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 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, ModisaThis 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.Item Ordination of Women in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God–Zambia (PAOGZ), Eastern Province, Lundazi District(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Kangwa, Kenny 1974–; Mzondi, Modisa; Mzondi, ModisaThis study discusses the ordination of women in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God – Zambia, Eastern province, Lundazi District, Zambia with regards to the local church’s cultural environment. The literature review was conducted on the teaching of the Pentecostal churches in which scholars’ systems and theories that shaped their theology regarding female ordination were unearthed. Nineteen local participants were interviewed in three separate focus groups of seven Lundazi Pentecostal pastors, six Lundazi senior males, and six Lundazi senior females, respectively. Each group aired their experiences, views, and feelings on the Lundazi cultural context regarding the role of women in society. Five lecturers from Eastern School of Mission and Theology were interviewed to share their views on the ordination of females in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Zambia in the Eastern Province of Zambia. A biblical analysis was conducted to determine what the Bible teaches regarding female ordination. Focus was placed on passages that teach some form of ordination, namely Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5 in relation to gender prophetic gifts (Acts 2:17). These and related passages were compared with 1 Timothy 2:12, which tends to teach on the exclusion of females from ruling local assemblies. Comparison and contrast of the literature, interviews and biblical analysis revealed that PAOGZ, Eastern Province, Lundazi District, Zambia operated in a patriarchal environment. Evidence showed that women who attempted to pastor local assemblies in the area faced rejection from local people. Recommendations were made in forms of theological implications and practical recommendations to help the local church improve its practices of female ordination by making them relevant to the culture of its people.Item PBL in der theologischen Ausbildung(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Scheffler, Wolfgang 1963; Shirrmacher, Thomas; Shirrmacher, ThomasThe 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.Item The Concept of Glory in First Peter(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Pike, David James 1983; Sivonen, MikkoThe purpose of this study is to explore the concept of glory in 1 Peter. To that end, it has endeavoured to explore and analyse the words and concepts applied by Peter, which could be described as representing or shaping the overall concept of glory. Influenced by the narrative approach taken by previous studies, this thesis has examined 1 Peter in light of the Old Testament and the unfolding narrative of Scripture, while seeking to present its findings in systematically theological terms. In addition, the influence of the life and teachings of Jesus as a significant factor in the life of Peter as well as the influence of the Roman Imperial context of the time have also been considered. The questions that guided the research for this study were as follows: 1. How do we define which words and concepts relate to the overall concept of glory in 1 Peter? 2. What factors influence Peter’s understanding and use of the concept of glory in 1 Peter? 3. Which words or concepts does Peter use to communicate the glory concept? 4. Is Peter’s use of language related to the glory concept uniform throughout his letter or does he apply terminology differently in different places? 5. What other concepts in 1 Peter are related to the concept of glory and affect or help define the overall concept of glory? 6. What theological categories characterise the overall concept of glory in the epistle? Glory language and related concepts permeate the epistle and therefore the text is exegeted and examined to ascertain Peter’s concept of glory. To this end, the letter is divided into twelve sections or exegetical units. This process discovered that there are many words and concepts in 1 Peter that are related to or define the overall concept of glory that Peter presents in this letter. As one might expect, the most prominent way the concept of glory was seen in the epistle was through the presence of the “glory” lexemes δόξα and τιμή and their semantically related derivatives. It is the presence of these terms that initially make the reader aware that the concept of glory is prominent in 1 Peter. It is also in the manner that other language relates to these lexemes, through various levels of context, that we understand that they are relating to or modifying the overall concept of glory in 1 Peter. In multiple places throughout the epistle, the concept of glory is identified with or modified by other concepts. For example, the concept of identity plays a role in shaping Peter’s concept of glory. Peter’s identity, and that of his audience, is intrinsically linked to their connection to Jesus and his identity. Jesus, as the eschatological Israel, is the narrative fulfilment of the Old Testament Scriptures and their identity with him will also mean their participation in the future revelation of his glories. Related to this identity theme is the presentation of Jesus as the “Cornerstone” and “Living stone”, while his followers are described as a “Chosen Race”, a “Royal Priesthood”, a “Holy Nation” and a “People for His Own Possession”. There are also several other concepts that influence and shape Peter’s overall concept of glory. The concepts of hope, joy, faith, grace, salvation, life, inheritance, and blessing fill out the concepts of deliverance and vindication. The concepts of holy living, characterised by honourable conduct, and suitable submission within relevant social contexts, are also seen to be contributing to the overall concept of glory in 1 Peter. Building on these findings, theological categories that communicate the overall concept of glory in 1 Peter are created. These categories are Glory as a Possession of a Person or a Group of People, Glory as an Experience of God’s Presence, Glory as a Superior Quality in Comparison to Others, Glory as a Concept in Relation to Time, and Glory as the Vindication of God’s People. In addition to these categories, within the overall concept of glory in 1 Peter, Peter distinguishes between the concept of eternal, salvific, Christian glory and the concept of temporal, non-salvific, pagan glory.Item Die Dringlichkeit der strategischen Konsolidierung junger Christen/Gemeinden bei Paulus exemplarisch im 1. Thessalonicherbrief (2,17-3,10), mit möglichen Implikationen für die Gemeindegründungs-, bzw. Gemeinderevitalisierungsbewegung: Eine exegetisch systematische Untersuchung.(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Luz, Edgar 1972; Vogt, Titus; Vogt, TitusIn dieser Arbeit wird die Frage untersucht, welche Priorität der Apostel Paulus der Nacharbeit mit seinen jungen Konvertiten einräumt. Es wird erforscht, welche Dringlichkeit und Strategie hinter den uns offenbarten apostolischen Maßnahmen und Aktivitäten in seinen neuen Gemeinden stehen. Als Modell wählen wir die Gemeinde in Thessaloniki. Darin wird zuerst allgemein die Frage nach der Existenz einer Strategie bei Pls. aus verschiedenen Perspektiven erörtert. Anschließend werden die gängigen Ansätze in der aktuelleren biblisch-theologischen Fachliteratur auf die letztlichen Ambitionen des Apostels für die jungen Konvertiten in Thessaloniki analysiert und die Resultate in einer kurzen Synthese vergleichend aufgearbeitet. Hierbei sehen wir, dass die Ansätze weniger Alternativen als Komplementierung zueinander darstellen. Eine längere Einführung in den 1 Thess.-brief versucht, neben den allgemeinen Einleitungfragen, vor allem die Länge des Erstaufenthaltes und die genaue Abfolge der Nacharbeitsinitiativen festzulegen. Dieser folgt eine intensive Auseinandersetzung mit dem curricularen Inhalt der katechetischen Erstunterweisung, die Pls. der Gemeinde bei seinem ersten Aufenthalt in Thessaloniki gab. Dieser wird nachfolgend richtungsweisend in einen kurzen ersten Fazit zusammengefasst, wobei hier ein Schwerpunkt auf die „parakaleo“ Wortfamilie im 1 Thess.-brief gelegt und unter den drei Aspekten des integrierten Dienstes, inhaltlichen Dichte und intensivierten Dynamik kategorisiert wird. Hierauf folgt eine kurze textkritische Untersuchung unseres Modelltextes aus 1 Thess 2,17-3,10 mit dem Ziel, sich zu familiarisieren mit dem weiteren Kontext, inneren Aufbau, Sprache und Stil. Einer detaillierten dreiteiligen Einzelexegese folgt ein längeres Fazit mit der Analyse der in der Forschungsfrage wichtigen Aspekte auf dem Hintergrund der Details des Textes und seiner Auslegung. Diese wird tabellarisch aufgearbeitet und mit einem kurzen Schlussplädoyer abgerundet. Abschließend wird versucht, die erarbeiteten Prinzipien in einigen kurzen Thesen für die Missions- und Gemeindearbeit des 21. Jahrhunderts fruchtbar zu machen.Item A Socio-Rhetorical Analysis of Paul’s Speech in Acts 17:16–34: Implications for a Missions Strategy Beyond the Ewes in the Global Evangelical Church in Ghana.(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Sackitey, Francis Lawer 1967; Van Deventer, Cornelia; Van Deventer, CorneliaThe command Jesus gave the Church to make disciples of all nations in Matthew 28:16–20 calls for a missions strategy that takes into consideration the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds of those the Church reaches out to. The writer of the Acts of the Apostles narrates how in carrying out the mandate of the Great Commission, the Holy Spirit through the apostles, adopted various mission strategies to fulfil that mandate. The Apostle Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 is one of the classic examples of how the early missionaries adopted the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic background of their audiences to carry the gospel message across. This thesis adopts a socio-rhetorical analysis methodology to analyse Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 with the aim of distilling implications of the speech for missions strategy which will take care of the socio-cultural, religious, and linguistic settings of the people the Church evangelises. Many scholars, having researched the Areopagus speech, have proposed that the gospel message must be contextualised into the cultural context of those evangelised. One major gap in those studies however is how the Church must articulate the gospel in a multicultural and linguistic context to distil theological and missiological truth(s) for the African (and, in this case, Ghanaian) context, where language planning and the accommodation of tribal distinctions are frequently undermined in the Church’s missions strategy. The research considered the context of the book of Acts, examined the socio-rhetorical context of Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34, undertook a socio-rhetorical analysis of the speech, and explored its significance for missions strategy. The practical significance of the socio-rhetorical interpretation of Paul’s speech in Acts 17:16–34 is the acquisition of handles for the Global Evangelical Church in Ghana and abroad to expand its missions plan beyond service to the Ewe people. The research revealed that though the early Church struggled to integrate Jews and Gentiles as worldviews, language practices, history, and other factors were anything but monolithic, the apostle Paul adopted a missions strategy that demonstrates a worthwhile attempt to bridge tribal and language barriers in his mission work.