Papers by matsobane manala
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2001
This artide reflects on the ecclesial position of the dillkonill within the Hervonnde Kerk in Sui... more This artide reflects on the ecclesial position of the dillkonill within the Hervonnde Kerk in Suidelike A.fri/c& The body-of-Chrlst model is postulated lIS the bllSls for II practical theological theory. Koinonill is depicted lIS II linchpin for Christian caring and sluuing towtll'fb which, if IIUIde tnt1fII'e of its role in poverty alleviation, it would ",alee II 1IU!II1Iingfui contribution. Ways and mell1l8 of raising IlWllreness De discussed, lifter which relevant resources for practJcal service provision are identified and discussed. The establishl1le1lt of small groupS and the engllgement 0/ women and youth groups are cited lIS elUlbling actions in respect 0/ the. ",eaningful pnwision of benevolent and development services. It is then suggested tlud the church StIU1, register and run development projects in co-operatlon with the welfare dqartment, business, deveIop",ent agencies and ecu",eniclll friends.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2001
In this article, the A.fro-Chris#fm imperative of caring and sharing is highlighted as a fundamen... more In this article, the A.fro-Chris#fm imperative of caring and sharing is highlighted as a fundamental response of the church, as the body of Christ, in the face of abject poverty. The extent of poverty in South A.frica is sketched, both as an economically and lIS a socio-spiritually destructWe phenomenon. Based on Biblical perspectives, theological principles underlying benevolent services within Reformed churches are outlined and evaluated.
That ministry is to be given back to the laity is a laudable proposition. However, the level of d... more That ministry is to be given back to the laity is a laudable proposition. However, the level of development in many township and village communities is still such that a strong leadership and management facilitation role is demanded of the pastor. In such contexts, the pastor is also the only one who is always available for church tasks. The point of departure of this article was that the pastor is primarily a facilitator who assumes the tasks of a leader, a manager and a servant. The Trinitarian office of Christ is taken as model. Christian leadership, as discussed from a systems perspective, is seen as enabling rather than hegemonic. The pastor fulfils the seven leadership functions in order to equip the saints for their Christian service. Church management is redefined as a process which takes place in meaningful collaboration with others, over against the objectification found in conventional definitions which focus on 'getting things done through people'. This article discussed servant leadership and service provision as the central purpose of Christian leadership.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2018
31 October 2017 marked the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Reformation in Germany, West Eur... more 31 October 2017 marked the 500th anniversary of the birth of the Reformation in Germany, West Europe. One of the most important legacies of the Reformation is the teaching concerning God’s gracious salvation, received and appropriated only through faith in Christ Jesus our Saviour. The current article seeks to focus on reflection on gratitude as a Christian lifestyle in response to God’s redemption. The article reflects on gratitude as recognition account, highlighting the importance of gratitude as a Christian virtue, as a socioreligious phenomenon, and its importance in human happiness and well-being. This, as it shaped the life of Christians, is found especially in the African continent, in whose traditional life, gratitude was ubiquitous, known and practised even before conversion to the Protestant religion. The article also briefly highlights the fact that a relaxed attitude regarding the teaching on gratitude could result in Sunday or nominal Christianity and the demise of pro...
Verbum et Ecclesia, 2019
Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: We raise these African cultural issues o... more Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: We raise these African cultural issues of concern to enable situation analysis efforts and stimulate the search for improvements. This article highlights the African cultural beliefs and practices relating to the preference of the boy child over the girl child. The value of this discussion is to inform people about the negative views and conduct of African cultural origin, to highlight, disapprovingly, gender inequality among some African peoples. While this is a contribution to the discussion in gender discourse, it is also a practical theological attempt to encourage equality as demanded by the Christian teaching and the South African constitution that embraces human rights. While highlighting the cultural situations, it also points out to the need for transformation; hence, the pastoral counselling recommendations towards new theoretical framework that aims at improving the situation. This contribution is, thus, a necessary multi-discipline enterprise to provide knowledge and encourage women's self-determination.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2016
This article sets forth the argument that Christian ministry in Africa must become socially and c... more This article sets forth the argument that Christian ministry in Africa must become socially and culturally informed and constructed or else it will not touch the African soul and thus remain superficial. Black African people aspire above everything else to experience fullness of life and wellbeing here and now, as demonstrated by their greetings that are actually an enquiry into each other’s health and an expression of the wish for the other’s good health and wellbeing. The mainline churches that operate in Africa should embrace the scripturally sound Christian healing ministry in obedience to Christ’s commission to preach the gospel and heal the sick, if they are to prosper. Hence, this article discusses the following eight points, namely, (1) good health and healing as Africans’ important aspiration, (2) healing as the work of God and thus of the church, (3) the imperative of serious consideration of and respect for the African worldview, (4) membership decline and mainline church...
The belief in ancestors is an irrefutable reality both among traditional and Christian Africans. ... more The belief in ancestors is an irrefutable reality both among traditional and Christian Africans. This article wishes to highlight the ambiguity inherent in the African's perceived contribution of ancestors towards causation of diseases, pain and misfortunes on the one hand and cure and healing on the other. This should be clear evidence that good health in Africa is viewed as indissolubly linked to healthy relationships with natural and supernatural forces and in this regard, especially with the ancestors. This ambiguity has undoubtedly serious implications for the life of African ancestors' descendants who find themselves under certain obligations even at the risk of undermining the demands of the Christian faith which they embrace.
Extracted from text ... Hay, Mark O M I - 1998. Ukubuyisana: Reconciliation in South Africa Piete... more Extracted from text ... Hay, Mark O M I - 1998. Ukubuyisana: Reconciliation in South Africa Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications. Soft Cover. 178 Pages. Price: unknown. Reviewer: Rev M J Manala (University of South Africa) Reconciliation is without doubt one of the most talked about topics in South Africa, particularly imme-diately prior to and after the birth of the democratic dispensation. In this book, Mark Hay makes a welcome contribution to the ongoing search for the value and meaning of reconciliation, especially as a social process for South Africa. Mark Hay expresses the conviction that reconciliation will ..
This article acknowledges the challenges posed by Africa's great aspiration for abundant life... more This article acknowledges the challenges posed by Africa's great aspiration for abundant life here and now and through to the future when a person will meet with his or her ancestors. According to this insight, abundant life can only be obtained in the context of good health, material welfare and harmonious relationships. The church ministering in such a context should therefore address equally the eschatological and the temporal dimensions of salvation. This article argues that the church in Africa has to consider seriously the healing ministry both as essential and strategic for pastoral and mission work. This article views this approach as being in accordance with Christ's ministry and commission. The Reformed Church in Africa can and should, in light of the stated facts and biblical evidence provided, accept the healing ministry as an integral part of Jesus' commission to his followers, past and present.
Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, Aug 1, 2014
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2015
Traditional Africans teach ubuntu principles of communality, mutual respect, caring and so forth,... more Traditional Africans teach ubuntu principles of communality, mutual respect, caring and so forth, but they do not walk the talk with regard to the treatment of widows. In the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth, Christian communities preach unconditional love, especially for the poor, marginalised and vulnerable. Implementation is, however, grossly lacking in respect of the treatment of widows. There is thus an apparent deliberate uncaring, disrespectful, discriminatory, impolite and unjust treatment of widows in African communities in spite of the ubuntu values and Christian teaching that emphasise love and caring, especially towards the grieving and thus vulnerable widows. Widows seem to be neglected and even oppressed in our time. The aim of this research is to critically examine African traditional widowhood rites and practices with special reference to the comfort or pain to which they subject African widows. The research further aims to examine the behaviour of some African Christi...
Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews Mashau, T D 2005 - Love, courtship and mar... more Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews Mashau, T D 2005 - Love, courtship and marriage: Biblical solutions to problems confronting African youths in the 21st century Publishers: Potchefstroom Theological Publications. 85 pp. Price: Unknown Reviewer: Rev Matsobane J Manala (University of South Africa) In chapter one the author outlines the aim, objectives of the book as well as the importance of the subject "love, courtship and marriage". The aim of the book is rather an important one, namely to provide biblical solutions to marital, sexual and related problems facing African youths in the 21st century. The author states his objective as providing ..
Scriptura, 2013
South Africans have recently witnessed a string of protests against poor service delivery on the ... more South Africans have recently witnessed a string of protests against poor service delivery on the part of government departments, especially municipalities, in spite of the promised 'better life for all.' This article asks critical questions: how long are black South Africans still to wait for the promised 'better life for all'? Is the promised 'better life for all' just one of empty slogans used to keep the black majority hoping against hope? The article examines the recent protests against poor service delivery. It also decries the abject poverty, unemployment, homelessness, impoverishment and hopelessness that black South Africans continue to experience contrary to their raised expectations for 'a better life for all.' The article appeals for the intervention of Black Theology which seems to have been silenced since the coming to power of the democratic government in 1994. The government must be challenged to deliver services and stamp out corruption.
The aim of this article is to describe the impact of Christianity on sub-Saharan Africa. I shall ... more The aim of this article is to describe the impact of Christianity on sub-Saharan Africa. I shall start by first examining the key words in the title of this article, and by briefly discussing the phenomenal growth of Christianity in sub-Saharan Africa. The article further describes the impact of Christianity on sub-Saharan Africa in terms of education, socio-politics, and health; here I shall base my remarks on the history of Christian missions in the region since the late nineteen century. As far as education is concerned, this article recognises that education that focuses on holistic human development is a positive force, and a force that was introduced by Christianity. I shall also point out that Christianity initiated medical advances that improved the health of those who live in the region. Regeneration as espoused by Christianity constitutes something of great value. On the downside, Christianity led to the demise of the African customs, which it viewed as pagan and evil; the religion also led to the implementation of apartheid (to which it gave its theological support), and undermined the leadership role of women. Finally, Christianity has bedevilled race relations in Africa generally. 1 This is a reworked paper that was presented at the 2013 Africa Conference under the theme, Social Movements, Religion, and Political Expression in Africa, held at the University of Texas at Austin, USA. I wish to profusely thank the College Research Committee for funding me to attend this conference. It was extremely enlightening and challenging.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2010
That ministry is to be given back to the laity is a laudable proposition. However, the level of d... more That ministry is to be given back to the laity is a laudable proposition. However, the level of development in many township and village communities is still such that a strong leadership and management facilitation role is demanded of the pastor. In such contexts, the pastor is also the only one who is always available for church tasks. The point of departure of this article was that the pastor is primarily a facilitator who assumes the tasks of a leader, a manager and a servant. The Trinitarian office of Christ is taken as model. Christian leadership, as discussed from a systems perspective, is seen as enabling rather than hegemonic. The pastor fulfils the seven leadership functions in order to equip the saints for their Christian service. Church management is redefined as a process which takes place in meaningful collaboration with others, over against the objectification found in conventional definitions which focus on ‘getting things done through people’. This article discussed...
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2000
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2002
In this article education is presented as one of the important tools for the reconstruction of th... more In this article education is presented as one of the important tools for the reconstruction of the South African society after the demise of apartheid. The kind of education that, in my opinion, will effectively achieve the reconstruction objective, is what I prefer to term “education for reconstruction”. The construct: Education for reconstruction is further developed. It is postulated that Ubuntu Education is the kind of education that will make the grade in the drive to achieve the goal of reconstruction. I focus on the best I believe the envisaged Ubuntu education can bring about. I recommend Ubuntu education which is presented as the promoter of interdependence, loving relationships, caring, mutual respect and commitment. The relation between Ubuntu and the Biblical social values is highligted and the importance thereof for education, indicated. I conclude by urging those who are responsible for the education of the country’s youth not to divorce education from responsibili...
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2004
Witchcraft is presented as a threat to the life and well-being of the people of Africa, their emb... more Witchcraft is presented as a threat to the life and well-being of the people of Africa, their embracement of Christianity notwithstanding. This article seeks to highlight the negative impact of witchcraft beliefs and experiences among many African people, including Christians and the educated, that is, “educated” in the western sense. The article identifies a lacuna in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika’s ministry to the sick and to those who find themselves engulfed by misfortune in one form or another and believed to have been caused by witchcraft. The article points to the need for a ministry that will be relevant and meaningful in addressing the illnesses and misfortunes of black African Christians.
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Papers by matsobane manala