Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Christian moral values'

Theatre has a special place in religious education for it is an ideal medium to experience transcendent moral truths. Relying on Gabriel Moran's theory of transcendence, as well as Daniel Maguire's understanding of the moral, this thesis will demonstrate that the aesthetic experience of a play is a transcendent experience. Through such an experience, adolescent students may intuit insights about what befits persons as moral persons in all their complexity and wonder. The plays chosen for concentration in this thesis are not to be considered exhaustive but only as sound examples of the treatment of the evolution of transcendent values within the adolescent phenomenon.

This essay explores the similarities between The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe and the Bible. It argues that Christian messages and values are represented by several of the characters. Focusing on Aslan, the Lion who is a Christ-like figure, and Mr. Tumnus and three of the children: Peter, Edmund and Lucy; the essay examines the Christian messages of betrayal, resurrection and self-sacrifice. The essay also explores the Christian virtues: forgiveness and courage, which carry important lessons for the young reader. With the aid of the technique of close reading together with specific features of Lewis’s life and belief where relevant, the essay examines the Christian messages and values. The conclusion of this essay further demonstrates the Christian aspects that Ward, Colbert, and Schakel to some extent mention in their studies. While they focus on Christianity in general, this essay analyzes the Christian messages of betrayal, resurrection and self-sacrifice as well as the Christian virtues forgiveness and courage, even further. The essay further demonstrates that Lewis intentionally included Christian messages and moral values.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Moral development demands a process of individual acceptance or rejection of values and the integration of accepted values in a personal value system. However, for the development of a personal value system, it is not sufficient - particularly in a post-modem era - merely to moralise and set an example. Children therefore have to be guided to internalise positive values and to demonstrate these values in their behaviour. In this process decision-making plays an important role. The moral decision-making model that became more popular than character building in the nineteen-sixties, does not equip learners sufficiently for moral decision-making. In order to attend to this research problem, a qualitative investigation was done, comprising a literature study and field work. The purpose ofthe investigation was to determine the indicators that playa role in compiling a programme for out-door education for learners of the Intermediary Phase, with special reference to decision-making skills. The following important aspects came to the fore from the literature study: It is becoming increasingly difficult for learners to choose between right and wrong. They are surrounded by deviating moral values. Therefore learners should be assisted in making important choices of life, based on a healthy value system. The Intermediary Phase, also known as the mid childhood period, serves as preparation for the adjustments that take place during the adolescent years. The development of moral values, therefore, is an important development task during this phase of life. For children to be able to make ajudicial decision about what is "right" and what is "wrong", they have to be knowledgeable about what is "right" and what is "wrong". There ought to be a specific criterion for making such a decision. The debate whether something such as life orientation as learning area in schools can be or cannot be approached from a particular religious conviction, is currently in progress. Values can not be instructed in a neutral way. Religion is a determining factor from a Christian frame of reference in learning values and norms, as it has moral implications. This study has been approached from a Christian frame of reference. The premises of the humanistic movement, in which the classic moral decision-making approach finds its grounding, is irreconcilable with the Christian religion. Should the moral decision-making model be accepted without protest as a final decision in the complex values debate, it could result in moral selfdestruction. There are, however, aspects of the moral decision-making model that could be integrated meaningfully with character building with a view to guiding the learner to moral development. This integrated approach is a focal point in this study. Based on the literature study as well as the field work, which comprised an indaba (ideas conference), study visits abroad, and interviews, the researcher arrived at the conclusion that an integration of an institution for out-door education and an activity circuit with well-trained instructors and facilitators may provide the answer to the research problem. It is problematic to pull together an integrated approach in a simple framework; however, this study offers an intellectual framework in which twenty indicators are highlighted. These indicators can make a contribution in compiling a programme for out-door education for learners in the Intermediary Phase, with a view to teaching decision-making skills, based on character building and aspects of the moral decisionmaking model.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mórele ontwikkeling vereis 'n proses van individuele aanvaarding of verwerping van waardes en die integrasie van aanvaarde waardes in 'n persoonlike waardesisteem. Vir die ontwikkeling van 'n persoonlike waardesisteem is blote moralisering en voorbeeldstelling egter nie genoeg nie - veral nie in 'n postmoderne era nie. Kinders behoort derhalwe begelei te word om positiewe waardes te verinnerlik en dit in hul gedrag te demonstreer. In hierdie proses speel besluitneming 'n belangrike ror Die morele besluitnemingsmodel wat in die sestigerjare meer populêr as karakteropvoeding geword het, rus leerders nie genoegsaam toe vir die neem van morele besluite nie. Om aan hierdie navorsingsprobleem aandag te skenk, is 'n kwalitatiewe ondersoek bestaande uit 'n literatuurstudie en veldondersoek, gedoen. Die doel van die ondersoek is om die indikatore te bepaal wat 'n rol speel by die opstel van 'n buitelugopvoedingsprogram vir leerders van die Intermediêre Fase met die oog op besluitnemingsvaardighede. Vanuit die literatuurstudie blyk die volgende van belang te wees. Dit is vir leerders al moeiliker om tussen reg en verkeerd te kies. Hulle word omring deur , a(~'Ykende morele waardes. Leerders behoort dus gehelp te word om belangrike lewenskeuses vanuit 'n gesonde waardestelsel te maak. Die Intermediêre Fase, ook bekend as die middelkinderjare, dien as 'n voorbereiding vir die aanpassings wat in die adolessente jare plaasvind. Die ontwikkeling van morele waardes is dus 'n belangrike ontwikkelingstaak tydens hierdie lewensfase. Vir kinders om 'n oordeelsbesluit tussen wat "reg" en wat "verkeerd" is te kan maak, moet hulle kennis dra van wat "reg" en wat "verkeerd" is. Daar behoort 'n bepaalde kriterium te wees om hierdie keuse te kan maak. Daar is tans 'n debat in Suid-Afrika aan die gang dat iets soos lewensoriëntering as leerarea in skole nie vanuit 'n bepaalde geloofsoortuiging gedoen kan word nie, aangesien Suid-Afrika se skole in 'n sekulêre samelewing opereer. Waardes kan egter nie neutraal onderrig word nie. Godsdiens is 'n bepalende faktor vanuit 'n Christelike perspektief in die aanleer van waardes en norme, aangesien dit morele implikasies het. Hierdie studie is vanuit 'n Christelike verwysingsraamwerk benader. Die uitgangspunte van die humanistiese beweging, waarop die klassieke morele besluitnemingsbenadering gebaseer is, is onversoenbaar met die Christelike geloof. Indien die morele besluitnemingsmodel kritiekloos aanvaar word as 'n uitkoms vir die komplekse waarde-debat kan dit tot morele selfvernietiging aanleiding gee. Daar is wel aspekte van die morele besluitnemingsmodel wat sinvol geïntegreer kan word met karakteropvoeding ten einde 'n leerder tot morele ontwikkeling te lei. Hierdie geïntegreerde benadering is 'n fokuspunt van hierdie studie. Die navorser het vanuit die literatuurstudie en veldondersoek, bestaande uit 'n ideëberaad, studiebesoeke aan die buiteland asook onderhoude, tot die insig gekom dat 'n integrering van 'n buitelugopvoedingsinstansie en 'n aktiwiteitsbaan met goed opgeleide instrukteurs en fasiliteerders 'n antwoord kan wees op die navorsingsprobleem. Dit is moeilik om 'n geïntegreerde benadering in 'n enkelvoudige raamwerk saam te vat. Tog word in hierdie studie wel 'n denkraamwerk aangebied waarin twintig indikatore uitgelig word. Hierdie indikatore kan help met die opstel van 'n buitelugopvoedingsprogram vir leerders in die Intermediêre Fase ten einde besluitnemingsvaardighede, gegrond op karakteropvoeding en aspekte van die morele besluitnemingsmodel, te onderrig.

This essay highlights The Happy Prince’s advantageous use of conventions of the fairy tale genre to stress critical issues of the Victorian period: the challenge of the established Christian socio-moral order, the rising of the bourgeois industrial society, and the advent of aestheticism as a response. Using the close reading technique supported by the Victorian socio-historical background, the analysis establishes that the criticism proceeds by double associations. Firstly, the clear structure of the tale, enriched by a plethora of aesthetical features and suitable narrative processes, is propitious for children’s access to a message calling for more human generosity. Meanwhile, subtle analogies to the Christian imagery appear blurred by paradoxical elements. This prevents a definite religious interpretation from adults to which those messages are intended. Secondly, in connection with aestheticism, a social and moral criticism takes the form of a satire of the utilitarian vision of the bourgeoisie and a questioning of the common Victorian beliefs: the link between beauty and moral integrity, as well as the moral code of femininity. Finally, the utilitarian discourse and the disapproval of the research for pleasure from beauty merging with a hedonist vision, advocate an “art for art’s sake” free of these respective considerations.

As we speed towards the new millennium, developments in technology have reached previously unimaginable heights. The appearance of the personal computer has brought about change in almost every area of life. Yet, in the area of education, and especially in the area of Bible Education for young children, the computer has not really made a significant impact. In this study, an attempt was made to utilize the features of computer assisted education in the moral, religious and spiritual education of young children or pupils. A computer based tutorial was developed for use in a programme of Christian moral education of young children by their parents and teachers. A pilot study was then done by exposing a small group of children to this tutorial. The process of designing this tutorial, the research procedure and the results of this research were documented. Conclusions from the study, as well as recommendations for further research, concludes this document.
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 1998.
Humanities Education
MEd
Unrestricted

M.Ed. (Education)
During the last two decades there has been a definite lowering of moral standards among the children of the West. This also pertains to the youth in South Africa. Among the many influences the child experiences in society, rock music, with its themes of sex, drugs, satanism, rebellion, materialism, secular humanism, suicide, nihilism, hedonism, blasphemy and profanity is possibly the most negative. Add to the above-mentioned, subliminal mind control and backward masking and it becomes clear why the Christian educator and the Christian parent must address the problem of rock and roll. Furthermore, rock music has directly or indirectly been responsible for much of the anti-social behaviour of present day youth. Tragically, modern day society is responsible for promoting the rock culture (with the help of modern technology), by making available to the youth of today records, videos and magazines, without realising the spiritual and moral damage they are causing. The modern day music entrepreneur has motives that are not honourable and not Christian as it is m?ney that makes the music go around. A very extensive literature study confirmed the above. As norms and values differ from culture to culture, the Christian norm was chosen as the irrevocable absolute norm rooted in the Word of God, to judge the morals upheld by the propagators of rock and roll. On the basis of the literature study done, an empirical investigation, formulating items obtained from the study for inclusion in the questionnaire, was conducted. The sample consisted of English speaking boys and girls in standard 7 and standard 9 from four high schools on the near East Rand. Cluster sampling was done by randomly selecting a class group from each of the standard 7 and standard 9 class groups of the four high schools concerned...

Num mundo marcado por conflitos a vários níveis, é importante voltar a repensar uma educação orientada para a Paz que procure restabelecer a harmonia e o bem-estar de todos. É urgente uma reflexão séria e transparente em ordem ao bem comum, para isso, é necessário reconhecer que a construção da Paz é uma tarefa de todos e para todos: a nível político, social, familiar, religioso. Cada vez mais assistimos a uma profunda crise de valores básicos e fundamentais para uma vivência numa sociedade equilibrada; assistimos a uma sociedade cada vez mais marcada por desequilíbrios, desigualdades, egoísmos, sedes de poder, ausência de Paz. No presente Relatório Final da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada é apresentada uma reflexão aprofundada acerca do tema da Paz, começando pela demonstração daquilo que foi a experiência da Prática de Ensino Supervisionada no núcleo de estágio dos Salesianos de Manique – Escola, onde se reflete sobre os progressos e dificuldades da prática letiva; em seguida, fruto do estágio, apresento uma reflexão acerca da Paz. Esta será desenvolvida através de uma noção geral de Paz, o contributo cristão, bem como a exposição de alguns momentos significativos da contemporaneidade onde se progrediu em favor da Paz; terminando com uma proposta pedagógica onde os alunos, através de um projeto, procuram à luz da poesia fazer a sistematização dos conteúdos da Unidade Letiva, a Paz Universal. Surge assim a possibilidade de os alunos da disciplina de Educação Moral Religiosa Católica trabalharem o tema da Paz através da poesia.
In a troubled world where conflicts happen everywhere, it is important to rethink education, enhancing the importance of Peace in establishing harmony and welfare to everyone. It urges a serious and transparent reflection in order to global welfare, so it is necessary to recognize that implementing peace is a task for each one of us and to all of us: in politics, social life, family and religion. We increasingly assist to a profound crisis in our society values, values which are fundamental for balanced societies. Nowadays, we watch uneven societies, unbalanced and selfish, where thirst for power rules and consequently there is a lack of peace. The Supervised Teaching Practice Final Report investigates upon the assumption of the importance of reflecting on peace. It starts upon the experience of the Supervised Teaching Practice in the Salesianos de Manique School, where progress and difficulties are discussed. On behalf of the supervised teaching practice, it is a reflection on Peace and a general and Christian perspective, briefly approached, as well as a look on significative moments of contemporary history to the progression of the theme. It is concluded with a pedagogical proposal where students through poetry will study the contents of the teaching unity - the universal peace. This study will permit that catholic and religious education students study peace through poetry.

Zusammenfassung Diese Untersuchung besteht aus sechs Hauptpunkten. Nach der Einleitung (I.) zum Thema, werden unter II. verschiedene Begriffe definiert und die Inhalte gegenüber verwandten Gebieten abgegrenzt. Als dritter Hauptpunkt (III.) folgt eine Untersuchung zu den klassischen Typologien der Pflichtenkollisionen. Dieses Thema wurde in der Vergangenheit in der Theologie und Philosophie immer wieder breit diskutiert. Unter IV. werden die Pflichtenkollisionen im lukanischen Doppelwerk untersucht. Diese exegetische Analyse soll aufzeigen, wie Jesus und die Apostel solchen Situationen begegnen und damit umgegangen sind. In diesem Zusammenhang wird auch die Frage nach möglicher Schuld, als Konsequenz, untersucht. Der fünfte Hauptpunkt (V.) beschäftigt sich mit dem richtigen Verhalten in Pflichtenkollisionen. Einerseits wird die Position des Autors näher begründet und andererseits ein Vorschlag für eine Wertreihenfolge als Richtschnur im Konfliktfall angeboten. Im letzten Teil (VI.) werden die Erkenntnisse der Untersuchung auf sieben konkreten Fälle von Pflichtenkollisionen aus der Gemeinde und der Geschäftswelt praktisch angewendet.
This analysis consists of six main sections. Following the introduction of the theme (I), various terms are defined (II), and the contents are distinguished from related topics, with pertinent reasons given. The third (III) section consists of the results of my research on the classic typologies of conflicting duties. In the past, this subject has been widely discussed in the theological and philosophical circles. In the fourth (IV) section, conflicting duties are examined in light of Luke's writings. The goal of this exegetic analysis is to show how Jesus and the apostles met such situations, and how they dealt with them. In connection with this topic, the question of possible guilt, as a consequence, is researched. The fifth (V) section deals with proper behaviour toward conflicting duties. On one hand, the position of the author is established, and on the other hand a proposal is offered for a prioritization of values as a guiding principle in conflict situations. In the last section (VI), the findings of the research are applied practically to seven concrete examples of conflicting duties within the church and society.
Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics
M. Th. (Theological Ethics)

This work wishes to present the problem of trans-sexuality and its treatment, especially its most controversial part, i.e. hormonal and surgical reassignment. It brings the information about disease as such, shows treatment possibilities and points out also certain ethical problems which the patient faces, especially when he is a believer. Second part of this work studies the life quality of trans-persons and brings author?s research within a small sample group of transsexual believers. The last part of this work presents summary of results.

Recent literature by several eminent psychotherapists ·such as Bergin and Beutler argues that counsellors' personal values are probably the greatest influence on the success and outcome of therapy and that the counsellor tends to convert the client to the counsellor's values. This literature provided strong support for this researcher's contention of the need for similar studies in pastoral counselling. The researcher was particularly concerned about the role of pastoral counsellors' value systems and moral judgement development in counselling situations. The researcher selected the Rokeach Value Survey and the Rest Defining Issues Test as instruments to test a sample of South African pastoral counsellors in this regard. The research questions addressed were as follows. Firstly, what are the value systems of a sample of pastoral counsellors in the South African context? Secondly, what are the moral judgement development levels of the pastoral counsellors? Thirdly, what is the relationship between the rank ordering of values and pastoral counsellors' levels of moral judgement development? Fourthly, what implications could these variables have for pastoral-client pairing in pastoral counselling? The chief findings were as follows. Firstly, the pastoral counsellors were shown to have conservative value systems with a preference for introspective terminal values over social terminal values. Secondly, the pastoral counsellors had a P score of 39.6 on the Defining Issues Test. This compares favourably with Asian university students who score between 36-40 as opposed to American university students who have a mean P score of 42.6. The researcher concluded that the conservative religious ideology of the sample helped to explain the low P scores somewhat. Thirdly, the Spearman correlational coefficient indicated little correlation between the Rokeach Value Survey and the Rest Defining Issues Test. Fourthly, both instruments indicated that the conservative nature of the pastoral counsellors would no doubt make them very effective counsellors in most denominations. They would tend to counsel in support of the status quo in the church. A major recommendation of the study was the need for further pastoral counsellor education in dealing with moral values issues.
Practical Theology
D.Th. (Practical theology)

The modern world is experiencing a spiritual and moral crisis. Associated with this, Christian spirituality and ethics have become separated in the life of the individual Christian and the community of the church. The Christian understanding of human beings and the integrated nature of spirituality and ethics provides a solution to this crisis. Christian spirituality and morality both originate in the character and purposes of God as revealed in the biblical record. The value and effects of the. integral relationship between spirituality and morality can be traced throughout scripture and the history of the church. The. encounter and relationship with God, in Jesus Christ and through the presence and power of God's Spirit, transforms the disciple of Christ, which means that spirituality is the basic framework and motivation for morality. Integrated spiritual and moral formation creates moral character and moral communities which enable believers to act with love and justice.

The modern world is experiencing a spiritual and moral cns1s. Associated with this, Christian spirituality and ethics have become separated in the life of the individual Christian and the community of the church. The Christian understanding of human beings and the integrated nature of spirituality and ethics provides a solution to this crisis. Christian spirituality and morality both originate in the character and purposes of God as revealed in the biblical record. The value and effects of the integral relationship between spirituality and morality can be traced throughout scripture and the history of the church. The. encounter and relationship with God, in Jesus Christ and through the presence and power of God's Spirit, transforms the disciple of Christ, which means that spirituality is the basic framework and motivation for morality. Integrated spiritual and moral formation creates moral character and moral communities which enable believers to act with love and justice.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
M.Th. (Christian Spirituality)

This study unveils the perceptions, real-life experiences and thought-processes of contract workers who dedicate their lives to the Christian faith, values and belief-system, but simultaneously endeavour to establish and follow a successful career in the volatile, cut-throat, non-Christian-based (“hedonistic”) occupational entertainment commerce. The researcher embarked on this study with a qualitative, interpretivist research approach. Data was gathered through in-depth, unstructured, face-to-face interviews with a sample of nine research participants. The sample consists of student entertainers; entertainers in the public eye, but not yet established; as well as entertainers who have successful established careers with loyal national and international audiences in the Entertainment Industry. The researcher explores and seeks to understand the core values and belief systems of the research participants with regards to their Christian religious orientation, which is statistically verified to be the most prevalent religious practise in South Africa (Nation Master, 2013; Religious affiliation by country, 2010). Hence, the research findings with regards to Christians’ approach and attitude towards their careers will contribute to a better understanding and management of the majority of the workforce in South Africa. Moreover, the expected norms, values and work ethic of the Entertainment Industry in South Africa are exposed in this study. Although existing literature upholds that the Entertainment Industry is an exceptionally unstable work environment compared to other corporate industries, this research study adds significantly to current literature as viable causes for the unstable occupational environment are also investigated and presented. Previous research only addressed several aspects of the effect on one’s career advancement if an individual’s core value system differs from the accepted norms in an organisation or industry in general. This study subsequently reveals the personal- and occupational challenges that Christian entertainers encounter in an Entertainment Industry in South Africa and how they subsequently aim to decrease the cognitive dissonance that they experience due to continuous role conflict between moral obligation and the vital necessity for employment and career advancement. The findings of this study correlate with previous research as it indicates that the research participants will generally choose and prioritise their personal core values- and moral belief system above contradictory social and professional career demands and expectations.
Dissertation (MCom)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
gm2014
Human Resource Management
unrestricted

This study describes and analyses lay training programmes at Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation (MEF) with emphasis on: Women's Training; Conference, Research and Development; and Youth Leadership. Mindolo is seen as an expression of the church's presence in society and a symbol of hope, peace and reconciliation. Lay training programmes at Mindolo aim at equipping Christians to act as 'leaven', salt and 'light' in society. The values and morals of the African people could be the basis of such teaching. The study discusses how the term 'laity' has negative implications such as regarding the laity as non-competent or specialist because they are not priests or theologians. It illustrates that although the majority of Christians are women, leadership in the church is dominated by men. The study illustrates how critical it is for Mindolo to evaluate its original vision in light of current challenges and promises.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
MA (Religious Studies)

The thesis compares two educational systems: the Salesian preventive system of John Bosco and Scouting. It presents the personality of the founders, than characterizes the recipients, mission, principles, aims, methods and tools of these educational systems. This comparison focuses on the moral values, virtues and value attitudes advenced by the systems. The thesis looks for elements which the two education systems sharediffer in and attempts to highlight those elements which could be mutually inspirative in the pursuit of the ideal of integral education of a young person.