Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology) by browse.metadata.advisor "Koopman, Nico"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Christian faith and justice? : a theological investigation into Nicholas Wolterstorff's perspectives on justice
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Myburgh, Daniella; Koopman, Nico; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As backdrop and context for this study, injustices present in South Africa are briefly discussed, as well as the impact of such injustices on the people of the country. The focus then turns to the work of Nicholas Wolterstorff in order to see what type of light Wolterstorff’s perspectives on justice can shed on the quest for justice in contemporary societies, and what type of role the Christian faith can play within such justice discourses. An attempt is made to address this question by describing Wolterstorff's central ideas and perspectives on justice as clearly as possible. This is not an exhaustive critique on his thought and therefore it focuses mainly on understanding Wolterstorff’s own literature regarding justice. His approach to justice can be seen as a theological challenge that incorporates both history and philosophy. Wolterstorff’s central notions will become the focus throughout the second and third chapters. This includes his thorough theological account for the conception of justice as inherent rights as oppose to a right order. It also includes Wolterstorff’s examination of Biblical and theological perspectives on justice to support and strengthen his own account. Human worth is found to be the crucial grounding for his account of justice as inherent rights, and thus human dignity is also brought into the picture. Furthermore, the interrelatedness of love and justice is central to his thinking and will be explored thoroughly, especially as he addresses other notions in which love and justice oppose one another. Finally, the focus will turn to how Wolterstorff brings a component of care into his understanding of love and justice and how every person is called to care for the other. In the last chapter, chapter 4, the focus will turn to how all this ultimately then contributes to the questions raised, in other words how the key elements of Wolterstorff’s work can be understood, as well as the role of Christian faith within Wolterstorff’s understanding of justice, which includes the importance of justice discourse, how discourse leads to action, and ultimately loving one’s neighbour with love as care.
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    Inclusion or exclusion? : a Christian ethical investigation into biblical perspectives on homosexuality
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006-12) Le Roux, Olivia; Koopman, Nico; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The debate on homosexuality has become increasingly painful and divisive between people of the Christian faith. A very relevant question is asked; are homosexual people included in the ecclesial community? The aim of my research paper is to propose a way forward for the inclusion of homosexual people in the ecclesial community. Inclusion, however, does not imply legitimization of wrongs. Conceptual clarifications are given in the definition of words such as; ekklesia, ethics and homosexuality. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is used as an interpretive framework to illustrate that “evidence from four sources: scripture, tradition, reason and experience” is necessary when seeking guidance on complex moral issues. The role of scripture in ethics, specifically with regard to the homosexuality debate is mentioned while the different interpretations of scriptures are discussed. Two dominant opposing approaches are identified, namely the conservative-traditional approach and the liberal approach. The ethic of inclusion and the hermeneutic of hospitality is introduced. It is argued that inclusion and hospitality constitute the thrust of the ethics of the bible and the church through the ages. The point is made that the debate on homosexuality should take this broader ethic of inclusion and hospitality of the bible into consideration. One of the implications is that even though dissensus exist among Christians on the meaning of the biblical texts that deal directly with homosexuality, consensus should exist that the broader biblical message, as well as the witness of the long church history, is one of inclusion and hospitality. Heterosexual Christians are challenged to function with love, embrace and recognition of the full membership of homosexual brothers and sisters. The same challenge of love and embrace are directed to homosexual members of the body of Christ.
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    Love and justice as foundational principles for a community of Shalom in a globalised context
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Macrae, Jenny Anne; Koopman, Nico; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis I show that love and justice are essential foundational principles for creating and realizing a community of shalom in a globalised society. By examining the current inequalities (with reference to race and gender); unequal opportunity (in light of economic injustice and poverty) and abuse of power I show that the current situation in the globalised society is less than desirable for many people. This is then applied to the current situation in South Africa. I then move on to a detailed discussion of love and justice. This is done by referring to the work of certain theologians and evaluating their claims in light of the topic. Love is examined in its various forms, and agape love, love for God and love for neighbour (the love commandment) and love of self are discussed. Various theories of justice (both philosophical and theological) are evaluated. The inseparable relationship between love and justice is established. In conclusion, I show what is meant by a community of shalom and how love and justice, as foundational principles, can help this community to be realised in the globalised context, with the participation of the church and Christians as people of the way.  
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    ‘n Teologiese ondersoek na die rol van toleransie en omarming in die hantering van leerstellige en morele verskille, met verwysing na die Christelike doop
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Strauss, Jacobson Andy; Koopman, Nico; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Christians differ on various issues, among others, on dogmatic and ethical cases. Specifically, they differ on the will of God. However, a question which confronts Christians, is that their own interpretation of the will of God, often differs from that of other Christians. Christians still differ about the baptism. Churches that accept the baptism of a child and churches that accept re-baptism, offer differ which baptism what the real baptism is. Even though people differ on which form of baptism the real one is, it is important to understand the true meaning attached to the baptism. It is also important that a person has a good attitude when they differ from others about baptism. Toleration and embracement can help one to settle difference about baptism in a constructive manner. Toleration is described as the best solution when people find themselves in conflicting. Christians usually propose this as a compromise when they differ and in doing so, bring peace within a conflicting circumstance. Trust is important and patience also includes a minimal level of trust. Embracement requires that action takes place. It is a manner of expression to open yourself unto other and also welcome them. God wants more for his people than for them to live a unhappy life. God enjoy us and wants to enjoy communion with us. It can therefore be seen as one of the reasons why it is important that Christians should embrace each other when they differ does not turn into a dispute. When embracement and toleration is required, in certain situations, where people differ, reconciliation plays an important role. Communication is an integral part in the reconciliation process. Reconciliation is also important because it repair the relationship between God and man.