Department of Practical Theology and Missiology

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Aanbidding en prediking in missionale gemeentes : homileties-liturgiese beskouinge van missionêre gemeentebediening
(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-05) Smit, Guillaume H.
Worship and preaching in missional congregations – homiletic-liturgical perspectives on missionary congregational ministry In the context of changes in society, and the resulting paradigm shifts in theological thinking, this article explores the development of a missional ministry praxis for church services in the reformed theological tradition. This is done through a basic overview of recent theological developments in missional ecclesiology, homiletics and liturgy, and a case study of a congregation who shifted to missional ministry praxis by renewing its church services. Opportunities for further research are identified, and the conclusion is reached that churches who make the theological paradigm shift to missional ministry should inherently change the character and planning of their church services to reflect and enhance this shift
Activating moral imagination : EXPOSED 2013 as a fourth generation faith-based campaign?
(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2015) Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Forster, Dion
David Korten proposes a Fourth Generation approach (1990) to development that is value driven and sees social movements take centre stage in promoting a more just global society. Theologian Ignatius Swart (2006) has argued that Korten’s approach holds significant value for civil society role players such as the church, whose valuedriven agenda may serve to resist common values expressed by the powerful in society. Recently, the EXPOSED 2013 campaign has emerged as such a Christian social movement, seeking to mobilise up to 100 million Christians globally to take action against corruption. Using social media and church networks at all levels it aims to petition the G20 for more open tax regimes and greater transparency in international money flows to combat bribery and tax avoidance. This article documents and critically analyses the EXPOSED 2013 campaign through the lens of Korten’s Fourth Generation in dialogue with Swart’s faith-based analysis of Korten’s work.
The aesthetics of Covid-19 within the pandemic of the corona crisis. From loss and grief to silence and simplicity : a philosophical and pastoral approach
(2020) Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-
Within the corona-crisis, the core question to be posed is: What is the impact of Covid-19 on paradigms applied to interpret the pandemic; i.e. on the spiritual realm of meaning-giving, hoping and pastoal caregiving? How does it affect the realm of habitus and religious convictions, specifically where pastoral caregivers become involved? Information technology and the social media, for example, WhatsApp and News Bulletins, focus predominantly on information and prevention measurements. With reference to the human quest for wholeness in healing and helping, existing paradigms are critically analyzed. Three soulful movements are proposed, namely, from loneliness to solitude; from loss and grief to silence and contemplation; from the ugliness of the pandemic to the beauty of the virus. It is argued that instead of an ethical approach, an aesthetic approach can become most helpful in the reframing of the pandemic. The beautification of the virus is about the challenge to grow and revisit the meaning dimension of life and the value of compassion. In this regard, the God-image of divine companionship as framed by the ugliness of a ‘suffering God’ is discussed within the parameters of the praxis of hope care in pastoral ministry.
The aesthetics of ‘manhood’ within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology. From Brett Murray’s painting ‘The Spear’ and the opened fly to the iconic view of ‘The Anchor’ and the spiritual art of male genitals
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012-12) Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-
The Brett Murray painting of president Zuma with an opened fly probes into the realm of manhood. It reveals the so called ‘masculinity crisis’ in the gender discourse. From a practical theological point of view it poses the question whether one can exclude male genitals from a holistic anthropology that views corporeality and sexuality as essential elements of the ‘human soul’. The following question is posed: To what extent can the theopaschitic paradigm and Christian iconic view on life contribute to the transformation of existing images on being male and masculinity? Can such a theological approach change existing paradigms determined by domination and patriarchal power? It is accepted that masculinities are products of social and cultural images. In this regard manhood is a social and cultural construct. The Brett Murray painting emphasizes the fact that the penis is still a phallic symbol and as a ‘public’ subjected to the gaze of social media. The public reactions on Brett Murray’s ‘The Spear’ are scrutinized by a Christian spiritual hermeneutics. The objective of the article is to emphasize the role of aesthetics in the establishment of a poetic gaze on manhood. It is an attempt to transform thrusting manhood into ‘compassionate intimacy’. It is argued that male genitals should be viewed as sacred and ‘soulful’ parts of human embodiment.
African Initiated Churches’ potential as development actors
(AOSIS Publishing, 2016) Ohlmann, Philipp; Frost, Marie-Luise; Grab, Wilhelm
African Initiated Churches (AICs) are not yet recognised as relevant actors of community development interventions. While it has been acknowledged that many of them provide coping mechanisms in adverse environments, support in social transformation and social capital, little information is available on their role as development actors. In this article, we evaluate the potential of AICs as partners of international development agencies for community development. We draw on interviews and focus group discussions with leaders of various AICs conducted in South Africa in February and March 2016. In particular, we examine the churches’ understanding of development, their view on the separation of spiritual and development activities and their priorities. Moreover, we outline the development activities which they are currently engaged in and analyse the structures they have in place to do so. Our findings indicate that AICs are increasingly active in community development and offer various entry points for possible cooperation.
Against all odds : Alphaeus Zulu and racism in church and society
(Church History Society of Southern Africa and Unisa Press, 2015) Kumalo, Simangaliso R.; Mbaya, Henry
This article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to transform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
AIDS, curricula and gender in twelve African theological schools
(Stellenbosch University, 2013) Hendriks, Hans Jurgens
The article deals with the three related issues mentioned in the title in twelve theological schools that formed a network called NetACT. A questionnaire on these matters was answered by al the institutions. The article discusses the answers to three basic questions: did they implement the HIV and AIDS curricula that their network developed; what was the inﬂuence and place of these programs in their curricula and what is the gender equity situation and attitudes like at their institution? The data reveals that by addressing the issue forcefully ever since 2000 the NetACT network has decidedly changed the culture of silence and stigmatisation prevalent in the surrounding society. The article thus gives one an insider view of how African seminaries struggle with HIV and AIDS issues. As to gender it is clear that in the network’s schools female lecturers overwhelmingly feel accepted and treated as equals. They are taken seriously and listened to in classes by the students and in staff meetings by their male colleagues. However, the plight of women in African society is not an easy one. What this entails is spelled out in the answers.
"Alle kaarte op die preek?"
(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2014) Cilliers, Johan
In hierdie artikel word kortliks gelet op drie grondlyne van die Reformasie, naamlik die vertroosting van die beangste mens tydens die laat Middeleeue, die hunkering na vryheid en die behoeft e aan fundamentele verandering. Dit word opgevolg met ’n uiteensetting van die sakramentele verstaan van die reformatoriese prediking, en die bevraagtekening hiervan in die huidige tydvak. Aan die hand van ’n sakramenteel-profetiese perspektief op die prediking, word drie homiletiese kontoere vir prediking in ons tyd getrek, naamlik sakramenteel-profetiese prediking as bevestiging, onderbreking en pro-formasie. Ten slotte word enkele suggesties gemaak oor die vraag of ons (nog) “alle kaarte op die preek” kan of moet plaas.
"Anatheism" within the framework of theodicy : from theistic thinking to theopaschitic thinking in a pastoral hermeneutics
(University of the Free State, 2016) Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-
The Syrian and refugee crises, the violent radicalisation in Europe, and global xenophobia stir up anew the link between the human quest for meaning and hope within the realm of human misery and destructive acts of severe evil. The article focuses on the problem of theodicy and its link to God images. It discusses both inclusive and exclusive approaches to the theodicy issue, and proposes a paradigm shift from threat power to intimate, vulnerable power. A diagram is designed in order to identify different metaphors for God in pastoral caregiving. With reference to a pastoral approach, lamentation is viewed as an appropriate variant for theodicy. In the attempt to return to 'God after God' (anatheism), lamentation could help reinterpret the hesed of God in terms of our human predicament of 'undeserved suffering'.
Applying grounded theory to data collected through participatory research on African Independent Churches' liturgical rituals : a comparative study
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2011-10) Muller, B. A.; Wepener, Cas
This article reported on two research projects, the first conducted in the early 1990s and the second, a project currently in progress. In essence, the article was an attempt to compare the theology of African Independent Churches in the two respective periods by making use of a grounded theory approach to their worship services. Significant similarities and differences were identified and reported on.
Are we hearing the voices? : Africanisation as part of community development
(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Van der Westhuizen, Marichen; Greuel, Thomas; Beukes, Jacques
The aim of the article is to report on research findings that could contribute to the development of decolonised academic material. Africanisation of curricula implies that education and training as well as praxis be informed by the reality of the South African context, the viewpoints of the people of South Africa and their descriptions of what is needed to build a just society. This is relevant to a variety of service professions. This article was presented from a trans-disciplinary framework, and the term ‘professional carers’, including the social service and theology professions, was used. The discussion explored how academia can approach the development of curricula that will inform praxis and which is relevant to the African context. The terms ‘Africanisation’, ‘decolonisation’ and ‘contextualisation’ were linked, whereafter a developmental approach to the development of the content and presentation of academic material was proposed. The article is concluded with recommended strategic options for the development of Africanised curricula.
Are we wasting theology in our continent
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2014-09) Hendriks, Hans Jurgens
The 2014 conference theme of the society for Practical Theology in South Africa was ‘Practical Theology in Africa and human waste’. The article asks the question whether we can do theology in Africa in such a way that the kingdom of God is realised, notwithstanding the feeling that the seed that is sown is often wasted. The growth of Christianity and southern shift of the majority of Christians to amongst others Africa, is described, discussed and questioned: Is this seed falling on fertile ground or is it wasted if one considers all the calamities of the African continent? Taking its cues from the parable of the sower the epistemological revolution and paradigm shift are outlined stating that unless doing theology within a new paradigm the kingdom of God cannot be served. It calls for new paradigm labourers who are trained to be on the marketplace, who reach out to where people are suffering and struggling and serve their needs thus following the example set by Christ in training his disciples.
Art as sacrament
(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2019) Barnard, Marcel
Inspired by Johan Cilliers’ roots in the silence and emptiness of the Karoo, Marcel Barnard explores in this article to what extent Christian Boltanski’s modern art exposition AFTER/NA in the Oude Kerk (Amsterdam) can be viewed as “sacramental art”. To do this, Barnard makes use of Louis-Marie Chauvet’s sacramental theology, in which the power of language to call beings – including human symbols – “into presence” has a central place. It is shown that Boltanski’s interventions in the Oude Kerk call the unseen, the absence, into presence – by remembering the thousands of dead buried beneath the floor, by making wilting life visible and by raising the question of what absence means. By doing this, Boltanski makes the visitor aware of the scandalous, ambivalent and vulnerable character of the sacrament. Barnard concludes that Boltanski’s installations may be called sacramental works of art.
As it is in heaven? : reflections on liturgical reframing
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) Cilliers, Johan
This article reflects on the phenomenon of a growing dissatisfaction and restlessness with traditional forms of worship as well as on some conceptions of the notion of liturgical renewal. It proposes that a fundamental liturgical reframing is indeed needed, grounded on the theological locus of the Christ-event. A brief description is given of the liturgical importance of this event, followed by some liturgical implications, inter alia, the need for a responsible liturgical reframing of anthropology and our understanding and expectation of the encounter with God.
Attachment theory and religious violence : theorizing adult religious psychopathology
(Association for the Study of Religion in Southern Africa, 2017) Counted, Victor
This paper explores the ways in which attachment disruptions might increase the risk of adult religious psychopathology by drawing parallels between the possible symbolisms lying behind religious violence and the concept of attachment. It is first argued that the relationship between a religious believer and a religious figure can be explained as an attachment experience. Secondly, it is proposed that when a religious attachment figure becomes a target of slander, or an action is perpetrated to disrupt the bond with such a figure, the religious believer may be predisposed to defensive, adaptive reactions, in the form of protest, despair, or detachment, to protect their attachment bond and resolve the disruptions that threaten their religious attachment identity. Support for this theoretical proposition was obtained through discourse analyses of three case examples (Charlie Hebdo vs al-Qaeda, Boko Haram vs the Nigerian government, and Pastor Terry Jones vs Islamic radicalisation), which position attachment theory as an alternative explanatory framework for conceptualising religious violence as a form of religious attachment-psychopathology-aimed at safeguarding the affectional bond with a religious figure from whom one may have developed a sense of identity and safe haven.
The beauty of folly Preaching Daniel 1:1–21 in a context of corruption
(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2019) Nicodemus, Daniel
This chapter discuss how preaching may be used to curb the menace of corruption in Nigeria. It employs a biblical account of Daniel and his friends who for the sake of their Jewish faith refused the royal food and royal wine and instead they requested vegetables and ordinary water. In a context where individualism, selfishness, bribery, embezzle ment, hoarding of wealth, dishonesty is prominent, what Daniel and his friends did would have been consider as a foolish act. However, the life of Daniel and his three friends revealed that there is beauty in acting like a fool. Therefore, this chapter argues that preaching in a context of corruption demands encouraging people to dedicate their hearts to God, encouraging people to believe that God can be trusted in all situations and that He is able to bless and deliver those who trust him. Preaching in a context of corruption demands encouraging people to be the kind of people whose actions stand to encourage persuasive abstinence from corruption. This is necessary for the stimulating and participating in societal transformation through refusing to be selfishness, giving and receiving of a bribe, embezzlement, hoarding of wealth and refusing to be dishonest in all situations.
Die Bedeutung des Abendmahls fur die Menschenwurde : Eine Sudafrikanische Gechichte
(Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology, 2013) Cilliers, Johan
In diesem Artikel wird ein kurzer Blick auf den historischen Hintergrund des berüchtigten Synode-Entscheids der ‚Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk’ im Jahre 1857 geworfen, separate Abendmahlsgottesdienste „wegen der Schwachheit mancher" zu erlauben. In Anbetracht dieser Begebenheit in der Geschichte Südafrikas und mit einer relationalen Auffassung der Menschenwürde als Aus-gangspunkt werden drei Thesen aufgestellt, nämlich erstens: dass die Menschen-würde davon abhängt, den „anderen" anzunehmen, während menschliche Ent-würdigung das Resultat des Ausschließens des „anderen" ist; zweitens: aus der Perspektive des Abendmahls wird die Menschenwürde in der Umkehr traditioneller Beziehungen verliehen; und drittens: die Menschenwürde hat sakramentale Dimen-sionen, während menschliche Entwürdigung anti-sakramental ist.
Between Christian love and professional orientation : reflections on the double bind code of Christian social workers (deaconesses and deacons) in Germany
(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Eurich, Johannes
This article highlights the challenges and opportunities of Christian social workers in the tradition of deaconesses and deacons in today’s Germany. Their professional self-conception as social workers between church and society is analysed. By this, a new approach of linking up a theological perspective with diaconal professionalism, is presented.
Between dwellings and doors : spatial perspectives on preaching
(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Cilliers, Johan
Although many classical works on preaching, especially within the reformed tradition, would take as point of departure the question of understanding, that is, how to do exegesis of a biblical text in such a manner that it makes sense (is understandable) to present-day listeners of sermons, this article opts for an aesthetical approach, which does not exclude the question of intelligibility, but places it within aesthetical frameworks, such as our multi-sensing of space and time. Preaching, in my opinion, entails more than just speaking, hearing and (cognitive) understanding. It calls, inter alia, for a multi-sensory (re)discovery of space and time, within space and time. This article reflects specifically on the spatial dimension of preaching pertaining to experiences of being, or coming, home and, conversely, leaving home, that is, experiencing liminality, as not-being-at-home.
Between enclavement and embracement : perspectives on the role of religion in reconciliation in South Africa
(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012) Cilliers, Johan
This article takes a brief look at two indicators of the state of reconciliation in South Africa, provided by the National Planning Commission of the Government, as well as the South African Reconciliation Barometer survey, initiated by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation. This is followed by a description of some theological efforts that have been made to outline spaces for cultural inter-facing within the South African context, and the article is concluded with a reference to the tension between the syndrome of ‘enclavement’, and the theological metaphor of ‘embracement’, as proposed by Miroslav Volf.

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