scholarly journals Sharing in God�s surprise: The place and role of the Department of Science of Religion and Missiology at the University of Pretoria

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter G.J. Meiring

During the centenary year of the University of Pretoria (2008), the Department of Science of Religion and Missiology took stock of its activities during the past 55 years, since the first professor in Missiology, H.D.A. du Toit, was appointed. In his wake a number of missiologists followed � C.W.H. Boshoff, D. Crafford, P.G.J. Meiring, J.J. Kritzinger, P.J. van der Merwe, A.S. van Niekerk and C.J.P. Niemandt � each of whom has contributed to the formation of hundreds of ministers and missionaries, as well as to the development of missiology and science of religion in South Africa through their research and writings. In this article, the place of missiology among the other theological disciplines at the University of Pretoria is discussed, together with an analysis of the nature and the mandate of missiology and science of religion in South Africa in our day. This article discusses five specific challenges to missiology at the beginning of the third millennium, namely to maintain its theological �roots�; to operate in close relationship with the church; to focus on our African context; to concentrate on a relevant agenda; and to develop a responsible methodology. Attention is given to some of the more important publications by members of the Department.

Author(s):  
J. A. Loader

Establishment and first period of the Hervormde theological training at the University of Pretoria In this study the establishment of the Hervormde theological training at the University of Pretoria is researched with the purpose of identifying the ecclesiastical, religious and theological factors that influenced the emergence and development of a typical Hervormde type of theology in South Africa. It is argued that the resistance of the Transvaal Afrikaners to religious encroachment of th e ir independence in the Boer Republic of the nineteenth century caused distrust of the church and theology associated with Stellenbosch in the British Cape Colony, and that opposition to trends from there determined the association of the Transvaal Hervormers with certain Dutch circles. From the joining of these two forces - what the Transvaal Hervormers required and what the contemporary Dutch theologies could offer - sprang the roots of what Hervormde theology came to be.


2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Huber

Violent religious extremism is seen as one of the mega-problems of the 21st century. This article � based on a key lecture at the conference on �Violence in a democratic South Africa� at the University of Pretoria and the David de Villiers memorial lecture at the University of Stellenbosch, both held during August 2010 � critically discussed the interaction between religion and violence in our present-day, globalised world. Three different propositions on the relationship between religion and violence were scrutinised. In countering the proposition that religion, or more specifically monotheism, necessarily leads to violence, it was argued that violence is not an inherent, but rather an acquired or even an ascribed quality of religion. The second proposition that religion leads to non-violence was affirmed to the extent that religions do provide a strong impulse to overcome violence. However, they also tend to accept violence as an inevitable part of reality and even justify the use of violence on religious grounds. The third proposition was regarded as the most convincing, for it argues that the link between religion and violence is contingent. Some situations do seem to make the use of violence inevitable; however, religions should refrain from justifying the use of violence and maintain a preferential option for nonviolence.


1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-205
Author(s):  
J. J. Kritzinger

The remaining missionary task in South Africa This article is based on the results of a research project of the Institute for Missiological Research at the University of Pretoria which was recently concluded. The author and a team of co-workers researched practically the whole of South Africa in an endeavour to describe the contemporary situation of its population and the unfinished task of the church. The understanding of the missionary task which formed the basis of this project, and a sample of the kind of results obtained are illustrated in this article by means of 12 representative or typical scenarios which together indicate the dimensions of the future task for the South African church.


Author(s):  
Theodorus du Plessis

AbstractThe question about the role of Language Planning Agencies (LPAs) in higher education is very relevant within the South African context. A range of policy provisions regarding language in higher education are characterised by the use of language policy and planning (LPP) jargon found in the Framework for Language Planning Goals, pointing to the need for a range of LPAs to be involved in this language domain. Since such involvement has been documented in the case of the institutionalisation of Afrikaans as alternative language of higher education during the period 1910-1961, it provides the basis for a comparison with post-1994 initiatives regarding the elevation of the Sintu languages and the extension of their use in this language domain. Such comparison is undertaken on the basis of a Typology of LPAs that is developed from earlier insights that evolved during the International Research Project on Language Planning Processes at the University of Hawaii in the 1970s, essentially distinguishing between LPAs involved in regulatory, productive and promotional language planning functions. Evidence on the work of LPAs involved during the two periods is collected from secondary sources documenting the cases and analysed in terms of this typology. The results of the study provide insights into the role of LPAs in each case and in their relative effectiveness in aiding the institutionalisation of the designated languages. The article concludes by suggesting the “ideal” LPA mix for the realisation of LPP goals in higher education in South Africa.


2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-42
Author(s):  
M. Dandala

Bishop Mvume Dandala, in his inaugural lecture as honorary professor at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, describes the challenges awaiting the churches in the new South Africa. He does it by defending five theses: (1) It takes strong visionary leadership to lay foundations for reconciliation; (2) Ground base support and initiatives are critical for the success of reconciliation; (3) Social transformation, fairness and justice must be understood as an intrinsic fabric of reconciliation; (4) Reconciliation is not possible where the contending factions do not have a common understanding of the truth; (5) A healthy memory of the past is essential for a reconciled/reconciling future.


2008 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T.F.J. Dreyer

The Church Reformation of the sixteenth century provided an important stimulus to the academic training of ministers at universities. The origin of some of Europe’s oldest universities is closely associated with faculties of theology. In some instances universities grew from the early beginnings of a theological faculty. The past hundred years of history of the University of Pretoria (UP) also reflects something of this close partnership between theological training and a university. The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NHKA) has been part of UP ever since the establishment of a faculty of theology at this university in 1917. Opsomming: Die Kerkhervorming van die sestiende eeu was ‘n belangrike stimulus vir akademies- universitêre opleiding van predikante. Die ontstaan van die oudste universiteite in Europa is ten nouste verweef met teologiese fakulteite. In sommige gevalle het universiteite gegroei vanuit ’n aanvanklike teologiese fakulteit. Die honderd jaar se geskiedenis van die Universiteit van Pretoria (UP) reflekteer ook iets van die verbondenheid van teologiese opleiding met UP. Van die honderd jaar was die Nederduitch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA), vanaf die vestiging van ‘n teologiese fakulteit in 1917, verbonde aan die Universiteitvan Pretoria.


1992 ◽  
Vol 48 (1/2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. P. Oberholzer

The Faculty of Theology (Sec A) at the University of Pretoria: Inquiry into its identity and problem areas This article is a short survey of theological viewpoints on the character and task of the church, as reflected in church literature during the past 75 years. It is shown that political history after World War II had a marked effect on thinking in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk and that recent changes on the political scene pose penetrating questions to theologians. A full inquiry into the contours of self-definition is called for and some relevant issues are indicated; an honest evaluation in respect of the political and social context which is reflected in positions adopted, a pastoral compassion which takes note of human misery, cognisance of the ecumenical character of the church, and ethical and academic responsibility.


Author(s):  
Maake Masango

This article is dedicated to Prof. Dr Andries van Aarde who has mentored a large number of students during his time as a lecturer at the University of Pretoria. It is written at the time when workers in South Africa are striking. Industrial psychologists are involved in mediation and aim to develop a culture of understanding between workers and management. The article analyses some causes of tension between managers and workers in the South African context and indicates how mentorship may help to foster growth amongst workers and managers. A case study explores the issue of cultural differences which often lead to misunderstandings, especially when managers do not understand the world in which workers live. The aim of the article is to contribute to existing insights that may help to create a healthy working relationship between managers and workers which will benefit both.


Author(s):  
Jaco Beyers

During 2017, the year of its centenary celebration, the Faculty of Theology at the University of Pretoria finalised the process to change its name to the Faculty of Theology and Religion. This indicates an inclusivity and accommodative policy for all to study at the faculty. However, what does it mean to become a faculty of theology and religion at a public university in 21st century South Africa? The consequences and implications have not been thought through completely. This article does not pretend to identify all consequences of a name change but wants to contribute to the conversation by suggesting that the concept of scriptural reasoning might be one practice to be implemented as a consequence. Scriptural reasoning at a faculty of Theology and Religion, which is part of a public university in the South African context, attests to the way in which the faculty perceives its own identity. The relation between theology, religion and a public university is discussed, indicating the possibilities of implementing scriptural reasoning.


2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Van Eck

On the occasion of the 500 year commemoration of the Reformation and the centenary celebration of the Faculty of Theology HTS Centenary Volume Two is dedicated to the Netherdutch Reformed Church in Africa (NRCA), the oldest partner of the theological faculty at the University of Pretoria – with grateful recognition to what the NRCA contributed to the practice of critical theology in South Africa over the past 100 years and its support of HTS Theological Studies as title owner for 73 years. HTS Centenary Volume Two takes the form of a compendium of the most important documents that preceded and followed the ‘crossing of the Rubicon’ in the NRCA, as well as the publication of three special collections, namely ‘100 jaar Hervormde Teologie’ (edited by Wim Dreyer), ‘Hervormde teoloë in gesprek’ (edited by Christo van der Merwe), and ‘Kerkhervorming 1517–2017’ (edited by Natie van Wyk).By geleentheid van die 500 jaar herdenking van die Reformasie en die eeufees van die Fakulteit Teologie van die Universiteit van Pretoria, word HTS se Eeufeesbundel Volume Twee opgedra aan die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA), die oudste kerklike vennoot van die teologiese fakulteit aan die Universiteit van Pretoria – uit dankbare erkenning vir wat die NHKA tot die beoefening van kritiese teologie in die afgelope 100 jaar in Suid Afrika bygedra het en vir die ondersteuning van HTS Teologiese Studies as titeleienaar vir 73 jaar. HTS se Eeufeesbundel Volume Twee neem die vorm aan van ’n kompendium van die belangrikste dokumente wat die ‘oorsteek van die Rubicon’ in die NHKA voorafgegaan en opgevolg het, sowel as die publikasie van drie spesiale kolleksies, te wete ‘100 jaar Hervormde Teologie’ (onder redakteurskap van Wim Dreyer), ‘Hervormde teoloë in gesprek’ (onder redakteurskap van Christo van der Merwe), en ‘Kerkhervorming 1517–2017’ (onder redakteurskap van Natie van Wyk).


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