MTh Theses

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

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A Biblical and Practical Response to Divorced Pastors in Ministry in the Churches in the Kawama Compound of Ndola in Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Kamfwa, Damas; Lockard, Anna-Marie
This dissertation offers a biblical and practical response to the issue of divorced pastors in ministry in Kawama compound of Ndola in Zambia. The research focused on examining how the Zambian church should respond to divorced pastors in ministry. I have argued that, in as much as God hates divorce and His idea for marriage is permanence -due to the hardness of the human heart and the brokenness of this world, there are biblical parameters for divorce.Furthermore, I have also made strong proposals on how to mitigate the rampant rate of divorce among pastors. Additionally, I have made suggestions on how to respond biblically, to those who are already victims of divorce and remarriage.
A Biblical Evaluation of Pastoral Remuneration Practices of the Baptist Churches in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with Specific Reference to 1 Timothy 5:17–18
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Razafindrakoto, Tovonirina Serge; Erdey, Zoltan
This research will discuss the issue of pastors’ remuneration within the Biblical Baptist churches of Antananarivo. The actual circumstances of each pastor and the context will be discussed in order to understand the reality and current praxis,as well as the basic principles that are applied to this matter. In so doing,seven pastors and members in charge of finances will be interviewed. Within the field of literary study, a biblical analysis of 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and an overview of two other NT texts(Luke 10:1-7 ; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)will be undertaken in order to establish biblical principles concerning the remuneration of pastors. Reality shows that pastors are not supported as they should be,and that the amount they earn is not appropriate to the work they perform. Most pastors are also obliged to do other remunerative activities to make ends meet,to provide for their family and even for their ministry needs. In order to improve the current situation of the churches, practical suggestions will be proposed.
A Biblical Theology of Community and Its Relevance to Early Twenty First Century Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) McKay, Grant Evan; Mahlangu; Mahlangu
Due to rapid urbanisation, the spread of HIV/AIDS and the growing influence of Western culture, Zambia is undergoing great changes in the early twenty-first century. According to its constitution, as amended by act number 18 of 1996, Zambia is a Christian nation. In order to find out how to run a community in a Biblical way, the theme of community was examined across the entire canon. Previously, there has only been two works, Hanson (2001) and Dubay (1973) which have sought to write a Biblical theology of community with reference to the entire canon. Neither of these works used the Bible’s own structure or genres in their own structure, nor were they written from a conservative, Evangelical perspective. In writing a Biblical theology of community, this thesis has divided the Bible into seven sections following the original canonical order and the genres of the books. In each of the seven sections there was a strong unity in the teachings of the Bible on community. The themes of solidarity, care for the poor and oppressed within a community, justice and family were found to have importance across the entire canon. The similarities and unity on community between the various sections of the canon far outweighed any diversity or differences. The issues that were raised and emphasised in the Biblical theology of community are of particularly relevance to early twenty-first century Zambia. Traditional solidarity is being eroded by urbanisation and Western influences. Care for the poor is paramount in the face of the amount of poverty currently seen in Zambia. Justice is relevant given both the plight of the poor and the history of government corruption. The family has traditionally been of great importance in Zambian culture. The importance given by the Bible to the issues of marriage, fidelity and the raising of children both affirms the traditional importance of the family and challenges some traditional practices.
A Biblical Theology of Repentance in Hosea: In the Light of God´s חֶסֶד
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Kind, Lukas 1994
A Biblical-Theological Analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 to Clarity the Relationship between the Christian Discipleship and Money
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) O'donoghue, Darrell; Lioy, Dan T.
SUMMARY: This thesis conducts a biblical-theological analysis of Matthew 6:19-34. The main problem is to clarify what this passage of scripture teaches about the relationship between the Christian disciple and money. Matthew 6:19-34 is found within the discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. By interacting with the various views on how the Sermon on the Mount is to be read this thesis settles on the opinion that the Sermon is addressed primarily to Christian disciples with the expectation that it’s demand can and should be met by the disciple. An analysis of the historical and literary contexts of the text is conducted as well as an analysis of the major theological motifs found within the text. By conducting a synthesis of these findings it is shown that Jesus presents money as a rival god that challenges for allegiance that rightly belongs to God. Jesus also draws attention to the way this allegiance to God can be expressed. The findings show that money and God are radically different gods. There are significantly different consequences to the believer that result from obedience to either money or God. Discipleship will be shown to be a discipline that is a community affair, and thus the consequences of allegiance to God or money are to be understood in how one’s stewardship of money affects the community.
A Brief, Critical History of Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa Among the AmaZioni of Southern Africa with Special Reference to Its Relationship with the Christian Catholic Church of Zion
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Sullivan, Andrew Leslie; Jabini, Franklin; Maenzanise, Tawanda
This thesis is a brief overview of the history of a missionary organization that specializes in ministering to the amaZioni of southern Africa. The word ‘amaZioni’ is taken from the Zulu word meaning ‘the people of Zion’. This Mission Organizationwas first known as the Mahon Mission and later became Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa (ZEMA). ZEMA has a close relationship with the Christian Catholic Church of Zion that was founded by John Alexander Dowie in 1896. Missionaries of ZEMA use this relationship that they enjoy with the church in Zion to gain acceptance by the amaZioni church leaders who themselves trace their history back to the Christian Catholic Church of Zion. The researcher attempts togive a brief history of the Christian Catholic Church of Zion in Illinois, USA that was founded by Dowie. It includes a history of the establishment of the Christian Catholic Church of Zion in South Africa and focuses on the most important characters whowere influenced by Dowie in South Africa. These were Johannes Buchler, Pieter le Roux and Edgar Mahon, the latter being the founder of the Mahon Mission.The thesis also investigates the ministry of the missionaries of ZEMA through the use of the instrument of a questionnaire. Theresults of this questionnaire revealsby way of testimony and personal experiences from both ZEMA missionaries and local amaZioni church leaders that the knowledge of ZEMA’s history and the unique relationship that ZEMA has withthe Christian Catholic Church of Zion has proven to be of great valueto both missionaries and the amaZioni churches.
A Christian Pastoral Response to the Spiritual Impact of Digital Gaming on Christian Adolescents at Cornerstone Fellowship Heidelberg
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Zaayman, Elizma; Light, Vernon E.
The Bible was written long before the internet and digital gaming. There is therefore nothing specific in Scripture that addresses this form of game playing or this fantasy world that humans engage in as a form of entertainment. The youth of Cornerstone Fellowship Heidelberg (CFH) church have become engulfed in this phenomenon of gaming and Christian parents are asking whether this could possibly negatively affect their adolescents and their faith. Clearly the church needed to determine a valid response to this question. The primary objective of this study is to formulate a theologically informed strategic plan where the playing of role playing fantasy digital games remains faithful to God and relevant to the ministry context and also the goals of CFH. This study begins with an interpretation of the operative theology of the church with reference to the gaming practices of its adolescents, then determines and defends what it believes is a faithful praxis in this area, and ends with a presentation of a communicative strategic plan for CFH in relation to its youth and members to achieve this praxis. Qualitative research was performed on three of the teenagers of CFH. These case studies were used in order to help determine whether gaming can influence the Christian adolescent’s faith, principles, values and morals and thus his/her spiritual life, growth and Christian identity. Certain Biblical principles and their use as a guideline to Christian behaviour regarding gaming are discussed. Information on digital games is provided to throw more light on the phenomenon and its potential impact on Christian teenagers.
A Comparative Analysis of the Distinction between Law and Gospel in Gerhard Forde and Confessional Lutheranism
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Cooper, Jordan; Lioy, Dan T.
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A Comparative Analysis of the Extant Bemba Bible Versions: Towards Functional Equivalence Translation with Special Reference to Isaiah 53
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Chansa, Brian 1984
A Comparative Study of Suffering In Pauline Theology and The Apostolic Fathers
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Berner, Philipp; Churchill, Timothy; Churchill, Timothy
NO ABSTRACT
A Comparative Study of Syncretic Practices between the Zionist Churches of Eswatini and Baal Worship in Ancient Israel.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Ward, Ashar Louise 1993; Curle, Neville; Domeris, William R.
Culture and tradition have an influence on how people practice their faith in God. Theology cannot be practiced in a vacuum; there are outside influences that affect how every person lives out their faith. Christianity in Eswatini is no exception. It has been heavily influenced by how it first came to the nation, the missionaries that have taught about faith, and Eswatini’s own history and culture. The Zionist Church in Eswatini represents the largest church body of the country. Yet, the Zionist churches are known for contextualising Christianity into Swati culture. However, where is the line between being culturally relevant and the syncretism of two religions? The Zionist churches in Eswatini have often been labelled as syncretic in practice. This research found that not all Zionist churches can be called syncretic, however many Zionist churches still do practice a syncretism of STR and Christianity. This syncretism is compared to that practiced by Ancient Israel. Israel went through cycles of practicing syncretism by engaging in cultural practices from the surrounding nations that were not compatible with worship of Yahweh. One repeated temptation for Ancient Israel specifically was the lure of Baal worship. Ancient Israel was used as a case study for this research project, specifically to identify the dangers of syncretism and its consequences. The consequences that Ancient Israel faced for abandoning Yahweh were disastrous. In studying both Israel and Zionism in Eswatini, it is clear that the syncretic practices are very similar. This has led to similar consequences too. Eswatini seems to be encountering consequences that were also promised to Israel, such as lack of fertility of land, animals, and humans.
A comparative study of the knowability of the Christian God and Allah: Strategic implications for Muslim evangelism
(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-04-24) Boshoff, Rudolph P.; Smith, Kevin G.
This research explores the basic ideas of Christianity and Islam about God's knowability, emphasizing the key differences between Allah and Yahweh. Christians base their theology on the Bible and claim that Allah can only be known via his revealed nature, but Muslims believe Allah cannot be personally known at all, creating a theological conundrum. According to my study, the biblical idea helps Christians develop an "I-Thou" relationship with Yahweh and helps them understand some of his attributes. On the other hand, Muslims find it difficult to explain many aspects of Allah, which undermines the moral foundation and coherence of their faith. The implications for evangelism strengthen the logical coherence of Christian theism and its ability to offer a meaningful alternative to Islamic monotheism. This comparative study aims to equip Christian witnesses to effectively address Islamic theology's challenges.
A Contextual Missiological Study Of The Sheepfold Ministries In The Garissa And Tana River Districts Of Northeastern Kenya
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Omondi, Francis; Malherbe, Johannes S.
This research describes the mission work of The Sheepfold Ministries (TSM) in North eastern Kenya, revealing the extent to which nationals have participated in mission. The case study in this research provides the crucial link between mission theory and practice as espoused by TSM. It further describes the context in which this mission occurred, and how that has shaped and continues to influence mission thinking and practice today. The data collected during this study makes public the work by TSM, and therefore provides the initial documentation for public awareness and appreciation. In this way, the research gives voice to nationals and their mission work in bringing their unique perspective into the corpus of mission literature. The study further addresses the question about mission’s priority today, mission in a turbulent and tumultuous context, and exposes existent gaps that could improve how nationals take part in Christian mission. The study shows that TSM’s involvement was intentional, organized, springing from careful reflection and a response to faith in Christ and that the communities they serve receive their ministry. Thus, the work by TSM missionaries provides a contextual missiological understanding and praxis. This thesis delineates the missiological paradigm emergent from TSM and brings to light the peculiar stories of national missionaries and their work. It concludes by offering implications and making recommendations for mission, which should inspire more mission work by nationals to the unreached peoples.
A Critical Analysis of Secularism on Individual Eschatology: Conceptual Implications For Christians in Modern Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Moyo, Derick Brown; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.
Modern Zambia is at crossroads with regard to the choice for a national ideology that must be on Zambia’s national constitution. One side argues for maintaining the status quo, ‘Christian state’, while the other is vying for legislating a ‘secular state’. While these polarized views are largely value-laden in scope, they have not touched on the ultimate teleological concerns that such a choice could have on individual modern Zambian Christians, who compose the country’s majority population. It is this gap that the study addresses. The study also suggests alternative solutions to the crisis. The research examines the ideological crisis in modern Zambia in light of the human ultimate question as provided in Christianity’s doctrine of individual eschatology. The study needed to be done thus because, the majority of Zambians are Christians and therefore the need to theologically contribute in resolving the national ideological crisis, from the angle of ultimate hope and not just ‘values’ alone, is critical. The Bible admonishes about having a worldview or ideology that transcends this present life (1 Cor. 15:19). I have used deductive data analysis. Secondary data was conceptually and philosophically analyzed to test the claims advanced by the study using three tests of analysis: the provisionality test; the ‘correspondence theory of truth’ test and; the ‘coherence theory of truth’ test.The study found that making an ideology to be a constitutional matter has little value in terms of determining the individual ultimate destiny for modern Zambian Christians. The reasons for this are twofold. First, modern Zambian Christians are already inundated with various unfavourable contextual challenges at both the macrocosm (Africa) and microcosm (modern Zambia) societal levels that bear on their spirituality. Secondly, some of the theological trends within Christendom itself on the ultimate question do engender a conceptual confusion for modern Zambian Christians. Thus, to talk about a legislated national Christian ideology would be both irrelevant (in such a harsh context) and discriminatory; to vie for a legislated national secular ideology would be to define an earthly ultimate hope for a people that are largely Christian – whose hope must be anchored beyond this world. Since the thesis raises issues of ultimate hope for human beings (modern Zambia Christians particularly); it is essentially a thesis arguing for extolling God’s consummate hope for all humanity, modern Zambian Christians included. The study demonstrates that human life lived without such a grander hope has eternal implications.
A Critical Analysis of the Doctrine of Salvation in Free Evangelical Assemblies in Swaziland: A Contextualized Theology
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Buthelezi, Sicelo Jerome; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.
This study is a critical analysis of the doctrine of salvation, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and core message of the Free Evangelical Assemblies. The research investigated the concept and experience of salvation in the Free Evangelical Assemblies.It discusses how Swazi Free Evangelical members experience and interpret the concept of Salvation in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members or the Swazi people in general embraced salvation, there has always been the persistent problem where they would turn to traditional religious rituals in times of crises. The research reveals how converts faithfully practiced the Christians‟ teachings, but still would not renounce cultural dictates, and how, by-so-doing, they found themselves living in two worlds. The study suggests that a relevant message of salvation could be the best solution to this dilemma.Chapter One introduces the research problem and the conceptual method,which focuses on the biblical concept of salvation and its relevance to the members of the Free Evangelical Assemblies. Chapter Two discusses the conception of salvation,which is the core belief of the church. The research discovered that the church is faced with a major problem that threatens its core faith as church members seem wont to revert to traditional beliefs each time they face life challenges, and never entirely, at least in practice, seem to believe in the missionaries‟ teachings. They seem to be of the view that the God of the missionaries does not understand the problems of the Swazi people. It would appear that Swazis would appreciate a theology that addresses their worldview. Chapter Three examines the Biblical and Theological concept of salvation.The study shows that biblical salvation is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God‟s redemptive involvement in human affairs. The research demonstrates that the redemptive acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. vi Chapter Four is a response to the universal quest of a contextualized theology,which en-fleshes the word of God in every culture; and positions the church as an extension of the body of Christ,and mediates the message of salvation in the context of their culture. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations and conclusion.
A Critical Evaluation of Bruce Little’sCreation-Order Theodicy
(South African Theological Seminary) Johnson, Connie
A Critical Investigation into the Prophetic Praxis within the Sword Embassy Ministry of Ondangwa, Namibia: A Congregational Study
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Ngube, Lasarus 1984–; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, Modisa
This study is a critical investigation of the doctrine of prophecy, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and one of the core messages of the Sword Embassy Ministry Ondangwa, Namibia. This research investigated the concept and experience of prophecy in the Sword Embassy Ministry. It discusses how Sword Embassy Ministry members experience and interpret the concept of prophecy in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members in general embraced prophecy, there has always been a varied understanding on what prophecy is and ways in which it should be practiced. The study revealed that prophecy has been a subject which has been practiced throughout the Bible from the Old Testament, New Testament, Early Church, and indeed through to the twentieth century. The researcher discussed the concept of prophetic praxis which is one of the core beliefs of the church. The study further examines the biblical and theological concept of prophecy, and it reveals that biblical prophecy is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God`s delivering involvement in human affairs. It demonstrates that the delivering and revelation acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. Hence the researcher developed a practical five-steps strategy for the implementation of prophetic ministry at a congregational level. The strategy entails (a) prayer and fasting, (b) Bible centered prophetic ministry, (c) sensitive prophecy, (d) interactive prophetic ministry and (e) feedback and accountability. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations, and conclusion.
A Critique of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures' Treatment of Nine Texts Employing θεος in Reference to Jesus Christ
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Baumgarten, Kenneth J.; Smith, Kevin G.; Smith, Kevin G.
Since shortly after its initial publication in 1950, The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures(NWT), has been the subject of critical examination by the academic community, as well as both Catholic and Protestant church-oriented publishers. A primary issue emphasized by reviewers is theological bias as it influences NWT's translation.Countess (1967:160), in regard to John 1:1, has noted that “a prior ‘preferred religious view’ on the part of the witnesses” has motivated the NWT translators to disregard and violate the rules of Greek grammar as a “grammatical means to a doctrinal end”.My proposed research is founded on the assumption that if a Bible translation's treatment of the original text, either in toto,or in regard to passages related to a specific major subject or theme, can be objectively determined to be erroneous, such a translation's usefulness as either an academic or devotional resource may be called into question. I do not assert that isolated minor differences in translations necessarily invalidate an entire translation, but systemic, concerted 2anomalies may certainly do so. As such, the Anti-trinitarianism of the Witnesses (Metzger 1953) and their treatment of related texts (Bowman 1991) cannot be ignored, and has not been ignored, being a common subject of most of the work to date(Steurman 1956).Bowman (1991:74) writes that “the case against the NWT must rest on the evidence from within the NWT itself;...” (he consequently concludes thatthe evidence is sufficient to reject NWT as an “unreliable translation”).Bowman's position is similar to my own, inasmuch as my thesis is predicated on a belief that theological bias on the part of NWT's translators is only a problem if it results in an erroneous translation of the text, and only such mistranslation of the Greek text calls into question the trustworthiness of NWT (or any other translation). All translators have biases. It is only when those biases override the translators’ allegiance tothe text that they become problematic.Which leads to another common theme in the extant body of critique; that of contradictions of NWT with its stated philosophy of translation. The great gift of the NWT's publishers to theirreaders is the inclusion of a very clear statement of purposes and principles in the forward to the first edition (1950). As early as 1951, the aims of the translators were being used as a standard for measuring their efforts and detecting controlling biases (Mattingly 1951:439). Countess, in his “Critical Analysis” (1952), masterfully and methodically identified and cataloged certaininconsistencies of NWT with the stated aims of the translators. 3The scope and import of these inconsistencies must have been early noted by the Watchtower Society, as subsequent editions of NWT included a much shortened forward, lacking the detail and force of the original.The work to date has thoroughly identified liberties taken with grammar and lexeme, as well as inconsistencies with NWT's stated aims, and has used Witness theology and doctrine as a backdrop for explaining the assumed motives behindthese different translations.What the extant body of critique has not done is establish and apply an objective test to its treatment of a major subject or theme of scripture (such as the Divinity of Christ), for determining the trustworthiness of NWT as an academic and/or devotional resource.
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.
A Historical and Theological Survey of the Relationship Between the Principle of Liberty of Conscience and the Doctrine of Scripture in the Baptist Union of South Africa From 1930 to 2005
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Aucamp, Casper Andrew; Lioy, Dan T.
SUMMARY: Baptists are well known for two principles, namely the primacy of the Scriptures, and liberty of conscience. The Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) has historically also sought to uphold these two principles. These two principles, however, can superficially appear to be in conflict with one another. The need to promote doctrinal orthodoxy by defining a doctrine of Scripture could be construed as limiting the liberty of conscience of the individual churches in the BUSA to interpret the Scriptures for themselves. This thesis examines two questions. Firstly, what is the nature of the Baptist principle “liberty of conscience” or “religious liberty,” and how is the principle meant to be understood in the context of the churches’ ongoing mandate to “defend the faith?” Secondly, how, if at all, has the principle of liberty of conscience impacted on the doctrine of Scripture in the BUSA? The research shows that the principle of liberty of conscience was first introduced and advocated in a context of religious persecution from the State. The early Baptists saw the principle of “liberty of conscience” as an opportunity to freely practice their religious convictions and even separate from those who held contrary beliefs. The historical survey of the BUSA indicates that numerous attempts to define and clarify a doctrine of Scripture have been resisted based on the objection that liberty of conscience will be compromised. This has had a negative impact on the doctrine of Scripture. Significant minority groups have developed that hold to views that undermine the authority of the Scriptures, and so impact on the primacy of Scripture in the BUSA. The view of liberty of conscience in the BUSA is found to be at variance with the theological and historic understanding of the principle. This thesis therefore provides a corrective framework within which the BUSA can achieve clarity and stability on the doctrine of Scripture without negatively impacting on the liberty of conscience of the individual churches.