Magister Theologiae - MTh

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/10017

Browse

Browsing by Subject "Apartheid"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Black theology and ubuntu theology: Antagonists or soulmates? A black theological perspective
    (University of the Western Cape, 2023) Frantz, Chesnay
    This thesis delves into the well-documented link between Black Theology and liberation, particularly in the context of liberation theology in South Africa. Black Theology emerged as a direct response to the inadequacy of traditional Western theology in addressing the plight of Black oppressed communities living in racially stratified societies. As a root metaphor for Black theological reflection, liberation serves as a normative association, historically intertwined with emotions of anger and discontent. Moreover, this investigation emphasises the importance of Allan Boesak's vision for authentic liberation and its resonance with the broader Black theological tradition. The study further elucidates how Boesak's theological framework has engendered meaningful discussions and critical reflections among theologians, scholars, and activists, as they endeavour to navigate the complexities of post-apartheid society. Focusing on literature that assumes liberation as the basis for Black theological discourse, this study examines the relevance of Black Theology in the post-apartheid era, where some voices advocate for its abandonment in favour of theological approaches considered more suitable for the democratic context. However, this thesis argues for a comprehensive exploration of Ubuntu Theology as an emerging paradigm, drawing from African philosophical notions emphasising interconnectedness among human beings, irrespective of social markers that may separate them. Ubuntu Theology embodies the profound concept of ‘I am because we are’ and ‘I am because you are.’ The work of Desmond Tutu, a prominent proponent of Ubuntu Theology, serves as a cornerstone for this research. Tutu's oeuvre offers invaluable insights into the understanding and concretisation of Ubuntu Theology's significance. By integrating Tutu's perspectives, this study seeks to illuminate the intricate relationship between Black Theology and Ubuntu Theology, offering a contextualised examination of liberation and connectedness within theological discourse.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Critiquing white ecclesial leadership in multiracial South African neo-Pentecostalism
    (University of the Western Cape, 2023) Shabangu, Cameron; Jodamus, Johnathan
    After twenty seven years of democracy in South Africa, many strides have been made in addressing equity, diversity and racial unity within the landscape of religious institutions. However, a prevailing question that remains is, how inclusive is the ecclesial leadership within this equitable and diverse setting of multi-racial churches in South Africa? Even though there is a huge body of knowledge on unity and race relations amongst churches in South Africa, much of the literature has focused on the so-called �mainline churches�, or better still, churches of Protestant and Roman Catholic heritage. Little, however, has been written from the Pentecostal perspective, especially with regards to ecclesial leadership. The purpose of this thesis is to understand and theorize the persistence of White ecclesial leadership in multiracial neo-Pentecostal churches.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Legacies of transformational leadership: A critical analysis of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa�s social agency role in a time of new Kairos challenges
    (University of the Western Cape, 2022) Walters, Grant Bradley; Swart, Ignatius
    In 1985/6, the Kairos Documents emerged from the anti-apartheid struggle as a devastating critique of an evil political ideology called �apartheid� and the serious challenges it presented to the church and society. Although the Kairos Documents and subsequent formulation of other kairos documents were not the specific focus of this study, these were used as a backdrop to show the impact a strong prophetic witness of word and deed can have on a country in crisis and in desperate need for change.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Liberation or Reconstruction: a critical survey on the relevance of Black theology in light of the emergence of Reconstruction theology
    (University of the Western Cape, 2010) Solomons, Demaine Jason; Engdahl, Hans; Dept. of Religion and Theology; Faculty of Arts
    The purpose of this investigation is to discuss the relevance of Black theology in light of the emergence of reconstruction theology. It offers a critical survey of a range of contributions on this issue, questioning whether scholars who have used Black theology as a form of self description should shift emphasis, from the paradigm of liberation to reconstruction. The significance of this study has to be understood within the context of the proposal to redirect African theological initiatives from liberation theologies to reconstruction theology. The basis for this call was the end of apartheid in South Africa, which signalled the independence of all countries on the African continent.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Belhar confession as a conduit for an emerging theological agenda: rethinking black liberation theology in post-apartheid South Africa
    (Universty of the Western Cape, 2024) Sosanti, Bonginkosi; Solomons, Demaine
    This study examines the interconnection between Black liberation theology and the Belhar Confession, illustrating how the Belhar Confession serves as a vital tool in shaping a contemporary theological agenda for Black liberation. The existing body of literature suggests that the Belhar Confession emerged as a response to the Dutch Reformed Church’s endorsement of apartheid laws and policies, confronting its apparent hypocrisy. However, from the researcher’s perspective, the essence of the Belhar Confession extends beyond a mere reaction to apartheid. It represents a return to the authentic Gospel of liberation, echoed and embodied within the scriptures. Consequently, the Belhar Confession transcends its historical context, offering a timeless framework and guide for achieving liberation, even in the contemporary context.