Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/1007

Browse

Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by browse.metadata.advisor "Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine"

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An African women's theological analysis of a development programme : 'churches, channels of hope'
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Adonis, Melany Marildia; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Van der Walt, Charlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is offering an analysis of the Facilitator's Manual of the Christian AIDS Bureau for Southern Africa (CABSA). The analysis is situated in the context of HIV and AIDS as the manual is used to train facilitators during a weeklong training to become 'Channels of Hope' in their communities which are affected by HIV and AIDS. The HIV and AIDS discourse therefore needs to be explored. However, the manual was developed during the end of the 1990's in South Africa and therefore the context of HIV and AIDS specifically in South Africa needs to be analysed. Furthermore, the 1990's was the end of apartheid and the start of a new democracy in South Africa and therefore the impact of the legacy of apartheid is part of the analysis of the context. In order to analyse the content of the manual and do a study of the language used, a theoretical framework was developed by using African women theologians. The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (referred to as the Circle) was used as a resource to find African women theologians. As a woman born in South Africa and therefore Africa, this seemed as the most appropriate resource. The process of seeking for a method of doing discourse analysis, eventually lead to the feminist practical theologian, Denise Ackermann who is also a member of the Circle and a South African. Her Feminist Theology of Praxis was used as methodological point of departure. The theoretical framework was then used to do a close reading of the manual and compare the themes of the framework with the content in the manual. The question was, whether these themes identified through the framework were present in the manual or not. Furthermore it was explored in which ways the themes were present once they were identified. The themes identified through the discourse analysis was used to suggest alternative methods used in the manual in order to enhance the manual. The goal of the ”Churches, Channels of Hope” programme is to empower people and help communities to grow and flourish. The hope is therefore that the suggestions would be used to enhance this programme and to make that goal possible. HIV and AIDS continue to be a challenge and CABSA and other Faith Based Organisations need all the support possible to address the challenges of this pandemic.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Churches as community development locus : addressing the challenges of the girl child in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Myambo, Violet; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The girl child in Zimbabwe encounters great suffering emanating from cultural, traditional and, at times, religious factors. These, in total, make the girl child’s life challenges innumerable. While the churches in Zimbabwe are aware of the girl child challenges, they have not related to them effectively. Some of these challenges are related to spiritual beliefs. This study explores the causes of the girl child’s suffering in Zimbabwe and the intersection between gender, culture and development. The reason for this exploration is to discover how these three areas interact with each other as determinants to the just place of women in the community. It also explores the relationship between religion, culture and gender. In this context, it looks at religious and church affiliation in a Zimbabwean context. Thereafter, the thesis explores the concepts of church and gender, the concept of female submission, and theological challenges within Southern Africa. These include the concept of God, the role and status of women in the image of God, a discussion of women in the texts and the concept of sin, salvation and wholeness. The thesis draws mainly on the works of African women theologians although not exclusively, when dealing with theological challenges. Furthermore, the thesis reports on qualitative interviews conducted with selected religious leaders in the Eastern highlands. It uses a qualitative method that seeks to describe and attach meaning to phenomena. This study concludes by providing recommendations as to how the church in Zimbabwe could act as a community development locus in addressing the challenges of a girl child in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    "Prophets of Doom": the phenomenon of healing and power dynamics in Neo-Pentecostal African churches
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Pondani, Simbarashe; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In Southern Africa, there has been a rise of prophets who have resorted to dangerous healing practices such as the snake eating, petrol drinking and the popular ‘Doom spraying’ endangering the lives of congregants who are desperate for a special miraculous touch. Africa has been bombarded by poverty, several epidemics and illiteracy, leaving many lives in despondency and powerlessness. This has led to the abuse of many gullible lives by powerful prophetic figures who have commercialized the gospel for power and profit. This study is motivated by the need to analyze the phenomenon of healing and power dynamics that have dominated the Neo-Pentecostal African churches in Southern Africa, with a special focus on South African upcoming prophetic figures. The study analyses factors that have led to the acceptance and perpetuation of dangerous healing practices by certain Neo-Pentecostal religious leaders on their followers. This study is undertaken from a community development and theological perspective; intersecting gender, health and theology. The study investigates the conceptual understanding of healing and power within the Neo-Pentecostal African churches by examining the historical formation of this strand of Pentecostalism and how the movement got established in South Africa. A multidisciplinary approach that encompasses the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspect of healing will assist in bringing forth a holistic approach to healing. The healing and power phenomenon within such religious settings poses a threat to many who congregate within such churches, especially women and young children who are mostly, the majority in attendance. This places the healing and power phenomenon at play within the Developmental and Gender discourses, intersecting with other factors that lead to the perpetuation of poverty and health challenges. The spraying of ‘Doom’ insecticide on congregants as a healing practice by a Limpopian prophet raises concerns leading to an investigation of the implications and social economic challenges at play within such settings. Historically, the Classical Pentecostal healing tradition has been founded upon the general understanding of the Christian practice of laying on of hands when praying for the sick. Although there have been instances where symbolic and alternative healing methods became popular in the movement, the general practice of laying on of hands on the sick has been a standard tradition within the Pentecostal liturgy. Thus, making a theological contrast between the Classical Pentecostal views on healing and the Neo-Pentecostal understanding of healing and power has brought forth disparities as to how healing is conducted and gets accentuated religiously within African communities. Also, the gendered intersection with regard to power, sees women and children being mostly vulnerable to such healing practices making this study a gendered issue. This intersection suggests that the Neo-Pentecostal African churches healing practices are dangerous due to various socio-economic challenges leading to the perpetuation of poverty. This study recommends and seeks to acknowledge the urgent need for a discerning community. Findings within community development have noted that an impoverished society bears characteristics of vulnerability, disempowerment and high levels of gullibility. This study highlights the pressing need for religious communities, governments and organizations to stand guard against abusive healing and power tendencies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of the church in bridging the gender inequality gap in Malawi through secondary school education : a case of the Livingstonia Synod
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-03 ) Khoswe, Bongani; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Gender equality stands as one of key important elements of development discourse and practice. Nevertheless, for a long time there have been several barriers to women’s participation in development due to patriarchal systems which do not enable women to contribute fully to development. Education is one of the tools that empowers humans by unleashing their potential towards meaningful participation in society both through the empowerment of skilled labor and via the ability it develops in order for people to understand and act on addressing challenges which may lead to a better life. Malawi is widely recognised as a country with high levels of gender inequality and in addition itis also identified as one of the countries in the world where many girls do not make it to secondary school. For those that do, there remain high dropout rates emanating from either early pregnancy and early marriages or financial challenges. These challenges raise the question as to the role of the church in addressing the challenges of the Malawian girl child with regards to its role in education. This study, therefore, aims at investigating the role of the church in bridging the gender inequality gap in Malawi by using the Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian as the case study in its involvement in the provision of education at secondary school level to gain an in-depth understanding on this issue. Through lenses of African Women Theologies cultural hermeneutics and Gender and Development theory, the study seeks to critically analyse the Malawian socio-cultural context and investigate how this problem is still persistent in spite of the various efforts from the different stakeholders. It, therefore, critically analyses developmental strategies such as the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to issues concerning gender equality and investigates government policies intended to increase the enrolment rates and increase school retention have impact girl child. In analysing the approach of the Synod of Livingstonia, the research observes that the Synod is an important actor in the provision of education in Malawi, especially in the northern region. The Synod also plays a critical role in the implementation of various programs that deal with different social issues, some of which affect a girl child directly. The study finds that while the Synod should be commended for it work with regards to this issue, recommendations such as the Synod getting involved in not only training ministers on issues of gender equality but other congregants with the aim that they will train fellow congregants on these issues are made.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of the church in ending female genital mutilation/cutting in order to promote the flourishing of women : a case study of the Wolaita Kale Heywet Church, Southern Ethiopia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-03) Dora, Tihitina Telemos; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Le Roux, Elisabet; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is the most harmful traditional practice (HTP) when it comes to affecting the flourishing of women in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia. This study is motivated by the need to end FGM/C in Wolaita, where it has higher rates when compared to other parts of the country. The study aims to interrogate what role the Wolaita Kale Heywet Church (WKHC) plays - or can play - in ending FGM/C and promote the flourishing of women in Wolaita and beyond. The study is positioned within the field of Theology and Development with a focus on the intersection between gender, health and theology. It discusses FGM/C, the use of its terminology, the nature of the practice from a public health perspective, the consequences of FGM/C for health, how FGM/C is perceived in Africa, the prevalence of FGM/C in Ethiopia, and the governmental measures for its eradication. The findings indicate that FGM/C constitutes all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genital or cause damage to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It was further noted that the practice causes severe consequences for health with physical complications and psychological problems. The study also found that health workers are involved in performing FGM/C, although the practice is mainly carried out by traditional practitioners. Motivations for the practice are complex and interrelated, perpetuated by gender inequality and used as a means to control women’s sexuality in patriarchal societies such as those found in Southern Ethiopia. Based on the findings, the study explores, the notion of flourishing as a theological lens and valuable theory in the struggle against FGM/C and argues for greater engagement with African Feminist theology as embodied theology at the intersection of gender, development and theology. The study concludes with recommendations that would help the church to effectively eradicate this HTP in concerned areas.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of the church with regards to maternal health : a case study of the church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Livingstonia
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Chilongozi, Mwawi Nyirenda; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Claassens, L. Juliana M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many women in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Malawi, in particular, die during childbirth due to preventable and treatable complications that develop during pregnancy and childbirth. This study is motivated by the need to reduce the maternal mortality ratio in Malawi, which higher in comparison to other countries in Southern Africa. Therefore, the study aims to interrogate the role the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), Synod of Livingstonia plays or can play to reduce maternal mortality. The study is undertaken within the field of Theology and Development with a focus on the intersection between gender, health and theology. The study discusses development approaches and discourses; the historical perspectives of issues of women in development and how it has shifted from Women In Development (WID); Women And Development (WAD) to Gender and Development (GAD). It placed maternal health within the Gender and Development approach. It further explains how the global initiatives on maternal health and the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals have brought awareness of maternal health as a developmental issue. The initiatives have assisted governments and non-governmental organisations to put strategies that would assist in reducing maternal mortality and it has been noted that Faith-Based Organisations play a crucial role in the health sector in most countries in Africa, including Malawi. The findings indicate that maternal health mirrors the disparities between developed countries and developing countries, between the rich and the poor, between the educated and the uneducated, between the urban and the rural women. Maternal deaths are caused by preventable and treatable complications that develop during pregnancy and childbirth, however, these complications result from socio-cultural, religious, economic and political factors. Above all, maternal mortality is perpetuated by gender inequality in societies. Further the study analysed the role of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Synod of Livingstonia with regards to maternal health using Mercy Oduyoye’s four theological themes as the theological lens. It has been noted that the Synod of Livingstonia is playing a crucial role in the education and health sectors in Malawi. However, the Synod of Livingstonia regard maternal health as a health issue and women’s issue and therefore does not tackle maternal health at different forums. This study concludes that maternal health is a socio-cultural issue, a developmental issue, a gender issue, an economic and political issue that needs to be tackled through the collaboration of the government and churches and the communities in general. Denominations such as the CCAP, therefore, has a crucial role to play in addressing this challenge and the study concludes with recommendations to the Synod of Livingstonia as to how it could assist in issues of maternal health.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Towards the introduction of community development within a theological curriculum : Murray Theological College of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Vhembo, Webster; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Many church leaders in Zimbabwe are not equipped for the struggle against poverty in their context. This study is prompted by the desire to provide the church with expertise to meet the challenges and subsequently effect the desired change in the society. The study, therefore, deals with the question of an educational strategy that could be employed in order to equip the future clergy of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) to meet the contextual challenges. The research attempts to provide (as an outcome) some guidelines towards the introduction of a curriculum design that could eventually produce ministers who are able to contextualise the theology in an African context - a brand of ministers who are sensitive to the needs of the community and ready to work as agents of change in the community of their service. When approaching the context of Zimbabwe, the church is viewed as a non-partisan agent that is likely to contribute to a holistic development as mandated in the Bible. It is, however, argued that the Biblical mandate could be hampered, when the seminary training of ministers offers little or no preparation for the kind of transformational ministry that incorporates Community Development. Its introduction within the Theological curricula at Murray Theological College will, therefore, enable the prospective ministers in the RCZ to become successful agents of change in both Church and society. To be credible, theological education should produce (as its outcome) responsible and productive ministers who have the ability to think critically on social related matters. Its curriculum should have multiple foci that stretch beyond a specific set of knowledge. Inserting development within a theological curriculum at Murray Theological College could possibly lead to that end and this could be the first phase of an educational strategy that could be employed in order to equip the future clergy of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe to meet the contextual challenges.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Towards ‘queering’ gender within theology and development discourse
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-03) Motsau, Arnold; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Van der Walt, Charlene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis reports on a study undertaken within Theology and Development with a focus on health and gender. Health, in this thesis, was not merely understood from a biomedical perspective, but defined in terms of the holistic wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer (LGBTIQ) persons with varying sexual orientations and gender identities. In the light of contextual phenomena such as the ‘corrective’ rape of gays and lesbians, the notion that homosexuality is considered to be ‘un-African’, and the churches’ response to homosexuality within South Africa, this study will attempt to utilise queer theory and queer theology ‘queery’ Gender and Development (GAD) scholars within Theology and Development. The current understanding of the GAD approach within Theology and Development discourse was argued to make use of the heterogendered binary and, as a result, is not inclusive of LGBTIQ identities as a discursive theme. Gender, in this thesis, is considered a socio-historical construct and it is argued that it expands across many cultures. This understanding of gender opens up a discussion on subjectivity and looks at how the subject is utilized within discursive practice. The thesis concurs with Feminist scholars who argue that language does not only communicate the link between one’s sex and one’s gender identity; but that it also constitutes that link. Michel Foucault’s framework of power and how it is used to regulate discourses together with Judith Butler’s work on performativity provide a valuable point of departure for queer theory and queer theology as the hermeneutical lenses utilised in this thesis. A brief literature survey is conducted concerning gendered subjectivities within development discourses within the social sciences. The historical movements of Women in Development (WID), Women and Development (WAD) and Gender and Development (GAD) were explored within development discourse with the purpose of highlighting some of the reasons for the historical inclusion of certain subjects and the exclusion of others within the discursive practice in particular. The most recent movement, GAD, is shown to have been critiqued for mainly utilizing ‘gender’ as a code word for ‘women’. There is a discursive shift within development discourses within the social sciences that has gone on to queery development discourses and advocate for the inclusion of sexual minorities as a discursive theme. Through agencies such as SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency), sexuality was highlighted to also have links within a multi perspectival understanding of poverty. Finally, a thematic networks analysis coupled with the lenses of queer theory and queer theology, were conducted on seven articles that could possibly be related to the emerging field of Theology and Development. The thesis argues that the current use of heterogendered binary as an “informant” of theologising on gender is indicative of the fact that some of the Theology and development articles that are analysed here have not yet made a discursive shift to include LGBTIQ persons as a discursive theme. Indecent theology is recommended for future research as a queer theological tool to incorporate epistemological considerations of those on the sexual margins and thereby confronting heterosexist theologising within Theology and Development.