Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Sermon on the mount - Theology'

Since Jesus first gave his Sermon on the Mount, very few if any have devoted more years to practicing and teaching others to practice its precepts than Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy's take on the Sermon on the Mount stands apart in the history of Sermon on the Mount interpretation and has had enormous influence on others and other countries. Yet, often Gandhi gets the glory, or others. Tolstoy is remembered as a great writer, but his religious and philosophical works are by and large unknown or disparaged, even in Tolstoyan scholarly circles. It remains his contribution is substantially underappreciated and misunderstood. This project seeks to capture the particulars and dynamics of Tolstoy's interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount from a deliberately sympathetic vantage point. Underlying this project is shared belief with Tolstoy that the Sermon on the Mount is liveable and to be lived. This project assumes that from the vantage point of traditional orthodoxy Tolstoy got much wrong but there remains a lack of consideration of and appreciation for what he got right, radical obedience to the teachings of Jesus. After a careful overview of Tolstoy's post-conversion period, and his subsequent writings which constitute a Second Tolstoy corpus of literature, his hermeneutic is explored and his teachings treated generously. Tolstoy's interpretive adversaries and allies are given voice with the intention of better comprehending his interpretations and their perceived implications and failings. A new vocabulary is proposed to more precisely capture Tolstoyan lived theology, namely the political and social expressions of Tolstoyan Christianity, with the intention these theories and practices will gain a wider consideration, understanding and following.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis aims to underline the importance of the sermon introduction. Every sermon generally divides itself into three parts: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. Then, what is the purpose of the sermon introduction? My research focuses on the sermon introduction in terms of the following two questions: Firstly, what is the precise purpose of the sermon introduction in the dynamics between gaining the attention and not losing the attention? Secondly, what is the influence of the sermon introduction: how can the sermon introduction affect the preacher and the hearer? Chapter 2 explores the identity of the sermon introduction relating to four key aspects: Firstly, the fact that the sermon introduction is the first part of the sermon and is related to the body but has its own integrity. Secondly, the fact that the preacher should investigate the skill of rhetoric because one of the purposes of preaching, like that of rhetoric, is also persuasion. Thirdly, the notion that the “uselessness” of the sermon introduction could detach the thoughts of the hearers from the Word of God. Finally, the logical fact that the sermon introduction seems very natural and that it is fitting that a sermon should have an introduction. In Chapter 3 we firstly examine the importance of the sermon introduction relating to the preacher and the hearers. The sermon introduction affects the preacher in proclaiming the Word effectively and the hearers to receive the Word well. And, secondly, we investigate the purposes of the sermon introduction concentrating on the following three aspects: to gain attention; not to lose attention; to introduce the theme. In Chapter 4 we firstly investigate the sources of the sermon introduction. The preacher can utilize the text and context in view of the sermon introduction. We secondly examine the qualities of the sermon introduction, concentrating on the two aspects: positive qualities and negative qualities. In Chapter 5 we emphasize four key aspects of images relating to the sermon introduction: God images, Text images, preacher images and congregational images, all discussed in the light of examples of sermon introductions. In Chapter 6 we make suggestions concerning the following four aspects: Firstly, the length of the sermon introduction. Secondly, time to prepare the sermon introduction. Thirdly, the importance of eye-contact with the hearers. Lastly, constructing some “check-lists” for the sermon introduction.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die belang van die preekinleiding. Alle preke bestaan normaalweg uit drie dele: die inleiding, liggaam (hoofgedeelte) en slot. Wat is die betekenis en doel van die inleiding? Ek fokus in hierdie studie veral op twee vrae: Eeerstens: Wat is die presiese bedoeling van die preekinleiding in die dinamika tussen aandag-verkryging en aandag-verlies? Tweedens: Wat is die effek van die preekinleiding - hoe kan dit die prediker en hoorder beïnvloed? Hoogfstuk 2 ondersoek die karakter/ identiteit van die preekinleiding in terme van vier kernaspekte: 1. Die outonomie van en integrasie van die preekinleiding by die res van die preek. 2. Die belang van retoriek vir die preekinleiding. 3. Sommige besware teen die preekinleiding. 4. Die logiese funksie van die preekinleiding. In hoofstuk 3 let ons op die belang van die preekinleiding in terme van die volgende aspekte: 1. Die relasie tot die prediker en hoorders, en 2. Die doel van die preekinleiding ten opsigte van aandag-verkryging en aandag-verlies, en as inleiding tot die tema van die preek. In hoofstuk 4 kyk ons na die bronne vir die preekinleiding, veral in terme van die teks en konteks. Ons let verder op positiewe en negatiewe moontlikhede van die preekinleiding. In hoofstuk 5 kom vier beelde aan die orde, soos dit blyk uit die analise van ‘n aantal preekinleidings, naamlik Godsbeelde, teksbeelde, prediker-beelde en gemeente-beelde. In hoofstuk 6 word suggesties gemaak ten opsigte van die lengte van die preekinleiding, die tyd benodig vir voorbereiding, die belang van oog-kontak, en ‘n tipe verwysingshulp met betrekking tot die preekinleiding. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za

The project director conducted the current project to improve his sermon delivery practices and skill level, better equipping him to combat the consequences of exposure to technology and consumerism in his congregation. He researched the impact of technology and consumerism on the ability of his listeners to absorb and retain sermon content. Once he identified consequences of exposure to technology and consumerism, the director researched which sermon delivery characteristics or mechanics he could use to abate such consequences. The director then implemented a sermon delivery methodology in his preaching to abate such consequences by consistently employing the identified characteristics and mechanics. He measured the effect of the delivery methodology on his listeners’ cognition through the use of a pre-test and post-test, administered to project participants. Surveys contained statements related to each participant’s ability to understand and remember the content of the director’s sermon in relation to various delivery characteristics and mechanics. Subjects responded to statements on a scale using strongly agree, agree, not sure, disagree, and strongly disagree. Comparative analysis of survey results before and after project implementation revealed that consistent use of the identified delivery characteristics improved his listeners’ ability absorb and retain sermon content.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research endeavors to make a more satisfactory connection between the text and sermon by utilizing the speech act theory (SAT). In the light of SAT, the movement from text to sermon is neither simply to be viewed as finding timeless principles, meanings, big ideas from Scripture nor to emphasize a human experience in the modern world to serve as a re-narration of the text. Rather, the homiletical bridge in SAT has to be considered as the performative action of the text itself. The essence of interpretation in preaching is therefore to recognize the illocutionary act in Scripture. In SAT, the illocutionary act creates the meaning as well as the perlocutionary action. This is the center of the effort in order to build a more satisfactory bridge between text and sermon. Obviously, the SAT can directly serve the Reformed Confessions in which the living Triune God is still speaking through the Scripture in the present. The Spirit is the enabler of a disclosure of the autonomous and meaningful action of the Bible. The Spirit has continually enabled the Christian community to understand and to enact the Scripture in the context of the common life of the Christian community. This means that the Bible is not given to be exegeted in academic isolation, but to be performed by the people of God. Perhaps, when the preacher proclaims the re-illocutionary preaching, he/she will encounter an unexpected manner of sermon. However, this creative preaching generates unexpected reality through the Bible in which the Spirit gives the energy to accomplish this alternative reality. This should offer practical guidelines for performing individual faith and generating social capital. That event is proclaimed (performed) as the living Word of God for modern man.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing beoog om ‘n meer bevredigende konneksie te maak tussen teks en preek deur gebruik te maak van die sogenaamde “Speech Act Theory”, oftewel Spraak Handeling Teorie [SHT]. In die lig van die SHT is die beweging vanaf teks na preek nie net om klem te lê op onveranderde beginsels, opinies, waardevolle betekenisse van die Woord of ondervindinge van menslike ervaring in die moderne wêreld om as ‘n herskrywing van die teks te dien nie, maar eerder moet die homilitiese brug gesien word as die manifestering van die teks self. Die primêre fokus van interpretasie is hiervolgens dus om die performatiwe funksie van die Woord te herken. Volgens die SHT skep die performatiewe funksie die betekenis sowel as die performatiewe aksie. Bogenoemde uitgangspunte vorm die middelpunt van aksies wat geneem word om te verseker dat ‘n aanvaarbare brug gebou word tussen prediking en teks. Dit wil voorkom asof die SHT die Gereformeerde Belydenis kan dien, aangesien die Lewende, Drie-enige God volgens hierdie belydenis nog steeds deur die Woord praat in die teenwoordige tyd. Hiervolgens is die Gees van God ‘n fasiliteerder van die onafhanklike en betekenisvolle openbaring van die Bybel. Die Gees van God het volgens hierdie belydens voortdurend die Christen gemeenskap gelei om die Woord te verstaan en om dit uit te voer in die konteks van die normale Christen gemeenskap. Dit beteken dat die Bybel nie gegee is om bloot in isolasie akademies uitgelê te word nie, maar om uit-gevoer te word deur die gemeenskap van God. Predikers wat die performatiewe boodskap van die Skrif binne die kragveld van hierdie gemeenskap preek, mag op verrassende wyses anders preek. Hierdie kreatiewe styl van prediking genereer ‘n onverwagse realiteit, in ooreenstemming met dit wat die Bybel deur die Gees van God intendeer om uit te voer (“perform”). Hierdeur word individuele geloof, maar ook die verrykking van die gemeenskap gedien.

The study focuses on the description of the function of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew‘s Gospel. Not only does the Sermon on the Mount (SM) depict an ethical, eschatological and identity formation function, as it is popularly conceived by scholars, but it is also reflective of reconstruction, legitimation and the negotiation of the cultural identity of the community of Matthew in the city of Antioch, in Syria in the late first century CE. Through a Socio Rhetorical Interpretation (SRI), the analysis of the SM has been found to be reflective of the negotiating of identity politics of the community of Matthew in the aftermath of the destruction of the second Jerusalem temple, following the 66-73 Jewish revolt against Rome. Thus, the implied author of the SM employs the rhetorical function of the SM to consolidate a Christian community in the aftermath of the destruction of the second Jerusalem temple by contesting the Roman empire, borrowing from Israel‘s religious heritage and, accommodating the Jesus Movement. Consequently, pursuant to identity politics guided by the requirements of righteousness in Matt 5.20, the SM provides a basis for the reconstruction of a superordinate cultural identity for the community of Matthew that embraced both Judeans and the Gentiles. The reconstruction of a superordinate identity for the Matthean community enabled the implied author of the SM to effectively address intra-ethnic conflict that had characterized the Jesus Movement about 35 years before the emergence of the community of Matthew. Thus, the study has established that a creation of a superordinate identity provides the impetus for addressing intraethnic conflict situations because it embraces a dual identity, that is, a common identity to which other aspects of identity are subordinated.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The researcher’s purpose for writing this paper is first to tell the story of one particular community of faith called the Mount Hope church. In doing so, the spotlight would be placed on the plight and challenges of the Mitchells Plain township life, conditions and ministry. Secondly, the research was seeking to challenge the status quo of a serious lack of human dignity by showing how and why it needs to be restored. Lastly, to then answer the research question: “How does one minister to marginalized and outcast people in such a way that their human dignity is restored?” The researcher has furnished a definition and description of the background of the word township as well as follow four tasks of doing Practical Theology as reflected in the work of one scholar Richard R Osmer. The descriptive empirical section has highlighted the researcher’s life story as key to the research, provided statistical details of the research context as well as individual testimony accounts of lives that have been transformed. The normative section has shown the importance of the prophetic mandate to discern the will of God for the research context. In the interpretive section the researcher has facilitated a dialogue between the descriptive and the normative sections to clarify the importance of system sensitive leadership. The pragmatic section is the last of the four sections where the researcher has shown the strategic output of the Mount Hope church through its leadership. The researcher has concluded by bringing all the chapters together again for the purpose of answering the research question: “How does one minister to marginalized and outcast people in such a way that their human dignity is restored?” It is clear that once they discover the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and the acceptance and guidance of a faith community, they are on the road to restored human dignity.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorser se doel met die skryf van hierdie artikel was om die verhaal van 'n geloofsgemeenskap, die Mount Hope gemeente, te vertel. Sodoende is die klem geplaas op die uitdagings van Mitchell’s Plain se “township” lewe, toestande en die bediening. Tweedens was die doel van die navorsing om die ernstige gebrek aan menswaardigheid en die herstel daarvan, uit te beeld en aan te spreek. Die navorsing was gefokus om die volgende vraag te beantwoord: “Hoe bedien jy mense wat gemarginaliseer en verworpe is dat dit hul menswaardigheid herstel?” Die navorser verskaf 'n definisie en beskrywing van die agtergrond van die woord “township” sowel as vier take van Praktiese Teologie, soos weerspieël in die werk van die bekende praktiese teoloog, Richard R Osmer. Die beskrywende gedeelte van die navorsing beklemtoon die navorser se lewensverhaal as sleutel tot die navorsing. Empiriese gegewens wat in statistiese besonderhede die navorsing-konteks verreken sowel as individuele getuienisse van mense wie se lewens getransformeer is, word vertel. Dit illustreer die praktyk van die herstel van menswaardigheid. Die normatiewe afdeling het die belangrikheid van die profetiese mandaat om die wil van God vir die navorsing-konteks om te onderskei, aangetoon. In die interpretasie-afdeling het die navorser as 'n dialoog tussen die beskrywende en die normatiewe gedeeltes gehanteer om die belangrikheid van die sisteem sensitiewe leierskap aan te toon. Die pragmatiese artikel is die laaste van die vier afdelings waar die navorser die strategiese uitset van die Mount Hope gemeente deur sy leierskap aantoon en beskrywend vertel hoe mense opgevang, aanvaar en volgens bybelse beginsels ingeskakel word en op die wyse hulle menswaardigheid herontdek in die liefde van Jesus Christus en sy kerk. Die navorser sluit af deur al die hoofstukke byeen te bring om die navorsings vraag te beantwoord: “Hoe bedien jy mense wat gemarginaliseer en verworpe is dat dit hul menswaardigheid herstel?”

Through his use of "foundation" and "house" metaphors in his "First Sermon Preached to King Charles at St. James, 3 April 1625," John Donne discreetly presents his ideologies and principles before the new king, while simultaneously criticizing his contemporaries' misguided bickering over religio-political factions. This essay seeks to unpack the history surrounding, as well as the casuistical logic found within Donne's first sermon preached during the Caroline period, which both explicitly and implicitly addresses the foremost anxieties of the people of the changing age.

The present study addresses two separate but related questions.  Firstly, what is Paul’s theology of material possessions, and secondly, what is the source of the apostle’s thought on this subject.  Our thesis endeavours to answer these questions by hypothesizing that Paul owes his pecuniary thought to the synoptic sermon tradition.  However, unlike other studies that investigate Paul’s use of the Jesus tradition, our study does not appeal to verbal parallels to establish this theory.  Rather, our thesis attempts to demonstrate continuity in the broad fiscal thought of Jesus and Paul.  This is accomplished by first demonstrating the plausibility of Paul’s acquaintance with the dominical tradition through evidence related to the apostle’s historical environment and his extant writings.  Then, we establish the likelihood that Paul knew the pre-synoptic sermon tradition because of its ubiquity in early church discipleship, the judgment of form critical scholars, and its pervasive resonances in Pauline literature.  From this point of embarkation, we proceed to articulate the broad fiscal thought of ht e synoptic sermons.  It is found that the synoptic sermons’ fiscal material has a pervasively eschatological orientation, and that in the sermons, Jesus seeks to redefine the financial worldview of Christian disciples.  Having examined the synoptic sermons, we compare their fiscal thought with that expressed by Paul in 1 Corinthians.  Through the course of this comparison, alternate sources in Jewish and Hellenistic literature are considered as potential explanations for any correspondences.  Ultimately, our study concludes that Jesus’ and Paul’s financial thought evidences remarkable symmetry that cannot be explained by a shared cultural environment.  Consequently, we determine that Paul depends on the dominical tradition for the contours of his financial thought.

The word δηθαηνζύλε occurs 92 times in 86 verses in the Greek New Testament. With regard to the four gospels, its incidence is the highest (70%) in Matthew. Among the other synoptic writers, only Luke uses it, and only once. The word δηθαηνζύλε occurs seven times in the Gospel of Matthew, and five of these occurrences are found in the Sermon on the Mount. It is clear that righteousness constitutes an important concept in the Gospel. With the term δηθαηνζύλε as the key element, the Gospel shows a structure in which the Sermon on the Mount with its five occurrences of δηθαηνζύλε is framed by 3:15 and 21:32, each one of these containing δηθαηνζύλε once. Matthew emphasises the enduring validity of the law and its fulfilment, of which the consequence is referred to in 5:20 as righteousness that could be described as more abundant righteousnessi. Therefore, to Matthew the relationship between law and righteousness is indicated by ἐληνιή in 5:19. The righteousness proposed by Matthew must comply with the will of God and the demands of the “kingdom of heaven”. From 6:1, it is clear that this is righteousness before your father. Matthew wants to impress it on the reader that righteousness must not be practised before people but before God eventually. I would appear that Matthew and Paul use the term δηθαηνζύλε in different ways. The aim of this study was therefore to ascertain what meaning Matthew wants to convey by δηθαηνζύλε in the Gospel, and in what way he applies this meaning to his arguments in the Gospel. In Chapter 1, the background and the problem statement are set out. The objective of Chapter 2 was to ascertain if Matthew‟s use of the concept of righteousness was influenced by the situation that gave rise to the Gospel of Matthew coming into being (Sitz im Leben der alten Kirche). It was concluded that Matthew wanted to present a more abundant δηθαηοζύλε to the community in Antioch in order to assist them in defining their identity. In Chapter 3, the meaning of the word δηθαηνζύλε outside the Gospel of Matthew was investigated. It was found that context plays an important role in establishing the meaning of the word. It also became clear that δηθαηνζύλε is a wide concept that comprises both the meanings of “ethical action by man” and “gift of God”. The objective of Chapter 4 was to ascertain what δηθαηνζύλε meant to Matthew. It was concluded that he used the term in an ethical sense. In Chapter 5, the statement that there might be a tension between the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of the Gospel was investigated in order to find out in what way Matthew applied his interpretation of righteousness in his arguments. The conclusion was that there is no tension between the Sermon on the Mount and the rest of the gospel. It was also found that Matthew and Paul do not differ from each other theologically with regard to the meaning of the word δηθαηνζύλε; indeed, they are close to each other in this respect. In Chapter 6, a final conclusion was made regarding the use of δηθαηνζύλε in the Gospel of Matthew, viz. that Matthew and Paul complement each other in their semantic interpretation of the word δηθαηνζύλε in such a way that the result is a comprehensive concept of righteousness. It was found that Matthew‟s presentation of the concept associated with the term δηθαηνζύλε provides important ethical values that could be applied the South African society.
Thesis (MA (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Luke's gospel is not infrequently referred to as the gospel of mercy. This declaration has rarely, if at all, been seriously subjected to a critical investigation of its validity and the appropriateness of such a nomenclature. In particular, there has been little recognition of subtle and significant distinctions that can be made between mercy and compassion. This thesis therefore seeks to lay bare how the evangelist employed gospel source materials and his own literary talent to create and compose a sequence of narrative moments that lends itself to what is proposed here, especially a proper articulation of compassion as revealed by Luke's Jesus. Limiting its broader investigative focus to Lk 3:1-9:50 this study is primarily interested in Lk 6:36, its role within the oft neglected Sermon on the Plain (Lk 6:20-49), its significance for the content and composition of Lk 7, and then secondarily its connection with the narrative blocks found either side of Lk 6-7, where of particular note is the programmatic sermon of Lk 4:16-30. In this purview a keen eye on detail and patterns relative to word(s) and deed(s) makes it possible to discern certain key theological and Christological authorial assumptions. Specifically, it is through this purposeful depiction of God and Jesus in relation to humankind that Luke insightfully initiates the reader into the mission and ministry of the Christ and his chosen disciples. Observing closely what this Jesus says and does sheds light on the import of extended meaning attaching itself to Luke's writing. To comprehend this better it proves helpful to analyse the meaning and force of Lk 6:36 in its Sermon context, in Luke's larger narrative and within the broad spectrum of ideas that derive from biblical, linguistic, philosophical and theological discussions. Lk 6:36 in translation thus becomes the point of departure for a more expansive treatment of this sometimes elusive theme. Attempting to find the right, appropriately nuanced word in English helps establish an appreciation for the richer strands of meaning that attach to the mercy/compassion realm of language and that with certain conditioning have been either overshadowed or lost sight of altogether. Acquiring that orientation to the biblical concept evoked by Lk 6:36 can only be gained by an investigation that attentively inspects the palette of Hebrew and Greek terminology. A surprising array of interconnected yet distinct words, emphases and associations of image come as a result. When closely examined alongside the linguistic and historical data Luke's composition confirms that the "compassion" Jesus voices / enacts is thoroughly relational; at its core is a personal, life-giving parent-child kinship; God is its primary reference point (invoking the notions of imitatio Dei, imago Dei); its paradigm figure is Jesus whose words and deeds integrally reveal its extravagant, boundary-free, risk-laden outreach to human beings of all sorts; and by natural inclination it redresses suffering and oppression without impossible conditions. To be, feel and act for another in this way is measured ultimately not by a human but a divine standard. The investigative method of this thesis is a redaction-critical / composition-critical analysis of Lukan gospel material where "compassion" is best examined, defined and demonstrated. As a matter of course this approach accepts that Luke is both redactor of received materials (holding to the majority hypothesis on Synoptic sources) and author of a narrative with its own foci, emphases and theological character. Thus to define "compassion" through the words and deeds of the Lukan Jesus is to enter a narrative world virtually unexplored until now.

Thesis (DTh (Practical Theology and Missiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was not merely to recount the ethical problems of the Korean Protestant Church and its members, but to suggest a new ethical preaching mode for resolving these problems. Thus, in order to research the subject of our study, we used two methodologies: Dingemans’s practical theological methodology and the Heidelberg method of sermon analysis. In chapter one, we stated the question why the Korean Protestant Church’s growth is declining, and described the current social situation in which the Korean people are starting to turn their backs on the Korean Protestant Church, and also mistrusting the morality of this Church as its members do not seem to act in accordance with their stated beliefs. Their ethical behaviour does not correspond with the content of their confession. In order to show exactly the practical and problematic phenomenon of the Korean Protestant Church and its members, we used the results of six surveys conducted recently by several institutes. Furthermore, in order to expose exactly the Korean Protestant Christian’s ethical problems in terms of homiletics, we suggested that our study focuses on the following three issues: political, triumphal and narrative, as these three sermon patterns flow like rivers into the Korean Protestant Church and its American theological connection. By doing so, our study hoped to contribute ultimately towards the rediscovery and revalidation of ethical preaching in contemporary Korea. From chapter two to chapter seven, we thus strived to explain the content of, and relationship between, the three preaching modes as described above (political, triumphal, and experiential), and we analysed the sermons of three representative Korean Protestant preachers in detail, by using the framework of the Heidelberg method. In chapter eight, we evaluated the ethical situation of the Korean Protestant Church and its members in contemporary Korea as follows: “Consequently, in contemporary Korea, the Koreans no longer believe and trust the Korean Protestant Church. Thus, since the 1990s, the present Korean Protestant Church is experiencing a decline in the attendance of its members because the present Korean Protestant Church has lost its dignity due to its ethical problems. In our opinion, it is true that the Korean Protestant Church needs to discover Christian ethics; thus, the Church must especially focus on its lack of social ethics and political responsibility in the Reformed theological views. In order to promote the public’s trust in the Korean Protestant Church and its members, it is inevitable that Korean Protestant ministers must focus more on Christian ethics than on the outward development of the Church in contemporary Korea. Thus, in order to establish Christian ethics in Korea, the Korean Protestant preachers must consider ethical preaching, through which naturally, Christians will try to follow Jesus’ life and teachings before God by faith in the world.” In chapter nine, we explained in detail what ethical preaching is, i.e. we introduced the necessity for ethical preaching, and defined it as well as components thereof. In particular, we emphasized that the world’s position and function are unique, as evil controls the world in terms of ethical preaching because human beings have been captured by the multiplicity of the powers or related them to contemporary social realities, and they cannot but produce Christian ethical problems in the world. Furthermore, we suggested the following: “We obviously need the harmony of Campbell and Long’s homiletical views in order to create the best framework for ethical preaching for contemporary Korea.” In chapter ten, we critically compared and reflected on the homiletical views of Campbell and Long in terms of ethical preaching. Furthermore, we created a new ethical preaching mode for contemporary Korea. In chapter eleven, we introduced some suggestions as regards the way ethical preaching could be done in contemporary Korea, i.e. we strived to compose a sermon’s synopsis of ethical preaching with the newly formed framework. Thus, with Luke 8:22-39, we dealt with “the division of Korea into North and South” and, with Luke 10:25-37, “racial prejudice toward coloured foreign workers” by using the newly formed ethical preaching mode. In chapter twelve, we summarized and concluded our dissertation. As regards the homiletical field of Korea, we introduced four benefits our study can offer. On the other hand, we pointed out the shortcomings of our study as follows: “Jesus Christ and ethical issues from the Old Testament” and “the relationship between our ethical preaching mode and Christian worship, especially liturgy.” In this chapter, thus, we emphasized the abovementioned points as suggestions for future research.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van ons studie was nie ʼn blote weergee van die etiese probleme van die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en sy lidmate nie, maar om ʼn nuwe metode van etiese prediking ter oplossing van hierdie probleme voor te stel. Gevolglik het ons, ten einde navorsing oor ons onderwerp te doen, twee metodologiee aangewend: Dingemans se prakties-teologiese metodologie en die Heidelbergse metode van prediking analise. In hoofstuk 1 het ons die vraag gestel waarom daar ʼn afname was in die groei van die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en die huidige sosiale situasie waarin die Koreaanse bevolking die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk die rug keer en ook die moraliteit van die kerk aangesien sy lidmate nie handel volgens hul verklaarde oortuigings nie beskryf. Hul etiese gedrag stem nie ooreen met die inhoud van hul belydenis nie. Ten einde die praktiese en problematiese verskynsel van die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en sy lidmate juis te beklemtoon, het ons die resultate van ses opnames wat onlangs deur verskeie institute gedoen is gebruik. Verder, om die etiese probleme van die Koreaanse Protestantse Christen in terme van homilitiek noukeurig bloot te le, het ons voorgestel dat ons studie op die volgende drie aspekte fokus: politiese, triomferende en narratiewe aangesien hierdie drie erediens patrone soos riviere in die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en sy Amerikaanse teologiese verbintenis vloei. Sodoende hoop ons studie om uiteindelik ʼn bydrae te lewer tot die herontdekking en herbekragtiging van etiese prediking in hedendaagse Korea. Vanaf hoofstuk twee tot hoofstuk sewe het ons dus daarna gestreef om die inhoud van en die verhouding tussen die drie metodes van prediking, soos hierbo beskryf (politiese, triomferende en narratiewe), te verduidelik en het ons deur middel van die Heidelbergse metode die preke van drie verteenwoordigende Koreaanse Protestantse predikers breedvoerig geanaliseer. In hoofstuk ag (t) het ons die etiese situasie van die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en sy lidmate soos volg geevalueer: “Gevolglik glo en vertrou die Koreane in hedendaagse Korea nie meer die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk nie. Dus, sedert die 1990’s beleef die huidige Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk ʼn afname in die bywoning van sy lidmate omdat die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk sy waardigheid verloor het as gevolg van sy etiese probleme. Volgens ons is dit waar dat die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk Christelike etiek moet ontdek; dus, die Kerk moet spesifiek fokus op sy gebrek aan sosiale etiek en politieke verantwoordelikheid in die gereformeerde teologiese gesigspunte. Ten einde die publiek se vertroue in die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk en sy lidmate te bevorder, is dit onvermydelik dat die predikante van die Koreaanse Protestantse Kerk meer moet fokus op Christelike etiek as op die uiterlike ontwikkeling van die kerk in hedendaagse Korea. Dus moet Koreaanse Protestantse predikers etiese prediking, waardeur Christene in die wereld sal probeer om Jesus se lewe en onderwysings voor God deur geloof te volg, oorweeg ten einde Christelike etiek in Korea te vestig.” In hoofstuk nege het ons breedvoerig verduidelik wat etiese prediking behels, d.w.s. ons het die noodsaaklikheid van etiese prediking ingelei en dit tesame met die komponente daarvan gedefinieer. Ons het in besonder die uniekheid van die wereld se posisie en funksie beklemtoon aangesien boosheid die wereld in terme van etiese prediking beheer omdat mense gevange geneem is deur die veelvoudige magte of eietydse, met hul verbonde sosiale werklikhede en hulle nie anders kan as om Christelike etiese probleme in die wereld voort te bring nie. Verder het ons die volgende voorgestel: “Ons het duidelik die harmonie van Campbell en Long se homiletiese standpunte nodig ten einde die beste raamwerk vir etiese prediking vir hedendaagse Korea te skep.” In hoofstuk tien het ons die kritiese vergelyking getref tussen en gereflekteer op die homiletiese uitgangspunte van Campbell en Long in terme van etiese prediking. Voorts het ons ʼn nuwe metode van etiese prediking vir hedendaagse Korea ontwikkel. In hoofstuk elf het ons sekere voorstelle betreffende die manier waarop etiese prediking in hedendaagse Korea gedoen sou kon word aangebied, d.w.s. ons het daarna gestrewe om ʼn prediking se oorsig van etiese prediking met ʼn nuutgevormde raamwerk saam te stel. Dus, met Lukas 8:22-39 het ons gefokus op “die verdeling van Korea in Noord en Suid” en met Lukas 10:25-37, “rassistiese vooroordeel teenoor gekleurde buitelandse arbeiders” deur van die nuutgevormde metode van etiese prediking gebruik te maak. In hoofstuk twaalf het ons die dissertasie saamgevat en afgesluit. Ons het, betrekking tot die homiletiese landskap in Korea, vier voordele wat ons studie kan bied voorgestel. Enersyds het ons sekere tekortkominge van ons studie soos volg uitgewys: “Jesus Christus en die etiese kwessies van die Ou Testament” en “die verhouding tussen ons etiese predikingswyse en Christelike aanbidding, veral liturgie”. In hierdie hoofstuk het ons dus die bogenoemde punte as voorstelle vir toekomstige navorsing voorgestel.

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This thesis aims to analyze Huberto Rohden s thought, Brazilian Christian philosopher, in his work The Sermon on the Mount , in a, about this teaching by Jesus Christ as described in the Gospel of Mathew (5-7). The author considers the authentic Christianity to be as it was lived in the beginning centuries, as it was lived by the disciples of Christ. The importance of the speech by Jesus Christ, the so called The Sermon on the Mount , is studied under this view by Rohden, as well as the identification of his thought s specific fields, such as the philosophy, the religion, the metaphysics, the mysticism, the intuition and the spiritual reasoning, the great lines of his thought. It is also studied the scientific, philosophical and religious perspectives which have influenced his thought, as well as Rohden s comprehension of the Sermon in relation to other theologians. We emphasize that Rohden unveils in his work Sermon the spiritual Reasoning, category (with no intention of limiting his thought) which makes the spiritual Self experience possible, with the understanding above the analytical understanding and sensorial. The intuition, another characteristic which influences Rohden s thought, is an approach which cannot be set apart from his written productions, as the mystic-intuitive that sought its connection with the Supreme Being. As the mystic, the approach taken in this thesis is connected to his religiosity, as a dimension which shows the divine essence, calling for the consciousness as to how we can experience God. The metaphysical approach, which is the search for the Being, is God in Rohden, the Supreme Reality, and not just, or only, the thought. It must be emphasized, however, that the Being, by its own nature, is unreachable in its transcendentalism, and also unreachable in its essence.
Esta tese tem por objetivo analisar o pensamento de Huberto Rohden, filósofo cristão brasileiro, a partir de sua obra: O Sermão da Montanha , na perspectiva univérsica, sobre este ensinamento de Jesus Cristo descrito no Evangelho de Mateus (5-7). O autor considera como autêntico Cristianismo, a vivência cristã como nos primeiros séculos, assim como foi praticada pelos discípulos de Cristo. A importância do discurso de Jesus: o chamado Sermão da Montanha , é estudado nesta visão de Rohden, como também a identificação do campo específico do pensamento do autor como a filosofia, a religião, a metafísica, a mística, a intuição e a razão espiritual que foram as grandes vertentes de seu pensamento. Também é estudada a perspectiva científica, filosófica e religiosa que influenciou seu pensamento assim como a compreensão de Rohden sobre o Sermão em relação a outros teólogos. Salienta-se que Rohden desvela nesta sua obra (Sermão) a Razão espiritual, categoria (sem querer fechar o seu pensamento) que possibilita a experiência do Eu espiritual, compreendendo-a acima do inteligir analítico e do sensorial. A intuição, outra característica que perpassa o pensamento de Rohden, é uma abordagem que não pode ser separada de sua produção escriturística, como místico-intuitivo que procurou sua ligação com o Ser Supremo. Quanto à mística, a abordagem que se faz nesta tese, está ligada à sua religiosidade, como uma dimensão que mostra a essência divina, remetendo à consciência de como podemos vivenciar Deus. A abordagem metafísica, que é a procura pelo Ser, este Ser em Rohden é Deus a Suprema Realidade e não apenas, ou somente, o pensamento. Saliente-se, contudo que o Ser pela sua própria natureza é inacessível na sua transcendentalidade e inacessível também em sua essência.

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Pontif?cia Universidade Cat?lica de Campinas ? PUC Campinas
This study aims to analyze the influences that a religious model has on a religious community, stablishing a correlation between Max Scheler?s conception of religious model, ethical progress and religious experience with the bible text Sermon on Mount, specially, the Antitheses (Mt 5, 17-48) and the Lord?s Prayer ritual orientation. With this purpose, in this study is made a research to identify the religious model from Matthew?s community to understand the powerful influence to the construction of the meanings in the social world of this community. This study was possible approaching Max Scheler?s phenomenological works to contextualize the religious model, religious experience and ethical progress concepts. As well as, it was necessary to go deep in historical, social and exegetical aspects from Matthew?s bible text. It was necessary to enable the correlation method associated to the Matthew?s bible text phenomenological analyses to apply Scheler?s horizon to the bible reality, to answer what is the relation between a religious model and religious experience in the community from the Matthew?s bible text.
O presente trabalho tem o prop?sito de analisar as for?as de influ?ncia que o modelo religioso exerce em uma comunidade religiosa. Isso se fundamenta a partir da correla??o estabelecida entre a conceitua??o de modelo religioso, progresso ?tico e experi?ncia religiosa ao mundo social apreendido do texto b?blico o Serm?o da Montanha. A an?lise ter? como objeto a releitura do texto o Serm?o da Montanha, localizado no Evangelho de Mateus, em espec?fico, as Ant?teses (Mt 5.17-48) e a orienta??o ritual?stica do Pai-Nosso (Mt 6.5-15), ? luz do pensamento de Max Scheler. Partindo desse prop?sito, busca-se identificar o modelo religioso da comunidade mateana e compreender a for?a de influ?ncia desse modelo nos significados do mundo social dessa comunidade. O arcabou?o conceitual foi constru?do tendo como base obras do per?odo fenomenol?gico de Max Scheler para contextualiza??o dos conceitos de modelo religioso, progresso ?tico e experi?ncia religiosa. Foi necess?ria a constru??o de uma abordagem cr?tica dos aspectos hist?ricos, sociais e exeg?ticos da per?cope mateana. Por isso, foi poss?vel, a partir do m?todo da correla??o associado ? an?lise fenomenol?gica do Evangelho de Mateus, aplicar o horizonte conceitual scheleriano ? realidade dos vers?culos b?blicos, a fim de responder qual a rela??o entre modelo religioso e experi?ncia religiosa da comunidade mateana.

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The objective of this thesis is to search the interdiscursivity between the Sermon of the Mount, from the Gospel of Matthew, and the Four Pillars of the Education from the Report of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-First Century presented to UNESCO. It is possible to identify immediately the ethical-religious nature of the Biblical text of the first century and the political-educational character of the report based on the contemporary education s worldview. At a first moment, the research sets the examination of the theoretical principles of the genders of discourse, the conditions of production, the ethos, and the interdiscursivity. After that, both discourses are examined under those principles so that, at last, it is possible to verify and confirm the interdiscursivity between these discourses about the question of learning to be.
Esta tese tem como objetivo principal pesquisar a interdiscursividade entre o Sermão do Monte, do Evangelho de Mateus, e os Quatro Pilares da Educação do Relatório da Comissão Internacional sobre a Educação para o Século XXI apresentado à UNESCO. De imediato se identifica o caráter ético-religioso do texto bíblico do primeiro século, enquanto que o texto do relatório revela-se político-educacional, alicerçado na cosmovisão de educação contemporânea. A pesquisa se detém num primeiro momento no exame do referencial teórico dos gêneros discursivos, das condições de produção, do ethos e da interdiscursividade, aplicados, em seguida, a cada um dos textos citados para, ao final, buscar-se e confirmar a concorrência da interdiscursividade entre esses discursos, quanto ao aprender a ser.

Essa dissertação tem como objetivo geral apresentar a importância da Cultura da Paz examinando o sermão do Monte em harmonia com os Pilares da Bioética e suas contribuições para a promoção da Cultura da Paz. A Educação como um instrumento próprio na divulgação e promoção da Cultura da Paz e a religião como forte aliada da ciência na propagação da paz. Os objetivos específicos são: Apresentar o Movimento Mundial da Cultura da paz; Contribuir com o estudo sobre o Sermão do Monte e os pilares da Bioética na promoção da Cultura da Paz; Refletir sobre função da escola como um local propício para a implantação da cultura da Paz sem esquecer de seus desafios mantendo a esperança e a fé em dias melhores. Apresentar alguns desafios da escola de hoje e as possíveis saídas para as crises da contemporaneidade sobre a escola. A dissertação é dividida em três capítulos. O primeiro versa sobre a Cultura da paz. O segundo sobre a contribuição da religião especificamente cristã através do Sermão do Monte proferido por Jesus Cristo e os Pilares da Bioética. Por último, A escola como espaço propício a implantação da cultura da paz. Dialogamos dentre outros com: Boff, Dreyfus, Nascimento, Engelmann, Milani, Dias, Noleto, Rodrigues, Sinner, Waiselfisz, Barchifotaine, Beauchamp, Brakemeier, Comte-Sponville Cescon e Nodari, Delors, Sales, Gadoti, Estáquio, Martin Lutero, Boock, DAmbrósio, Lück, Aranha, Almeida, Chalita, Paulo Freire. A metodologia empregada é a bibliográfica, pesquisando em toda literatura pertinente, abrangendo várias áreas do conhecimento como também, outros meios de informação a respeito do tema que abarque toda bibliografia já tornada pública, desde publicações avulsas, boletins, jornais, revistas, livros, pesquisas, monografias, teses, etc. Utilizei, onde apropriado, meios de comunicação orais: rádio, gravação em cd e áudio visual: filmes e televisão. Portanto, essa pesquisa busca, em um primeiro momento, verificar por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e da interlocução entre religião e educação fundamentar teoricamente a possibilidade de mudança de comportamento entre os agentes escolares, desde a direção até o porteiro, Certamente, essa paz que desejamos é um reflexo da construção de valores como bondade, justiça, equidade, humildade. O espaço escolar pode tornar-se um local propício para a promoção de Cultura de Paz tendo como meta Educar para a Paz.
This thesis has as its general goal to present the importance of the Culture of Peace examining the Sermon on the Mount in harmony with the Pillars of Bioethics and their contributions to the promotion of a Culture of Peace. And Education as an appropriate instrument in divulging and promoting a Culture of Peace with religion as a strong ally of science in the propagation of peace. The specific goals are: to present the World Movement of a Culture of Peace; contribute to the study of the Sermon on the Mount and the pillars of Bioethics in the promotion of the Culture of Peace; reflect on the role of the school as a propitious space for the implantation of a Culture of Peace without forgetting its challenges while maintaining hope and faith in better days; to present some of the challenges of the school today and possible ways out of the crises of contemporaneity within the schools. The thesis is divided into three chapters. The first deals with the Culture of Peace. The second is about the contribution of religion, specifically the Christian religion, through the Sermon on the Mount proffered by Jesus Christ, and the Pillars of Bioethics. And the last deals with the school as a propitious space for the implantation of a culture of peace. We dialogued with: Boff, Dreyfus, Nascimento, Engelmann, Milani, Dias, Noleto, Rodrigues, Sinner, Waiselfisz, Barchifotaine, Beauchamp, Brakemeier, Comte- Sponville Cescon and Nodari, Delors, Sales, Gadoti, Estáquio, Martin Lutero, Boock, DAmbrósio, Lück, Aranha, Almeida, Chalita, Paulo Freire. The methodology used was bibliographic, researching in all the pertinent literature, ranging over various areas of knowledge, as well as in other means of information regarding the theme which covers all the bibliography already made public, from sporadic publications, bulletins, newspapers, journals, books, to other research, monographs, theses, etc. Where appropriate I used oral means of communication: radio, CDs and audio visuals: films and television. Therefore this research seeks to, in the first moment, theoretically substantiate, through bibliographic research and through the interlocution between religion and education, the possibility of behavioral change among school agents, from the head staff to the door keeper. Certainly, this peace which we desire is a reflection of the construction of values such as kindness, justice, equity, humility. The school space can become a propitious space for promoting a Culture of Peace as the goal of Educating for Peace.

Ce travail a pour objectif de faire le point sur les connaissances concernant Robert de Sorbon. Le cursus scolaire du personnage peut admettre de nouvelles filières par le constat d'une fréquente présence de l'ordre de Prémontré autour du village de Sorbon. La seule date qui soit vraiment assurée est l'année de sa mort en 1274, la tradition de fixer sa naissance en 1201 remontant au XVIIe siècle. La plus grande partie de sa vie reste dans l'ombre jusqu'en 1249. Robert de Sorbon n'est pas d'origine paysanne malgré la remarque de Joinville. L'étude des actes du cartulaire permet de comprendre les méthodes et les personnes soutenant la fondation de la Sorbonne. Celle-ci n'est pas, dans les premiers documents (actes et statuts), décrite comme une institution charitable, mais comme une maison de formation pour Séculiers, répondant aux attentes des chanoines des chapitres du nord du royaume, concurrencés alors par les succès des ordres mendiants au sortir de la polémique universitaire. Les écrits pénitentiels de Robert sont connus depuis plusieurs siècles et un regain d'intérêt récent a multiplié les éditions et surtout des sermons : un premier inventaire de ses écrits était donc nécessaire. On étudie ensuite quelques textes des manuscrits de la collection de l'auteur et une version inédite de son traité le plus connu, le De Conscientia pour repérer les techniques utilisées par Robert de Sorbon, sa langue, ses idées, les exempla utilisés et les liens entre les différentes œuvres. Ainsi, sont mises en évidence les différentes facettes d'une même personnalité qui accompagne la croissance de l'Université parisienne
This work aims to gather knowledge concerning Robert de Sorbon. Thus the curriculum of character can admit new ways by finding frequent presence on the order of Premontre around the village of Sorbon. The only guaranteed date is the year of his death in 1274, while the habit of fixing his birth in 1201 did not appear until the seventeenth century. Much of his life is rather obscure until 1249. Robert de Sorbon is defenitly not of peasant origin whatever said Joinville. Studying acts of the cartulary helps to understand the methods used and also to know the people supporting the foundation of the Sorbonne. At the beginning, the domus is not described as a charitable institution but as a formation House for Secular and it links up the expectations of the canons of chapters from the northern kingdom of France, then competed for the success of the mendicant orders after the university polemic. The pentiential writings of Robert are knomn for centuries but a recent surge of interest has multiplied editions of texts and especially sermons : an initial inventory of his works was necessary. We study thereafter some texts of the personal collection of sermons and a manuscript known to contain a new version of its best-known treaty, De Conscientia to understand the techniques used by Robert de Sorbon, language, ideas, exempla used and the links between different works. So, are highlighted the different facets of the same personality during the growth of the parisian University

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
The Theology of Zion by the tradition of sons of Korah is somewhat curious. Tease is entertaining the idea of a canaanite influence in the Theology of Zion. There isn t denying that fact, because Psalm 48 seems to really have this influence. It is a canaanite influence and also the traditions of South Judahite. This research aims analyze the existing Theology of Zion in Jerusalem and presented in Psalm 48. This is to arrive at an answer about the influence that the sons of Korah may been the canaanite religion, using elements of canaanite myths in the composition of Psalm 48 and other psalms of this collection. Terms like Saphon, sea, death and Mount Zion, and concepts like mythology, sacred mountain, end of the world, Olympus, etc., make us think that really wanted to override the canaanite myths presenting a new reading from the faith in Yahweh. The sons of Korah had were North Israelite traditions, the cities where they lived were located in Ephraim, Manasseh and Dã. Some cities of Manasseh and Ephraim were canaanites cities. The kings of North were mostly promoter of the canaanite Religion. This was the environment where the sons of Korah lived and served your levitical minitstry.
A Teologia de Sião expressa pela tradição dos filhos de Corá é de certa forma curiosa. É implicante admitir a idéia de uma influência cananeia na Teologia de Sião. Não há como negar esse fato, pois o Salmo 48 parece realmente possuir esta influência. É uma influência cananeia e também das tradições do Sul judaíta. Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar tal teologia de Sião existente em Jerusalém e apresentada no Salmo 48. Isto para chegar a uma resposta acerca da influência que os filhos de Corá podem ter sofrido da religião cananeia, ao utilizar elementos dos mitos cananeus na composição do Salmo 48 e de outros salmos de sua coleção. Termos como Safon, mar, morte, Monte Sião e outros, e conceitos como mitologia, montanha sagrada, extremidade do mundo, Olimpo, etc, fazem pensar que eles de fato queriam sobrepor os mitos cananeus apresentando uma nova leitura, a partir da fé em Javé. Os filhos de Corá possuíam tradição do Norte israelita. As cidades onde eles habitaram estavam situadas em Efraim, Manassés e Dã. Algumas cidades de Manassés e Efraim eram cananeias. Os reis do Norte eram em sua maioria promotores da religião cananeia. Este era o ambiente onde os filhos de Corá habitaram e cumpriram seu ministério levítico.

This thesis examines the challenges faced by the ministers of religion in Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement) in Bicol, Philippines. The goal is to do theology from below, not from above, as pastoral ministry must come from the experience of those who practice it, not from textbooks. The pastoral perspectives of the dilemmas that the ministers raise are heard, observed, documented, and then reflected upon. To do this, case studies of four preachers are used and the mga problema that they present are explored with them. As a result, first, I introduce some of those challenges which are perplexing on the ground level and which appear to be under-researched in serious theological circles, especially in an Asian context. Second, I hope that these case studies can be used to stimulate reflection in ministerial and spiritual formation. Third, I document some of the theology and methodology of the Churches of Christ, particularly as practiced in the Philippines. Chapter 1 explores the dichotomy between the perceived satisfaction in the pastoral ministry with the crisis of role and identity. In particular, issues such as forced exits and stress are presented while baptism and preaching are scrutinized. Chapter 2 centres on the conundrums experienced in planting a new church and being the lone planter. Chapter 3 examines three challenges–the task of ministering in a home congregation, the issue of accreditation in ministerial training, and how the minister can be a success and grow the church. Never far from the thoughts and actions of any of the Bicolano ministers is the problema of poverty, so Chapter 4 considers some of the Filipino, personal, and spiritual complexities of poverty, delineates a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration in any effort to overcome this malady and concludes with a particular reference to ministry.

Prosperity theology is a variegated movement that overlaps both the Charismatic and non-Charismatic spectrums. This theology certainly has a Charismatic flavouring, but it is by no means limited to Pentecostalism. The prosperity message is being preached world-wide on TBN Television, radio and printed media. This gospel focuses on human potential for successful living, emphasizing health and wealth. There is a clear shift notable from theocentric providence to anthropocentric prosperity in the theology. The advocates which claim that it is God’s will for every believer to be prosperous are: Oral Roberts, evangelist, radio and TV personality in Tulsa, Oklahoma; the late Kenneth Hagin (1917-2003), pastor of the Rhema Bible Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma and founder of Rhema Bible Training Center; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, founders of Kenneth Copeland Ministries in Fort Worth, Texas; Joel Osteen, pastor of the Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas and Jerry Savelle, evangelist and associate of Kenneth Copeland. The major emphasis of the prosperity movement is: “how to be healthy and wealthy”. According to the “health and wealth gospel” it is never God’s will for anyone to be sick. Roberts explains that God wants every believer to be healthy. He says that God wants not only to heal every believers body, but also wants him to live in a state of physical health (1960:8). Sarles notes that the provision of healing, according to the prosperity gospel, “…is found in the Atonement” (1986:331). A trilogy of Scripture is used to support this notion. The first is Isaiah 53:4-5. The interpretation of this passage is that through the cross of Christ, healing is as readily available as forgiveness of sin. Matthew 8:16-17 is a confirmation of Jesus’ healing ministry as fulfilling what Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53:4. Hagin explains: “Matthew says he is quoting Isaiah. If you check the reference, you will find he is quoting Isaiah 53:4. I like to say it this way: Jesus took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses” (1979:8). The conclusion is drawn that since Jesus healed all who came to him in his day, he still does the same today. Hagin confirms this notion: “It is God’s will to heal you, because healing is in His redemptive plan” (1979:7). The third reference of Scripture is 1 Peter 2:24. Hagin elaborates as follows: “Thus, Isaiah, Matthew, and Peter – three witnesses – tell us that not only did Jesus shed His blood for the remission of our sins, but with His stripes we are healed” (1979:8). The possession of healing according to these advocates is through the exercise of faith. Mark 11:23–24 is the backbone of these advocates to support their view on faith. By interpreting these verses literally faith then is defined as speaking or confessing something with authority in the full expectation that what is spoken by the believer will happen. Hagin (1978:21) says the following on Mark 11:24: “Jesus said it – and what He said is so! I believe it. If I believe it – then I’ll have it”. With this kind of exegesis certain phrases like “name it and claim it” and “believe and receive” made their way into the prosperity movement. In the case of sickness the believer would normally be motivated to talk to the disease with authority. Saying would be the command to be healed while confessing the healing is to receive the promise of the healing. According to the prosperity theology, the purpose of wealth is philanthropic. Sarles explains that each believer is to give of his material benefits to help meet the needs of those in need (1986:333). According to Copeland is genuine prosperity the ability to use God’s power to meet the needs of man in any area of life (1974:26). When the believer “gives” to others as an act of obedience and faith, more will be given by God in return. This will start a prosperity cycle, in which one gives and receives more in return and allowing him to give even more. Copeland explains this cycle: “The more you give, the more you will get; the more you get, the more you will have to give” (1974:34). Scriptures are cited in support of the law of compensation, known also as the law a “sowing and reaping”. Old Testament Scriptures cited by these advocates are normally Joshua 1:8; Psalm 91:14–16 and Nehemiah 2:20. New Testament Scriptures are John 10:10; Matthew 7:7–8 and John 16:23. The most prominent New Testament verse on the subject is 3 John 2. Roberts says the following on 3 John 2: “Jesus Christ did not come with a life-shortening suggestion but with a life-saving power. His highest wish is for us to prosper materially and have physical health equal to his peace and power in our soul” (1957:15). Sarles rightly notes that the promise of wealth, the fundamental principle for the prosperity movement, is clearly seen in several Scripture passages interpreted from a prosperity vantage point (1986:333). The provision of wealth as God’s will for all believers’ centres on the application of the Abrahamic Covenant. Hagin explains it as follows: “When the Lord God appeared to Abram, what He actually said in Hebrew was, “I am El Shaddai …” El Shaddai is one of seven covenant names through which God revealed Himself to Israel. In Hebrew, El Shaddai means “the All-Sufficient One” or “the God who is more than enough” (1980:1). Prosperity teachers conclude that the personal blessings God bestowed on Abraham by the covenant he made with him are extrapolated as benefits for all believers today. Justification for applying Abraham’s promised prosperity to believers today is sought in Galatians 3:14. God’s blessings bestowed on the believer today include physical, material and financial provisions according to the prosperity message. For the believer to achieve these blessings he needs to turn a few “keys”. The first key is to know the “Word”. The emphasis on knowing the Word, especially concerning prosperity is of utmost importance. Copeland explains in his book The Laws of Prosperity that the believer who is unaware that prosperity is his is like the passenger on a cruise ship who ate only cheese and crackers because he did not know that meals were included in the price of the ticket (1974:41). “Obedience” is the second key to becoming prosperous. Strite explain: “An essential key to financial success is obedience to what God is saying to you. In fact, it’s the only way to success. This pattern is consistent throughout the Bible. Obedience puts you in a place for God’s provision” (2000:66). The third key is “faith”. Faith is exercised in the same way as in achieving health. Just as it is God’s will for no one to be sick, it is also His will for no one to live in poverty. Wealth and riches are available to all believers. All that the believer has to do is to “demand” what he wants. The prosperity message in our time and age is very strong and is being preached worldwide through television, radio and print media. It comes from a certain group within the church with a simple message – God wants everyone to be prosperous. If you are not blessed materially there is something wrong with your faith. The researcher is convinced that prosperity theology in some circles today can do more harm than good to the believers. To the researcher, the central issue of the prosperity message is that God becomes the servant to man. The prosperity message treats God as a tool which can be used to reach certain financial goals. The whole message is man-centred and not God-centred. Believers are considered to be “God-like creatures”. Believers become super beings because of the indwelling of the Spirit. This research deals with the legitimacy of the so-called prosperity theology. The exegetical methods used by these advocates, as well as their theology and ethics will be critically evaluated. The researcher is convinced that through this research a balanced Biblical view can be presented on “money” and “material blessings”.
Prof. J. A. du Rand

Diploma thesis "Social-Ethical Aspects of the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount" reflects on chapters 5 - 7 of Mathew 's Gospel. It is based on the Greek translation of the Gospel and aims to express the supertemporal prehension of Jesus' ethical requirements by a man of any century, meaning by a man of our current days too. The paper verges on biblical studies and practical and spiritual theology. Diploma thesis focuses on relation between Jesus' requirements and ancient Hebrew ethical and social norms described in Torah and updated in Old Testament Prophets' scriptures. This paper shows their cohesion but emphasizes the Jesus original approach which reveals a deeper meaning of all Torah ethical norms and rules. Following the chapters of Sermon on the Mount , it is described how St. Matthew uses this intention . Social and ethical aspects of this text are highlighted and covered by many Old Testament citations which are related to the background of Jesus' Teachings. This paper also describes basic approaches to the Sermon on the Mount interpretation and shows the reader the direction. But no final conclusion of this topic can be made as we have been dealing with the secret.

This thesis examines Erasmus’s interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount in his Paraphrase on Matthew. The argument is that Erasmus offers a particularly rich reading of the Sermon through his use of the church fathers, his intratextual interpretive habits, and his exegetical insights. Chapter 1 briefly surveys major contributions for the study of the Paraphrases and provides a general introduction to the Paraphrases. Chapter 2 examines Erasmus’s frequent use of the church fathers throughout the Sermon and suggests that he shapes their works to meet his rhetorical needs. Chapter 3 surveys the intratextual connections Erasmus makes within the Sermon itself and between the Sermon and the rest of Matthew. Chapter 4 presents a couple passage-level insights from Erasmus and a discussion of his tripartite structure through the center of the Sermon as reflections from exegetical history. Chapter 5 concludes with a summary of the argument.

D. Litt. et. Phil
The purpose of this research was to answer the following question: The funding of the church according to the book of Acts: Socialistic or capitalistic? Can this model of giving be developed and defended that promotes and integrates the believer and his material possessions while at the same time respecting the believer as an autonomous agent, who, as such, may be led by the Holy Spirit to give up all his possessions in support of the work of the Lord? In order to answer the research question a discourse analysis of selected verses in the Sermon on the Mount (SM) regarding possessions is undertaken as well as an analysis of verses selected from the book of Acts regarding money and possessions. The ethical guidelines as presented in the SM, can serve as a guideline for each believer as the SM presents God’s standard in a practical manner. Due to the social environment during the first century A.D., which could have had an influence on the manner in which the early believers used their material possessions to support the work of the Lord, a social scientific investigation of the first century A.D. is undertaken. The introduction to the research as well as an Old Testament (OT) background regarding the role possessions played in worshiping the deity is presented in the opening chapters. The conclusion reached was that money and possessions have always played a vital role in the relationship between the believer and the deity. It was also established that specific laws concerning “giving” developed over a period during OT times, which was meticulously followed by Israel. The New Testament (NT), however, takes on a new direction when it comes to giving, and this new standard of giving is investigated against the backdrop of the social and religious environment of the first century A.D. The question as proposed in the study is answered in chapter 5. Guidelines regarding “giving” are submitted in which I hope would free many believers from the legalism clearly evident in many teachings. Chapter 6 contains a critical evaluation of the two “giving” philosophies, presented by scholars. This study xiv reveals that much of what is being taught and practised among believers today with regard to giving to God, is based on the prescriptive patterns of the OT examples of giving. Most of these models or theories fail to provide specific guidelines for the believer to make the crucial distinction between autonomous choices and choices dictated by the Holy Spirit. Chapter 7 concludes with a synthesis of the entire study.

M.A.
We live in a world, that is basically spiritually and morally bankrupt. The tidal wave of crime and thorny issues like aids and abortion, are only some of the consequences of this moral decay. Even the Church has not been able to avoid this decay and the very high divorce rate amongst Christians is proof of this moral regression. Pastoral counsellors are often stunned and amazed by the immorality that oftentimes occurs in Christian circles. Is there an answer? The ethical guidelines as found in the Sermon on the Mount, offers a solution. Can ethical guidelines, pronounced 2000 years ago, offer any solutions in this post-modern century? Are these not outdated norms, applicable in an ancient milieu, offering no solution for today? Can it still have any hermeneutical value? These are the questions addressed in this research. The ethical guidelines, as offered by the Sermon on the Mount, can be approached in two different ways. It can be viewed as an outdated ancient principle, with no normative value in a post-modern century, or as a guideline that withstood the test of time and still counts as the will of God, for every believer in his ethos. To maintain standards at the centre of God’s will, is an exalted ideal for every believer that earnestly views his Christianity. The ethical guidelines in the Sermon on the Mount, puts the standards of God in a practical manner, but in such a way that it brings every Christian to the realisation of his incapacity, to live it in practice. The result of this study has shown that the living of the Sermon on the Mount (especially the figurative language components contained in it) in a Christian ethos, is not a utopian dream, but relevant guidelines, that with the assistance of the residing Holy Spirit, can be lived as normative ethical principles in a Christian ethos.

M.A.
Since the 19th century, scholastic biblical hermeneutics mushroomed in competition with other critical disciplines within the human sciences, and this resulted in the emergence of the historical critical approach. This is an umbrella-term which describes a plurality of methods. These approaches include the textual criticism; literary criticism; form criticism; redaction criticism; source criticism and many others. The historical critical approach dominated biblical interpretation for the last one hundred and fifty years. The socio-scientific critics used the expression “context” to understand the importance of the life-situation; the economic; social; political; historical; cultural, gender and psychological “context” to bring back the full picture of “human context" of the Bible. Representatives such as Bruce Malina and Richard Rohrbaugh read and interpret the New Testament from a modernized industrial perspective with certain presumptions and assumptions from the reader’s own culture and background. New Testament scholars have made attempts to use the aspects of the social world of ancient Israel to investigate the origin, development, and/or function of these societal components of the social systems and structures of biblical Israel. The socio-scientific critics feel that every interpretation, giving meaning to a text, derives from a cultural system. They say that using social-science models from Mediterranean cultures is an honest attempt to come to the same understanding, of that of the first century reader and author by applying the same social systems. According to the socio-scientific critics, the modern reader must understand what then made sense to a Mediterranean culture. In this case, they also say that the knowledge of the sociological data of the biblical world is very important for the interpreters. Socio-scientific criticism studies, emphasises the strict relationship between the texts of the Bible and the life actually lived by the early Christian communities. We can therefore conclude by saying that the socio-scientific criticism is indeed that phase of the exegetical task which concerns itself with the social and cultural dimensions of the text and of its environmental context.

Text in French
This thesis studies the relations between Christians and Muslim in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in the light of the Sermon on the Mount. Both communities, each from its own side, claim to have received the divine message to proclaim to all humanity. In the eastern DRC, as elsewhere, the encounter between these two communities often causes tension and conflict, leading to violence. These facts were established by analyzing the general context in the East since the end of the 19th century until today. The war at the end of the 19th century, which saw anti-slavery groups pitted against Arabs and their Islamic allies, is seen as one of the main original causes of the conflict. The memories of that war revive the spirit of the crusades in the Middle Ages. This has affected the relationship between the two communities. Fear of the other drives the defence mechanism that produces violence. The strategy to restore peace is an irenic approach based on the identity of the disciples as peace builders, true descendants of Abraham, agents of surpassing justice, and participants in the new humanity. Concretely, the disciples of Jesus should work for a mission that has the following simultaneous features: making peace with a view to establishing the reign of God; practising Abrahamic hospitality by opening oneself even to one‟s enemies; building the home of justice that takes into account the values of Shari‟ah and Christian virtues to create a pluralistic world; taking upon itself the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue. The mission of peace is the main task. It is an attempt to restore broken relations and an effort at reconciliation. It establishes peace as equally important as other dimensions of mission, but it does not constitute the totality of mission. It is one dimension of the salvation of humanity and of the re-establishment of the reign of God on earth. Peace is about more than the cessation of hostilities or the absence of war; it refers to shalom, or total peace. This is the gospel of peace announced by Jesus Christ.
Cette thèse étudie les relations de chrétiens et musulmans à l‟Est de la RDC à la lumière du Sermon sur la montagne. Tous, chacun de son côté, se réclament avoir reçu le message divin pour annoncer à tous les hommes. A l‟Est de la RDC comme ailleurs, la rencontre de ces deux communautés occasionne souvent de tensions et conflits, source de violence. Ces faits ont été établis par l‟analyse du contexte général de l‟Est depuis la fin du XIXe siècle jusqu'à nos jours. La guerre qui a opposé vers la fin du XIXe siècle les troupes de la société anti-esclavagistes contre les arabes et leurs alliés islamisés, est perçue comme l‟une des principales causes lointaines du conflit. Ainsi, les souvenirs de cette guerre font raviver l‟esprit de la guerre des croisades du Moyen-âge. Ceci a affecté les relations de ces deux communautés. La peur de l‟autre pousse à développer le mécanisme de défense qui a instauré le règne de la violence. La stratégie pour restaurer la paix est celle d‟une approche irénique basée sur l‟identité des disciples comme des artisans de paix, des fils authentiques d‟Abraham, des agents de l‟excellente justice, et des participants à l‟humanité nouvelle. Concrètement, les disciples de Jésus doivent oeuvrer pour une mission à la fois shalomatique en vue d‟instaurer le règne de Dieu ; dans l‟esprit d‟hospitalité abrahamique en s‟ouvrant même à ses ennemis ; bâtissant la maison de justice qui prend en compte les valeurs de la Shari‟a et des vertus chrétiennes pour un monde pluraliste ; et assumant la promotion interculturelle par le dialogue interreligieux. La mission de paix est la tâche principale. Elle est un essai de restauration de relations brisées et un effort de réconciliation. Elle englobe aussi bien la paix que d‟autres dimensions. Mais, elle ne constitue pas tout le contenu de la mission. Elle est une composante du salut de l‟homme et du rétablissement du Royaume des Cieux au monde. Ainsi, la paix envisage plus que la cessation d‟hostilités ou absence de guerres. Ici, elle désigne le shalom ou la paix totale. C‟est l‟Evangile de paix annoncé par Jésus.
Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology
D.Th. (Missiology)

Bc. Ji í Ondruš The Jesus' Beatitudes in the Context of the Gospel of Matthew Anotace v anglickém jazyce: The Jesus' Beatitudes cannot be understood as a completely isolated part of Jesus' teaching. Therefore, the knowledge of the whole gospel of Matthew is necessary for their understanding. In this thesis I compare the individual words contained in the Beatitudes with the same words in the Gospel of Matthew outside the Beatitudes. By this means I find the meaning of Jesus' message in the Beatitudes contained in the Gospel of Matthew. I also present and compare ancient Greek copies (the Sinai Code and the Vatican Code) and six most famous Czech translations of this Gospel. I also compare the exegesis of well-known biblical scholars, especially what they agree on, but also what they fundamentally differ on. An important part is also a synoptic comparison with the Beatitudes of the evangelist Luke. The aim of this thesis is to get as close as possible to the meaning of the specific section of Mt 5: 1-12, which represents the lifelong program of Jesus' followers, but also Jesus. Jesus introduces himself at the beginning of the mountain sermon. He speaks not only of how his disciples are supposed to be, but also of how he is.

Die kirchliche Verkündigung steht heute vor mannigfachen Herausforderungen. Das dynamische Beziehungsgeflecht von Prediger und Hörer, Text und Situation lässt sich nur schwer im Gleichgewicht halten. Prüft man die homiletischen Publikationen der Gegenwart und der jüngeren Vergangenheit, so wird deutlich, dass die Predigt sehr gründlich im Kontext der Hörersituation reflektiert wird. In diesem Zusammenhang ist auf einen möglichen Konflikt aufmerksam zu machen: die auf die Hörersituation bedachte Predigt kann versucht sein, den Anspruch des biblischen Textes zu vernachlässigen. Meine Dissertation will zur Frage der Hörerorientierung der Predigt einen klärenden Beitrag leisten, und zwar mithilfe eines homiletischen Vergleichs, der Epoche Johann Michaels Sailers mit der Gegenwart und jüngeren Vergangenheit. Bei aller kritischen Distanz zur geistesgeschichtlichen Bewegung der Aufklärung dürfen wir nicht übersehen, dass fruchtbare Impulse von ihr ausgegangen sind und zum Beispiel viele Anliegen der „katholischen Aufklärung“ im Zweiten Vatikanischen Konzil (1962-1965) wieder aufgegriffen wurden. Die weithin von anthropologischen Interessen geleiteten homiletischen Bemühungen während der Aufklärungsphase im 18. Jahrhundert stehen in einer erkennbaren Analogie zur gegenwärtigen Situation. In besonderer Weise wird die homiletische Konzeption des Pastoraltheologen und späteren Bischofs von Regensburg Johann Michael Sailer (1751-1832) dargestellt. Sein Entwurf einer christlichen Lebenslehre auf biblischem Fundament ist von bleibender Aktualität. Zum Vergleich, insbesondere im Blick auf die Hörererwartungen Situationsklärung, Solidarität und Zukunft, werden exemplarisch die homiletischen Entwürfe von Ernst Lange, Rudolf Bohren, Wilfried Engemann und Rolf Zerfaß herangezogen.
Preaching in the church today faces manifold challenges. The dynamic web of relationships between preacher and audience, text and situation is difficult to keep in balance. When analysing the homiletic publications of the present and recent past, it becomes apparent that the sermon is very thoroughly reflected with the context of the situation of the audience. In this connection, one has to draw attention to a possible conflict: a sermon designed with regard to the situation of the audience may be tempted to neglect the biblical text and its demands. Therefore, this thesis aims to make a clarifying contribution to the question of the audience orientation of sermons, namely by means of a homiletic comparison of the epoch of Johann Michael Sailer with the present and recent past. In spite of all critical distance to the history of thought of the Enlightenment Movement, we should not overlook the fact that fruitful impulses emanated from this time, and that, for example, many concerns of the “Catholic Enlightenment” were addressed again at the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). The homiletic efforts of the Enlightenment period in the 18th century, which were widely led by anthropological interests, can be recognized as analogous to the current situation. The homiletic conception of the pastoral theologian and later Bishop of Regensburg, Johann Michael Sailer (1751-1832), will be described in particular. His conception of Christian ethical teaching on a biblical foundation is of timeless relevance. As comparison, the homiletic drafts of Ernst Lange, Rudolf Bohren, Wilfried Engemann and Rolf Zerfaß will be exemplarily analysed, particularly with regard to the expectation of the audience.
Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology
D. Th. (Practical Theology)

This doctoral thesis entails a research project to determine whether grass roots preachers in a southern Africa context can be instructed to prepare effective expository sermons. In order to make that determination it was necessary to first collect and analyze expository sermons from such preachers prior to any instruction. Then, on the basis of instruction in expository preaching in a seminar format, it was necessary to collect and analyze additional sermons from the same preachers. To that end we conducted two five-day seminars in Zimbabwe and South Africa respectively. The content of those seminars included two major elements. The first was a theology of preaching that is detailed in Chapter 1. Within a theology of preaching we have given treatment to various topics including the need for a theology of preaching, the Old Testament basis for preaching, the New Testament mandate for preaching, a definition and defense of expository preaching, and a discussion of the necessary qualities of effective expository preaching. The second element of the seminars involved a method of preaching detailed in Chapter 2. Within the method of preaching we have given treatment to various topics, including the role of the Holy Spirit in preaching, exegesis of the sermon text, and making the transition from the text to the completed sermon. Given the foundational material of Chapters 1 and 2, we developed the seminar materials found in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 includes the schedules by which the sermons were analyzed. Each sermon was subjected to the same schedule to determine its effectiveness as an expository sermon. Those results are then analyzed in Chapter 5 leading to the conclusion that grass roots preachers in a southern Africa context can indeed be instructed to preach effective expository sermons.
Practical Theologyy
D. Th. (Practical Theology)

Text in Afrikaans
Summaries in Afrikaans and English
Die inhoud en vorm van 'n preek is 'n eenheid. Beide aspekte vorm deel van die teologiese teorie van die prediking. In hierdie studie word daar teoreties besin oor 'n bepaalde vorm van prediking. Dit behels 'n ondersoek na die literere vorm waarin die boodskap gestruktureer en verwoord word. Die Skrif bevat 'n verskeidenheid literere vorme wat deur Bybelskrywers aangewend is om die intensie van die teks effektief te kommunikeer. Elk van hierdie vorme besit 'n eiendomlike kommunikatiewe aard. Die ontwikkeling van die moderne literatuurwetenskap sedert die tagtigerjare van die twintigste eeu het stukrag verleen aan die insig dat die Bybel ook as 'n versameling godsdienstige literatuur bestudeer kan word. Dit het meegebring dat die intensie van die teks van die Bybel op 'n teologies verantwoordbare wyse, met inagneming van die historiese verbande, beter begryp kan word deur die gebruikmaking van insigte uit ander literatuur. As sodanig word erkende literere kunsvorme wat naas die logies-analitiese ook die emotiewe betrek, aanvaar. Die resultaat van hierdie ondersoek dui aan dat die preek as kunsvorm geevalueer en in die moderne preekteorie geregverdig kan word. Die proses van transformasie wat die moderne hermeneutiese benadering kenmerk; die veranderde beleweniswereld en verstaanshorison van die huidige hoorders asook die eiesoortige aard van Bybelse literatuur is vanuit 'n kommunikatiewe aanname in 'n kunsvorm binne die moderne homiletiese teorie haalbaar. Die teorie orienteer binne die kommunikatiewe handelingsteorie as meta-teorie wat ingestel is op dialogiese kommunikasie wat betekenisgewing deur waarnemerbetrokkenheid bevorder en 'n bepaalde denkwyse by die hoorders tot gevolg het. Die tradisionele vorm van prediking, gekenmerk deur absolute dominasie van die rede en intellektualisme uit die modernistiese tydvak, het teen die einde van die tweede millennium in ernstige diskrediet gekom. Die radikale verandering in die samelewing deur die moderniseringsproses met gepaardgaande paradigma verskuiwinge dwing die homiletiek om teoreties te herbesin. In hierdie studie word die preek as kunsvorm afgebaken tot die verhalende preekvorm, konseptueel ontwikkel en teoreties omskryf asook geplaas binne die moderne homiletiese teorie as komponent wat daarby pas. Die resultaat is verkry deur 'n vergelykende studie van gemeenskaplike wesenstrekke wat voorkom by erkende kunsvorme in die moderne kunsteorie; die verhalende kunsvorm in die moderne literere teorie met spesifieke verwysing na die Afrikaanse roman asook die verhalende preekvorm in die moderne homiletiese teorie. Deur hierdie vorm van prediking in die moderne preekteorie op te neem, kan 'n sinvolle bydrae gemaak word om die Christelike boodskap deur oortuiging sander enige vorm van dwang te kommunikeer.
In a sermon form and content are one. Both aspects form part of the theological theory of preaching. This theoretical survey investigates one of the various literary forms through which the biblical writers attempted to communicate the intention of the biblical text in the most effective way. Each of these forms possesses a distinctive communicative character. The development of modern literary theory since the eighties of the twentieth century was a propulsive force leading to the conviction that the Bible was also a collection of religious literature. This conviction implied that the intention of the biblical text could be more clearly understood in a theological justified manner within the historical context by using insights gained from other literature. Acknowledged literary art forms adhering to the emotive as well as the logic-analytical are embraced as such. In this study the sermon as an art form is limited to narrative preaching, developed as a concept; theoretically described and placed within the modern homiletical theory as a suitable component. Results are obtained by means of a comparative study of mutual features that are distinctive to acknowledged art forms in the modern theory of art; narrative art forms in modern literature theory specifically in the modern Afrikaans novel, as well as the narrative form of preaching in the modern homiletical theory. The modern homiletical theory is orientated within the communicative acts theory as meta-theory focusing on dialogical communication which promotes meaning through the involvement of the observer. The conclusions reached indicate that the sermon as an art form can be evaluated and justified within the modem homiletical theory. Taken up in this theory, it can prove significant in communicating the Christian message to the listeners in a convincing rather than compulsive manner.
Practical Theology
D.Th. (Practical theology)

The thesis consists of two main parts. The first part focuses on the ethical values in the Old and New Testament. At the beginning basic concepts are defined, that are essential for the thesis and are related to ethics and moral evaluation. The first part centres on the important events that shaped society and that come from The Bible (Creation, The Ten Commandments, God's contracts with the nation of Israel, the life of Jesus Christ, the parables, The Sermon on the Mount and The Lord's Prayer). The thesis also compares these values with the philosophy of Socrates and then with the approach, that Jan Amos Comenius offered in his work. The second part analyzes views of Christian ethical values today : whether there is a need to know these values, why we should strive for their observance, whether they are current and whether people (Christians and atheists ) honor and follow them. On the basis of the second section I conclude, that our culture is formed under the strong influence of Christianity, these values are still held and are considered important for the functioning of human relationships and society. Although it may seem that these values are not held today, they are still an ideal within our culture and people are trying to achieve them in their lifes.

Many books and articles have been written about the role of women in the Church by both local and foreign authors but I note with special interest, that the factors behind the preponderance of women over men in the Church have not been adequately highlighted. To me this is very important at this moment when we are celebrating 'a demographic shift in the centre of gravity of the Christian world with African Christianity being regarded as potentially the representative Christianity of the twenty-first Century'. The growth of Christianity in Africa as represented by the Church reflects a great disparity. Men dominate in leadership while women dominate in membership. Therefore the study seeks to investigate , examine and critically analyze the reasons for their conversion in order to build a balanced Christianity both in Church membership and leadership. The study was undertaken in the ACK diocese of Mt. Kenya Central and concentrated mainly on Murang'a district in the period between 1906-2000. Among other things the study was undertaken as a contribution to the emancipation of women in our African Churches. Chapter one is an introduction to the whole thesis . Included is the statement of the problem, the methodology used to collect data and the literature review. Chapter two examines Gikuyu myth of origin plus the place of women in traditional society. Chapter three investigates the role of women in the development of the ACK Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central with a special interest in the work of the CMS women missionaries and the MU. Chapter four is the major work of the study. Here we look at the dynamics of women converting into Christianity. A sample of four case histories have been analysed giving reasons as to why women embraced Christianity. This is followed successfully by a critical analysis of the specific reasons for women entering Church. It has singled out several reasons: first in the list is the quest for salvation and eternal life, pursuit for peace and search for identity among others. In Chapter five we have analysed our research findings using the feminist theretical framework of Carolyn Osiek. Chapter six is the summary and concluding remarks which sums up the main findings of the study. This chapter has concluded that Gikuyu women are attracted to Christianity mainly because of the Gikuyu patriarchal culture and the promise of emancipation preached by the Church. The same chapter has given several recommendations, which if followed can help bring equilibrium in the Church's leadership and membership.
Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.
African Theological Fellowship.