MTh Theses
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2591
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Item Towards a Biblical strategy to counteract cultic practices among Neo-Pentecostal/charismatic churches: A case of the Restoration Embassy church in White-Hazy, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-04-01) Hungwe, Ropafadzo; Mzondi, ModisaIn South Africa, cultic practises amongst some false prophets have trended all over social media platforms, national television stations and radios for making members eat rodents, eat grass, drink petrol and ordering church members to strip naked during healing services. This has caused Christianity which has had from the beginning of the activities of Missionaries, good repute, and having positive impact on social cultural lives of Communities, to be under disrepute. Christian values have been compromised. This thesis' main question described how members of the Restoration Embassy church in White-Hazy, Mpumalanga Province of South Africa could counteract emerging cultic practices in their local context using scriptures. The first subsidiary question covered what the current situation in the White-Hazy area was regarding cultic practises and movements, whilst the second highlighted the causes of the cultic practises and movements that emerged amongst them. The third subsidiary question focused on what the New Testament teaches about false teachers and their doctrines whilst the fourth proposed biblical strategies that could be employed to counter cultic practises among Neo-Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires, from pastors and church members. Therefore, in this study, interviews and questionnaires were administered to participants who consisted of fifteen (15) pastors and also hundred church members, who were ten (10) members from each local church all adding up to hundred (100) members. This target population was randomly selected from the churches that are in the White-Hazy district. The area was purposefully chosen as a sample taking it from the fact that the researcher knew what was to be represented as characteristics and also to gain detailed knowledge from participants who met the research requirements. The response from the interviews showed that many prophetic churches with cultic tendencies are on the increase. Also, socio-economic conditions, materialism, greed and competition contribute to the increase of these churches in the area. This thesis also discussed what is taught in these churches and the reasons behind these teachings. From the findings, it was noted that some churches are still teaching true Bible doctrines. Lastly, there were proposed strategic approaches which can be employed to counteract cultic practises by Restoration Embassy Church. Community Bible study roadshow method was also suggested as a strategy for giving life teachings and biblical truths on false teachings and false prophets.Item 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.Item Evangelisation und soziales Handeln Wie die missionale Wirksamkeit der evangelikalen Kirchen in der Schweiz erhöht werden kann(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-08-18) Anderegg, Pascal Matthias; Derungs, Klaus-PeterThis thesis examines the declining influence of evangelical mission efforts in the German-speaking region, particularly Switzerland. The research seeks to understand the reasons behind this stagnation and explores strategies to improve the missional effectiveness of evangelical churches in Switzerland. The study combines historical analysis with empirical research methods, including quantitative surveys and qualitative group interviews, to investigate how members of evangelical churches perceive and practice mission. The findings reveal a disconnect between mission theory and practice, which must be addressed to enhance missional impact. The research suggests that fostering dialogue between church leaders and members and addressing socially relevant issues within church communities could help bridge this gap. Moreover, a paradigm shift toward a balanced integration of evangelism and social action may be necessary to better meet societal needs and restore the church's credibility and relevance. The thesis concludes by offering practical strategies to promote culturally relevant mission models that integrate evangelism with social engagement, aiming to increase the missional effectiveness of Swiss evangelical churches.Item Evaluating the Exegetical Benefit of Integrating New Testament Greek Discourse Grammar with Traditional Grammar(South African Theological Seminary, 2023-10-01) Crafford, Estelle; Smith, Kevin G.Over the past two centuries, there has been a constant shift in the evolution of thought on how Greek grammar should be studied and presented. Modern linguistics entered the scene at the dawn of the twentieth century, bringing a notable shift in language study. This modern linguistics period (1961 to the present) is earmarked for advances in modern linguistics and, in the past ten to twenty-plus years, the emergence of discourse grammar as a recent development in the field. In keeping with this trend, this thesis investigated the exegetical benefit of integrating New Testament Greek discourse grammar with traditional grammar in Greek language studies. The study began with a documentation of the past and current state of scholarship in Greek grammar. Then, in phase two, Matthew 7:1–20 was examined through the lens of traditional grammar, which provided a baseline for a comparison with the discourse-grammar study. The next logical step was to examine Matthew 7:1–20 through a discourse grammar lens to determine how much it clarified or enriched the interpretation of the four pericopes. After conducting phases two and three, the key takeaway was that integrating discourse grammar with traditional grammar does not result in a different interpretation of Matthew 7:1–20. Still, there is compelling evidence suggesting that it adds significant nuance and enriches the understanding of the text in three specific discourse-related areas of exegesis: (1) the writer's intent behind constituent order fluctuations (and whether they are "default" or "marked"), (2) the function and pragmatic constraints of conjunctions, and (3) the tasks performed by various other discourse devices. Accordingly, a holistic approach is proposed that integrates the grammatical and syntactical rules of traditional grammar with the communicative principles (or discourse tasks) of discourse grammar. This finding is significant since, if implemented, it could enrich the learning experience and improve the exegetical skills of future Greek students.Item 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, FrankThis 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.Item Widowhood Practice in Ezeagu, Nigeria: The Role of the Anglican Church(South African Theological Seminary, 2014) Mgboo, Agubuzu-Oyi Celestina; Lessing, PelhamThe 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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, FrankDit 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.Item 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, MarkThis 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.