Department of Practical Theology and Missiology

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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.
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.
Conflict resolution for sustainable development in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Didier, Kasongo Wa Kumutombo; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is second to Algeria as the largest country in Africa in terms of size. The country and is exponentially rich in both natural resources and wild life. However, the country is classed among the poorest of the world and it also has a long history of conflicts. Conflict and development are interconnected and, in the case of the DRC, the state of the country's poverty may find its explanation in the long history of conflicts. This, in turn, creates potentials for conflicts. The DRC has an estimated 90 per cent of Christian followers despite being officially a secular country. Although there is a significant amount of literature on the subject of conflict resolution and development on the DRC, this study focuses on the role of the church in conflict resolution and its efforts in promoting sustainable development; this, from a theological perspective. The study, therefore, explores the history of the DRC and that of the Great Lakes Region in order to understand the Congolese crisis, which has national, regional and international connotations. Development and conflict theories are, therefore, developed for a better understanding of the subject under investigation and the interrelationship between the two is argued within the context of the DRC and the broader African continent. The theological concept of shalom is here explored in order to reflect on how the church could be involved in conflict resolution and sustainable development. An argument is made that the biblical concept of shalom is holistic. From various historical records, it is noted that the church has always been involved in the day to day life in the DRC. The research shows that the church and its leadership have not done enough to see shalom established in the DRC despite the many opportunities they have been given to do so from the colonial era up to this day. The research, ultimately, makes recommendations to the church in order to promote identified Kingdom values for the establishment of shalom, which leads to the resolution of the conflict and the implementation of sustainable development. Finally, a peace-building model that focuses on hope, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation is proposed to resolve the conflict and bring about sustainable development in the DRC.
Empowerment by hope : a phenomenological study on the health and wellbeing of African refugee migrants
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-03-03) Msabah, Barnabe Anzuruni; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Ours is a century of migration. It has become more necessary for people to migrate than ever before in human history due to a variety of reasons including political instability and economic opportunities. The rate at which migration is increasing, nevertheless, poses serious challenges to various countries. South Africa is not immune. However, not all migrants migrate at will. For some, migration suggests recreation or acceptance of a job offer; but for others, it is a dangerous movement. It is forced and could mean permanent expulsion from home. Such is the case for refugee migrants. Theirs is a case of inconvenience; a case of expulsion from their territorial space and exclusion from socio-economic ownership. Although the end of the refugee migration is somewhat beneficial to an émigré for the reason that, in such a case, life is spared from various forms of persecution, the process of migration is itself detrimental since it involves serious challenges that affect refugees’ health and wellbeing. This study aims to encourage a paradigm shift in Theology and Development, proposing that hope and empowerment are an inseparable binary with affective dimensions on being and belonging. In this way, putting hope into practice is fundamentally an asset for improved wellbeing and significant in the process of recovery from illness. The study begins with a review of existing literature by six prominent scholars from various academic fields who have dealt intensively with hope. This is then followed by a discussion and analysis of the relationship between hope and empowerment in the development discourse within the African context. Finally, qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with key informants, and through focus group discussions with representatives of the refugee community in Cape Town is presented and analysed in view of understanding empowerment by hope. In addition to being an indicator of human dignity, the findings of this research indicate that, amongst other things, hope is a practical tool for holistic development. In the end, recommendations that collate hope and empowerment are proposed in order to assist role players such as faith communities, researchers and policymakers in developing appropriate responses for managing the refugee phenomenon, particularly as it relates to the health and wellbeing of refugee migrants.
Microfinance as a tool for socio-economic empowerment of rural women in Northern Malawi : a practical theological reflection
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Chilongozi, Mwawi Nyirenda; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Claassens, L. Juliana M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Poverty is a multifaceted, gendered global challenge that affects women significantly more than men. To alleviate poverty and achieve sustainable development, women in the Global South are engaging in microfinance. Microfinance is the provision of financial services to underprivileged people who cannot access credit from commercial banks and is proving to be a tool of socio-economic empowerment of women from rural areas. This study explores the ways in which the church can promote the microfinance model of savings and loans in a holistic and sustainable way. This study discusses poverty and the feminisation of poverty in the light of the gender and development (GAD) approach and explores the status of women in Malawi in terms of education, health, agriculture, the environment, politics, issues of gender-based violence and socio-economic empowerment. African women theologies and transnational feminism are the theoretical lenses used to explore the advancement of the socio-economic empowerment of rural women in the Global South in the context of economic globalisation. Identified as feminist liberation theologies that seek justice and liberation of all people, African women theologies, are used as the theological lens to analyse the socio-economic empowerment of women in order to explore how women can be liberated from the oppression caused by economic injustice. As a qualitative empirical study, this research explores the nature and impact of existing savings and loans groups run by rural women in the communities of Bwengu and Bolero in Northern Malawi. With a view to understanding the role of the church in microfinance with regards to rural women, clergy from the Henga and Nyika Presbyteries and church leaders of the CCAP Synod of Livingstonia and the Malawi Council of Churches were also included in the study. The findings from the empirical research indicate that microfinance is beneficial to individual women, their families and communities as the savings and loan model encourages women to save money from their resources. Through the savings and loan groups, it appears that women are empowered socio-economically and they become financially independent. The findings also indicate that women who are involved in savings and loan groups can now participate in decision making at household and community levels. Furthermore, women’s involvement in such groups assists in reducing incidents of gender-based violence at the household level because women are making a substantial contribution to the household income. The microfinance model of savings and loans is, therefore, deemed to be both holistic as it encourages women to save from what they have and to generate social capital and spiritual inspiration as they work together in solidarity through the groups. These findings call the church to engage with such models of economic development as they highlight the fact that the churches are aware of microfinance initiatives but the churches have not engaged in the initiatives. However, there is need for the churches to engage in such initiatives because they empower the communities. In order to promote holistic and sustainable microfinance, the church has to advocate for economic justice and build the capacities of its members concerning microfinance. The church should, therefore, seek to encourage all including men, women and youth to engage in microfinance so that the entire community is lifted and empowered socio-economically.
Partnership towards self-reliance : back to God movement of South Africa as a case study of holistic mission
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03 ) Celesi, Mawonga Phaphile; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Poverty is an enormous challenge that the church and the world face today, and efforts are being made across societal sectors by mission and development practitioners to overcome it. If holistic mission and development are to be realised, the Church and development practitioners have to partner with the poor in efforts to help them achieve self-reliance. Poverty alleviation through diaconal means, such as feeding schemes and soup kitchens, is beneficial in development, but it is even more beneficial when this partnership translates into developmental projects that help the poor do things for themselves and be self-sustaining, expressing and demonstrating their God-given qualities and talents in society. This study aims to demonstrate how the two components of the gospel mandate, evangelism and social development, complement one another and make mission and development holistic, rather than working in opposition, which is detrimental to the gospel. The poor are affirmed as worthy partners in mission and development, while the Church is affirmed as a strategic partner in the poor's journey out of poverty. This effort advocates for the poor in this partnership to be afforded space and an opportunity to express themselves as worthy mission and development participants. As a result, the partnership ethos that guides the partnership between the Church and the poor is being looked at with the purpose of cushioning and shielding the poor in the journey, as people who often suffer in relationships with development partners. In this study, the Assemblies of God-Back to God (AoG-BtG) church is used as a case study of holistic mission to see how it was founded by Nicholas Bhengu and ministry colleagues to intentionally grow in a manner that helps the poor face the challenge of poverty through self-reliance means and initiatives. The AoG-BtG church has two development projects women's self-help initiatives and the youth education fund. Many in the development sector see women and youth as the face of poverty since they bear the brunt of poverty in society more than males, as a result, this study focuses on developmental initiatives for women and youth, and because this is a mission and development obstacle that cannot be overlooked. The objective of this study is to figure out how the Church can improve its efforts to tackle poverty through a partnership that features comprehensive strategies that help the poor to achieve self-reliance. The argument of this study in Africa is that the African context and philosophies, such as Ubuntu and Black Consciousness, should have an impact on the operations and conduct of the Church and developers, contributing to the comprehensiveness of mission and development. The Church that examines and takes the African context seriously cannot do so while remaining oblivious to the scourge of poverty and the need to address it, and any effort to address poverty should be done in partnership with the very poor who need assistance, instead of being done for them.
A practical theological exploration of the missional role and contribution of the Christian development organisation in Cape Town, South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Hancox, Deborah Merle; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Le Roux, Elisabet; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The church is currently undergoing a transformation from being a church with a mission, to becoming a missional church participating in the missio Dei. The missional discourse is the theological conversation about this transformation. This conversation, however, appears to be a particularly congregational and academic one, with missing dialogue partners. The Christian development organisation (CDO) that carries out significant amounts of global Christian activity in the area of humanitarian relief, social care and transformation, appears to be one such missing partner. To explore further whether the CDO is indeed a missing dialogue partner, this study aimed to expand the minimal literature about the CDO from a theological and, particularly, a missiological perspective, through the development of a substantive classic grounded theory. The expectation is that the findings will help CDO leaders, congregational leaders and theologians engaging the missional discourse to understand the CDO’s missional role and contribution. Classic grounded theory was selected as the most appropriate methodology for this context of discovery. In order to use the methodology in an intradisciplinary way within Practical Theology and Missiology, the researcher first articulated the missiological consensus that was developed during the 20th century and on which the missional discourse is based. Furthermore, given the absence of a clearly defined name for the unit of analysis, the CDO was also richly defined prior to the research. The research, undertaken with eighteen CDOs based in Cape Town, South Africa, elicited the substantive classic grounded theory of Waymaking. The main concern of the CDO was identified as being true to their calling, a concern that is constantly being resolved through the core category, which is following to make a way, a form of missional spirituality. Two strategy categories ensue from this. The primary strategy, helping holistically, is a process of helping their beneficiaries move towards greater flourishing in life. The second strategy is extending the congregation, which shows the persistent and interpenetrating relationship between the CDO and the congregation. Both strategies were found to be dependent on the ongoing forming of the CDO as a sustaining organisation. Waymaking was further extended by engaging literature as indicated by the theory. This resulted in four interconnected contours of a missional ecclesial pattern emerging from Waymaking, namely: the impetus-giving contour of a missional calling; the animating contour of a missional spirituality; the visible contour of missional encounters; the sustaining contour of missional communities. The research shows that the CDO is not only playing a missional role in its work, but also has a significant contribution to make to the missional discourse, which indicates the need for the CDO to be part of this theological conversation. This is especially necessary if the emergent missional church is to be a place of belonging for laity, women, World Christianity and those who have always been at the centre for the God of Compassion: the widow, the orphan, the foreigner and the poor.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Social transformation through affirmation of human dignity : a case study of ‘Learn to Earn’
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Mellows, Susan Pamela; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Given South Africa’s humanitarian crisis, the intention was to explore a possible intervention to address the pervasive poverty and rapidly rising unemployment, by means of a practical theological study. The study aims to ascertain the contribution which spirituality in a Faith-Based Organisation (“FBO”) makes towards attaining social transformation through affirming human dignity. Throughout the study, ‘spirituality’ was given the meaning of the personal and relational side of the Christian faith, which shapes daily life. The evolution of the notion of ‘development’, as an undertaking intended to improve the lives of those experiencing material deprivation, was traced and it was noted how spirituality had long been excluded as a feature affecting the well-being of those to whom poverty upliftment was intended to be addressed. The study therefore argues in favour of a theological interpretation of development, known also as ‘transformation’, having its foundation in a kingdom of God theology with a focus on attaining ‘shalom’. Positioned within the discipline of Theology and Development, this qualitative research study selected a case study as its methodology, within an interpretive paradigmatic perspective, which incorporated the notion of self-reflexivity as an additional dimension of the data interpretation. The unit of analysis of the case study was the FBO, and an in-depth exploration was undertaken in order to understand the work of Learn to Earn (“LTE”), an FBO with an overtly Christian faith expression. LTE professes to focus on the whole person, including the spiritual dimension, in the course of providing skills training to formerly unemployed people in Khayelitsha, Cape Town and Zwelihle, Hermanus. Through empirical research, the integrated spirituality practices of LTE were explored in order to ascertain the extent of social transformation being experienced by its participants. The study’s findings were that the practice of spirituality within LTE resulted in the affirmation of human dignity of participants, in circumstances where there had been a focus on the imago Dei and where the kingdom of God was proclaimed holistically. The result was that ‘marred identities’ of impoverished people were healed as they recovered their true identity and vocation. As a consequence, the affirmation of human dignity through a recovery of vocation played a significant role in the participants overcoming powerlessness, caused by structural injustice. Through their own agency, they were able to escape poverty’s captivity and to progress towards shalom, whereby meaningful social transformation occurred. Based on the empirical evidence relating to the case study of LTE, it can be suggested that this FBO empowers those who are economically deprived, by assisting them to overcome powerlessness, through activating their agency, as their human dignity is affirmed and vocation subsequently recovered. It is suggested that the significant role of the FBO in development work is thereby evident. Recent interest in inclusion of spirituality within development discourse is thus to be welcomed as a beneficial addition to attaining social transformation.
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.
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.
Transformational development as theological challenge: an evaluation of the ECWA people oriented development programmes
(Stellenbosh : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Yoms, Ephraim; Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explores various community development theories and practices and, using the holistic criteria proposed by Myers, the study evaluates the impact of ECWA‘s People Oriented Development (POD) programmes in selected beneficiating communities in Northern Nigeria. The study revealed that the earlier conceptualisation of ‘development‘ was perceived strictly in socio-economic terms. Thereafter, the approaches shifted in focus towards human development and environmental sustainability. Transformational Development (TD) is posed as a holistic Christian framework for addressing human and social change. This approach holds that transformation is premised on change for a better future, which is underpinned by the principles of shalom: just, peaceful and, harmonious relationships with God, oneself, individuals within a given community and the environment. The empirical study discovered that the socio-economic challenges facing the selected communities were food shortages, bad roads, educational needs, and economic and health challenges. Unemployment, mismanagement, illiteracy, disunity and religious issues were viewed as causes of poverty in the selected communities. The various remedial measures taken by ECWA‘s POD to address some of these challenges include: water supply, food security, health services, economic empowerment, infrastructural projects, environmental sustainability and spiritual development activities. The evaluative framework proposed by TD, sought to assess positive changes in the cultural and religious aspects of people‘s lives, and a positive change in attitude toward God, the Christian Gospel and spirituality. This aspect of the evaluation identified the significant impact of ECWA‘s POD programmes on the lives of the beneficiaries, such as in self-help activities, communal work, prayer and Bible study. However, due to poverty, underdevelopment and a lack of understanding of the God of the Bible still prevalent in the targeted communities, it is difficult to conclude that ECWA‘s POD interventions have sufficiently led to TD. This lack of a suitable approach to development, such as the separation of POD as an agency to meet physical needs while the local church focuses on spiritual needs, is inconsistent with the holistic approach. Therefore, the research concludes that evangelism and social change in the process of community transformation must work simultaneously.

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