PhD Theses

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2796

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THE FORMATION OF THE DISCIPLES AS AGENTS OF DIVINE POWER AND REVELATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE GOSPELS ACCORDING TO MARK AND JOHN
(South African Theological Seminary, 2010-04) Asumang, Annang
With the overall task of explaining Christian origins in mind, this dissertation describes, analyzes and compares how the formation of the disciples of Jesus is depicted by the Gospels of Mark and John. It assumes the Gospel genre to be biographical and defines ―formation as the dialectical processes of interactions between Jesus and the disciples as His agents. A model that is based on the depictions of the divine-human interactions in the OT and literature of Second Temple Judaism is first developed for the analyses. This model is then piloted and fine-tuned in the first chapters of Mark and John in order to set the parameters for the study. With the aid of a narrative-theological method, the discipleship characters in both Gospels are identified, and the purposes of their formation, as well as the processes and events involved in their interactions with Jesus are separately analyzed and then compared to establish a number of hypotheses. These hypotheses are then validated by examining how both Evangelists narrate the feeding of the five thousand and the anointing of Jesus. The dissertation identifies that both Gospels characterize the foundational group of disciples as much wider than those explicitly labelled as ―disciple. This foundational group was multiform, and made up of people of different socio-cultural and religious backgrounds, ethnicities, gender and social classes. In both Gospels, the purpose of their formation was to make them into agents of divine power and revelation. Mark emphasizes their formation as agents of divine power, whereas John complements this by emphasizing their formation as agents of divine revelation. Though the key formational activities, events and processes highlighted by either Evangelist differ; they nevertheless complement each other, and thus a global portrait of the formation of the disciples is attained. In both Gospels, hospitality features as a central formational phenomenon, both literally and metaphorically. While Mark emphasizes hospitality as a discipleship ethic, John underlines it as a Christological phenomenon. Several peculiar emphases in John also complement the Markan feature of the frequent failures of the disciples. The Passion and resurrection of Jesus is established as key to the formation of the disciples, but in a proleptic fashion.
The Human Conscience: Divine Design or the Nature of Our Neurons?
(South African Theological Seminary, 2015) St. Onge, Charles; Pretorius, Mark
Christians through the centuries have long turned to Romans 2:14-16 to show that the human conscience is a sign of the restraints God has placed on sin within all fallen human beings. The universal presence of the human conscience is put forward by many apologists as evidence for the existence of a creator God. In recent decades, however, some scientists have proposed naturalistic causes for the existence of a common human morality. This has been put forward as evidence against the existence of a supreme deity or deities. There is no reason to suppose that the human inclination to do good and avoid evil is anything other than a survival mechanism, the result of millions of years of evolutionary processes. To suggest that the source of the 'law within our hearts' is a supreme law giver is repugnant to new atheists such as Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins. Are these neurological explanations sufficient to explain the existence of the human moral compass apart from a moral law-giver who exists outside of creation? Is this evidence open to other possible interpretations? Might the interpretation of the data or even the data itself be flawed? How might Christians, with their centuries-long Scriptural understanding of human conscience, respond apologetically to the claim that human conscience can be explained neurologically as a result of the brain's Neodarwinian evolutionary development? This is the main problem to be addressed in the following work. The main research problem can be subdivided into the following research questions which, taken together, should answer the main problem. Each of these sub-problems will be addressed using a chronological framework. Consideration will be given to how these sub-problems were answered in the past, the current state of thinking, and the paths which future research seems likely to take. The first set of sub-problems has to do with the Christian theological understanding of conscience and natural law. First, consideration will be given to the Romans 2:14-16 passage, a key portion of Scripture dealing with the question of the human conscience, where it comes from and how it functions. Second, how has Christian thought through the centuries regarded the origin and operation of the human conscience? The answer to this question will be limited in scope, but will touch on the major themes on the subject of natural law and conscience in historical Christian tradition and in the major confessional systems of thought present today. This would include, especially, natural law and conscience in the early church writers, as well as in the Thomistic, Lutheran and Calvinist traditions. The roots of Christian’s ideas of conscience in earlier Greek and Roman thought will also be considered. The second set of questions has to do with the current neurological explanations for the human conscience. First, what are the basic assumptions of the Darwinian and now Neo-Darwinian evolutionary hypothesis, especially as those assumptions relate to the development and function of the human mind? As in the examination of the development of Christian thought on the question of conscience, the scope of work on this question will be limited to the general themes necessary for this mini-thesis. Second, what specific explanations have been proposed, and are currently being proposed, for the human conscience based on these Neo-Darwinian assumptions? The last set of questions has to do with analysing and synthesizing the data gathered in answer to the previous questions in order to address the main thesis problem. First, what are the foremost apologetic concerns to be addressed when considering the Christian theological view on the origin of conscience in light of the Neo-Darwinian proposals for the emergence of the human moral compass? Each perspective will be evaluated and critiqued. Second, are there areas where both the Christian and Neo-Darwinian ideas show convergence and others where they show divergence? Third, considering the questions of foremost apologetic concern, and any convergence or divergence of ideas, what might be the most appropriate Christian apologetic response?
The contribution of the theme of divine judgment to the argument of the book of Ecclesiastes
(South African Theological Seminary, 2017) Huovila, Kimmo; Lioy, Dan T.
There has been no general agreement among scholars about the argument of the book of Ecclesiastes. There are several interpretive paradigms for handling tension in the book. Many scholars think the book does not affirm afterlife or a divine judgment in it. This dissertation studies what the book teaches about divine judgment and how it contributes to the argument of the book. The argument of the book is evaluated by studying key lexemes and their usage. Key passages discussing divine judgment are exegeted to determine what the book teaches about divine judgment and how that relates to the argument of the book. The teaching on divine judgment is placed in the context of the canon. Finally, homiletic implications of the study are discussed.This study concludes that the book of Ecclesiastes argues that no permanent profit is possible in thislife. This makes all work futile with respect to the goal of securing permanent profit. This futility is discussed using the key word הבל'futility', which is used as an antonym of יתרון'profit' and with a singular meaning whenever used in reference to the summary “all is futile”. This futility is used to argue for valuing joy instead of living an achievement-centered life. The book of Ecclesiastes teaches a personal divine judgment of all deeds in the afterlife in the epilogue and probably in the body of the work. In the area of divine judgment, tensions in the book are to be solved by reading the book harmonistically. There is a possible allusion to the Egyptian view of afterlife in Ecclesiastes 3:21. The theme of divine judgment is used to address lack of justice in this life, as a basis for revering God, and to guide the pursuit of joy. The teaching on divine judgment is in agreement with the rest of the canon.The use of the key word הבל'futility' argues for a unified meaning, but such a meaning has been elusive. I present a novel solution to the lexical dilemma. While the idea that הבלmeans 'futility' is not novel, this study shows that the futility is specifically in relationship to an attempt to secure permanent profit. The minority view that Qohelet consistently affirmed a conscious afterlife and a divine judgment in it has significant ramifications for understanding the book and for Old testament biblical theology. The view that this is a plausible interpretation of the book is supported by new arguments.
A study on the lived experience of koinōnia in a post-apartheid, post-Armstrong congregation: A transition from power-imbalance to koinōnia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Millar, Candida 1977–; Harold, Godfrey
This research is an exploration of koinōnia in practice, from an evangelical, trinitarian perspective, in a congregation of Grace Communion International (GCI), in Johannesburg, South Africa. It considers the past effects of apartheid and Armstrongism in the study. Researching within the context of evangelicalism considers the four-fold quadrilateral of Bebbington (1993) namely biblicism, crucicentrism, conversionism and activism, with careful inclusion of Packer’s (1978) sixth essential, in his six-fold definition of evangelicalism, namely fellowship, folded into Bebbington’s “activism”. Koinōnia may be best considered first from a macro perspective, existing within the Triune God, that also finds its expression in the relationship between Christ and his Bride, into the micro family of believers. This research thus considers social/relational koinōnia as it exists in a Triune God, within a congregation that is situated within evangelicalism. The researcher recognizes the Church (the Bride of Christ) as a dynamic organism that is ever-evolving (Harper and Metzger 2009:16) but enters into a moment of time in search for meaning, and observes the apparent practice of koinōnia, from a post-Armstrong, post-apartheid context. Through the method of hermeneutic phenomenology (Swinton and Mowat 2016), the research explores the lived experience of the congregants regarding the phenomena of koinōnia. While chapter one is an overview of the research’s proposed activities, hopes and interests, chapter two offers a perspective of social trinity and koinōnia with added insight from the exploration of the research topic. Chapter three explores the history of Grace Communion International from Worldwide Church of God era through its name change with emphasis on its model of practicing koinōnia. Further to this, the chapter delves into an explanation of apartheid, and its influence on the Worldwide Church of God’s pre-1994 practices as well as the researcher’s impression, in dialogue with the views of multi-racial authors of peer reviewed academia, of the context into which the research is situated.
A missiological exploration of the encounters between Reuben Omulo and the Church Missionary Society in Central Nyanza, Kenya
(South African Theological Seminary, 2022) Omondi, Francis 1966; Kritzinger, J. N. J.; Johannes S. Malherbe
This research examined the Anglican Church’s history of mission in Central Nyanza, focusing on the formative role played by Reuben Omulo, a Luo mission innovator. It explored the key features of the mission praxis of Omulo and his encounters with the Church Missionary Society (CMS). It adopted Kritzinger’s (2008) seven-point “praxis matrix” in an “encounterological” approach to probe the encounters between the mission praxes of Omulo and CMS. This involved investigating the dynamics of the interaction between those praxes, focusing on each of the seven dimensions in turn. The study used data from personal interviews and discussions with a selected group of respondents from Siaya and Kisumu Counties, among families and places where Omulo worked. It analysed secondary data from relevant published works and other written materials from private archives. The pre-colonial encounters forged the diverse Luo people into a nation, as this research clarified, and further described those complex relations, which shaped critical features of the Southern Luo world, priming them for their encounters with the European colonialists and CMS missionaries. CMS’s intention for indigenizing the Church met resonance in Omulo. As the research illustrated, Christianity met spiritual needs that traditional religion could not. For Omulo and his colleagues, more so, the vernacular Scriptures eliminated ambiguities in the Luo religion, making the transition to Christianity more effortless for them. The study revealed a creative tension between Omulo and CMS praxes, which for Omulo was an attempt to balance Christianity’s demands with traditional responsibilities and integrate the Luo into Christianity. But CMS sought to interpret the Luo worldview to infuse it with the Scriptural message of Christianity. Omulo and his colleagues proved to be active recipients of the Gospel, as the study showed, for protesting colonial injustice, compelled the authority to reform, and further stimulated CMS and Anglican Church in Kenya to embrace a social justice spirituality. The challenges facing the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) can be traced to how CMS established the African Anglican Church in Central Nyanza, as this research showed. This research, therefore, suggested that the ACK should focus on empowering the laity as her primary agency for mission and that the Church’s mission praxis must reaffirm culture to speak to the core needs of the people. It recommended that mission history be studied with the praxis matrix as part of an “encounterological” approach.
Polity of the New Apostolic Movement in light of Biblical and Historical Precedents in the Christian Church.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Adams, Mark Allen; Harold, Godfrey
The New Apostolic Movement (NAM), also and originally known as the New Apostolic Reformation, is marked by two tenets: the legitimacy of the ministry of modern-day apostles and ‘theocratic single-headship’ of churches by apostolic leaders. While much has been written debating the legitimacy of a modern charismatic apostolate, there is a lack of specialized research regarding the polity of NAM networks and NAM churches. What is the polity of the New Apostolic Movement and how can that polity be evaluated in the light of biblical and historical precedents? In the identification of biblical and historical polity precedents of the Christian church, the simpler, more encompassing and less partisan categories of autocratic plurocratic and democratic have been favoured over the traditional categories of episcopal, presbyterian and congregational. Identification of polity precedents, exegesis of key texts and an examination of the ‘question of normativeness’ mark the New Testament survey. A fresh and comprehensive review of the major churches, movements and denominations—and their founders—is presented in the chapter regarding polity precedents in the historical Christian church. New research concerning New Apostolic Movement churches found that local-church polity in NAM churches is consistently autocratic but with enough plurocratic function to provide a measure of accountability and that there is little to no democratic function in NAM churches. Study of the largest and most influential trans-local apostolic networks found an absence of autocratic governance, contradicting previous assumptions in the literature. Biblical exegesis concluded that the primacy of apostolic ministry is given for building the church not for governing it, and that the governing role of New Testament apostles was conducted collegially, not autocratically.
Práctica de la medicina tradicional en la comunidad Shipibo-Konibo de Cantagallo en el contexto del COVID-19: un acercamiento desde la perspectiva de la misión integral.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2022) Márquez Bardales, Roger 1955; Paredes Alfaro, Rubén E.
El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo aportar lineamientos teológicos contextuales a los creyentes de la comunidad Shipibo-konibo de Cantagallo frente a la práctica de la Medicina Tradicional (MT) en el contexto del Covid 19, desde la perspectiva de la Misión Integral (MI) de la iglesia. Desde el año 2018 hasta el año 2021 se realizaron cincuenta entrevistas abiertas a: Chamanes, curanderos, sanitarios, médicos, artesanos, músicos, maestros bilingües, autoridades, líderes y pastores de la iglesia. Los resultados mostraron que el uso de la Medicina Tradicional (MT) fue determinante para que los shipibos de Cantagallo se salvaran de morir por el Covid 19; solo fallecieron tres personas de dos mil habitantes. Se aplicó el método de Observación Participativa, con un enfoque hermenéutico desde la perspectiva de la Misión Integral. Se identificaron los factores que contribuyeron a dar respuesta a la Gran pregunta: ¿Qué desafíos y oportunidades presenta para la iglesia la práctica de la Medicina Tradicional (MT) en la comunidad shipibo? Se hizo uso de las ciencias sociales. La práctica de la Medicina Tradicional (MT) presenta desafíos porque está relacionada con las prácticas chamánicas. No existe una línea clara que limite qué es aceptable y qué no lo es. Por otro lado, la MT les brinda “bienestar”, es decir, “Jakon Jati”: el “Buen Vivir”. Por lo tanto, es necesario descubrir los puntos de encuentro y los desencuentros analizando la cosmovisión cristiana y la cosmovisión Shipibo Konibo al usar la MT.
Establishing a model of ecclesiastical discipline in the Church of Pentecost, Ghana
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Kumi-Woode, Benjamin Godson 1964–; Mzondi, Modisa
The Church of Pentecost–Ghana (CoP–Ghana) is a Ghanaian classical Pentecostal Church with a transnational reach. In this study, ecclesiastical discipline as practiced in the CoP–Ghana was researched using Robert Osmer’s method with the view to develop a model of ecclesiastical discipline for the church. Robert Osmer’s method of research outlines a four-step process which involves the descriptive-empirical task, the interpretative task, the normative task and the pragmatic task (Osmer 2008, 31–218). Thirty respondents each from ministers, presbyters and members were interviewed using semi- structured questions. Views of ministers, presbyters, and members interviewed about ecclesiastical discipline in the CoP–Ghana were that ecclesiastical discipline was relevant to the CoP–Ghana due to the necessity to show the church, Christ's bride, as holy and that discipline is an expression of God's love. Additionally, the purpose of ecclesiastical discipline is to uphold the church's reputation and help it carry out the divine mission of preparing individuals for God's kingdom. The major concerns raised by the participants regarding the application of ecclesiastical discipline in the CoP–Ghana include the absence of clear guidelines for ecclesiastical discipline, lack of counselling resources for both pre- and post-discipline phases, aggressive approach of the process, lack of confidence in the reliability of the investigative process, and lethargy in carrying out discipline due to criticism of the practice in contemporary times. For this reason, membership should be classified into new members, members, presbyters, ministers, and higher calling for purposes of ecclesiastical discipline, and disciplinary measures rated from leniency to severe sanctions in that order. Education on ecclesiastical discipline should be integrated into the church’s discipleship program to include new converts classes, pulpit ministry, Bible studies, lay leaders’ school, ministerial formation course and a manual on ecclesiastical discipline, as one the church’s key discipleship documents. Further, an objective means which considers maturity, nature of the offense, status of the offender, attitude of the offender, mode of disclosure of offense and type of offense should be prayerfully adopted in determining sanctions to be meted out to offenders, in such a way that the nature of the offense and the dynamics of the offender are considered in sanctioning. Finally, the church must deliberately ensure that sanctioned members are assigned mature believers or counsellors to assist in their reconciliation and restoration to fellowship. Recommendations made were that a systematic means and pastoral care to ensure reconciliation and restoration of offenders should be developed and adopted which involve clemency, godly counselling and ministry of love, and further research to be done to ascertain the extent to which previous offenders have been properly healed, reconciled, and restored after undergoing ecclesiastical discipline.
A Linguistic Evaluation of the Calvinist “All Without Distinction” Reading of πᾶς in the Pastoral Epistles
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Jensen, Aaron Michael 1989–; Lioy, Dan T.; Coon, George
This thesis examines the Calvinist “all without distinction” reading of πᾶς, an interpretation that safeguards the Calvinist teachings of double predestination and limited atonement by claiming that in four key passages within the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 2:4, 6; 4:10; Titus 2:11) πᾶς denotes not all individual people but all kinds of people. By exegetically refuting other Calvinist proposals for these verses, this thesis demonstrates that double predestination and limited atonement are unviable without the “all without distinction” reading. Nevertheless, it also documents how the primary motivations for these Calvinist teachings—preserving God’s role as sole cause in election, conversion, and salvation, and preserving an effective atonement—are maintained without double predestination and limited atonement by other Christian traditions. Although Calvinists allege that linguistic support for the “all without distinction” interpretation is found in other passages where πᾶς denotes something less than every individual, no prior study quantified the linguistic rationale for the referent of πᾶς being limited. This thesis undertakes this missing linguistic analysis using a corpus-based lexical analysis. It identifies six manners of restriction found with πᾶς: hyperbole, implicit domain restriction, nonveridicality, intensive nouns, collective nouns, and superordinate categories. Using Gricean pragmatics, exegetical analysis, operator scoping, semantic analysis, and cognitive linguistics, it determines the linguistic features by which restricted uses of πᾶς might be identified. By applying these criteria to 1 Timothy 2:4, 6; 4:10 and Titus 2:11, this thesis finds that these verses lack the linguistic features necessary for such restrictions. Consequently, it demonstrates that the “all without distinction” interpretation is unviable, as are the Calvinist teachings of double predestination and limited atonement that depend on it. Conversely, it confirms as scriptural teaching that God desires the salvation of all and that Christ died for the sins of all. This thesis further articulates the practical significance of recognizing the universal scope of the Father’s merciful will and the Son’s atoning death. Non-Christians being evangelized can be presented with a sure basis for faith, and Christians doubting their own faith or elect status can be offered direct assurance from God’s will, Christ’s death, and the means of grace.
AN EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT THEOLOGICAL AESTHETIC: A RESPONSE TO HANS URS VON BALTHASAR’S CRITIQUE
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Currie, Ryan 1986–; Falconer, Robert D.; Coon, George
In the development of his theological aesthetic project, the Swiss theologian and Roman Catholic priest, Hans Urs von Balthasar, critiqued Protestantism for lacking a theological account of beauty. Balthasar claimed that Protestants explore the relationship of theology and worldly beauty in its various forms, but do not deal with beauty itself as a theological category and have eliminated beauty from theology completely. This thesis responds to this critique from an evangelical Protestant perspective. The purpose of this work is to develop a theological aesthetic for evangelical Protestants that builds on the insights of historical theology and is consistent with the biblical witness. The methodology employed is Falconer’s Architectonic Theology, which applies architectural design principles for the construction of a systematic theology. Following this methodology, this work examines the concepts of theological aesthetics in current evangelical Protestantism, the development of theological aesthetic concepts in the history of theology, Balthasar’s articulation of theological aesthetics, and the Johannine corpus. I argue that even though evangelical Protestants have neglected a theological account of beauty, they have a tacit theological aesthetic that needs further articulation and development. However, evangelical Protestants have much to offer in the field of theological aesthetics. In this thesis, I seek to develop a theological aesthetic that is based on a theology of the cross. I claim that beauty is inherently related to the concept of glory. Glory emphasizes the objective aspects of God’s fullness and perfection, while beauty emphasizes perception and drawing power. The perception of God’s beauty is made possible through the spiritual sense, given at regeneration. The spiritual sense also transforms the physical senses so that all created beauty becomes a communicative event where the beauty of God is displayed. This is significant because it provides a solution to the felt tension between spiritual and created beauty. Further, the beauty of God is transformative. Theological aesthetics has profound implications for life as the believer perceives God through faith and generates a beautiful life in the theo-drama.
A Critical Analysis of Christology in N.T. Wright and Wolfhart Pannenberg: Implications for a Christo-Centric Homiletic
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Duffield, Devon 1988; Bartholomaeus, Michael; Falconer, Robert D.
The Christo-centric homiletic is considered one of the leading contemporary approaches within the evangelical hermeneutic and homiletic society. However, its popularity has not made this approach immune to criticism. This thesis seeks to point out that the Christo-centric homiletic is embedded in a Christology from above, which contributes to its strengths and weaknesses. It explores the implications of the from below Christologies of N.T. Wright and Wolfhart Pannenberg on the Christo-centric approach. A unique research methodology is employed that consists of five literary tasks to address the research problem. The research project begins with examining the from below Christologies of Wright and Pannenberg, which encompasses the overarching tenets of their Christologies and the influences of other scholars upon their presuppositions and Christological developments. Then, the strengths and weaknesses of their Christologies are identified, described, and evaluated through critical analysis. Subsequently, the Christo-centric homiletic is examined, and its underlying Christology and shortcomings are specified and assessed. It is argued that the Christo-centric homiletic is embedded in a from above approach to Christology and that the presuppositions of a Christology from above contribute to the homiletical approach's shortcomings. The implications of the strengths of Wright and Pannenberg's Christologies on the Christo-centric homiletic are then explored. These implications demonstrate that these two from below Christologies enrich and challenge the Christo-centric method in various meaningful ways. This thesis suggests that if the Christo-centric method takes the from below Christologies of Wright and Pannenberg seriously, it can address specific weaknesses and find resources to enhance some of its strengths without negating its central conviction of preaching Christ in every sermon. This thesis fulfils the profound need to place the current homiletical debate on Christo-centric preaching in dialogue with Christology. It defends the unique proposal that the Christo-centric method can address its criticisms without becoming more Theo-centric.
Christening a nation: A critical theological investigation of declaring Zambia a Christian nation
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, 2023) Mumba, Gabriel; Mzondi, Modisa
Christening a nation: A critical theological investigation of declaring Zambia a Christian nation is a study contributing to the ongoing discussion concerning the theological implications surrounding the declaration of Zambia a Christian Nation, and how the Church in Zambia should respond to the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation? The study is shaped after Osmer’s (2008, 199—217) four tasks of practical theology namely: (i) the descriptive task (what is going on?), whose main objective was to have an all-inclusive consultation to understand the factors that influenced the declaration of Zambia a Christian nation, (ii) the interpretive task (why is it going on?), which helped to historically understand what related literature teaches about christening a nation, (iii) the normative task (what ought to be going on?), which discussed what the Bible and theologians teach, vis–à–vis christening a nation, and (iv) the pragmatic task (how might we respond?), which discussed some critical theological implications of declaring Zambia a Christian nation, and further offered a pragmatic response of the Church in Zambia. In this regard, the study used a qualitative explorative–descriptive approach. Christening Zambia and the subsequent declaration of Zambia a Christian nation aroused discussions among stakeholders like the religious mother bodies, government and other interested parties to understand its objective. Therefore, the declaration of Zambia a Christian nation presents some good prospects to the Church in Zambia of fulfilling the great commission of Jesus Christ, while at the same time it is a challenge when its biblical and theological basis is not properly considered.
A Critique of the Radical Lutheran Theological Method, and Defense of the Lutheran Scholastic Method
(South African Theological Seminary, May 2018) Cooper, Jordan; Lioy, Dan T.
This dissertation is a defence of the Lutheran scholastic method as used in Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard, as well as a critique of the theological methodology of the Radical Lutheranism of Gerhard Forde, Steven Paulson, and Oswald Bayer. In particular, this work defends the use of classical essentialist metaphysical categories in theological discourse, and critiques the use of existential and linguistic categories which are proposed by some as an alternative system. The philosophical presuppositions within the Lutheran scholastic method are explained with reference to both the reformers as well as seventeenth century theologians, and are demonstrated to be those of classical philosophy, utilizing elements of both Plato and Aristotle’s thought. This scholastic approach is contrasted with Radical Lutheranism, which rejects both Platonic and Aristotelian essentialism. Instead, these authors use philosophical ideas taken from the linguistic philosophy of John Austin as well as existentialism and relation alontology. This leads to a theology which is opposed to traditional categories of essence and substance, as they favour categories of act, relation, and language. It is demonstrated in this work that though these modern writers add some valuable insights into Lutheran thought, these modern categories do not give an adequate basis for doing theology apart from a real-essentialist metaphysic. Apart from the notion of essence, the categories of relation, language, and existence fail to give an adequate explanation of the doctrine of God, of anthropology, and other areas of Christian thought. The claim is made in the dissertation that the metaphysical categories of Plato and Aristotle, as modified and adopted by Lutheran scholastics, are a necessary and beneficial part of the theological task. Contemporary theology is in need of this grounding, not to replace developments in Lutheran thought within the past century, but to teach them in a manner consistent with classical Christian orthodoxy. The goal of this work is to demonstrate the inadequacies of Radical Lutheranism and the superiority of scholastic categories. These ideas are applied throughout to various practical and theological issues that impact the contemporary church. There are three particular areas in which the implications of these ideas are discussed: Lutheran identity, apologetics, and understandings of gender. In each of these areas, it is demonstrated that the Radical Lutheran method does not give adequate answers to these questions. Instead, it is contended that the traditional scholastic method allows for a more consistent and biblical perspective on these particular topics. This leads to a proposal for a new scholasticism in the contemporary church.
Renovación Carismática E Identidad Wesleyana De La Iglesia Metodista En Cuba (1990 –2010)
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Hernández Jacomino, Heriberto; Roldán, David A.
Charismatic Renewal and Wesleyan Identity of the Methodist Church in Cuba (1990-2010)This work contains a study about the charismatic renewal of the Methodist Church in Cuba from 1990 to 2010. The main objective is to investigate the quantitative and qualitative growth that this church has experienced, taking into account the tension between the charismatic renewal and the inheritance of the Wesleyan identity in that period. A distinctive feature is that it can be catalogued as a charismatic movement that happens and is contained within the Methodist church, without the occurrence of fragmentations or schisms. Another important aspect in this study is to interpret how the charismatic renewal has been inserted within the Cuban Methodist context, taking into account its links with the influence of the Pentecostal doctrine. It also demonstrates how a strengthening of the Wesleyan identity can occur, preserving the positive elements that the Pentecostal phenomenon contributes in relation to the Methodist tradition. Finally, a call is made for the consolidation of the doctrine of sanctification, expressed in the love of God and neighbour, as one of the essential elements of the Wesleyan theology. In the IMECU, this is one of the pending tasks to continue uniting the church with the Wesleyan purpose of extending biblical holiness throughout the earth. It is recommended the emphasis on the practice of this doctrine in all educational levels of the church, as a preventive action before the entry and proliferation of doctrinal elements alien to the Wesleyan identity.
ὁ κλαυθμὸς καὶ ὁ βρυγμὸς τῶν ὀδόντων: Its Function and Contribution to the Theme of Apocalyptic Judgement in Matthew's Gospel
(South African Theological Seminary) Erdey, Zoltan L.; Smith, Kevin G.
On six occurrences (8:12; 13:42; 13:50; 22:13; 24:451 and 25:30), Matthew recorded Jesus pronouncing judgment utilising the idiom weeping and gnashing of teeth. Although the majority of commentators acknowledge the uniqueness of this phrase, virtually none deal with its function within Matthew’s gospel or theology. This gap in the literary landscape of Matthean literature marked the bifold rationale of this literary study, namely, to investigate the nature and function of this Matthean maxim, and consequently, seek to deduce its contribution to the theme of apocalyptic judgment in Matthew’s Gospel. Having established the literary milieu of Matthew’s gospel (part 1), a diachronic analysis of the words weeping (κλαυθμWς) and gnashing (βρυγμWς) (part 2) revealed that although the individual terms were conventional, the phrase en bloc is a unique New Testament idiom disclosing a particular theological message. An exegesis of the six passages containing the phrase (part 3) revealed that each occurrence played a central role in Matthew’s gospel, communicating an essential messages pertaining to the theme of apocalyptic eschatological judgment. The phrase likewise appears in structurally relevant sections, seemingly increasing in literary potency with each emergence. Moreover, the idiom is almost always uttered in the context of false disciples, who stand in total contrast to the righteous. In light of this, the expression weeping and gnashing of teeth has four possible functions (part 4), namely, (a) a method or system by which the Evangelist hopes to make the message of the particular parable unforgettable, (b) a prophetic anticipation of an aspect of the larger shape of history, (c) a linguistic device, which increases the degree of emphasis or heightens the force given to the message of eschatological judgment, and (d) a literary connector that holds together a number of specific passages of Scripture. In Matthew’s case, the phrase glues together the passages that communicate a holistic theology of eschatological judgment.
Towards A Wesleyan Theology Of Politics For The Ghanaian Context
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Mpere-Gyekye, William Agyei; Brodie, Robert
This research seeks to determine how a recovery of Wesley’s theological concept of the political image of God can provide a model for Wesleyan political discourse within the Ghanaian context. To accomplish this task, a modified evangelical systematic theological research model is utilised. First, an in-depth literature review investigates the current state of scholarship regarding Wesley’s notion of the political image of God. The literature review reveals several gaps in current scholarship. No substantial survey in any context was found regarding recovery of the notion of political image with a view towards formulating a Wesleyan theology of politics for political engagement, thus validating the need for this research. Second, the biblical and theological foundations needed to critique and assess Wesley’s theological notion of the political image are explored. In particular, the key biblical texts which provide the theological basis for the doctrine of the image of God reanalysed bring out the biblical and theological views on the image of God. Third, Wesley’s theological concept of the political image of God is analysed within the biblical and theological doctrine of the image of God. This analysis locates and establishes the concept of the political image within the scriptures and theology. Fourth, the political image of God is examined within the context of grace as delineated by Wesley in his order or way of salvation, with a view towards its recovery and renewal. This makes for the critical analysis of the order of salvation, and the harmonisation of the results with the tenets of the political image of God. Fifth, a Wesleyan theology of politics is formulated by bringing together the different and significant ideas and perspectives which have been found in the research thus far. These are then moulded into a single, systematic and coherent whole. Sixth, the major implications of a Wesleyan theology of politics for the Ghanaian context are suggested. Here, practical recommendations are offered as correctives and also contributions towards enhancing the Ghanaian political and governance process. Finally, a summary of the research findings, recommendations for further study and the contribution of this research to the field of systematic theology are offered.
Philemon: A Transformation Of Social Orders
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Manyika, Batanayi Itayi; Lioy, Dan T.
Rarely does one construct an entire ideological edifice based on a short portion of Scripture. Yet, evident in Philemon is a high concentration of multiple Pauline themes, intermingling in the dynamic life of a house church, prompted by relational friction between a paterfamilias and his slave. Launching from the central claim that the Gospel has the capacity to transform the relationships between powerbrokers and the disenfranchised, this dissertation identifies power disparities in the relationships between masters and slaves in the first-century CE Graeco-Roman world and across the ages. It engages Philemon’s history of interpretation from the Early Church to the present day, underlining how a society’s understanding of slavery is inextricably linked to the ever-shifting events in front of the text. A (re)construction and description of historical and societal matters, linked to Philemon’s context, is drawn up giving higher definition to the silent contextual matters at work in the letter’s occasion. Distinctive literary features, deliberative rhetoric, and a description of Social Identity Theory and Social-Scientific Criticism are harnessed to execute a hybridized exegetical and theological inquiry of the text linked to the project’s central theoretical claim. After critically correlating the Graeco-Roman milieu with the Southern African context, via the auspices of a derived etic, the exegetical and theological findings are appropriated in the relationships between Christian employers and Christian domestic workers, heralding a transformation of social orders. This project identifies the anti enthusiastic attitude as the preferred stance on slavery from the Early Church to the Reformation, diminishing with the rise of abolitionist activity. With Paul using slavery as a metaphor for Christ followership, it navigates the complexities and nuances latent in Philemon’s portrayal of the phenomenon. Furthermore, in discussing ancient and contemporary power disparities this research is translated into different contexts. Accompanying such possibility, this dissertation adds a voice from the Majority world to Pauline scholarship, an area dominated by Occidental figures and perspectives. From this treatise it is hoped that the elevation of the slave into a beloved brother(Phlm 16),would serve as a prompt leading to the transformation of the guild, as the church and academy strive to realise Paul’s therapeutic vision, the Gospel, in context.
A Critical Study of the Newfrontiers Apostolic Network and the Impact of the Transfer of Leadership on Structure, Unity and Mission
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Dooley, Sean Derrick; Joubert, Callie W. T.
Newfrontiers is a modern apostolic network of churches. It not only has its origin in and developed from the apostolic gift of Terry Virgo, but also grew rapidly into an international movement based on Virgo’s apostolic ministry and an ‘apostolic team’ of Ephesians 4:11 ministries he had established. As Virgo approached his later years, the international apostolic network faced the question of apostolic succession. A decision was made to release several new apostolic spheres under new apostolic leadership. This amounted to the multiplication of the erstwhile single apostolic sphere into several apostolic spheres rather than simply replacing Virgo with one apostle and maintaining Newfrontiers as a single apostolic sphere. The latter has been the approach of the modern apostolic network known as New Covenant Ministries International, which has led to that movement splintering into several independent apostolic spheres. Newfrontiers has expressed the hope that the Newfrontiers spheres will remain relationally and organically connected as a movement in order to avoid becoming a bureaucratically formalised organisation. The aim of the study is to analyse Newfrontiers’ transition and the factors that had an impact on Newfrontiers’ transition. It compares the dynamics of Newfrontiers’ transition with biblical teaching on apostolic succession in the Pastoral Epistles and applies Peppler’s Christocentric principle to the Gospel of Matthew. Bridges’ theories on how to manage leadership transitions in organisations are used to further evaluate Newfrontiers’ leadership transition, whether the transition conformed to Bridges’ principles of best practice. Together, these methods form the lenses through which the impact of Newfrontiers’ leadership transition on the mission, unity and structure of the movement is evaluated. The study concludes that the multiplication of Newfrontiers into several new spheres is indeed in accordance with the leadership teachings of the Pastoral Epistles and Peppler’s Christocentric principle. It shows that Newfrontiers could have done better if it had a specific transition plan in place for the period of transition from the old situation to the new. The question of whether women can be apostles and elders is also raised, together with how the lack of female engagement in the process at the highest decision-making level may have affected it. Finally, there is also the question of whether Newfrontiers’ sense of theological and ecclesiological certainty, its call to pioneer the restoration of the church to its New Testament glory, and the movement’s male bias might produce a movement that is cognitively closed to outside theological and ecclesiological perspectives and therefore may not remain receptive to changes that would sustain the movement in future.
Slavic Immigration as Agent of Mission: A Historical Perspective in the Province Of Misiones, Argentina
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Lewczuk, Pablo; Roldán, David A.
This thesis examines the social, cultural, and religious impact of Slavic Christian immigrants in the Province of Misiones, Argentina, focusing on their contribution to the development of a unique provincial identity. Drawing from historical, missiological, and social perspectives, the research analyzes the two major waves of Slavic immigration, highlighting the role of Christian faith—particularly the Catholic, Byzantine, Orthodox, and Evangelical traditions—in shaping both individual and communal resilience. The thesis addresses the immigrants' influence on provincial development through the creation of a "Colono Style," a set of values and behaviors that reflect honesty, hard work, and adaptability. It also explores the interplay between faith and identity as a crucial factor in the immigrants' integration into a multicultural landscape. This investigation reveals how the Slavic immigrants navigated socio-political challenges while maintaining their religious heritage, and how their experiences contribute to contemporary discussions on migration, faith, and cultural integration. By employing a missiological lens, the thesis frames immigration as a component of Missio Dei, exploring its implications for modern missions. The study underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of migration as a theological and social phenomenon, relevant not only to historical contexts but also to ongoing global migration challenges. Through primary sources, life chronicles, and interviews, this research presents a nuanced view of the role of Christian communities in transforming the socio-cultural fabric of Missions.
Le défi des Églisesfrançaises à Mayotte: implantation d’Églises mahoraises en terre musulmane sous la loi de la République française.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Rajaonarison, Faly Nirina; Labuschagne, Pieter H. J.
Why would one encourage people of different faiths to convert to Christianity? Why proclaim the Gospel to people who are more devout to their religion than many Christians are? What is the point of preaching the Gospel to those from other faiths who are materially more successful than Christians? These are intriguing questions when contemplating evangelism in Muslims territories; even more so in Mayotte–a small island with a Muslim majority. Mayotte is governed by France and citizens enjoy freedom of religion to the extent that native Macoris practice customary Muslim laws alongside French common law. The island enjoys economic and social benefits as a department of France, which makes it an attractive destination for migrants from neighbouring islands–despite Mayotte being proper than other French departments. Migrants from war-torn countries use Mayotte as a stepping-stone to get to France and other European territories. These high numbers of illegal immigrants and refugees is a burden to Mayotte on statutory, political, religious, socio-cultural and economic levels. Reaching Muslims in Mayotte with the Gospel, requires Christians to be spiritually agile and committed to fulfilling the Great Commission. This research wants to motivate existing churches in Mayotte to carry out their mission by utilising the rights guaranteed by French common law. Religious freedom, upheld by French law, can soften people’s hearts to the Gospel. We highlight the complexities of the Microsociety, and offer strategies to use these complexities in planting churches among the Māori. Existing French churches in Mayotte have an important role to play in protecting those inside and outside the church, as well as the newly implanted Māori churches. This research offers a new way of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, supported by French law–a system which transformed the France from Monarchy to republic utilising the rights offered by French law, the same can be accomplished in Mayotte, in planting churches among the Muslim Māori.