Theses

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A Biblical and Practical Response to Divorced Pastors in Ministry in the Churches in the Kawama Compound of Ndola in Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Kamfwa, Damas; Lockard, Anna-Marie
This dissertation offers a biblical and practical response to the issue of divorced pastors in ministry in Kawama compound of Ndola in Zambia. The research focused on examining how the Zambian church should respond to divorced pastors in ministry. I have argued that, in as much as God hates divorce and His idea for marriage is permanence -due to the hardness of the human heart and the brokenness of this world, there are biblical parameters for divorce.Furthermore, I have also made strong proposals on how to mitigate the rampant rate of divorce among pastors. Additionally, I have made suggestions on how to respond biblically, to those who are already victims of divorce and remarriage.
A Biblical 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.
A Biblical Evaluation of Pastoral Remuneration Practices of the Baptist Churches in Antananarivo, Madagascar, with Specific Reference to 1 Timothy 5:17–18
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Razafindrakoto, Tovonirina Serge; Erdey, Zoltan
This research will discuss the issue of pastors’ remuneration within the Biblical Baptist churches of Antananarivo. The actual circumstances of each pastor and the context will be discussed in order to understand the reality and current praxis,as well as the basic principles that are applied to this matter. In so doing,seven pastors and members in charge of finances will be interviewed. Within the field of literary study, a biblical analysis of 1 Timothy 5:17-18 and an overview of two other NT texts(Luke 10:1-7 ; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)will be undertaken in order to establish biblical principles concerning the remuneration of pastors. Reality shows that pastors are not supported as they should be,and that the amount they earn is not appropriate to the work they perform. Most pastors are also obliged to do other remunerative activities to make ends meet,to provide for their family and even for their ministry needs. In order to improve the current situation of the churches, practical suggestions will be proposed.
A Biblical Exegesis of Colossians 3:1-3 and Its Significance for Christians in a Postmodern-post Christian Era
(South African Theological Seminary, 2012) Weaver, Paul Andrew; Lessing, Pelham
This thesis is a Biblical Exegesis of Colossians 3:1-3 investigating its significance for Christians today. It explored: the historical, cultural and literary context of Colossians and the church in Colossae; in depth exegetical analysis to determine authorship and its original meaning, including preliminary analysis, contextual analysis, verbal analysis, literary analysis, an exegetical synthesis; and its significance for Christians today, including the practical implications of setting your hearts and minds on “...things above...” rather than on “...earthly things...” (Col3:1-3). Key ideas explored are: the believer’s position in Christ, the Colossians heresy, and the Christology of Colossians. In order to explore these topics and questions, the writer employed inductive Bible study principles primarily implementing the Theological Biblical Research Model of Smith and Woodbridge (2008). Multiple scholarly works in the form of commentaries, articles, dictionaries, Biblical encyclopaedias and lexica’s were consulted throughout in establishing the socio-political context from which the Colossian text emerged. Finally, the paper explored: What difference does this passage make for Christians today? Specifically, concerning the doctrinal significance of the Col 3:1-3 pericope for teaching us about God, ourselves and our relationship with God; and its practical significance for Christians today in applying the passage and the impact or change it should have on their lives. This paper is specifically concerned with the context of ‘Generation z’ and particular implications the pericope has for ministry to this generation.
A Biblical Theology of Community and Its Relevance to Early Twenty First Century Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) McKay, Grant Evan; Mahlangu; Mahlangu
Due to rapid urbanisation, the spread of HIV/AIDS and the growing influence of Western culture, Zambia is undergoing great changes in the early twenty-first century. According to its constitution, as amended by act number 18 of 1996, Zambia is a Christian nation. In order to find out how to run a community in a Biblical way, the theme of community was examined across the entire canon. Previously, there has only been two works, Hanson (2001) and Dubay (1973) which have sought to write a Biblical theology of community with reference to the entire canon. Neither of these works used the Bible’s own structure or genres in their own structure, nor were they written from a conservative, Evangelical perspective. In writing a Biblical theology of community, this thesis has divided the Bible into seven sections following the original canonical order and the genres of the books. In each of the seven sections there was a strong unity in the teachings of the Bible on community. The themes of solidarity, care for the poor and oppressed within a community, justice and family were found to have importance across the entire canon. The similarities and unity on community between the various sections of the canon far outweighed any diversity or differences. The issues that were raised and emphasised in the Biblical theology of community are of particularly relevance to early twenty-first century Zambia. Traditional solidarity is being eroded by urbanisation and Western influences. Care for the poor is paramount in the face of the amount of poverty currently seen in Zambia. Justice is relevant given both the plight of the poor and the history of government corruption. The family has traditionally been of great importance in Zambian culture. The importance given by the Bible to the issues of marriage, fidelity and the raising of children both affirms the traditional importance of the family and challenges some traditional practices.
A Biblical Theology of Repentance in Hosea: In the Light of God´s חֶסֶד
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Kind, Lukas 1994
A Biblical Theology of Sabbath-Keeping Based on the Cosmic Temple Understanding of Creation, Especially for Lay Shepherds in Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Hay, Chris 1958; Lioy, Dan T.
The Sabbath has long been debated, contested, and often ignored. It has fallen prey to legalistic overreach and new covenant apathy. This thesis seeks to develop a biblical theology of the Sabbath that will restore Sabbath-keeping to the twenty-first-century church without falling into Sabbatarianism or discounting the Sabbath as an old covenant relic. The major claim is that understanding the seventh day of creation as God taking up residence in his cosmic temple clarifies a biblical theology of Sabbath-keeping. The implications of this Sabbath rest are applied to the non-vocational lay shepherds at Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, California. Chapter 1 introduces the research questions that drive this thesis and demonstrates that the Sabbath has its origins in creation week. Chapter 2 surveys the findings of the theological literature on the Sabbath published primarily in the last 30-35 years. Chapter 3 exegetes and analyzes several biblical texts that provide the foundation for developing a biblical theology of the Sabbath. Chapter 4 analyzes biblical texts that teach the cosmic temple understanding of creation week. Several texts from ancient Near Eastern writings are also explored to provide a cultural setting for the Old Testament texts. Chapter 5 synthesizes the research from Chapters 3 and 4 into a biblical theology of the Sabbath. Chapter 6 concludes the study and offers practical suggestions for Sabbath-keeping for the twenty-first-century lay shepherds at Cornerstone Church. The thesis concludes that the Sabbath is a creation ordinance that God intended for all people at all times. ‘Sabbath-keeping’ is defined as stopping one’s everyday work for one day each week, understood as a spiritual discipline, not a rigid, legalistic demand. The conclusions suggest that the ancient Israelites would have understood the Genesis creation narrative as describing God creating a cosmic temple during the first six days, that he entered his cosmic temple on day seven to rest, and in so doing, he established and defined the Sabbath for all time. The implications of God entering his cosmic temple on the seventh day of creation demonstrate that the Sabbath is not a day for adhering to burdensome rules but a day to stop normal activities and demonstrate one’s radical trust in a God who provides all that is needed for life. There is freedom and flexibility in how that day is experienced, but it is a day to experience the peace and stability in trusting him. These conclusions are applied to the lay shepherds at Cornerstone Church, encouraging them to stop their everyday work for one day each week. This weekly practice should provide an environment for spiritual growth and restoration, enabling them to continue their faithful service.
A Biblical-Theological Analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 to Clarity the Relationship between the Christian Discipleship and Money
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) O'donoghue, Darrell; Lioy, Dan T.
SUMMARY: This thesis conducts a biblical-theological analysis of Matthew 6:19-34. The main problem is to clarify what this passage of scripture teaches about the relationship between the Christian disciple and money. Matthew 6:19-34 is found within the discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. By interacting with the various views on how the Sermon on the Mount is to be read this thesis settles on the opinion that the Sermon is addressed primarily to Christian disciples with the expectation that it’s demand can and should be met by the disciple. An analysis of the historical and literary contexts of the text is conducted as well as an analysis of the major theological motifs found within the text. By conducting a synthesis of these findings it is shown that Jesus presents money as a rival god that challenges for allegiance that rightly belongs to God. Jesus also draws attention to the way this allegiance to God can be expressed. The findings show that money and God are radically different gods. There are significantly different consequences to the believer that result from obedience to either money or God. Discipleship will be shown to be a discipline that is a community affair, and thus the consequences of allegiance to God or money are to be understood in how one’s stewardship of money affects the community.
A Brief, Critical History of Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa Among the AmaZioni of Southern Africa with Special Reference to Its Relationship with the Christian Catholic Church of Zion
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Sullivan, Andrew Leslie; Jabini, Franklin; Maenzanise, Tawanda
This thesis is a brief overview of the history of a missionary organization that specializes in ministering to the amaZioni of southern Africa. The word ‘amaZioni’ is taken from the Zulu word meaning ‘the people of Zion’. This Mission Organizationwas first known as the Mahon Mission and later became Zion Evangelical Ministries of Africa (ZEMA). ZEMA has a close relationship with the Christian Catholic Church of Zion that was founded by John Alexander Dowie in 1896. Missionaries of ZEMA use this relationship that they enjoy with the church in Zion to gain acceptance by the amaZioni church leaders who themselves trace their history back to the Christian Catholic Church of Zion. The researcher attempts togive a brief history of the Christian Catholic Church of Zion in Illinois, USA that was founded by Dowie. It includes a history of the establishment of the Christian Catholic Church of Zion in South Africa and focuses on the most important characters whowere influenced by Dowie in South Africa. These were Johannes Buchler, Pieter le Roux and Edgar Mahon, the latter being the founder of the Mahon Mission.The thesis also investigates the ministry of the missionaries of ZEMA through the use of the instrument of a questionnaire. Theresults of this questionnaire revealsby way of testimony and personal experiences from both ZEMA missionaries and local amaZioni church leaders that the knowledge of ZEMA’s history and the unique relationship that ZEMA has withthe Christian Catholic Church of Zion has proven to be of great valueto both missionaries and the amaZioni churches.
A Christian Pastoral Response to the Spiritual Impact of Digital Gaming on Christian Adolescents at Cornerstone Fellowship Heidelberg
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Zaayman, Elizma; Light, Vernon E.
The Bible was written long before the internet and digital gaming. There is therefore nothing specific in Scripture that addresses this form of game playing or this fantasy world that humans engage in as a form of entertainment. The youth of Cornerstone Fellowship Heidelberg (CFH) church have become engulfed in this phenomenon of gaming and Christian parents are asking whether this could possibly negatively affect their adolescents and their faith. Clearly the church needed to determine a valid response to this question. The primary objective of this study is to formulate a theologically informed strategic plan where the playing of role playing fantasy digital games remains faithful to God and relevant to the ministry context and also the goals of CFH. This study begins with an interpretation of the operative theology of the church with reference to the gaming practices of its adolescents, then determines and defends what it believes is a faithful praxis in this area, and ends with a presentation of a communicative strategic plan for CFH in relation to its youth and members to achieve this praxis. Qualitative research was performed on three of the teenagers of CFH. These case studies were used in order to help determine whether gaming can influence the Christian adolescent’s faith, principles, values and morals and thus his/her spiritual life, growth and Christian identity. Certain Biblical principles and their use as a guideline to Christian behaviour regarding gaming are discussed. Information on digital games is provided to throw more light on the phenomenon and its potential impact on Christian teenagers.
A Comparative Analysis of the Distinction between Law and Gospel in Gerhard Forde and Confessional Lutheranism
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Cooper, Jordan; Lioy, Dan T.
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A Comparative Analysis of the Extant Bemba Bible Versions: Towards Functional Equivalence Translation with Special Reference to Isaiah 53
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Chansa, Brian 1984
A Comparative Study of Suffering In Pauline Theology and The Apostolic Fathers
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Berner, Philipp; Churchill, Timothy; Churchill, Timothy
NO ABSTRACT
A Comparative Study of Syncretic Practices between the Zionist Churches of Eswatini and Baal Worship in Ancient Israel.
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Ward, Ashar Louise 1993; Curle, Neville; Domeris, William R.
Culture and tradition have an influence on how people practice their faith in God. Theology cannot be practiced in a vacuum; there are outside influences that affect how every person lives out their faith. Christianity in Eswatini is no exception. It has been heavily influenced by how it first came to the nation, the missionaries that have taught about faith, and Eswatini’s own history and culture. The Zionist Church in Eswatini represents the largest church body of the country. Yet, the Zionist churches are known for contextualising Christianity into Swati culture. However, where is the line between being culturally relevant and the syncretism of two religions? The Zionist churches in Eswatini have often been labelled as syncretic in practice. This research found that not all Zionist churches can be called syncretic, however many Zionist churches still do practice a syncretism of STR and Christianity. This syncretism is compared to that practiced by Ancient Israel. Israel went through cycles of practicing syncretism by engaging in cultural practices from the surrounding nations that were not compatible with worship of Yahweh. One repeated temptation for Ancient Israel specifically was the lure of Baal worship. Ancient Israel was used as a case study for this research project, specifically to identify the dangers of syncretism and its consequences. The consequences that Ancient Israel faced for abandoning Yahweh were disastrous. In studying both Israel and Zionism in Eswatini, it is clear that the syncretic practices are very similar. This has led to similar consequences too. Eswatini seems to be encountering consequences that were also promised to Israel, such as lack of fertility of land, animals, and humans.
A comparative study of the knowability of the Christian God and Allah: Strategic implications for Muslim evangelism
(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-04-24) Boshoff, Rudolph P.; Smith, Kevin G.
This research explores the basic ideas of Christianity and Islam about God's knowability, emphasizing the key differences between Allah and Yahweh. Christians base their theology on the Bible and claim that Allah can only be known via his revealed nature, but Muslims believe Allah cannot be personally known at all, creating a theological conundrum. According to my study, the biblical idea helps Christians develop an "I-Thou" relationship with Yahweh and helps them understand some of his attributes. On the other hand, Muslims find it difficult to explain many aspects of Allah, which undermines the moral foundation and coherence of their faith. The implications for evangelism strengthen the logical coherence of Christian theism and its ability to offer a meaningful alternative to Islamic monotheism. This comparative study aims to equip Christian witnesses to effectively address Islamic theology's challenges.
A Comparative Study of the Practices of the Mystics sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers and the Implications of Appropriating Christian Mystic Practices in the Church Today
(South African Theological Seminary) Parks, Clayton Aaron; Arles, Siga
This research seeks to answer the question: How do the spiritual practices of Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers compare with each other and what are the implications of appropriating Christian mystic practices in the Church today? This study utilizes the method of phenomenology to solve the research problem by identifying and analyzing relevant literary data in order to explore God’s interactions with man through Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers.First, a literature review explores the current status of scholarly research into the personalities and histories of the legendary Christian figures of Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers. A literature review reveals that within several areas of current scholarship, gaps appear and no substantial inquiry regarding the similarities and differences of spiritual practices between Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers is found. Therefore, the need for researchinto this specific area finds validation.Second, a survey of the lives and theology of Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers is provided in order to introduce readers to the personalities and histories of the legendary Christian figures. Third, a detailed analysis is conducted of the textual examples of documented prayer and meditation, visions and miracles, and self-deprivation undertaken by Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers.Fourth, a comparative analysis of the spiritual practices of Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Desert Fathers is provided, followed by a critical assessment of Christian mystic practices appropriated in the Church today.Finally, a summary is provided of the research findings, including the theological and practical value of studying the spiritual practices of these Christian legends,as well as the pros and cons of appropriating Christian mystic practices in the Church today. Recommendations are then made regarding the benefits of utilizing said practices for deepening one’s personal spiritual life and the dangers of appropriating unbiblical mystic practices in the Church today.
A Contextual Missiological Study Of The Sheepfold Ministries In The Garissa And Tana River Districts Of Northeastern Kenya
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg South Africa) Omondi, Francis; Malherbe, Johannes S.
This research describes the mission work of The Sheepfold Ministries (TSM) in North eastern Kenya, revealing the extent to which nationals have participated in mission. The case study in this research provides the crucial link between mission theory and practice as espoused by TSM. It further describes the context in which this mission occurred, and how that has shaped and continues to influence mission thinking and practice today. The data collected during this study makes public the work by TSM, and therefore provides the initial documentation for public awareness and appreciation. In this way, the research gives voice to nationals and their mission work in bringing their unique perspective into the corpus of mission literature. The study further addresses the question about mission’s priority today, mission in a turbulent and tumultuous context, and exposes existent gaps that could improve how nationals take part in Christian mission. The study shows that TSM’s involvement was intentional, organized, springing from careful reflection and a response to faith in Christ and that the communities they serve receive their ministry. Thus, the work by TSM missionaries provides a contextual missiological understanding and praxis. This thesis delineates the missiological paradigm emergent from TSM and brings to light the peculiar stories of national missionaries and their work. It concludes by offering implications and making recommendations for mission, which should inspire more mission work by nationals to the unreached peoples.
A Critical Analysis of 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.
A Critical Analysis of Secularism on Individual Eschatology: Conceptual Implications For Christians in Modern Zambia
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Moyo, Derick Brown; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.
Modern Zambia is at crossroads with regard to the choice for a national ideology that must be on Zambia’s national constitution. One side argues for maintaining the status quo, ‘Christian state’, while the other is vying for legislating a ‘secular state’. While these polarized views are largely value-laden in scope, they have not touched on the ultimate teleological concerns that such a choice could have on individual modern Zambian Christians, who compose the country’s majority population. It is this gap that the study addresses. The study also suggests alternative solutions to the crisis. The research examines the ideological crisis in modern Zambia in light of the human ultimate question as provided in Christianity’s doctrine of individual eschatology. The study needed to be done thus because, the majority of Zambians are Christians and therefore the need to theologically contribute in resolving the national ideological crisis, from the angle of ultimate hope and not just ‘values’ alone, is critical. The Bible admonishes about having a worldview or ideology that transcends this present life (1 Cor. 15:19). I have used deductive data analysis. Secondary data was conceptually and philosophically analyzed to test the claims advanced by the study using three tests of analysis: the provisionality test; the ‘correspondence theory of truth’ test and; the ‘coherence theory of truth’ test.The study found that making an ideology to be a constitutional matter has little value in terms of determining the individual ultimate destiny for modern Zambian Christians. The reasons for this are twofold. First, modern Zambian Christians are already inundated with various unfavourable contextual challenges at both the macrocosm (Africa) and microcosm (modern Zambia) societal levels that bear on their spirituality. Secondly, some of the theological trends within Christendom itself on the ultimate question do engender a conceptual confusion for modern Zambian Christians. Thus, to talk about a legislated national Christian ideology would be both irrelevant (in such a harsh context) and discriminatory; to vie for a legislated national secular ideology would be to define an earthly ultimate hope for a people that are largely Christian – whose hope must be anchored beyond this world. Since the thesis raises issues of ultimate hope for human beings (modern Zambia Christians particularly); it is essentially a thesis arguing for extolling God’s consummate hope for all humanity, modern Zambian Christians included. The study demonstrates that human life lived without such a grander hope has eternal implications.
A Critical Analysis of the Doctrine of Salvation in Free Evangelical Assemblies in Swaziland: A Contextualized Theology
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Buthelezi, Sicelo Jerome; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.
This study is a critical analysis of the doctrine of salvation, which is one of the central themes of the scriptures and core message of the Free Evangelical Assemblies. The research investigated the concept and experience of salvation in the Free Evangelical Assemblies.It discusses how Swazi Free Evangelical members experience and interpret the concept of Salvation in response to their existential problems. It is noted that while church members or the Swazi people in general embraced salvation, there has always been the persistent problem where they would turn to traditional religious rituals in times of crises. The research reveals how converts faithfully practiced the Christians‟ teachings, but still would not renounce cultural dictates, and how, by-so-doing, they found themselves living in two worlds. The study suggests that a relevant message of salvation could be the best solution to this dilemma.Chapter One introduces the research problem and the conceptual method,which focuses on the biblical concept of salvation and its relevance to the members of the Free Evangelical Assemblies. Chapter Two discusses the conception of salvation,which is the core belief of the church. The research discovered that the church is faced with a major problem that threatens its core faith as church members seem wont to revert to traditional beliefs each time they face life challenges, and never entirely, at least in practice, seem to believe in the missionaries‟ teachings. They seem to be of the view that the God of the missionaries does not understand the problems of the Swazi people. It would appear that Swazis would appreciate a theology that addresses their worldview. Chapter Three examines the Biblical and Theological concept of salvation.The study shows that biblical salvation is a comprehensive and holistic concept that defines God‟s redemptive involvement in human affairs. The research demonstrates that the redemptive acts of God have been redefined to every generation in every nation in response to questions asked by contemporary people. vi Chapter Four is a response to the universal quest of a contextualized theology,which en-fleshes the word of God in every culture; and positions the church as an extension of the body of Christ,and mediates the message of salvation in the context of their culture. The last chapter gives a reflective summary of the thesis, recommendations and conclusion.