Thesis (ThM)--PU vir CHO, 1989EDUCATION TOWARDS WITNESS AS AN AIM OF CATECHESIS 1. THE AIM OF THE... more Thesis (ThM)--PU vir CHO, 1989EDUCATION TOWARDS WITNESS AS AN AIM OF CATECHESIS 1. THE AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this investigation was to determine, on consideration of data from the New Testament, whether education towards witness is an aim of church catechesis, and if found to be such, to determine the meaning thereof for catechesis practice. 2. AN OUTLINE OF THE STUDY The concepts of education, witness and testimony were elucidated in chapters two to four. Chapter five involved a study of John 1:1-13, with a view to providing Scriptural grounds for religious choice. In the final chapter guidelines for the practice of education towards witness were suggested. 3. CONCLUSIONS 3.1 THE RELATION EDUCATION, WITNESS AND TESTIMONY The investigation revealed that witness and testimony are two aspects of education towards witness. Education towards witness should aim to accompany the confirmand towards accepting God's witness in faith and towards living in fellowship with God and...
The diaconate of the congregation – Considered anew. From the earliest times, the content given t... more The diaconate of the congregation – Considered anew. From the earliest times, the content given to the diaconate of the congregation varied greatly from denomination to denomination. Different methods and sources were used to determine the content and essence of the diaconate. This article attempts to look at the diaconate of the congregation from a new angle to determine what the diaconal task of the congregation can be. Use is made of previous exegetical work done by the author (2018) of this article. He exegeted specific texts in the New Testament in depth with the research question of what meaning possibility of the diacon words (diakoneo, diakonos, diakonia) the authors had in mind when using the words in those texts. These results are used in an attempt to establish what the diaconate can mean when it is built on the meaning contents of the deacon-words. The result is that new insights are exploited and practically applied to the diaconate. The conclusion of this article is th...
Considering the growing problem of different internet addictions and their impact on individuals,... more Considering the growing problem of different internet addictions and their impact on individuals, couples, families, the church and society, it is important that churches seek to address the need for effective loving guidance in their pastoral care. This article examines a way in which congregations could help a person addicted to pornography to grow to freedom. A literature study was done to describe pornography addiction and compared it to cybersex. Subsequently, the influence on relationships of constant involvement in pornography is discussed, followed by a discussion of the relationship between sexual addiction and intimacy, and the causes of the fear of real-person intimacy. The healing of wounds that have led to the pornography addiction is investigated. The Journey Program is also analysed to discern its theoretical framework and investigate the biblical foundation of each of its metatheoretical starting points. Finally, practical theological guidelines are proposed for past...
The work of John N. Collins on the διάκον- word group makes an important contribution to underst... more The work of John N. Collins on the διάκον- word group makes an important contribution to understanding church ministry. Although it receives much attention and support, there is some criticism of Collins’s exegesis. If his conclusions are accepted by churches, there will be an impact on their ministry. It is therefore important that his underlying assumptions be thoroughly tested. This article analyzes Mark 10:45 in the context of that Gospel and particularly in the context of Mark 8–10. Collins’s supposition that διακονία is never done out of love or compassion for other people is found wanting. Rather, Mark describes Jesus’s διακονία as done out of compassion and love for others, and as an envoy of God.
This article investigates the meaning of the diakon word group in the Bible with the focus on the... more This article investigates the meaning of the diakon word group in the Bible with the focus on the use of this word group in the Gospel of John. John 12:26 is considered in depth. The results of this investigation reveal important differences from other recent research on this word group. The results of the research are then applied to the ministry in congregations.
It is shown in this article that the Gospel of John describes a battle between darkness and light... more It is shown in this article that the Gospel of John describes a battle between darkness and light, life and death, chaos and God’s new order. Although the certainty is given right at the beginning of the Gospel that the darkness will not overcome the light, God does not take the possibility of darkness away. Darkness in John is darkness of the mind, not seeing the light, not comprehending, not accepting and not believing the Word. The battle between light and darkness is described at two levels – the visible level that you can see with your eyes and the invisible level that only those who have been regenerated by the Spirit can see. Although it may seem that the contrary is true, God is in control of both levels. Jesus made the invisible visible with his words and deeds and, eventually, with his resurrection. The diakonoi (servants) of Jesus are called to follow him in his task to honour the father by speaking the words of the father and doing the work of the father. In doing this, ...
This article seeks to contribute to the process of reconciliation in South Africa. This is achiev... more This article seeks to contribute to the process of reconciliation in South Africa. This is achieved by firstly exploring the meaning of ubuntu as a common culture or religion under a large percentage of South Africa’s people over the borders of language and other cultural values. In the second part of the article two concepts that play a major role in Christianity are explored, namely koinonia and diakonia. Again a large percentage of South Africans believe that the Bible is the Word of God in which the right way of living is described. A comparison is made between the core values of ubuntu and the way of living that emerges from the use of the two concepts of koinonia and diakonia in the New Testament. A way that can contribute to reconciliation is suggested from this comparison.
This article investigates the role that Practical Theology can play in addressing the problem of ... more This article investigates the role that Practical Theology can play in addressing the problem of alienation amongst the people of South Africa. The investigation is conducted from the viewpoint of the biblical concept of diakonia (service work). This concept as well as the content of Practical Theology as it is found in the first letter of Peter is investigated with the purpose of elucidating the diakonia of Practical Theology with regard to alienation. Four questions are answered in the article:� What may some of the reasons why people in South Africa experience alienation be?� What significance do the results of the most recent research into the diakon word group have for the diakonia of Practical Theology?� What insight can be gained from 1 Peter into the diakonia of Practical Theology for people who may be experiencing alienation in South Africa?� What should the diakonia of Practical Theology in the light of 1 Peter be for people who experience alienation? Intradisciplinary and...
The essence and content of a deacon’s service revisited. In many congregations, there is great un... more The essence and content of a deacon’s service revisited. In many congregations, there is great uncertainty about the precise duty of the deacon within the congregation. Nowhere in the Bible is the essence and content of a deacon’s service clearly spelled out. The suitability of the Scriptural passages that are often referred to to determine the essence and content of a deacon’s work is widely questioned. Through the ages and in various traditions, the deacon has been entrusted with a wide variety of duties. All of the above necessitates a revisitation of the essence and content of the deacon’s service. This article aims to extract the applicable aspects of the latest research on the diakon word group and apply its meaning to the work of the deacon within the overall ministry of the congregation. In order to achieve this objective, the applicable findings within research, conducted over the last 20 years, on the diakon word group is provided. Then the traditional Biblical substantiat...
According to Transparency International, Africa is the most corrupt region in the world. In South... more According to Transparency International, Africa is the most corrupt region in the world. In South Africa, there is an annual ’loss’ of about R30 billion as a result of bribery and corruption. It would appear that it is exactly the poor and the vulnerable who suffer most under the scourge of corruption. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of corruption on victim(s) and to evaluate it in an effort to formulate solutions as to how such individuals can be guided and supported in the suffering and hardship that they endure and that specifically emanate from corruption. In the research, an effort was made to move away from the trend of the fragmenting of aid and to present guidelines or suggestions that can lead to a global solution, where multi-disciplinary involvement can be facilitated. The researchers agree that the church can play a key role in this, and the solution was sought in the principles expounded in 1 Corinthians 12. The research method known as action...
Thesis (ThM)--PU vir CHO, 1989EDUCATION TOWARDS WITNESS AS AN AIM OF CATECHESIS 1. THE AIM OF THE... more Thesis (ThM)--PU vir CHO, 1989EDUCATION TOWARDS WITNESS AS AN AIM OF CATECHESIS 1. THE AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this investigation was to determine, on consideration of data from the New Testament, whether education towards witness is an aim of church catechesis, and if found to be such, to determine the meaning thereof for catechesis practice. 2. AN OUTLINE OF THE STUDY The concepts of education, witness and testimony were elucidated in chapters two to four. Chapter five involved a study of John 1:1-13, with a view to providing Scriptural grounds for religious choice. In the final chapter guidelines for the practice of education towards witness were suggested. 3. CONCLUSIONS 3.1 THE RELATION EDUCATION, WITNESS AND TESTIMONY The investigation revealed that witness and testimony are two aspects of education towards witness. Education towards witness should aim to accompany the confirmand towards accepting God's witness in faith and towards living in fellowship with God and...
The diaconate of the congregation – Considered anew. From the earliest times, the content given t... more The diaconate of the congregation – Considered anew. From the earliest times, the content given to the diaconate of the congregation varied greatly from denomination to denomination. Different methods and sources were used to determine the content and essence of the diaconate. This article attempts to look at the diaconate of the congregation from a new angle to determine what the diaconal task of the congregation can be. Use is made of previous exegetical work done by the author (2018) of this article. He exegeted specific texts in the New Testament in depth with the research question of what meaning possibility of the diacon words (diakoneo, diakonos, diakonia) the authors had in mind when using the words in those texts. These results are used in an attempt to establish what the diaconate can mean when it is built on the meaning contents of the deacon-words. The result is that new insights are exploited and practically applied to the diaconate. The conclusion of this article is th...
Considering the growing problem of different internet addictions and their impact on individuals,... more Considering the growing problem of different internet addictions and their impact on individuals, couples, families, the church and society, it is important that churches seek to address the need for effective loving guidance in their pastoral care. This article examines a way in which congregations could help a person addicted to pornography to grow to freedom. A literature study was done to describe pornography addiction and compared it to cybersex. Subsequently, the influence on relationships of constant involvement in pornography is discussed, followed by a discussion of the relationship between sexual addiction and intimacy, and the causes of the fear of real-person intimacy. The healing of wounds that have led to the pornography addiction is investigated. The Journey Program is also analysed to discern its theoretical framework and investigate the biblical foundation of each of its metatheoretical starting points. Finally, practical theological guidelines are proposed for past...
The work of John N. Collins on the διάκον- word group makes an important contribution to underst... more The work of John N. Collins on the διάκον- word group makes an important contribution to understanding church ministry. Although it receives much attention and support, there is some criticism of Collins’s exegesis. If his conclusions are accepted by churches, there will be an impact on their ministry. It is therefore important that his underlying assumptions be thoroughly tested. This article analyzes Mark 10:45 in the context of that Gospel and particularly in the context of Mark 8–10. Collins’s supposition that διακονία is never done out of love or compassion for other people is found wanting. Rather, Mark describes Jesus’s διακονία as done out of compassion and love for others, and as an envoy of God.
This article investigates the meaning of the diakon word group in the Bible with the focus on the... more This article investigates the meaning of the diakon word group in the Bible with the focus on the use of this word group in the Gospel of John. John 12:26 is considered in depth. The results of this investigation reveal important differences from other recent research on this word group. The results of the research are then applied to the ministry in congregations.
It is shown in this article that the Gospel of John describes a battle between darkness and light... more It is shown in this article that the Gospel of John describes a battle between darkness and light, life and death, chaos and God’s new order. Although the certainty is given right at the beginning of the Gospel that the darkness will not overcome the light, God does not take the possibility of darkness away. Darkness in John is darkness of the mind, not seeing the light, not comprehending, not accepting and not believing the Word. The battle between light and darkness is described at two levels – the visible level that you can see with your eyes and the invisible level that only those who have been regenerated by the Spirit can see. Although it may seem that the contrary is true, God is in control of both levels. Jesus made the invisible visible with his words and deeds and, eventually, with his resurrection. The diakonoi (servants) of Jesus are called to follow him in his task to honour the father by speaking the words of the father and doing the work of the father. In doing this, ...
This article seeks to contribute to the process of reconciliation in South Africa. This is achiev... more This article seeks to contribute to the process of reconciliation in South Africa. This is achieved by firstly exploring the meaning of ubuntu as a common culture or religion under a large percentage of South Africa’s people over the borders of language and other cultural values. In the second part of the article two concepts that play a major role in Christianity are explored, namely koinonia and diakonia. Again a large percentage of South Africans believe that the Bible is the Word of God in which the right way of living is described. A comparison is made between the core values of ubuntu and the way of living that emerges from the use of the two concepts of koinonia and diakonia in the New Testament. A way that can contribute to reconciliation is suggested from this comparison.
This article investigates the role that Practical Theology can play in addressing the problem of ... more This article investigates the role that Practical Theology can play in addressing the problem of alienation amongst the people of South Africa. The investigation is conducted from the viewpoint of the biblical concept of diakonia (service work). This concept as well as the content of Practical Theology as it is found in the first letter of Peter is investigated with the purpose of elucidating the diakonia of Practical Theology with regard to alienation. Four questions are answered in the article:� What may some of the reasons why people in South Africa experience alienation be?� What significance do the results of the most recent research into the diakon word group have for the diakonia of Practical Theology?� What insight can be gained from 1 Peter into the diakonia of Practical Theology for people who may be experiencing alienation in South Africa?� What should the diakonia of Practical Theology in the light of 1 Peter be for people who experience alienation? Intradisciplinary and...
The essence and content of a deacon’s service revisited. In many congregations, there is great un... more The essence and content of a deacon’s service revisited. In many congregations, there is great uncertainty about the precise duty of the deacon within the congregation. Nowhere in the Bible is the essence and content of a deacon’s service clearly spelled out. The suitability of the Scriptural passages that are often referred to to determine the essence and content of a deacon’s work is widely questioned. Through the ages and in various traditions, the deacon has been entrusted with a wide variety of duties. All of the above necessitates a revisitation of the essence and content of the deacon’s service. This article aims to extract the applicable aspects of the latest research on the diakon word group and apply its meaning to the work of the deacon within the overall ministry of the congregation. In order to achieve this objective, the applicable findings within research, conducted over the last 20 years, on the diakon word group is provided. Then the traditional Biblical substantiat...
According to Transparency International, Africa is the most corrupt region in the world. In South... more According to Transparency International, Africa is the most corrupt region in the world. In South Africa, there is an annual ’loss’ of about R30 billion as a result of bribery and corruption. It would appear that it is exactly the poor and the vulnerable who suffer most under the scourge of corruption. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of corruption on victim(s) and to evaluate it in an effort to formulate solutions as to how such individuals can be guided and supported in the suffering and hardship that they endure and that specifically emanate from corruption. In the research, an effort was made to move away from the trend of the fragmenting of aid and to present guidelines or suggestions that can lead to a global solution, where multi-disciplinary involvement can be facilitated. The researchers agree that the church can play a key role in this, and the solution was sought in the principles expounded in 1 Corinthians 12. The research method known as action...
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