PhD Theses

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

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.
A Theological-Biblical Anthropology of Sin in light of a Kierkegaardian Philosophy of Human Subjectivity
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Magalhães, Eliézer 1979; Falconer, Robert D.
This thesis seeks to propose a new approach to the anthropology of sin from a rereading of the problem using the concept of subjectivity from the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard. The mischaracterization of the theme of sin in society raises the need for the subject to be revisited by theology, seeking a self-evident approach, therefore, considering human subjectivity. This research begins by studying the anthropological insights in Kierkegaard’s writings, emphasizing what he wrote about the doctrine of sin. Consequently, a detailed study about his concept of anxiety, despair, untruth, and the relationship with his idea of self is performed. The research also evaluates historically and theologically the arguments raised by Kierkegaard. The concepts presented are especially examined in the biblical narrative. It is argued that theology should consider the human being as a theomorphism and a kinetic self. Moreover, the doctrine of original sin is revisited. A new approach to sin is elaborated, considering its aesthetics and ethical realities concerning human subjectivity. Some implications are explored for this anthropology of sin, helping theology present sin more effectively and providing a lens for understanding various issues related to anthropology. These implications show that biblical-theological anthropology needs to see the human as a multi-dimensional being to avoid producing an abstract and unidimensional understanding of the human and sin. This research argues for a “kinetic anthropology”, where the human being is conceived not only regarding his substances, as traditionally addressed, but also regarding the multiple ontological relations composing human selfhood, where the God-relation is the main one.
A Biblical and Theological Analysis of Specific Tenets of Word of Faith Theology: Pastoral Implications for the Church of God
(South African Theological Seminary) Morris, Russell Alexander; Lioy, Dan T.
This research seeks to answer the question, “what are the major pastoral implications of word of faith theology within the ministry context of the Church of God”? To accomplish this task, a practical theological paradigm is utilised. First, a literature review investigates the current state of scholarship regarding word of faith theology.The literature review reveals several gaps in current scholarship. No substantial inquiry regarding word of faith theology and pastoral ministry in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) was found, therefore, the need for this research finds validation. Second, a contextual analysis that examines the basic biblical and theological tenets of the Church of God (Cleveland, TN)is given. This analysis establishes the classical Pentecostal context within which the research is conducted. Third,a historical analysis is offered that explores the historical and contemporary framework of word of faith theology.This allows for the juxta positional assessment of Church of God teaching and word of faith theology. Fourth, the biblical and theological foundations needed to critique and assess specific tenets of word of faith theology are explored. Fifth, the major implications of word of faith theology for pastoral ministry within the Church of God are suggested.Here, practical recommendations are offered as correctives for the various cited implications. Finally, a summary of the research findings, recommendations for further study and the contribution of this research to the field of practical theology are offered.
El “Reino De Dios” En La Teología Y Misiología De La Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana (1970-2000)
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Ocaña Flores, Martín Willman

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