht durch sein himmlisches Vorbild aufgewertet wie im Judentum üblich; vielmehr sieht er in den Abbildern des Alten Bundes einen bloßen Schatten der himmlischen Dinge, zu denen die Gläubigen durch den Neuen Bund Zugang erhalten. Weiterhin spricht dieser Vers von den himmlischen Dingen als Typen (entsprechend Hebr 9,24 von den irdischen Abbildern als Antitypen). Damit ist die typologische Terminologie im Vergleich zu Paulus, Petrus und dem bis heute üblichen Gebrauch vertauscht: Ist der Antitypos sonst die gesteigerte Erfüllung des Typos, ist er im Hebräerbrief der schwache irdische Schatten der wahren himmlischen Realitäten. So macht schon allein dieser eine Vers die Relevanz des The- mas deutlich. Denn der Hebräerbrief bedient sich eines sehr charakteristischen typologischen Denkens, wie es sich sonst in dieser Form nirgends im NT findet. In dieser Arbeit soll nun dieses typologische Denken des Hebräerbriefes dargestellt werden. Dazu gliedert sie sich in drei Teile. Im Teil A wird eine allgemeine Einführung in das Thema Typologie gegeben, indem zuerst die wichtigsten Grundlinien der Typologie aufgezeichnet werden. Dazu zählen Punkte wie Begriffsbestimmung und die Bestimmung des Verhältnisses zwischen Typologie und jeweils Allegorie, Prophetie, Hermeneutik und Theologie. Im Anschluss soll ein Überblick über die Verwendung der Typologie im Alten und Neuen Testament sowie in der Auslegungsgeschichte gegeben werden. Der für den Hebräerbrief spezifische Gebrauch der Typologie wird auf zwei Weisen herausgearbeitet: Zum einen wird ein konkretes Beispiel für Typologie im Hebräerbrief detailliert dargestellt, zum anderen wird dann der typologische Schriftgebrauch des Hebräerbriefes im Allgemeinen erläutert. Im Teil B wird daher Melchisedek exemplarisch für die Typologie des Hebräerbriefes beleuchtet. Dazu werden zuerst die beiden alttestamentlichen Vorkommen von Melchisedek untersucht, indem jeweils eine kurze Auslegung des Textes sowie eine Bestimmung der Funktion vorgenommen wird, die Melchisedek im entsprechenden Text hat. Im Anschluss daran wird dann der typologische Gebrauch Melchisedeks im Hebräerbrief dargestellt. Mit dem typologischen Schriftgebrauch des Hebräerbriefes im Allgemeinen beschäftigt sich Teil C. Dabei werden das für den Hebräerbrief charakteristische Urbild-Abbild-Denken sowie dessen philosophischer Hintergrund untersucht. In einem zweiten Schritt steht die Hermeneutik des Hebräerbriefautors im Mittelpunkt, wie sie in seinem typologischen Schriftgebrauch zum Tragen kommt. Im ersten Teil der Arbeit wird das literaturwissenschaftliche Konzept vom Wirkungspotential eines Textes vorgestellt und auf die typologische Auslegung biblischer Texte bezogen. Im Laufe der Arbeit wird immer wieder an geeigneten Stellen auf dieses Konzept Bezug genommen, um so nachzuweisen, dass es einen geeigneten literaturwissen-schaftlichen Zugang zur biblischen Typologie ermöglicht. Um eine bessere Lesbarkeit zu erreichen, wurden in Zitaten Abkürzungen aus- geschrieben und die Verwendung von -ß- und -ss- der neuen deutschen Rechtschreibung angeglichen. Auch eine Umschrift und Übersetzung griechischer und hebräischer Ausdrücke wurde aus diesem Grunde beigefügt.
Towards a Strategy for improving the Practice of Missions in the Divine Grace Church of God in the Chawama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary, 2016) Shamuteya, Laban Kabunda; Light, Vernon
This thesis is based on the realisation that the Divine Grace Church of God (DGCG) seems to be lacking in its operative theology in relation to missions in its ministry context. The main objective of the thesis is to formulate a theologically-informed strategic plan to ensure that the praxis of DGCG with regard to missions is faithful to God and optimally relevant to its ministry context. The secondary objectives are: (1) to interpret the operative theology of DGCG with respect to missions; (2) to determine what faithful praxis in relation to missions would look like for DGCG in its ministry context, and (3) to develop a communicative and strategic plan to strengthen the praxis of DGCG in relation to missions. The research design and methodology employed in this study are based on Browning’s strategic practical theology (1991:55-74). It is a holistic approach that has four steps and each step covers a chapter in this thesis, except that steps 2 and 3 are included in one chapter. Both qualitative empirical and literary methods are employed to gather the needed data. The thesis begins with an analysis and interpretation of empirical data to determine the operative missions theology of DGCG (chapter 2). It moves on to consider a theological analysis with a view to forming theological perspectives and imperatives to guide the practice of missions in DGCG (chapter 3). This leads to the formation of appropriate programmes to embody these theological imperatives. The final chapter (4) considers ways of communicating and implementing these strategic programmes. The following are the findings of the thesis. First, though DGCG is found to have good programmes that seem to cover almost all areas of church life and witness, its operative theology in relation to missions is found to be lacking in holistic kingdom mission. The result is failure to adequately impact society by life, word and deed. Second, chapter 3 deals with this inadequacy by providing theological imperatives to inform beliefs and practices of missions which are more faithful to Scripture. Third, ways by which DGCG would effectively communicate and implement the resulting new praxis of missions are finally outlined.
La Formación de Líderes en la Iglesia Local: El Caso de Cuatro Iglesias Pertenecientes a la Asociación De Iglesias Evangélicas de Oriente (ASIGEO) en Venezuela
(South African Theological Seminary, 2016) Marcano Carrizalez, Samuel Antonio; Hendrickson, Mark G.
La formación para el ministerio es una necesidad vital para todas las iglesias. El apóstol Pablo deja claro que los dones deben ser desarrollados para la edificación de la iglesia (1 Corintios 12:4-11; Efesios 4:11-16) y Pedro exhorta a cada creyente a servir a los demás a través del ejercicio de sus dones (1 Pedro 4:10). En ese proceso de crecimiento, la iglesia necesita de creyentes que sirvan de guías o líderes para ayudar a los demás en el servicio al Señor. La formación de estos líderes siempre ha sido un desafío para todas las iglesias. La mayoría de los pastores se sienten frustrados cuando buscan apoyo en otros creyentes para que les ayuden a liderar ministerios o áreas de servicio en la iglesia y no lo encuentran. Esta investigación muestra la forma cómo cuatro iglesias que pertenecen a la Asociación de Iglesias Evangélicas de Oriente (ASIGEO) en Venezuela están asumiendo la tarea de formar líderes locales. Se demuestra, en la investigación, que es importante en este proceso de formar líderes: 1) Tener una definición clara de lo que es un líder cristiano, 2) puntualizar la necesidad de que sean los pastores mismos quienes asuman la responsabilidad de la formación de líderes en la iglesia local y que busquen toda la ayuda necesaria para este fin, 3) ofrecer apoyo continuo a los líderes emergentes a través de mentorías y asistencias pastorales y 4) reconocer el papel importante que la organización, ASIGEO, puede cumplir en ayudar a los pastores e iglesias en el proceso de formación de líderes emergentes.
Towards a Biblically Faithful Operative Theology with Regards to Godly Wisdom at Worcester Christian Church
(South African Theological Seminary, 2017) Potgieter, Leon Anton; Light, Vernon
This study overviews Godly wisdom as outlined by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1-2, and correlates it with the practices of Worcester Christian Church. The intention of the study is to show how greater Biblical faithfulness may be achieved in praxis in this congregation with regard to Godly wisdom. The objective of the research can be stated as the formulation of a theologically-informed strategic plan to show how the Worcester Christian Church may be helped in regards to improving their praxis of Godly wisdom. To this end the study employs a mixed-method empirical research method to adequately interpret the church's current operative theology and compare it with a study of Paul's ideas in 1 Corinthians 1-2 with brief attention to a few other verses and a systematic theology perspective. This culminates in practical suggestions for improving the church's current praxis that more faithfully reflects Godly wisdom. The study found that Worcester Christian Church to a large degree adhered to a practical outworking of Godly wisdom as taught and applied by the Apostle Paul. The primary deficiency that was identified was an implicit anti-intellectual tendency amongst congregants and a dichotomous dualism between natural and spiritual methods of knowledge acquisition. Based on the works of Christian Schwarz, and his model of 'radical Christian balance', various practical and liturgical suggestions are made to show how this imbalance may be corrected and to erase the dichotomy. The desired end is a practice of a more holistic Godly wisdom, similar to that presented and espoused by Paul himself.
Continuity or Discontinuity of Blessing Rituals in African Traditional Religion: Towards a Contextual Theology of Christian Faith Among the Meta’ People in North West Cameroon
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018) Fokwa, John Nji; Mzondi, Modisa
The mbàn (the Metaʼ family meeting house) is an institution unique to the Meta’ and Moghamo-speaking populations of the North West Region of Cameroon. Many rites of blessing are performed in this house. For instance, the blessing of a girl to be handed over in marriage, the blessing of a barren woman/wife in the family, the blessing of a sick or unfortunate child, the blessing of disputing parties after they have been reconciled, and the blessing of an entire family after the annual family gathering. The Meta’ speaking community called the mbàn: “the most important house in the compound,” “the original church” before the advent of Christianity, “the house of peace, love, unity, harmony, and reconciliation.” Unfortunately, Pentecostals among the Meta’ community have labeled the mbàn an evil place and a place where Meta’ people worship gods or idols. They vehemently state that the mbàn and the elements used for blessings should be thrown away or discarded. Data about the mbàn was gathered through interviews and questionnaires from different people among the Meta’ clan. In this study, therefore, I have attempted through interviews and questionnaires administered to participants consisting of thirty (30) Christians made up of ten (10) clergy and twenty (20) church members, ten (10) family heads, five (5) chiefs and two (2) regents, five (5) teachers, and five (5) university lecturers. This data was then used to propose a strategy for a contextualized use of the mbàn, its blessing rites, and tangible elements for local churches among Metaʼ Christians and others.
Equipping Christian Teenagers of Bhisho Community Church to Be Effective Witnesses and Disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho Community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018) Mayedwa, Mlungisi Gladstone; Mzondi, Modisa
This study focused on the involvement of Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, in witnessing to their peers. The research problem focused on how the aforementioned church could enable its teenagers to be effective witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ in the Bhisho community in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa. In delineating and limiting the study, only Christian teenagers at Bhisho Community Church in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, were targeted. This enabled the researcher to interview only those teenagers who confirmed that they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Further, a literature review was conducted to explore research already done on teenage witnessing and discipleship. Since the focus of the research was on a real-life problem within the church, it was key that an empirical study be applied to solve this real-life problem. Consequently, questions were drawn up, and in-depth interviews conducted. The researcher drew a sample of eight teenagers (four males and four females) from a target population of seventy-two teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 years in the church. Data collected entailed the perceptions of the Christian teenagers of Bhisho Community Church regarding church teen activities, help by the church, witnessing, knowing Jesus, and the next step that one must take after having been introduced to Jesus. This has been an endeavor to identify areas in which the teenagers could be assisted. The research revealed that the church has done well in providing the teenagers with the help to tell their friends about Jesus Christ. Conversely, the church has displayed some weaknesses in that it did not supplement its teachings with practical witnessing opportunities. The recommendations state that the church should allow the Christian teenagers to craft a vision of their own that will focus on witnessing to Bhisho community’s youth. Further, focused teachings on witnessing and discipleship, and monthly outreaches should be part of the teenagers’ program in the church.
An Exegetical Study of 1 Timothy 6:3-12 With Special Reference to Its Implications for the Prosperity Gospel
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018) Dlamini, Sifiso T.; Falconer, Robert D.
The prosperity gospel (PG) is a widespread theology among certain denominations of the Christian church. The essence of this theology is the teaching that Christians have a right to wealth and health through positive confession and is based on a selection of texts in the Bible. The prosperity gospel, on closer examination, is the result of a very particular view of the Bible. The Bible is primarily seen as a faith contract between God and believers. Along this way, God is manipulated by the believer to fulfill his or her wants or desires. Most have come to believe that whatever they desire from God, they must simply speak (claim) it by faith. Positive confession means, therefore, that believers are speaking in faith what they believe God has already promised to them. At the heart of the prosperity teaching lies the conviction that no Christian is destined to suffer and live in poverty on this earth. The prosperity gospel has been examined and analyzed in the light of what the Bible teaches about wealth and health. The study is limited to an exegetical study of 1 Timothy 6:3-12. The results, as well as the practical implications and warnings, are discussed. It concludes with a summary of the prosperity gospel, detailing its faithfulness or infidelity to the biblical text. Recommendations are suggested that, taken together, are considered to be an appropriate response to advocates of that gospel.
PBL in der theologischen Ausbildung
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Scheffler, Wolfgang 1963; Shirrmacher, Thomas; Shirrmacher, Thomas
The present thesis deals with the question of "Problem Based Learning" as an option for professional theological education. Besides the purely academic question of theological education, there is a need for well-trained church leaders on an academic level. Not everyone has the opportunity of leaving his job for theological education. And sometimes a clear connection between theological education and pastoral practice in the church community is missing. Therefore, Problem Based Learning seems to be a solution. After a brief introduction to the principle of Problem Based Learning and its main tools, there will be a reflection on this method from the methodological, didactical, and educational perspectives. This happens to clarify how far this method can keep its promises. Because Problem Based Learning based on the theory of Constructivism that is contradicting the Christian understanding of truth, there will be a theological reflection as well. The thesis ends with a draft of an adaption of this method to theological education in the context of current needs.