Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Self-efficacy Religious aspects Christianity'
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Dyck, Veronica H. "Self-sacrifice, caring and peace : a socio-ethical preface to feminist theology." Thesis, McGill University, 1997. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=34949.
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This thesis is a critical survey of selected feminist writings on topics of interest to Christian, feminist thinkers. Specifically, this thesis has examined inter-feminist debates, highlighting those themes related narrowly to the virtues of self-sacrifice, care and peace, and broadly to how these relate to wider themes in Christian theology. This survey indicates directions and tendencies within works on virtues connected to women's work and gendered ideological assumptions about public and private spheres.A summary of the contribution and themes of this thesis includes using critical social theory to uncover ideological distortions such as those perpetuated by patriarchy. The thesis highlights how a feminist critique contributes to the debate on values and virtues, pointing out biases which previously hid the contributions of women. An important theme uncovered using these critical tools is the dualist division between the public and the private spheres which reinforce gendered social and moral roles. The discussion is structured around three virtues with an emphasis on praxis, that is, since values arise out of shared practices, these values are inherently teachable and able to contribute to an evolving understanding of moral principles which break from and/or enhance traditional liberal understandings of these principles. Finally, connections are made with the gospel and utopian values grounded in a Christian vision of the kingdom of God.
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Bosman, Lourens Lemmer. "'N Narratiewe beskouing van die pastoraal terapeutiese self in 'n postmoderne samelewing." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2001. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-08142006-113817/.
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McArthur, M. Jane. "Memory in the New Creation : a critical response to Miroslav Volf's eschatological forgetting." Thesis, University of St Andrews, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/13543.
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In this thesis I respond to Miroslav Volfs proposal that in the eschaton painful memories will be forgotten in order not to detract from the joy of the New Creation. Through consideration of the constitution of personal identity and memory I will show that his proposal is problematic if, in the New Creation, persons are to be continuous with themselves. In my chapter on forgiveness I show that that it is possible, through forgiveness, for people to come to remember even the most painful of experiences without experiencing pain anew, I will show that painful memories can be healed and transformed, and thus that eschatological forgetting is not necessary. I will argue in the final chapter that, just as in his resurrection body Christ bore scars of the crucifixion, so in the New Creation we too will bear scars from our earthly lives. The main sources in the chapter on personal identity are John Macmurray, Alastair McFadyen and, to a lesser extent, Paul Ricoeur. The work of Gregory Jones is significant in chapters 2 and 3 (looking at memory and forgiveness respectively). In chapter 4 (New Creation) I have drawn on the work of Jurgen Moltmann as well as that of Bauckham and Hart.
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Muston, Philip B. "John Smith: A charismatic and transformational religious leader." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2001. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1041.
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John Smith is best known as the charismatic leader and president of God's Squad Motorcycle Club, which seeks to proclaim and incarnate the Christian gospel in Australian outlaw motorcycle subculture. Smith is in fact an evangelist and public figure in his own right. As well he is a teacher and social commentator whose prophetic statements and interpretation of events had an impact in his own culture and abroad. He is also a media spokesman and unofficial 'priest' for thousands who feel themselves alienated from institutional expressions of Christianity, and the pioneering founder of alternative church congregations. This biographical and theoretical study focuses on the transformational nature of Smith's charisma: his vision of the gospel as a radical and morally transforming influence. And his drive to see God's Kingdom brought to bear on earth as in heaven. It addresses the nature of the gifts that have enabled this maverick religious leader to influence the lives of many in one of the most secular cultures in the world, and to win the admiration of more orthodox church leaders who would like to have been able to bridge sub-cultures as Smith has done. It questions how his charismatic gifts function, and to what end. The study also demonstrates how Smith's gifts and character have both enabled and impeded him in the process of applying his vision. Drawing on interviews with Smith and those who have known and worked with him, as well as on Smith's own writings, talks and broadcasts, his life and career arc examined in the light of current theories pertaining to charismatic and transformational leadership. In addition the significance of his life as a leader, pioneer and minister is assessed.
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Brito, José Maria. "The technologies of relationship and a new sense of interior life: Making teenagers aware of their creatureliness." Thesis, Boston College, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/2345/bc-ir:106931.
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Van, Velden Wouter De Wet. "'n Pastorale groeimodel vir die ontwikkeling van spiritualiteit tydens rousmart." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/55195.
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Thesis (MTh) -- Stellenbosch University, 1996.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Grief pastorate often has the shortcoming where the ministry strategy focuses more on short term involvement than a long term accompaniment. The minister's involvement necessarily focuses on the crisis around the initial shock phase. The duration of the grief process is hardly predictable. The pastor must therefore follow a long term approach. This long term approach must set about in earnest with the interdependence of the grief process on the one hand and on the other hand a growth process. Such an approach can be characterised as a pastoral growth model where Clinebell's growth model is used as the basis. The aim of this pastoral growth model is the development of spirituality. Spirituality is understood as the total human life in communion with God and that includes the following aspects: Identity, intimacy, sinfulness, lordship, mortality, holiness and commitment. Through the holistic character of spirituality the mourner is addressed in totality- in his or her total humanness. This eliminates the danger where the pastorate is guilty, on the one hand of emphasis of the spiritual aspect, on the other hand the human aspect of man. A pastoral growth model for the development of spirituality during grief is a comprehensive, well-grounded pastoral model which could be made use of successfully during grief pastorate.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Rousmartpastoraat het dikwels die tekortkoming dat die bedieningstrategie meer op korttemyn betrokkenheid ingestel is as op 'n langtermyn begeleidingsproses. Die predikant se betrokkenheid fokus hoofsaaklik op die krisis random die aanvanklike skokfase. Die duur van die rouproses is moeilik voorspelbaar. Die pastor moet daarom 'n langtermyn benadering volg. Hierdie langtermyn benadering moet erns maak met die interafhanklikheid van enersyds die rouproses en andersyds 'n groeiproses. So 'n benadering kan tipeer word as 'n pastorale groeimodel waar Clinebell se groeimodel as basis gebruik word. Die doelstelling van hierdie pastorale groeimodel is die ontwikkeling van spiritualiteit. Spiritualiteit word verstaan as die totale menslike lewe in gemeenskap met God en dit sluit die volgende aspekte in: ldentiteit, intimiteit, sondigheid, heerskappy, sterflikheid, heiligheid en verbondenheid. Vanweë die holistiese karakter van spiritualiteit word die treurende in geheel aangespreek- in sy of haar totale menswees. Dit skakel die gevaar uit dat die pastoraat skuldig kan wees aan ‘n beklemtoning van enersyds die geestelike aspek of andersyds die menslike aspek van die mens. 'n Pastorale groeimodel vir die ontwikkeling van spiritualiteit tydens rousmart is 'n omvattende, begronde pastorale model wat met groot vrug gebruik kan word tydens rousmartpastoraat.
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Landman, Leanne. "Restoring Shalom in the economy." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/51899.
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Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates why human poverty and environmental degradation still exist to the extent that they do in a world where there appears to be sufficient scientific and social knowledge to reduce them considerably. It asserts that the reason they continue to exist on such a large scale is because their root cause - a mistaken understanding of humanity's role in creation - has not been sufficiently examined. Humanity's mistaken understanding of ourselves as the Cartesian lords of creation is addressed by introducing the Biblically-based concept of Shalom, as interpreted by theologians Ulrich Duchrow and Gerhard Liedke in their book, Shalom. Biblical Perspectives on Creation, Justice and Peace (1987). The concept stresses how our exploitative relationship towards creation results in destructive relationships with our fellow human beings and ultimately with God. The thesis argues that global capitalism's central value of accumulating wealth for its own sake has severely disrupted Shalom in society and the rest of creation. Using a second work of theologian Ulrich Duchrow, Alternatives to Global Capitalism. Drawn from Biblical History Designed for Political Action (1995), the social and environmental poverty inducing structures within the world economy are highlighted. It is asserted that in order to reduce poverty and environmental degradation within the economy, this central value of wealth accumulation for its own sake has to be replaced with one that seeks to satisfy the basic needs of all people. The thesis also discusses the inability of the South African government's macro economic strategy - the Growth, Employment and Redistribution plan (GEAR)- to create Shalom. In order for the macro-economic strategy of South Africa to address the exploitative relationships that exist within the economy, it is argued that a more critical attitude towards the values and structures of the market economy is needed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die vraag hoekom armoede en omgewingsaftakeling steeds bestaan in 'n wêreld waar genoegsame wetenskaplike en sosiale kennis beskikbaar is om dit aansienlik te verminder. Dit argumenteer dat die rede waarom hierdie probleme op so 'n groot skaal voortbestaan, is omdat hulle grondoorsaak - 'n verkeerde verstaan van die mens se rol in die skepping - nie voldoende ondersoek is nie. Die mensdom se misverstaan van sigself as die Cartesiaanse meesters van die skepping word aangespreek deur die ondersoek van die Bybels-gebasseerde konsep van Shalom, soos geïnterpreteer deur die teoloë Ulrich Duchrow and Gerhard Liedke in hulle boek Shalom. Biblical Perspectives on Creation, Justice and Peace (1987). Die konsep benadruk hoe ons eksploiterende verhouding tot die skepping resulteer in 'n vernietigende verhouding met ons medemens en uiteindelik, met God. Die tesis argumenteer dat globale kapitalisme, met die akkumulasie van welvaart vir sigself as sentrale waarde, Shalom ondermyn in die wêreld en die res van die skepping. Deur gebruik te maak van 'n tweede werk van die teoloog Ulrich Duchrow, Alternatives to Global Capitalism. Drawn from Biblical History Designed for Political Action (1995), word die strukture wat sosiale- en omgewings-armoede veroorsaak binne die wêreldekonomie, ondersoek. Dit word gestel dat, ten einde armoede en omgewingsvernietiging te verminder, hierdie sentrale waarde van welvaartakkumulasie vir sigself vervang moet word met een wat daarna streef om die basiese behoeftes van mense te bevredig. Die onvermoë van die Suid-Afrikaanse regering se makro-ekonomiese strategie, naamlik die Groei-, Werkskeppings- en Herverdelingsprogram (GEAR) - om Shalom te skep, word ook bespreek. Dit word geargumenteer dat, ten einde 'n situasie te bereik waar die makro-ekonomiese strategie van Suid Afrika die eksploiterende verhoudings binne die ekonomie aanspreek, 'n meer kritiese houding ten opsigte van die waardes en strukture van die vryemark ekonomie benodig word.
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Le, Roux Memry S. (Memry Sharlene). "Geskeide vroue se ervarings en persepsies van hul aanpassing in die post-egskeidingsfase." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/18219.
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Thesis (M Social Work)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to gain understanding of the perceptions and experiences of divorced women in the postdivorce phase, with specific reference to rural divorcees. During intervention with divorced women the social worker ought to be informed about the needs of divorcees, as well as be skilled to deal with the trauma of divorce. It is therefore necessary to understand how women experience the post-divorce process. The Systems, Ecological, Strengths and Feminist Perspectives are used as a frame of reference to understand the adaptation of divorced women. First, a study of relevant literature is undertaken which presents a broad review of the process of divorce; divorce as a mourning process, as well as the influence of divorce on the women and children. Attention is also devoted to literature on the adaptation of women in the post-divorce phase. Second a qualitative, phenomenological research subject is chosen to explore the experiences and perceptions of divorced women’s adaptation during the post divorce-phase. Factors which obstruct adaptation, as well as factors which stimulate personal growth, came to light during the empirical research. Four themes unfolded from the research. The first theme relates to tension: tension regarding finances; tension regarding health; tension arising from the overloading of roles and tension resulting from the relationship with the ex-husband, as well as how divorce is experienced int the rural areas. The second theme deals with spirituality: divorce as a spiritual crisis; deepenig spirituality; spirituality in the shaping of identity and facilitating to a large extent the mourning process. In the third theme various sources of support are discussed, while the fourth theme focuses on the positive side of divorce, namely personal growth. The before mentioned themes contain the challenges divorced women experience during the post-divorce phase. Recommendations focus on post-divorce intervention which are aimded to relief stress, strengthen spirituality, to obtain knowledge of supportsystems in the community, and also to stimulate the process of personal growth.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het ten doel om geskeide vroue se persepsies en ervarings van hul aanpassing in die post-egskeidingsfase te verstaan, met spesifieke verwysing na die plattelandse geskeide vrou. Tydens intervensie met geskeide vroue behoort die maatskaplike werker vaardig en goed ingelig te wees ten opsigte van die behoeftes wat geskeides ervaar, daarom is dit noodsaaklik om te verstaan hoe geskeide vrouens die proses ervaar. As praktykraamwerk is die Gesinsisteem-, Ekologiese, Sterkte- en Feministiese Perspektief gebruik om die aanpassing van geskeide vroue te verstaan. Eerstens is ‘n literatuurstudie onderneem wat ‘n breë oorsig oor die proses van egskeiding, egskeiding as rouproses asook die invloed van egskeiding op die vrou en kinders bied. Aandag is ook gegee aan die aanpassing van die vrou in die postegskeidingsfase. Tweedens is ‘n kwalitatiewe, fenomenologiese navorsingsontwerp gekies om die ervarings en persepsies van vyf geskeide vroue uit verskillende plattelandse dorpe se aanpassing in die post-egskeidingsfase te eksploreer. Faktore wat die aanpassing strem, asook faktore wat persoonlike groei stimuleer, het uit die empiriese navorsing na vore gekom. Vier temas het uit hierdie navorsing ontspring. Die eerste tema hou verband met spanning: Finansiële spanning, spanning oor gesondheid, spanning wat ontstaan uit die oorbelading van rolle, spanning oor die verhouding met die gewese man, en die plattelandse ervaring. Die tweede tema handel oor spiritualiteit: egskeiding is ‘n spirituele krisis, dit bring spirituele verdieping, spiritualiteit help met identiteitsvorming en fasiliteer in ‘n groot mate die rouproses. In die derde tema word verskeie ondersteuningsbronne bespreek, terwyl die vierde tema ook die positiewe kant van egskeiding uitlig, naamlik persoonlike groei. Bogenoemde temas vervat die behoeftes wat geskeide vroue tydens die aanpassingsperiode na egskeiding ervaar. Aanbevelings het gefokus op postegskeidingsintervensie wat daarop gemik is om spanning te help verlig, spiritualiteit te versterk, ondersteuningsnetwerke in die omgewing te ken en die proses van persoonlike groei te stimuleer.
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Claro, Mauro. "Dissolução da Unilabor: crise e falência de uma autogestão operária - São Paulo, 1963 - 1967." Universidade de São Paulo, 2012. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/16/16133/tde-04032013-103923/.
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Este estudo busca trazer elementos para explicar a crise que dissolveu a Unilabor, uma experiência autogestionária operária única a seu tempo, em São Paulo, através da análise da documentação interna da empresa, das informações prestadas por alguns dos participantes, entrevistados, e pelo recurso à hipótese de prevalência de uma racionalidade instrumental, a certa altura dos acontecimentos, em lugar da racionalidade substantiva pressuposta nos fundamentos da comunidade. Os elementos para a formulação e exame dessa hipótese provêm das teorias marxistas do trabalho, conforme reformuladas e atualizadas por autores como Robert Kurz, Roberto Schwarz, Moishe Postone, Jürgen Habermas, André Gorz e Ricardo Antunes, os quais, mesmo não uniformemente, apontam os elementos atuais de uma crise da categoria \'trabalho\' como elemento central da formação da riqueza. Também os conceitos de comunidade, solidariedade, esperança e amizade, conforme expostos e analisados por Giorgio Agamben e Terry Eagleton, servirão para problematizar as conclusões do trabalho. O aspecto estético, consubstanciado no desenho industrial utilizado nos móveis produzidos pela Unilabor, aparece como fundamento secundário da hipótese de insuficiência substantiva apresentada, pois pretendeu ser fator pedagógico, portanto de aprendizado de ofício, para os operários envolvidos na autogestão. Tal programa estético, tanto quanto a solidariedade, a amizade e a racionalidade substantiva, também mostrou-se insuficiente para a manutenção dos laços comunitários.This study aims to gather elements to explain the crisis that dissolved Unilabor, a workers\' self-management experience in São Paulo that was unique in its time, through the analysis of the company\'s internal documentation, through information provided by some of the participants who were interviewed, as well as by resorting to the hypothesis of prevalence of an instrumental rationality, at one point, in place of the substantive rationality assumed in the fundamentals of the community. The elements for the formulation and analysis of this hypothesis come from Marxist theories of labor, as reformulated and updated by authors such as Robert Kurz, Roberto Schwarz, Moishe Postone, Jürgen Habermas, André Gorz, and Ricardo Antunes, who, albeit not uniformly, have pointed out the current elements of a crisis of the category \'work\' as a central element in the creation of wealth. Additionally, the concepts of community, solidarity, hope, and friendship, as defined and analyzed by Giorgio Agamben, and Terry Eagleton will be used to open the conclusions of this paper up to discussion. The aesthetic aspect, embodied in the industrial design of the furniture produced by Unilabor is present as a background for the substantive insufficiency hypothesis that is presented, since it intends to function as a factor that is pedagogical, thus concerning the learning of one\'s craft by workers involved in the self-management. This aesthetic program, as much as the solidarity, friendship, and substantive rationality, also proved to be insufficient for the maintenance of community ties.
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Badgett, Jonathan P. "Christian Self-Knowledge: A Christological Framework for Undermining Dissociation through Reconciliation." Diss., 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5614.
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Self-knowledge unavoidably implicates and, in the end, it must presume correspondence. How, indeed, can a self even be posited in the absence of a corresponding other? While the triunity of God reveals a dialectic of unity and correspondence, the human self has ever struggled, within traditions as seemingly diverse as ancient Hellenism and the sundry schools of modern philosophy and psychology, against the presumption that “autonomous self” might not be fatally contradictory. On the other hand, with the lens of orthodox Christology properly affixed, God, self, and others may finally be seen as they truly are. Christ is the revealer of mysteries, the reconciler of God and humanity, and the One in whom all the treasures of (self-)knowledge and wisdom are found. Christian self-knowledge, then, presumes the believer’s ethical correspondence—to God-in-Christ and, through Christ, with fellow believers by means of faith expressing itself in love. When sought in Christian caregiving contexts, this Christ-mediated knowledge of self, over time, counters and undermines the countertherapeutic expression of dissociation and its ethical corollary, self-deception.
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Vaden, Matthew Brett. "The False Self and True Self: A Christian Perspective." Diss., 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/5064.
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The aim of this study, as explained in the first chapter, is to synthesize insights from Christianity and secular psychology in order to answer four questions: (1) Why do people reflect upon themselves? (2) Why do they understand themselves wrongly (i.e., constructing a false self)? (3) What does true self-understanding entail? (4) What interventions can foster true self-understanding? Chapter 2 presents a biblical response, with specific focus on passages from Proverbs, Matthew’s Gospel, and Paul’s letters. Chapter 3 collects answers from the writings of four Christian thinkers: Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, Søren Kierkegaard, and Thomas Merton. Chapter 4 examines answers from two modern psychologists, D.W. Winnicott and Susan Harter. The fifth chapter concludes with a synthesis of these answers, in order to propose a Christian perspective on the false self and true self.
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Sebake, Julian Raaphahle. "A self-report survey on Pentecostal Christianity as a restraining factor of crime in Mankweng Area." Thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3376.
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Thesis (M. A. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020The purpose of this study was to determine the strength of Pentecostal Christianity and its practices in restraining followers from committing crime focusing on the individuals’ criminality prior to, in the different growth stages (before being born again, being born-again and being Spirit-filled) of their spiritual lives and the length of time practising the belief. The present study aimed at determining whether Pentecostal Christianity has a restraining influence on Christians from committing crime. A quantitative, explanatory study was conducted to statistically analyse the strength of Pentecostal Christianity in restraining Christians from committing crime. Data were collected through administration of questionnaires in three Pentecostal churches in the Mankweng Area on different Sundays. Data were further analysed using SPSS statistical program where inferential statistics was used to test hypotheses using the Kruskal-Wallis test in conjunction with Chi-Square test of independence and descriptive statistics were also used to formulate graphs to present findings. The hypotheses tested showed a significant difference in criminality before being born again, after being born-again and baptism in the Holy Spirit with a p value of less than 0,.05. The length an individual has practising the faith has no significant difference in reducing criminal behaviour. This study concluded that the Pentecostal Christian faith, to some extent, deters followers from committing crime. Keywords: Christianity, Pentecostal Christianity, crime
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Sheehan, Johann Elizabeth. "The effects of belief similarity and difference, on religious counsellors' judgements of religious and non-religious clients." Phd thesis, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/146209.
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Cochran, George Willard. "CHURCH SPONSORED SERVICE THROUGH THE LENS OF SELF DETERMINATION THEORY: A CASE STUDY." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/4291.
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Given the critical need to nudge congregants toward sustainable service, surprisingly few studies have explored the possibility of internalizing Christian beliefs and practices through intrinsically motivating ministry activities. According to Self-Determination Theory (SDT), an emerging meta-theory of adult motivation, such activities consistently move individuals from external to internal regulation of behavior. Perceiving undeveloped believers as marginalized members of Christ's body, this emancipatory study sought to build awareness of the need to empower all believers to make kingdom contributions through intrinsically-motivated service that internalizes orthodox faith. Following protocols of a qualitative single case study, the researcher explored the rich perceptions and divergent meanings associated with church-sponsored service among a critical array of stakeholders in a thriving evangelical church. In a vivid portrait gleaned from observations, interviews and documents, SDT's theoretical lens shaped the questions, informed the data, and inspired the cause. In the process, traditional assumptions about servant leadership, Christian formation, and spiritual giftedness were challenged. The study's ultimate aim was to stimulate meaningful dialogue on the need to reform church structures that foster Christian formation through inherently satisfying, Spirit-empowered ministry. Organizing the data under the SERVE acronym, the researcher concludes with a motivational model of Christian service.
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Vujisic, Zoran. "The impact of Orthodox Christian neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions on self-reported depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3192.
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Orthodox Christianity represents the oldest Christian tradition. However, the tragic schism between the Christian East and West has resulted in a lost cognizance of the East by the West (Chrysostomos, 2007). Ultimately, this loss, for the West, involves the loss of part of its own Christian heritage. As attempts at rapprochement are made, on the ecclesiastical, cultural, and international levels, it is important that the West begin to develop an understanding of human psychology from an Orthodox perspective, i.e., a psychology consistent with the cosmology and soteriology of Orthodoxy. Orthodox Christian Psychotherapy bridges the divide between mystical, neptic, and hesychastic teachings and the methods and goals of modern Western psychotherapy. It is the meeting of the transcendent and the secular, and of spirituality and psychotherapy, as they impact all those in need of inner healing from spiritual, behavioral, and / or psychological disorders and pathologies (St. John Climacus, 1979; Romanides, 2007).
This study in practical theology concretizes the above by examining the intensity of depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety before and after a twelve-week treatment plan using Orthodox Christian neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions and techniques. The results represent yet another step in disentangling the mystery of the relationship between spirituality, psychological treatment, and mental health. The findings, which confirm the efficacy of Orthodox Christian Psychotherapy, offer insight into the ways in which neptic-psychotherapeutic interventions may be applied at the pastoral and clinical level and utilized to treat and / or prevent depressive symptomatology and comorbid anxiety, and possibly other spiritual, behavioral, developmental, and / or psychological disorders and pathologies, in both the Orthodox and general populations.Practical Theology
D. Th. (Practical Theology)
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Pienaar, Jan Adriaan. "The integration of the Myers and Briggs type indicator in a marriage counselling approach." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1258.
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The aim of this study is to determine the influence of personality type as described by Jungian personality theory on marriage problems and to determine the usability of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to solve problems in the understanding and appreciating of individual personality differences.
The research depicts the importance of self-awareness to maintain significant relationships. Self-awareness is conceptualised as an integral part of personality psychology. Accurate personality assessment is described as a means to gain accurate self-awareness.
A literature study is done on personality theories to discover what role they play in marriage counselling. The question - where does the personality theory of Jung fit into personality psychology and marriage counselling - is answered.
The Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator® as an application of Jungian personality theory and an assessment technique to gain accurate self-awareness is discussed.
A literature study of different marriage counselling approaches is presented and the focus of these approaches is discussed. None of these approaches used personality theory explicitly.
A marriage counselling approach is developed which integrates the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. The approach has five pillars:
1. Developing mutual trust
2. Recognizing and accepting individual differences
3. Giving and receiving feedback
4. Solving problems
5. Letting go of the past
The research presents case studies, which confirm that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator does help individuals and couples to become self-aware and develop awareness of the differences between their personality types. This self-awareness helps to rebuild marital relationships.Practical Theology
DTH (PRACTICAL THEOLOGY)
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Slater, Jennifer. "Self-realization in contemporary theology : towards a vision of Christian wholeness." Thesis, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/894.
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Staub, David. "Soziale Trinität für soziale online Netzwerke : ein Beitrag zur Bedeutung des Glaubens an die soziale Trinität als Inspiration und Ressource für ein erfüllendes zwischenmenschliches Zusammenleben im Kontext sozialer Online-netzwerke." Diss., 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/10564.
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German textDiese Forschungsarbeit versucht aufzuzeigen, inwiefern der Glaube an die Trinität als Gemeinschaft von Vater, Sohn und Heiligem Geist zu einem erfüllenden zwischenmenschlichen Zusammenleben in sozialen Online-Netzwerken beitragen kann. Im Gespräch mit den drei Theologen Jürgen Moltmann, Leonardo Boff und Gisbert Greshake wird das Konzept der Sozialen Trinität mit seinen Implikationen für das zwischenmenschliche Zusammenleben erarbeitet. In einem zweiten Teil werden die neuen Möglichkeiten von sozialen Online- Netzwerken und die deutlichsten damit verbundenen Mängel für das zwischenmenschliche Zusammenleben am Beispiel von Facebook dargestellt. Schlussendlich wird danach gefragt, inwiefern die Erkenntnisse aus der theologischen Diskussion für den spezifischen Kontext sozialer Online-Netzwerke fruchtbar gemacht werden können. Es werden drei unterschiedliche Aspekte herausgearbeitet, in denen der Glaubende durch das Eingebundensein in die göttliche Gemeinschaft eine neue Sicht auf seinen sozialen Kontext erhalten und eine hilfreiche Ressource finden kann, um den Unzulänglichkeiten des zwischenmenschlichen Zusammenlebens in sozialen Online-Netzwerken entgegenzuwirken.
This thesis wishes to demonstrate in how far faith in the Trinity as community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit can contribute to a fulfilling human communal life on social networking sites. In conversation with the three theologians Jürgen Moltmann, Leonardo Boff and Gisbert Greshake, a concept of the Social Trinity and its implications on human communal life is being elaborated. In a second part, the new possibilities and the gravest shortcomings of human interactions on Facebook are depicted. Finally, it is asked, in how far the findings of the theological discussion can be fructified in the specific context of social networking sites. In three different aspects it will be elaborated, in which the believer can find, through his or her incorporation into the godly community, a new perspective for his social context and a helpful resource to counter the shortcomings of human communal life on social networking sites.
Philosophy & Systematic Theology
M. Th. (Systematic Theology)
19
Kotter, David Scott. "Working for the Glory of God: The Distinction Between Greed and Self-Interest in the Life and Letters of the Apostle Paul." Diss., 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10392/4960.
Full textAbstract:
This dissertation demonstrates that the Pauline corpus is sufficient to discern a distinction between self-interest and greed. The review of literature in chapter 1 reveals that definitions of greed often rely on such terms as “excessive” and “inordinate,” without defining the terms.
Chapter 2 shows Paul’s expectation that believers work usefully in the church, home, and marketplace. Paul exhorted believers to work profitably to bring glory to God, serve others in love, and be self-supporting. Serving others is aided in the marketplace by the information conveyed by prices and profits. This chapter defines “sanctified self-interest” and highlights Paul’s encouragement to generosity.
Chapter 3 employs interdisciplinary tools from accounting (income statement and balance sheet) to show greed is manifested as an insatiable desire for more and an unwillingness to give away possessions. The Pauline income statement indicates that greed causes sin at work, such as fraud or neglect. The love of money makes profit the ultimate goal rather than subduing creation and serving others. The Pauline balance sheet represents reasons for holding assets: sustenance, utility, security, and enjoyment. Beyond these assets, maintaining possessions devolves into greedy indulgence and signaling riches.
Chapter 4 extends the distinction into standardized categories across cultures and through time by valuing goods in terms of the unchanging standard of hours of human life.
Chapter 5 compares the Pauline categories to representative Second Temple Jewish literature to show that Paul’s views of avarice and economics were consistent with, but not identical to, this literature
Chapter 6 compares the Pauline categories to representative Greco-Roman philosophical schools to show the fundamental differences with Epicurus, Seneca, and Aristotle. Even when all four superficially agree, the supporting rationale diverges radically. An important conclusion is that the methodology utilized in this dissertation imposes neither modern economic categories nor Pauline categories into every historical text.
Chapter 7 summarizes the argument and underscores that the changes facing the church over the next two centuries will be even more rapid than the economic developments of the two centuries since the Industrial Revolution.
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Murove, Munyaradzi Felix. "The theory of self-interest in modern economic discourse: a critical study in the light of African Humanism and process philosophical Anthropology." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/629.
Full textAbstract:
Modern economic theory of self-interest alleges that in their economic relations people
always behave in a way that maximises their utility. The idea whether human beings were
solely self-interested has a long history as it can be seen from the writings of Greek
philosophers and the Church fathers. Among Greek philosophers there were those who argued that human beings were naturally self-interested (Aristotle) and those who maintained that human beings were communal by nature (Plato, Stoics and the Pythagoreans). The later position was adopted by the Church fathers as they condemned
self-interest as the sin of avarice and greed.
The justification of self-interest in human and political activities was part and parcel of
the economic and political early modernists, as it can be seen in the works of Mandeville,
Hobbes, Hume and Adam Smith. In the writings of these thinkers, the flourishing of wealth depended on individual freedom to pursue their self-interests. In this regard, selfinterest
became the sole source of motivation in the behaviour of homo economicus. A persistent motif in late modern economic discourse on self-interest is based on the idea that people think and act on the basis of that which is to their self-interest. It is mainly for this reason that late modern economic thinkers maintain that society would prosper when people are left alone to pursue their self-interests. Late modern economic theory of utility maximisation alleges that individuals act only after calculating costs and benefits.
The argument of this thesis, based on the commonalities between African humanism and
process philosophical anthropology, is that self-interest is antithetical to communal life as
advocated in the ethic of Ubuntu. One who acts solely on the basis of maximising his or
her utility would inevitably deprive others of a humane existence. A holistic metaphysical
outlook based on the relatedness and interrelatedness of everything that exists as we find it in African humanism and process philosophical anthropology implies that the
individual exists in internal relations with everything else. We should go beyond selfinterest
by giving primacy to a holistic ethic.Systematic Theology & Theological Ethics
D. Div. (Theological Ethics)
21
Wielenga, Corianne. "The dialogue between Christianity and postmodernism in selected postmodern novels." Thesis, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/2594.
Full textAbstract:
This paper seeks to explore the dialogue between postmodern thought and Christian theology. The dialogue will be grounded in four postmodern novels: Toni Morrison's Beloved, Ian McEwan's Atonement, Jill Paton Walsh's Knowledge of Angels, and Jeanette Winterson's Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. In many Church circles, it has often been said that postmodernism, as it manifests itself in popular culture, is a threat to the Christian faith. However, I will be arguing that the opposite is the case, and that postmodernism has allowed for new ways of thinking about the self that has great resonance with certain theological conceptions of the self. It will be argued that the postmodern subject is one that seeks to make sense of 'the other' without risking the exploitation of the other, and that this lies very close to the theological concept of relationship, based on the idea of covenant. The self as responsible to an other and as a participant in community will be explored, from both the postmodern and theological perspectives. Before exploring issues of the self, this thesis will contextualize the dialogue by exploring postmodern conceptions of space and time. It will examine how ideas around space and time have been imagined throughout human history, thereby contextualizing the emergence of postmodern thinking. It will then show how this emergence of a postmodern space and time in fact creates new possibilities for the Christian faith to reexpress itself in ways that are more relevant to the 21st century. The concluding chapter of this thesis brings to light the longing within our postmodern reality for a place we can call home, a place where we can belong, and find healing. Such a place, such a homecoming, is offered to us in the spaces opened up to us by the dialogue between the Christian faith and postmodernity, and is found within a community of people who are learning that, as, postmodern philosopher Emmanuel Levinas states, "there is something more important than my life, and that is the life of the other" (in Beavers, 1996,16).Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
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Klein, Joachim Alexander. "Autokybernetik und Persönlichkeit junger Leiter." Diss., 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13110.
Full textAbstract:
German textDie vorliegende Arbeit versucht die Bedeutung des Begriffs Autokybernetik im theologischen Umfeld zu ergründen und ihre Auswirkung in Bezug auf die Persönlichkeit junger Leiter im kirchlichen Rahmen. Der Blick fällt besonders auf Leiter in der Entwicklungsstufe der sog. Emerging Adulthood (18 bis 28 Jahren). Durch die zunehmend gesellschaftlich geforderte Selbstorganisation und Selbstorientierung mit vielen Entscheidungszwängen kommt der Selbststeuerung im Leben des jungen Leiters eine besondere Bedeutung zu. Im ersten Teil der Arbeit werden die Grundlagen zur Autokybernetik innerhalb der Praktischen Theologie gelegt. In einem zweiten Teil werden Faktoren der Autokybernetik anhand verschiedener Modelle erfasst und gebündelt. In einem dritten, empirischen Teil, sollen die ermittelten Faktoren in der Praxis überprüft werden. Dabei steht die Relevanz von Autokybernetik in der Praxis junger Leiter im Mittelpunkt. Es soll festgestellt werden, inwieweit junge Leiter diese Selbststeuerung bereits umsetzen und mit welchem Erfolg sie das tun.
The study tries to clarify the meaning of “auto-cybernetics” in the theological environment and to explore its impact in relation to the personality of young leaders in the church context. The view is especially noticeable in the stage of development of the so-called Emerging Adulthood (18-28 years). Due to the increasing self-organization and self-orientation required by the society with many constraints self-regulation becomes more and more important to the life of young leaders. In the first part of the work the fundamentals of auto-cybernetics within the Practical Theology are stated. In a second part factors of the auto-cybernetics are seized and bundled using different models. In a third empirical part the identified factors are to be tested in practice. The relevance of auto-cybernetics in the practice of young leaders is in the centre. It will be determine how young leaders do practice this self-regulation and in which extension.
Practical Theology
M. Th. (Practical Theology)
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Baliah, Barnabas Sundrum. "The role of the Holy Spirit in actualization, denial, empowerment, renewal and consummation of the human self." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1576.
Full textAbstract:
The content of this dissertation delineates the crucial and incisive role of the Holy Spirit in terms of God's grand and majestic acts of creation, that is the creation of the multiversity of universes, redemption that is the cross, the exemplar of Christ in self denial, reconciliation and restoration, and his resurrection, that is self-empowerment, self-renewal and self-fulfillment observed within the context of God, being human and the physical organic environment as it interacts with the human acts of personal and social responsibility observed within the context of a five dimensional approach of self-actualization, self-denial, self-empowerment, self-renewal and self-fulfillment, ingested into ones identity, internalised and witnessed as meaningful daily praxis, seen through the prism of the cross and the resurrection. A didactic method has been followed to engender insights into and conviction regarding the relevance of the subject for our present day and a hortatory method to exhort to an obedient response and to urge an appropriate action.Systematic Theology and Theological Ethics
M. Th. (Systematic Theology)
24
Saayman, Jurita Yvonne. "The influence of the philosophical stance of the narrative pastoral therapist in group therapy." Thesis, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/1675.
Full textAbstract:
This study enquires into the influence of the philosophical stance of a narrative pastoral therapist in therapeutic groups for people living with depression within a church context. For the purpose of this study, a philosophical stance is defined as a metaphorical position which represents the therapist's epistemological stance and which shapes his or her interactions with the therapy group members. An explanation of the building blocks of the therapist's preferred philosophical stance is provided, the influence of modern and postmodern discourses in developing such a stance is discussed, and the effects of the therapist's philosophical stance on the group members are explored. The research is directed towards everyone who is involved in pastoral therapeutic groups for people with depression. The study found that concepts such as 'relational', 'collaborative', 'participatory approach', 'mutual care,', 'self-other growth' and 'co-creation' highlight some of the most helpful contributions provided by the therapist's preferred philosophical stance.Practical Theology
Thesis (M. Th. (Practical Theology with specialisation in Pastoral Therapy))-
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Augustine, Daniela Christova. "At the crossroads of social transformation : an Eastern-European theological perspective." Thesis, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/655.
Full textAbstract:
The present work examines the crossroads of social transformation from the contextual standpoint of the "Second World" - a political and socioeconomic term descriptively pointing to the unique location of the Former Eastern-European Block countries - in between worlds. The work involves in a dialogue some of the major trends within the contemporary Eastern-European philosophical environment: dichotomized between Neo-Marxism and Neo-Freudianism on the one hand, and Postmodernism on the other.
While examining the most significant elements between the dialectical paradigms for social change of the above theories (and their ethical foundations), the text strives towards a theological paradigmatic formulation for an authentic social transformation that draws its dialectical content and passion from the hopeful eschatological vision of Christ and the Kingdom as an embodiment of the Christian alternative for human emancipation and liberation. In light of this, the work attempts to establish the following thesis: the radical Christian praxis of the eschatological reality of the Kingdom in light of the Cross is the Church’s alternative to contemporary philosophies and initiatives for social transformation. This praxis affirms the revolutionary, history-shaping force which makes Christianity relevant to the problems of Modernity and Postmodernity through its self-identification with the Crucified God. It marks the moment of conception of an authentic, liberating, life giving, transforming hope as a source of humanization and redemption of social order.
Christianity is concerned with the birth and formation of a new socio-political reality - the Kingdom of God, and its embodiment on earth (through the Holy Spirit) in a new ethnos: the Church, the Body of Christ, the communion of the saints. Therefore, it is the Church's calling and obligation to exemplify the reality of the Kingdom, being a living extension of the living Christ and thus, the incarnation of the eschatological future of the world and its hopeful horizon in the midst of the present.
Recognizing the vital need for a relevant Christian response to the spiritual demands of the Post-modern human being and his/her desacralized, pluralistic socio political context, the work concludes with a conceptual outline offering a strategy for the Church in the Postmodern setting.Philosophy, Practical & Systematic Theology
D.Th. (Theological Ethics)