Masters Degrees (Biblical & Historical Studies, Theological Studies & Ethics)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7264

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 464

A history of the Jews of Durban, 1825-1902.
(1977) Cohen, Stephen Gary.; Weiss, A.
Abstract not available.
A critical biography of Shaykh Yusuf.
(1981) Dangor, Suleman Essop.; Nadvi, Syed Salman.
Abstract not available
Eschatology and the political order : a comparative study of Moltmann and Augustine's "City of God".
(1985) Moss, Rodney Leslie.; Pitchers, Alrah Llewellyn Major.; Krige, Willem Adolph.
Moltmann's political theology and Augustine's City of God provide a suitable eschatological basis for a critical approach to the political order. Though separated in time by one thousand five hundred years, a comparative study of their respective approaches to the world makes for a credible critique of final political solution. Eschatology is the key to their analyses of society. Partial realities are evaluated from the fullness of truth unveiled in the eschaton. Augustine's City of God sought to counter the anti-Christian propaganda occasioned by the impending fall of the Roman Empire. Augustine's apologia provides for a church freed from a necessary dependence upon the secular and political milieu. Thus any social theory is provisional and haphazardous. However, Augustine has no constructive social criticism. The Christian is a stranger in a disordered, fallen, earthly city. The social manifestations of sin are not clearly identified for they do not affect man's eternal destiny. So Augustine left the world disordered without a constructive divine redemptive plan that would be partially anticipated within the saeculum. His weakness lay in identifying the "negative" within society with the fall. Moltmann's political theology, however, identifies the "negative" with the Cross. The crucified Jesus reveals what is wrong with the world. He identifies the sinful, Godforsaken forces within creation. The "promise" of God is validated within history in the event of the Resurrection, that is, the anticipation within time of the eschaton towards which history is moving. Although the Resurrection is the eschatological event within history, "creative acts" that are the "negation of the negative" (the "negative" is identified by the Cross) are anticipations of the eschaton. These "creative acts" open up the "closed systems" of the world. Thus history is not a return to the "golden age" of the beginning but an "opening up" to the "promise". This promise is contradicted within the "closed systems" of history by the crucified One. Yet, it is confirmed and anticipated in the resurrection of Jesus. The eschatological nature of Moltmann's theology lays stress on both the distinctiveness of the Christian faith and its relevance as a solution to the problem of "unfree" creation. Eschatological faith is distrustful of any "final solution"; for Moltmann, political theology destroys the idols of contemporary and future society. Society absolutizes partial solutions and thus retards the creative transformation of the world. Moltmann speaks of five "vicious circles of death" that he identifies with political oppression, economic inequality, cultural discrimination, ecological death and personal apathy. In the spirit of Christ and by the believer's missionary outreach, the progressive transformation of the world is achieved. The eschaton is God's gift anticipated within history in the resurrected Christ and foreshadowed by progressive "creative acts" that overcome the "vicious circles of death". Both Moltmann and Augustine's City of God permitted no final secular solution. The secular political order is assessed from beyond not merely from within. Augustine assesses almost exclusively from beyond; Moltmann both from beyond and within. In this respect they provide a valuable critical corrective to the dogmatism of final political solutions.
A study of the factors that influenced the rise and development of Ethiopianism within the Methodist Church in Southern Africa (1874- 1910)
(1985) Balia, Daryl Meirick.; Pillay, Gerald John.
No abstract available.
Intimations of a pneumatology in the dogmatic studies of G.C. Berkouwer.
(1985) Johnson, John Newton.; Pitchers, Alrah Llewellyn Major.; Krige, Willem Adolph.
G.C. Berkouwer is one of the foremost representatives of the Reformed theological tradition in Europe. His Studies in Dogmatics is a formidable body of work which ranges over the larger part of all Christian doctrine. A lacuna which has however been perceived is the absence of a specific work on the Holy Spirit and consequently, a developed pneumatology. What is evident though, is that Berkouwer's theology is highly trinitarian and that in every saving and gracious action of the Godhead, he demonstrates the life and activity of all the persons of the triune God. Seen from this perspective, the person and work of the Holy Spirit permeates the whole corpus of Berkouwer's writing. Berkouwer is always an authentic and orthodox representative of his own ecclesial tradition as well: commonly a tradition which in keeping with the best of Reformed church genius, has tended to be notable more for its developed Christology than for its pneumatology. Berkouwer's contribution is that he is able to expand and extrapolate on this same tradition without ever deviating from its fundamental teaching. In so doing he has enriched many of its values with new perspectives on the Holy Spirit's active role in salvation. The primary reason why his dogmatical studies have a pertinence for the present is because of the growing influence of other more extreme schools of thought on the flanks of Christianity. There is an active sociopolitical brand of theology on the one extreme that in turn is more than offset by an enthusiastic pentecostal groundswell on the other. In the face of often strident appeals for attention from these wings, Berkouwer counters with an orthodox and highly scholarly analysis of scripture and the traditional doctrinal position of the church. The pneumatology that emerges from his teaching demonstrates the gracious and constant outworking of God in the individual, the church, and the universe. A foundation is laid for encountering and receiving this comprehensive teaching in all its aspects especially in the preached word. The Spirit's activity is especially affirmed in the sanctification of man and in the inspiration of the scriptures. His divine creativity is constantly active not just in the church and its sacraments, but also in His anticipatory work for the future consummation. Whenever Berkouwer has not fully expanded any doctrine, he has nonetheless invariably given sufficient pointers for others to follow and build upon. There remains such that can still be utilized and explored in his writings about the Holy Spirit.
Prediking as liturgiese gebeure.
(1986) Lehmkuhl, Carl Wilhelm.; Heuer, Neville Anthony Charles.
The concern of this thesis is centered in what it considers to be the problem that the present-day Church wrestles with in its liturgical ministry. It offers as its answer to this problem a concept of relevance, it is, to understand man as an existential being in relation to the liturical structures within the Church. The conclusions which this thesis derives from a Biblical-theological anthropology attempts a fresh approach in understanding modern man. This understanding is broadened by the insights derived from the Psychological and Sociological perspectiveness of modern man's own life. The question being answered is: What is man for the preacher? In its variety of traditions and through its theologians the Church throughout the ages has worshipped and described its worship. From this information worship is defined so as to contextualise preaching. Psychology in relation to human behavior, helps the preacher to formulate principles which make worship relevant to modern man. Fundamental to this approach has been the need to formulate Theological principles as well, which guarantee that worship will be Christian and Biblically sound. Lastly preaching as a liturgical event is described. From the historical understanding of the concept, preaching is defined so as to understand the relation between preaching and other liturgical events or elements. The conclusion which the study arrives at is that relevant preaching as exposition of Scripture is the answer to the problem for the Church of being relevant to modern man.
The dynamics of communication in the thought of H.E. Fosdick.
(1986) Hubble, Bridget June.; Heuer, Neville Anthony Charles.
Abstract not available.
The Qur'an and poetry.
(1986) Fakroodeen, S. I. E.; Nadvi, Syed Habibul Haq.
No abstract available.
A historico-theological study of the concept and role of the laity in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa and their manifestation in Natal with special reference to certain Zulu and English congregations.
(1986) Van Zuylen, Roderick Neil.; Pillay, Gerald John.
No abstract available.
A study of the Divine Life Society with special reference to its socio-religious implications in South Africa.
(1986) Singh, Nelistra.; Oosthuizen, Gerhardus Cornelius.
No abstract available.
A critique of the "Theology" and "Method" of Viktor E. Frankl and its significance for pastoral counselling and care.
(1987) Palmer, Robin Ernest.; Heuer, Neville Anthony Charles.
Abstract not available.
A study of suffering in the thought of Soren Kierkegaard.
(1987) Glass, Edward Eric Ivor.; Oosthuizen, Gerhardus Cornelius.; Singh, R.
No abstract available.
A "theoretically-founded" exegetical study of the symbolic and metaphoric language usage found within the kingdom parables of the fourth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Mark .
(1987) Chetty, Irvin.; Maartens, Pieter Johann.; Greyling, C. J. A.
Abstract not available.
The pentecostal churches in the vicinity of Stanger with special emphasis on the Indian community.
(1987) Paul, Timothy.; Greyling, C. J. A.
No abstract available.
A critical enquiry into the socio-philosophical trends of Aurobindo's integral philosophy and Marx's philosophical communism.
(1988) Nayagar, Pragashen.; Naidoo, T.; Zangenberg, F.
No abstract available.
God and suffering : a study in the theology of Jurgen Moltmann.
(1988) Gray, James Michael.; Pitchers, Alrah Llewellyn Major.
Suffering will always remain one of the main challenges to the Christian faith since it calls into question the reality of God. Moltmann does not shy away from this challenge and although he limits his response to moral and political suffering he confronts the problem recognizing the moral force of the arguments of protest atheism. His initial reaction, however, is to offer a thorough critique of classical theism which, in his opinion, creates more problems for the Christian faith than it resolves. A revolution in our understanding of God is necessary before theology can meaningfully address the question of suffering. Taking the cross of Christ as his starting point Moltmann rebuilds his doctrine of God by asking how we are to understand the presence of God in the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The cross is a statement about God before it is an assurance of salvation addressed to man. Only by speaking in trinitarian terms can we make any sense of the cross-event. It is an inner-trinitarian event of suffering, abandonment and death in which the being of God is opened up to the history of the suffering of the world. God is a suffering God. He is present in suffering and suffering is present in God. In communion with him suffering man finds the divine solidarity and experiences, in turn, solidarity with God in his own suffering. This mutual solidarity in suffering thrusts man into practical actions designed to overcome suffering in the world. The suffering God is the decisive Christian argument against suffering. However, Moltmann's perspective is not without problems. In replacing Greek with Hegelian metaphysics, he steps beyond the limits of scripture. At points he appears to dissolve God into history. If not guilty of patripassionism in the classical sense, he comes close to it. He has been labelled "tritheistic" and in some instances leaves the impression of an inhuman God. Moltmann's suffering God is unable to sustain an adequate soteriology. Without a christology of pre-existence the incarnation and kenosis of the Son must be reinterpreted. God cannot, therefore, be said to be a God who has taken upon himself the suffering of humanity. Despite its inadequacies Moltmann's thought has pointed the way forward for future discussion of the relation between God and suffering. He has highlighted the importance of history, the centrality of christology and the challenge of discipleship. Much remains dark to the human mind, but he who is the Light of the world beckons us forward to think and walk in that Light.
A comparative study of Robert Schuller's concept of human self-esteem in relation to specific aspects of the doctrine of sanctification in neo-orthodoxy.
(1989) Marais, Louis James.; Pitchers, Alrah Llewellyn Major.
Abstract not available.
Some possible solutions to the problems of nouthetic counselling within the context of the church and society.
(1989) Wagner, Errol Royden.; Pitchers, Alrah Llewellyn Major.
In recent years there has been much debate amongst evangelical Christians involved in pastoral counselling and care surrounding attempts to produce a biblical model of counselling. Related to this debate has been the question of whether the psychological sciences have a place in Christian counselling or not. Currently one of the most prominent evangelicals involved in this debate is Jay E. Adams, Dean of the Institute of Pastoral Studies and Director of Advanced Studies at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia. Adams has developed what he regards to be a distinctively biblical method of counselling. He calls his method Nouthetic counselling. This term is derived from the Greek verb Noutheteo, to admonish and the related noun, Nouthesia, admonition. Adams has sought to develop a counselling model that is not only comprehensive but one which is based on the Bible alone. For this reason Adams insists that the psychological sciences are not necessary in Christian counselling for in the Bible the counsellor will find all he needs to assist people with problems. To promote the principles of Nouthetic counselling, Adams has written many books and publications and has also established The Christian and Counseling and Education Foundation, which publishes The Journal of Pastoral Practice. As a consequence, Nouthetic counselling has developed into an influential movement in the United States and even in South Africa. Not everyone has accepted the counselling principles espoused by Adams. Nouthetic counselling theory has become the subject of much criticism, not only from the more liberal Christian counsellors, but also from those who would share Adams' commitment to the authority of the Bible. The main areas of criticism are, Adams' rejection of the psychological sciences, the dangers of biblicism, his neglect of the psychological aspects of human nature and consequently his simplistic approach to pathology and his confrontational approach to counselling. Adams' rejection of the findings of the psychological sciences and his neglect of the psychological aspects of human nature have resulted in serious limitations in the application of Nouthetic counselling methodology to complex problems. At this point, Adams is out of step with evangelical theology, which, on the basis of the doctrines of General Revelation and Common Grace, recognises the validity of the findings of science. Furthermore, in his attempt to develop a comprehensive, one model approach to counselling, Adams has overlooked the complexity of human nature. Adams' concern for a biblically based counselling model and the stress he lays on the importance of the spiritual dimensions of counselling have been a major contribution to the development of pastoral counselling and care in the evangelical sector of the church. Whilst recognising the need for a biblically based counselling approach, recognition must also be given to the insights of the psychological sciences and the need for a multi-modelled approach to counselling.
Biblical hermeneutics and exegesis as criteria for assessing diagnostic variables in diagnostic theory.
(1989) Jacobson, Clive Richard.; Maartens, Pieter Johann.; Heuer, Neville Anthony Charles.
The title of this thesis is:- "Biblical hermeneutics and exegesis as criteria for assessing diagnostic variables in diagnostic theology". This thesis is concerned with the role, place and influence of the Bible in the context of diagnostic theology. Diagnostic theology is the scientific-theological investigation into a parishioner's problems in order to arrive at a spiritual diagnosis and direct the individual to the appropriate form of spiritual, clinical or psychological help. The major emphasis has been placed on the use of the Bible in the counselling situation. This has direct bearing on the three scholars whose work is examined, namely Anton Boisen, Paul Pruyser, and Seward Hiltner. The greater emphasis of this work has been placed on the writings of Seward Hiltner. He devised and used a set of diagnostic variables which brought into sharp focus the possibility of assessing the parishioner as a personality in a situation, also taking into account the individual's spiritual resources or coping mechanisms. Furthermore, this thesis investigates the use of these three variables under the categories of biblical theology, doctrinal theology and didactic theology. Moreover this investigation has drawn conclusions in the form of a derivative exegesis which has issued forth in an answering theology or hermeneutic. Finally, this work deals with critical inquiry in the context of the Christian faith which makes it relevant to the situation in the modern Western world.
The passion predictions and the "call to discipleship" as litertary correlatives in the structure of Mark 8:22 - 10:52.
(1989) Palliam, Jennifer.; Maartens, Pieter Johann.; Smit, Johannes Andries.
No abstract available.

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