Research Articles (Practical Theology)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2563

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The garden city as a commons : social-ethical perspectives on the new housing question
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Meireis, Torsten; Johrendt, Lukas
Europe faces a severe shortage in affordable housing. Even though the situation is less dire than in many cities of the Global South, rising rents and real estate prices affect the poorest hardest. Faith-based organisations, especially Christian churches, have monitored and tackled this problem for more than six decades. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The paper discusses this issue from a social-ethical perspective featuring the example of Germany. It depicts the role of the churches, scrutinises the causes of the shortage, explains the situation as a problem of justice and presents an urban vision inspired by Christian tradition, namely the garden city as a commons. In a mixed motives approach, it presents concrete policy suggestions to improve the situation.
Sustainable development goals through the lens of local churches
(AOSIS, 2024-12-10) Msebi, Mawethu; Beukes, Jacques
This article reports on the findings of the local churches' involvement in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tembisa in Gauteng province of South Africa. The article employed Richard Osmer's model of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation, focussing on narrating and examining the situation in the Tembisa community. The article relied on documentary analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The study findings revealed that local churches could significantly promote the SDGs within their local communities. The study identified essential factors such as human rights, gender equality, peace and justice, and biodiversity conservation as crucial for achieving developmental outcomes. The challenges that local churches face in implementing the SDGs were also discussed. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The study outlined principles for ensuring improved quality of life for all through effective implementation of the SDGs. Additionally, the study recommended further empirical research on the role of local churches in promoting SDGs, as well as similar studies in different regions or sectors.
Prokhanov’s missiology : a forerunner to Bosch’s emerging paradigm
(AOSIS, 2024-11-13) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; Lazuta, Dzmitry; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
This article examines the hypothesis proposed by missiologist Johannes Reimer that Ivan Prokhanov, the founder of the missionary movement in Russia in the early 20th century, anticipated and, to some extent, embodied the emerging missional paradigm articulated by David Bosch in 1991, approximately 60-70 years later. The article argues that Reimer's intuition was largely correct, as Prokhanov significantly aligned with at least 9 of the 13 elements identified by Bosch. Furthermore, it suggests that the correlation between the views of Prokhanov and Bosch can be explained by their shared epistemological orientation towards the New Testament missional paradigm, particularly the paradigm of Matthew, Luke and Paul, as described by Bosch. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : According to this hypothesis, Bosch's analysis of the historical development of missional theology traces the deviation from the apostolic paradigm established by these New Testament authors, with the emerging missional paradigm representing a partial return to that original framework. For Prokhanov, New Testament missiology was the foundational basis of his mission theology.
Size and the good life : tiny houses, social housing and the role of social imaginaries
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Wabel, Thomas
Among the key figures of global housing inequality is the average living space per person. Thus, it comes as no surprise that during the past decade, tiny houses have become an attractive option for some who want to set an example in an affluent society of the global north: free-standing, two-storey building with a total floor space of less than 30 m2. At the same time, in many countries of the global south, people are confined to a similar floorspace – not out of choice but out of need. In bringing together these two very different contexts, I am arguing that from a perspective of capability justice, the concept of home is more than just the need for shelter. In order to enable people to participate in societal life, housing solutions require processes of urban transformation, as well as careful planning and design for social housing. Even in a situation of hardship, living in a small-scale house can be a step towards a realisation of concepts of the good life within the given circumstances. Taking up Charles Taylor’s concept of social imaginaries and presenting architectural examples from the Mexican context (Apan housing laboratory and work done by Tatiana Bilbao), I am drawing some unlikely parallels between the effects that tiny houses, on the one hand, and suggestions for social housing, on the other hand, might have within their respective societies. In this, the concept of social imaginaries helps to see parallels between architecture as a medium of the social and the role of religion. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article argues that in questions of housing justice, architectural solutions can fruitfully supplement considerations of justice.
Just housing : transdisciplinary perspectives from theology and the built environment
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) Wabel, Thomas; De Beer, Stephanus Francois
In cities worldwide, housing is precarious. Local socio-economic environments can exacerbate existing social differences and exclusions, but can also contribute to alleviate these differences, and to foster high levels of social inclusion. This article introduces a special collection of articles asking how theology should contribute theologically to address the challenges of housing and human settlements. It derives from an assertion that theology and reflection on the built environment should engage each other, made concrete in this collection through exploring issues of housing justice. We explore the question of housing justice with reference to four related questions: (1) How can urban planning interventions enhance affordable, sustainable and aesthetically appealing housing for all? (2) What are the political, economic and legal conditionsimpacting on housing justice, and how can theologians engage in these spaces? (3) How can exclusionary or precarious conditions be addressed architecturally to contribute to ecological sustainability, aesthetics and affordability? (4) What are the dominant social imaginaries that mediate housing and settlement development, and how can theologians help foster inclusive and just social imaginaries? Examples from different countries, cities and socio-cultural contexts are introduced and reflected upon, seeking to identify conditions that enable affordable, sustainable and aesthetically attractive housing in an unequal and precarious world. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article points out the relevance of a theological perspective on the housing problem. At the same time, the implications for architecture, urban planning and politics are addressed
Just housing : constructing a theological praxis-agenda in a (South) African city
(AOSIS, 2024-11-20) De Beer, Stephanus Francois; stephan.debeer@up.ac.za
Against the backdrop of Africa's urban revolution and the vastly unequal housing patterns in most African cities, this article argues for just housing to be a theological praxis-agenda. Drawing from a very local journey in one South African city, it considers David Korten's four generations of development as a possible framework to guide such a theological praxis-agenda in (South) African cities. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : It proposes simultaneous actions of relief, development, advocacy and global solidarity, grounded in an immersed faith, if the church is to contribute to housing justice in African cities.
Enhancing youth involvement in community development : a pragmatic strategy for local churches
(AOSIS, 2024-05) Msebi, Mawethu; Beukes, Jacques
This article reports on the findings of the Christian youth ministry involvement in community development in the Mayibuye community of Tembisa, in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The article employed Richard Osmer’s model of the four tasks of practical theological interpretation. These tasks have been used to understand better what is happening in youth ministry and community development contexts in the Mayibuye community by utilising documentary analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews. The findings divulged that the Mayibuye community faces several socio-economic challenges. Most importantly, young people are the most affected. Furthermore, the findings exposed that youth involvement is limited in community development processes within local communities. As a result, the article proposes implementing a pragmatic strategy to enhance the youth ministry’s involvement in community development. Various principles of the youth ministry have been presented in the study as the essential principles that need youth leaders’ attention for functional youth ministry, and to achieve developmental outcomes. The study also recommended further empirical studies on youth culture, the importance of young people’s inclusion in leadership roles and the use of young people as catalysts for community transformation. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The anticipated outcomes of this research endeavour are poised to make a valuable contribution to the current corpus of knowledge in various academic domains, including Practical Theology, Youth Ministry, Theology and Development, Community Development, Congregational Studies, Missiology, Anthropology, and Sociology. This contribution suggests that adopting a pragmatic strategy is likely to yield positive outcomes for local churches, youth ministry, and community development as a whole.
Die rol van missionale teologie in die gesprek tussen teologie en filosofie
(AOSIS, 2024-12-10) Niemandt, Cornelius Johannes Petrus (Nelus)
The research starts with a brief and concise description of missional theology and missional ecclesiology. For the sake of the local context, the focus is on how the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa (NG Kerk) articulates these concepts. The broad ecumenical consensus on missional theology is described, including its relevance in discussions within mainstream churches in South Africa, with a brief discussion of denominations that have incorporated missional theology into their theological self-understanding and church praxis. Against this background, attention is given to the central concepts of trinitarian theology (missio Dei), namely incarnation, contextualisation, and inculturation in missional theology. It is attempted to indicate that missional theology intersects with philosophy in various ways, not only in terms of the origin of missional theology (which this research does not address) but especially regarding the nature of missional theology as being sent into the context (world and also philosophy) in which the church finds itself. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This opens up an opportunity to highlight the importance of philosophy for missional theology regarding the following aspects of missional theology: (1) the importance of contextual insight and epistemologically reading the signs of the times; (2) the importance of contextualisation and thus understanding culture and philosophy [zeitgeist]; (3) the importance of a teleological orientation when missional theology inquiries about God’s preferred future; (4) the importance of the communities to which the church is sent and the language used in the conversation; (5) the key function of discernment. The research demonstrates that philosophy is an important and even indispensable conversation partner for missional theology.
Decolonial thinking and Europe : decolonisation between particularity and universalism
(AOSIS, 2024-05-31) Meylahn, Johann-Albrecht; johann.meylahn@up.ac.za
Colonisation continues to have a tremendous impact on large parts of the globe and not only on previously colonised countries. Many of the current geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges that the globe faces cannot be thought of without taking decolonial thinking into consideration. In his Preface to Fanon’s book, The Wretched of the Earth, Jean-Paul Sartre argues that this book is not written for Europeans, yet he challenges Europeans to read it. It is between such particularism and universalism that this article will engage with decolonial thinking in the context of the globe’s various geopolitical, environmental and political challenges. Europe’s colonial claim to universalism cannot be separated from Christendom. In this article, this Christian colonial universalism will be brought into conversation with an attempt at a decolonial theology. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article is an interdisciplinary conversation between philosophy and theology.
African Initiated Churches and ecological sustainability : an empirical exploration
(De Gruyter, 2025-05) Stork, Juliane; Öhlmann, Philipp
While African Initiated Churches are increasingly recognized as actors of social development, little research has thus far elucidated their role regarding ecological sustainability. Responding to this gap, we explore African Initiated Churches’ views on ecological sustainability and their reaction to environmental destruction and climate change. We analyse to what extent environmental concerns are considered relevant, explore emerging environmental concepts and theologies, and highlight environmental actions taken. The analysis is based on a diverse set of qualitative and quantitative data focusing on leaders of African Initiated Churches from across Sub-Saharan Africa: interviews and focus groups, public lectures, and online survey data. The findings show an ecological turn in African Initiated Christianity. Unlike in mainline Christianity, where ecological engagement is often embedded in elaborated eco-theologies, African Initiated Churches’ engagement with ecological sustainability seems to be primarily driven by the increasing adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change in their communities.
The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian 1924–2024 : a centenary assessment
(Unisa Press, 2024-08) Knoetze, Johannes Jacobus; Ross, Kenneth R.; johannes.knoetze@up.ac.za
By the early twentieth century African churches were emerging from the work of the three missions with a Reformed identity which were working in Malawi. In a two-stage process of union, the three young churches came together in 1924/26 to form the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP). In anticipation of the centenary celebration in 2024, Zomba Theological University hosted a research conference in April 2023, aiming to take account of the 100-year history. The conference recognised the remarkable growth of the church, which now has millions of members in Malawi and neighbouring countries. It has built up its own distinctive tradition of worship, spirituality, and witness. It offers a wide range of social services and is influential at national level in Malawi. The conference also identified points of stress and tension, especially the recurrent question of how to balance unity and diversity in the life of the church. While it has never completely broken apart, there has been a constant struggle to attain meaningful unity. The centenary may be an opportunity for assessment and action. Creating an instrument to give theological attention to issues facing the CCAP may be one way to discover and deepen its identity and unity.
The Dutch Reformed Church (1974-2024) : from dancing with the devil to waltzing to heavenly music
(Unisa Press, 2024-09) Van der Merwe, Johan
The jubilee celebration of Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae (SHE) reminds church historians of important events that have taken place during the past 50 years. This article gives an overview of important events that took place in the history of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC). Being the largest white Afrikaans-speaking church and the church which biblically supported the political policy of apartheid, the history of Christianity in South Africa cannot be understood without taking note of the DRC’s journey. For the DRC, 1974 was an important turning point in its history as the policy document Ras, Volk en Nasie en Volkereverhoudinge in die Lig van die Skrif (hereinafter Ras, Volk en Nasie) was approved by the General Synod of the DRC. This document explained how the church motivated apartheid from a biblical point of view. It was – metaphorically speaking – the official start of the DRC’s dance with the devil. During the past 50 years, the DRC has taken important decisions that ended its dance with the devil and started a new dance, waltzing to heavenly music. This happened when the church decided to take a new road to reconciliation which was the primary goal. The article revisits Ras, Volk en Nasie, but also some of the important milestones along the road to reconciliation. It concludes with an example of how a congregation of the former apartheid church succeeded in making a difference in the local community. This confirms the fact that the dance with the devil has indeed ended and that many congregations of the church are now waltzing to heavenly music.
(Amp)er, maar nog nie stamper nie : ampsverstaan en ampsherstel in die NG Kerk – ’n kritiese refleksie op die NG Kerk se ampsverbreding
(University of Stellenbosch, 2024) De Bruin, Dieter; dieter.debruin@up.ac.za
AFRIKAANS : In die lig van die besluite wat die NG Kerk gemaak het rondom die strukturering van die ampte, bevraagteken hierdie artikel die teologiese rasionaal wat die nuwe bestel onderlê en maak 'n alternatiewe voorstel vir die herstrukturering van die ampte in die NG Kerk wat onderlê is in sowel die gereformeerde en die ekumeniese teologie. Die oogmerk is om kongruensie tussen liturgiese praktyk, amptelike teologie, en bediening in die kerk te bring.
Ordination of women : part of the Dutch Reformed church's Mariological gift
(University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology, 2025-06) De Bruin, Dieter; Ludwick-Venter, Olga; dieter.debruin@up.ac.za
On 20 March 1994, Gretha Heymans became the first female minister ordained in the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in Bloemfontein, following the 1990 Synod decision to allow women as elders and ministers. This article explores whether the DRC’s experience of ordaining women can help the ecumenical church in South Africa encounter Mary, the mother of God, and through her, God in Christ. It invites critical reflection on the DRC’s doctrine (or lack thereof) regarding Mary and questions the appropriateness of linking women’s ordination with her. The article examines the nature of ordination, suggesting that embracing Mary and ordained women could renew the DRC’s encounter with God, while offering a gift to South Africa’s broader church community.
Die bediening aan enkelouergesinne met adolessente : 'n inklusiewe en intergenerasionele uitdaging
(AOSIS, 2024-05-31) Scholtz, Johan Willem Kemp; Nel, Malan; Beukes, Jaques
This article focused on the ministry to single-parent families after divorce. The study had its origins in the author’s observation that adolescents from single-parent homes are picked up and dropped off by their parents for catechesis, but that the parents are not involved in activities in the congregation – not even just to attend the worship service. The research had the objective to investigate why single-parent families do not experience themselves as true families within the church and do not receive the necessary support in the faith formation of their children. The fourfold reflective equilibrium approach of Osmer was used as the frame for how this article was structured. As a basis for the interpretation of the empirical findings, the relationship between youth and family ministry is portrayed to lay a theological basis for an inclusive approach. The qualitative empirical study included 17 randomly selected single parents. The empirical study confirmed that single parents find it difficult to survive. The demands placed upon them are intense and they depend on a support network to meet the basic needs of the family. These single parents further believe that the church cannot help them with this. The research confirmed that single parents do not experience acceptance in the church and that they do not receive support in the faith formation of their children. The two hermeneutic spheres for the understanding of faith are a source of tension for the adolescents because of the difference in understanding of matters of faith between their divorced parents. The involvement of grandparents was found to be a key factor in the support of the singleparent family and needs to be addressed in an intergenerational approach. The positive involvement of the local pastor can also be used as a changing factor in the support of the single-parent family. CONTRIBUTION : This article contributes to a paradigm shift in the understanding of how families are constructed, especially single-parent families. The article reports on research that will be valuable for congregations in planning their ministry towards single-parent families.
Youth being ignored or sidelined is identity denied
(MDPI, 2025-03) Nel, Malan
It has happened so many times in history: the youth being ignored or sidelined. Such behaviour was and is often motivated by culture. In most cultures, the youth, children, and adolescents are important and loved; however, in society and churches, they are on the sideline, until culture determines their real belonging. The theological departure point of inclusivity has just not been taken yet. In this article will be argued that however natural cultural behaviour might be, to ignore or sideline children and adolescents is to deny our Christian identity as the church of God. In God’s mind, children are included even before they are born. They may be man-and-woman-made, but in fact, they are God-made (Psalm 127 verse 3). They may not even have been part of a man-and-woman-made plan. Coming into being, whether planned or unplanned, does not catch God off-guard. Being is a gift of God, not only to a parent or parents but to the faith community. A theological understanding of our identity as the people of God compels us not and never to ignore or sideline the youth at any stage of life.
Resonant preaching, sounding theosis : an exploration of liturgical homiletics
(AOSIS, 2025-05) De Bruin, Dieter; dieter.debruin@up.ac.za
Hartmut Rosa invites us to dream of resonant relations of all to the world. This paper will endeavour to envision what resonant relations would mean in the theological register of deification: God and the whole cosmos resonating with one another. If we allow ourselves to hear that vision for the whole of creation, could the humble soundings of liturgical preaching contribute to the vibrations of the world resonating within the rhythm of liturgical time, sacred place, sacramental presence, and holy people? On a very practical level, this article argues that for sermons to contribute to resonant relations being realised in the cosmos – for the whole cosmos to be divinised, sermons could be crafted for resonance. Within the pattern of the liturgy, as conceptualised by Lathrop and the scope of the liturgy delineated by Fagerberg, we will map out a tentative matrix for the mystery of meaningful resonance to reverberate in our homiletical craft. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : This research facilitates conversation between a leading theory in the field of sociology and homiletics within the register of liturgical theology.
Gender-based violence perpetrated against migrant women during lockdowns : a pastoral care challenge
(AOSIS, 2024-04-24) Msipa, Nomathemba Nontokozo; Masango, Maake J.S.
BACKGROUND: The article unpacks the complexities of gender-based violence (GBV) against illegal migrant women during lockdowns and contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality, human rights, and social justice within the Pentecostal or Charismatic pastoral praxis. The geographical demography was a semi-formal area located between South Africa’s Gauteng and Northwest provinces. The period for the inquiry was South Africa’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced lockdowns began on 27 March 2020 and continued until 05 April 2022. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population, exploring the intersectionality of their undocumented status, gender, and the socio-economic impacts of restrictive measures and the challenges to pastoral care for them. METHOD: The qualitative approach and case study were used to select two sets of participants, 13 illegal Zimbabwean Migrant Women (ZMW) and 3 Pentecostal or Charismatic clergy. RESULTS: There was a disturbing prevalence of GBV incidents, ranging from physical, sexual to psychological abuse. The illegal status of migrant women exacerbated their vulnerability and reluctance to seek help due to fear of deportation and societal stigmatisation. The lockdown-induced economic strain further compounded their susceptibility to GBV. CONCLUSION: There was nonexistent pastoral care policy or praxis within the Pentecostal or Charismatic church for illegal ZMW who were victims of GBV during the lockdowns. These themes emerged: (1) high incidents of GBV perpetrated against illegal ZMW during lockdowns; (2) barriers to seeking pastoral care were lack of trust, migration status, fear of deportation, fear of infection and (3) no physical virtual pastoral care. CONTRIBUTION: This article is embedded in the Pentecostal or Charismatic practice of care; postmodern, using the interpretive narrative framework to highlight the narratives of illegal Zimbabwean Migrant Women (ZMW) who were victims of gender-based violence (GBV) during South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdowns and the challenges of pastorally caring for them.
Spiritual space : hearing and experiencing the voice of God
(AOSIS, 2025-02) Firth, Walter B.
Many countries around the world are shifting into post-secular societies. As this process continues to take shape, it enables many and competing voices and expectations to bombard their citizens. This raises questions around the use of space, sacred texts and stories, and how communities of faith use them as a source to access and hear the voice of God. Acknowledging the valuable position that sacred space and text holds within faith communities, how should we seek to hear the voice of God speak in a post-secular context and into the current competing societal setting in which multiple voices vie and struggle, and power and societal structures shift as Christians aim to find meaning, purpose and establish ways of living? INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : In the context of the secular and/or non-religious public reflex in society, there is debate around sacred space and sacred text, including how it is used and how it is interpreted. As scrutiny increases of what and how, such material is shared, used and taught, creating a space where the voice of God can speak into our current settings becomes increasingly vital. In a fast-paced world, full of busyness and tiredness, how does one hear and experience the voice of God? This study provides such a basis for Practical Theology in post-secular societies, utilising Biblical text and historical understanding, to do so.
ProPent and its implied conversation partners'
(Africa Journals, 2024-01) Lombaard, Christoffel Johannes Stephanus; cjs.lombaard@up.ac.za
This contribution is a slightly edited invited presentation at the Society for Biblical Literature annual international conference at the University of Pretoria, 3-7 July 2023, at a panel discussion titled “The role of context in Biblical Studies / exegesis”. A broad overview-interpretation of the past half a century Pentateuch studies in South Africa is offered, indicating implied, though seldom stated, dynamics of Hebrew Bible scholarship, doing so by means of an Aesopian interpretation. These concrete webs of meaning in substantial ways steer also the guild of Pentateuch scholars in South Africa in our time, in how historical exegesis has had to be arranged.

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