Seen from the Christian point of view, it seems as if education and training in South Africa find... more Seen from the Christian point of view, it seems as if education and training in South Africa finds itself in a crisis situation. An example of a similar crisis that was successfully averted is taken from the history of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Christian education and training helped to form the people living in the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek into a Christian nation and to build a country with Christian customs and laws. This example taken from history, serves to empowers and inspires Christians today to take up the responsibility and personally provide Christian education and training for the youth. There is no need to depend on the State schools to provide the crucial, non-negotiable basic foundation to education. Christians have to take responsibility for and ownership of their faith and the proper education of their children.
The first 400 years of Christianity posed an intricate scenario of social dynamics. The interplay... more The first 400 years of Christianity posed an intricate scenario of social dynamics. The interplay of these social dynamics or catalysts analogous to time perceivably conceived the political-religious establishment that then forged orthodoxy. The resultant continuum that was consequent of the imperial religious-political merger upon the following eras further established a formative impact of these catalysts. As a revisionist analysis of the era leading up to the Constantinian turn, and a parallel comparison between preceding and following eras, this research proposes an alternate construction to the narrative of Early Christianity orthodoxy. The preceding position derives from the attempt at the development of a modular theory through which Christianity can be analysed. Through document analysis, a literature review was accomplished. The development of early Christianity from inception to 400 CE when deduced against enculturating influences implies a sociological study. From the thr...
Ethiopianism conceptually shaped modern Africa. Perceivably, this has been deduced from distingui... more Ethiopianism conceptually shaped modern Africa. Perceivably, this has been deduced from distinguished events in Ethiopian history. This investigation explored Ethiopianism as a derivate of the multifaceted narrative of Ethiopian religious political dynamics. Ethiopianism has arguably been detached from the entirety of the Ethiopian Christian political establishment, being deduced separately from definitive events such as the Battle of Adwa 1896. This research reconnected Ethiopianism to a wholistic religious–political matrix of Ethiopia. Therefore, it offers an alternative interpretation of Ethiopianism, as a derivate of Africanism and Apocalypticism, also correspondingly as a factor of Islamic Jihad and Jesuit Catholicism. The research was accomplished mainly through document analysis and compositely with cultural historiography. This study was a revisionist approach to Ethiopianism as a concept, deriving it from the chronological narrative of Ethiopian Christianity’s religious and...
compelled to hold a giant rummage sale … we are living in and through one of those five-hundred-y... more compelled to hold a giant rummage sale … we are living in and through one of those five-hundred-year sales' (Tickle 2008:16). This implies that: about every five hundred years the empowered structures of institutionalized Christianity, whatever they may be at that time, become an intolerable carapace that must be shattered in order that renewal and new growth may occur. (p. 16) The effects are mostly threefold: firstly, the old form of Christianity gives birth to a new, more vital form; secondly, a reconstitution of the old ossified religion appears; and thirdly, the 'new' faith spreads 'dramatically into new geographic and demographic areas' (Tickle 2008:17). An Emergence is normally preceded by a period of about 150 years, called a peri-Decline, peri-Schism, peri-Reformation (Tickle 2012:28-29) or peri-Emergence (Tickle 2012:35). A (specific) date assigned to the beginning of an Emergence is, in fact, therefore the time when there is no longer any way to deny that the world is in reformation (Tickle 2012:29). Tickle calls the upheaval that is imminent the 'Great Emergence' 3 (cf. Tickle 2008). With reference to the West and Western culture, there were already four enormous upheavals, which did not only affect the church, but the entire society, 'a time in which essentially every part of it [the Western culture] is reconfigured' (Tickle 2012:17). The Christian religion therefore only forms part of an Emergence, and specifically this time: Christendom-that craggy old institution that had held firm since Constantine and the Milvian Bridge-would begin to show the first telltale signs of its approaching decrepitude and, before [the twentieth] century's end, of its demise. (p.
From its inception to the 4th century CE, Christianity experienced a formative process composite ... more From its inception to the 4th century CE, Christianity experienced a formative process composite of three catalytic phases characterised by distinctive events (i.e. Jewish-Christian Schism, Hellenism and imperial intervention). From the aforementioned era emerged an orthodoxy fostered by an imperial-ecclesiastical link. There appears to have been a parallel story with regard to certain elements of African Christianity, in particular, Ethiopian Christianity. What can be made of the gap regarding Jewish Christianity combined with the absence of African Christianity from Bauer’s modular theory on heresy and orthodoxy in the development of early Christianity? Despite the dominant story of the development of an imperial religious establishment at the turn of the 4th century, could there be an alternative narrative to Christianity in the African region derivate from Ethiopia? Reviewing the emergence of a religious political Christianity in this era as modular against Ethiopian Christianit...
Higher education in general, and more specifically in the South African environment, is under pre... more Higher education in general, and more specifically in the South African environment, is under pressure to transform. Although learning is often seen as the main focal point, the education process consists of three equally important pillars that form the triangle of effective education that fits within the intersection of the spheres of the community of inquiry framework. The basic pillars expand to student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment. This study is a short explanation of how these three pillars form a basic framework for effective theological training. This is a qualitative study, using a philosophical and analytical research design and illuminative evaluation as research method. This is a model for effective higher education in Theology. The triangle of effective education is formed by student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment. The model fits into the intersection of the spheres identified by the community of inqui...
Two notions are discussed in this article, namely, the (unity of the) Trinity and God’s omniprese... more Two notions are discussed in this article, namely, the (unity of the) Trinity and God’s omnipresence. These two notions are deeply embedded in the Christian faith system and religion – they actually form both the basis and point of departure for the Christian religion. The aim of this article is to revisit the (Early Church and present) dogma of the Church about the Trinity and omnipresence of God as a result of the heresies and apologies linked to this dogma, and to rethink the notion of the concept ‘Trinity’ linked to God’s omnipresence. The historical method is used in the discussion of the (primary) sources and to reach the outcome.
Digital game-based learning (DGBL) – sometimes loosely referred to as gaming – for higher educati... more Digital game-based learning (DGBL) – sometimes loosely referred to as gaming – for higher education has not really found its feet in South Africa as an innovative or alternative tool to enhance the impact of education. Internationally, it is implemented at some institutions of higher education and also in the corporate training world. Technology-enhanced learning ([digital] TEL) is also not yet fully implemented in the higher education environment in South Africa, as many institutions are still bound to the Gutenberg era and are therefore still mainly paper-based. The research is linked to constructivism and is conducted from a South African perspective. The aim is to provide a broader context for DGBL within the environment of TEL and to present it as an additional and innovative aid to provide effective education (that includes student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment) opportunities for students in theology.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary...
South African Christians are not only surrounded by violence, but actively participate in acts of... more South African Christians are not only surrounded by violence, but actively participate in acts of violence, therefore contributing to the unacceptably high levels of anxiety and counterviolence across the country. Christian churches � both the institutions and their individual members � are accomplices to the current chaotic state of affairs in South Africa. Simply accepting and adapting to the standards and values of the society in which the church operates erases the signs and characteristics of the alternative community that Christians are supposed to be. Being no different from the rest of society deprives the churches of their power and influence on society.The churches are caught up in a number of crises, causing them to be sidetracked from serious issues that need urgent attention. This calls for amelioration, which focuses not so much on creeds, but on deeds. Faith is supposed to change people and their behaviour. Challenging the way people behave, calling upon them to live ...
The role that the traditional Afrikaner churches played together with their way of practicing the... more The role that the traditional Afrikaner churches played together with their way of practicing theology during the years of struggle, contributed to the fact that a large part of the Afrikaner community, which are mostly Christians, currently find themselves in an identity crisis. The triangular Afrikaner identity framework collapsed when it was declared false, hypocritical and sectarian, not only by the international community but also by those who helped to build this identity from inside. Unable to recover from this onslaught on their identity during the crucial years of transformation, the majority of the Afrikaner community is still struggling to give new meaning and content to their identity framework. Cognitive dissonance can help to identify the issues that need to be redressed. Refocusing on the valuable and sustainable content that should constitute the anchors of the Afrikaner identity frame, this group can implement its Christian calling to bring positive change to South Africa.
Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the quee... more Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the queen of science’ although the knowledge-driven network society does not seem to be in agreement. By using the tools provided by the fourth revolution in the development of society, theology can, as part of the academic world of higher education that is supposed to lead society, strengthen ties with the past, seek explanations and solutions to current problems and produce guidelines for future investigation through multi- and interdisciplinary discourse. Theology can and should influence people to become positive change agents, re-shape the way in which the message of salvation is brought to the world in order to stay relevant in changing circumstances and be on the forefront of progressive transformation in society. This should be achieved through constant dialogue with other academic disciplines, the Church as institution and with society in general.
From the 15th century onwards, most of the countries in Africa have been colonised by theEuropean... more From the 15th century onwards, most of the countries in Africa have been colonised by theEuropean world powers, Great Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy and Belgium.South Africa was officially colonised in 1652. Apart from the European colonisation beingexecuted from the south of the continent, South Africa also experienced a migration andinvasion of people groups from the north. The indigenous people groups, inhabiting thecountry long before these two groups arrived there, will be discussed as background to the restof the article. A few factors that made the colonisation of South Africa unique within theAfrican context will be discussed.
Gamification in education is still a very new concept in South Africa. Being a 21st-centuryinvent... more Gamification in education is still a very new concept in South Africa. Being a 21st-centuryinvention, it has already established itself in the world within the environs of the corporatemarket, marketing, training and the social world. This article will first discuss gamification(and all its other designations) and its applications in general; thereafter, the focus will be onthe application of gamification within the environment of education, and more specificallywith an emphasis on assessment. The burning question for South Africa is whethergamification can enhance a module or course on the level of higher education so much that aneducational institution cannot do without it anymore, knowing that we are working withstudents belonging to the ‘Digital Wisdom generation’. This article would like to open theway for the implementation of gamification as a transformative online assessment tool inhigher education.
Christianity changed the world for the better through the development of education, charity organ... more Christianity changed the world for the better through the development of education, charity organisations, art, music, law and medical care among others. However, not all changes initiated by Christianity were positive. The Christian religion was also responsible for division, death, destruction and war. Focusing on the positive changes, nearly 500 years after the reformation though, it seems as if Christianity has lost its renewing and transformative powers. It seems as if society, politics and the economy are pressurising Christianity to conform to the world and not the other way round. Therefore, the research focuses on the question whether Christians can bring about positive change and transformation to the current problems in society. What can Christians do to provide a religious response to current persistent societal problems? Change agents – people who drive positive change – are capable and competent, make use of networks, are visible and contactable and are often also outs...
The struggle for ‘non-white’ South Africans to eventually become liberated in this country was a ... more The struggle for ‘non-white’ South Africans to eventually become liberated in this country was a very tough and bloody one. In the struggle the South African Native National Congress – later renamed to African National Congress – as a liberation movement played a decisive role from the beginning of the 20th century, as the mainstream churches failed in the previous three centuries to really contribute to the liberation process. However, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto serves as a good example of a church that did not look the other way during the struggle. This church assisted the liberation movement in promoting freedom for everyone,serving as the platform for many a politician and even, at least once, as a shelter against the raining bullets of the police.
Seen from the Christian point of view, it seems as if education and training in South Africa find... more Seen from the Christian point of view, it seems as if education and training in South Africa finds itself in a crisis situation. An example of a similar crisis that was successfully averted is taken from the history of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek. Christian education and training helped to form the people living in the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek into a Christian nation and to build a country with Christian customs and laws. This example taken from history, serves to empowers and inspires Christians today to take up the responsibility and personally provide Christian education and training for the youth. There is no need to depend on the State schools to provide the crucial, non-negotiable basic foundation to education. Christians have to take responsibility for and ownership of their faith and the proper education of their children.
The first 400 years of Christianity posed an intricate scenario of social dynamics. The interplay... more The first 400 years of Christianity posed an intricate scenario of social dynamics. The interplay of these social dynamics or catalysts analogous to time perceivably conceived the political-religious establishment that then forged orthodoxy. The resultant continuum that was consequent of the imperial religious-political merger upon the following eras further established a formative impact of these catalysts. As a revisionist analysis of the era leading up to the Constantinian turn, and a parallel comparison between preceding and following eras, this research proposes an alternate construction to the narrative of Early Christianity orthodoxy. The preceding position derives from the attempt at the development of a modular theory through which Christianity can be analysed. Through document analysis, a literature review was accomplished. The development of early Christianity from inception to 400 CE when deduced against enculturating influences implies a sociological study. From the thr...
Ethiopianism conceptually shaped modern Africa. Perceivably, this has been deduced from distingui... more Ethiopianism conceptually shaped modern Africa. Perceivably, this has been deduced from distinguished events in Ethiopian history. This investigation explored Ethiopianism as a derivate of the multifaceted narrative of Ethiopian religious political dynamics. Ethiopianism has arguably been detached from the entirety of the Ethiopian Christian political establishment, being deduced separately from definitive events such as the Battle of Adwa 1896. This research reconnected Ethiopianism to a wholistic religious–political matrix of Ethiopia. Therefore, it offers an alternative interpretation of Ethiopianism, as a derivate of Africanism and Apocalypticism, also correspondingly as a factor of Islamic Jihad and Jesuit Catholicism. The research was accomplished mainly through document analysis and compositely with cultural historiography. This study was a revisionist approach to Ethiopianism as a concept, deriving it from the chronological narrative of Ethiopian Christianity’s religious and...
compelled to hold a giant rummage sale … we are living in and through one of those five-hundred-y... more compelled to hold a giant rummage sale … we are living in and through one of those five-hundred-year sales' (Tickle 2008:16). This implies that: about every five hundred years the empowered structures of institutionalized Christianity, whatever they may be at that time, become an intolerable carapace that must be shattered in order that renewal and new growth may occur. (p. 16) The effects are mostly threefold: firstly, the old form of Christianity gives birth to a new, more vital form; secondly, a reconstitution of the old ossified religion appears; and thirdly, the 'new' faith spreads 'dramatically into new geographic and demographic areas' (Tickle 2008:17). An Emergence is normally preceded by a period of about 150 years, called a peri-Decline, peri-Schism, peri-Reformation (Tickle 2012:28-29) or peri-Emergence (Tickle 2012:35). A (specific) date assigned to the beginning of an Emergence is, in fact, therefore the time when there is no longer any way to deny that the world is in reformation (Tickle 2012:29). Tickle calls the upheaval that is imminent the 'Great Emergence' 3 (cf. Tickle 2008). With reference to the West and Western culture, there were already four enormous upheavals, which did not only affect the church, but the entire society, 'a time in which essentially every part of it [the Western culture] is reconfigured' (Tickle 2012:17). The Christian religion therefore only forms part of an Emergence, and specifically this time: Christendom-that craggy old institution that had held firm since Constantine and the Milvian Bridge-would begin to show the first telltale signs of its approaching decrepitude and, before [the twentieth] century's end, of its demise. (p.
From its inception to the 4th century CE, Christianity experienced a formative process composite ... more From its inception to the 4th century CE, Christianity experienced a formative process composite of three catalytic phases characterised by distinctive events (i.e. Jewish-Christian Schism, Hellenism and imperial intervention). From the aforementioned era emerged an orthodoxy fostered by an imperial-ecclesiastical link. There appears to have been a parallel story with regard to certain elements of African Christianity, in particular, Ethiopian Christianity. What can be made of the gap regarding Jewish Christianity combined with the absence of African Christianity from Bauer’s modular theory on heresy and orthodoxy in the development of early Christianity? Despite the dominant story of the development of an imperial religious establishment at the turn of the 4th century, could there be an alternative narrative to Christianity in the African region derivate from Ethiopia? Reviewing the emergence of a religious political Christianity in this era as modular against Ethiopian Christianit...
Higher education in general, and more specifically in the South African environment, is under pre... more Higher education in general, and more specifically in the South African environment, is under pressure to transform. Although learning is often seen as the main focal point, the education process consists of three equally important pillars that form the triangle of effective education that fits within the intersection of the spheres of the community of inquiry framework. The basic pillars expand to student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment. This study is a short explanation of how these three pillars form a basic framework for effective theological training. This is a qualitative study, using a philosophical and analytical research design and illuminative evaluation as research method. This is a model for effective higher education in Theology. The triangle of effective education is formed by student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment. The model fits into the intersection of the spheres identified by the community of inqui...
Two notions are discussed in this article, namely, the (unity of the) Trinity and God’s omniprese... more Two notions are discussed in this article, namely, the (unity of the) Trinity and God’s omnipresence. These two notions are deeply embedded in the Christian faith system and religion – they actually form both the basis and point of departure for the Christian religion. The aim of this article is to revisit the (Early Church and present) dogma of the Church about the Trinity and omnipresence of God as a result of the heresies and apologies linked to this dogma, and to rethink the notion of the concept ‘Trinity’ linked to God’s omnipresence. The historical method is used in the discussion of the (primary) sources and to reach the outcome.
Digital game-based learning (DGBL) – sometimes loosely referred to as gaming – for higher educati... more Digital game-based learning (DGBL) – sometimes loosely referred to as gaming – for higher education has not really found its feet in South Africa as an innovative or alternative tool to enhance the impact of education. Internationally, it is implemented at some institutions of higher education and also in the corporate training world. Technology-enhanced learning ([digital] TEL) is also not yet fully implemented in the higher education environment in South Africa, as many institutions are still bound to the Gutenberg era and are therefore still mainly paper-based. The research is linked to constructivism and is conducted from a South African perspective. The aim is to provide a broader context for DGBL within the environment of TEL and to present it as an additional and innovative aid to provide effective education (that includes student-centred teaching, blended learning and transformative assessment) opportunities for students in theology.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary...
South African Christians are not only surrounded by violence, but actively participate in acts of... more South African Christians are not only surrounded by violence, but actively participate in acts of violence, therefore contributing to the unacceptably high levels of anxiety and counterviolence across the country. Christian churches � both the institutions and their individual members � are accomplices to the current chaotic state of affairs in South Africa. Simply accepting and adapting to the standards and values of the society in which the church operates erases the signs and characteristics of the alternative community that Christians are supposed to be. Being no different from the rest of society deprives the churches of their power and influence on society.The churches are caught up in a number of crises, causing them to be sidetracked from serious issues that need urgent attention. This calls for amelioration, which focuses not so much on creeds, but on deeds. Faith is supposed to change people and their behaviour. Challenging the way people behave, calling upon them to live ...
The role that the traditional Afrikaner churches played together with their way of practicing the... more The role that the traditional Afrikaner churches played together with their way of practicing theology during the years of struggle, contributed to the fact that a large part of the Afrikaner community, which are mostly Christians, currently find themselves in an identity crisis. The triangular Afrikaner identity framework collapsed when it was declared false, hypocritical and sectarian, not only by the international community but also by those who helped to build this identity from inside. Unable to recover from this onslaught on their identity during the crucial years of transformation, the majority of the Afrikaner community is still struggling to give new meaning and content to their identity framework. Cognitive dissonance can help to identify the issues that need to be redressed. Refocusing on the valuable and sustainable content that should constitute the anchors of the Afrikaner identity frame, this group can implement its Christian calling to bring positive change to South Africa.
Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the quee... more Theology is just as relevant today as it was in the time of Aquinas who called theology ‘the queen of science’ although the knowledge-driven network society does not seem to be in agreement. By using the tools provided by the fourth revolution in the development of society, theology can, as part of the academic world of higher education that is supposed to lead society, strengthen ties with the past, seek explanations and solutions to current problems and produce guidelines for future investigation through multi- and interdisciplinary discourse. Theology can and should influence people to become positive change agents, re-shape the way in which the message of salvation is brought to the world in order to stay relevant in changing circumstances and be on the forefront of progressive transformation in society. This should be achieved through constant dialogue with other academic disciplines, the Church as institution and with society in general.
From the 15th century onwards, most of the countries in Africa have been colonised by theEuropean... more From the 15th century onwards, most of the countries in Africa have been colonised by theEuropean world powers, Great Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy and Belgium.South Africa was officially colonised in 1652. Apart from the European colonisation beingexecuted from the south of the continent, South Africa also experienced a migration andinvasion of people groups from the north. The indigenous people groups, inhabiting thecountry long before these two groups arrived there, will be discussed as background to the restof the article. A few factors that made the colonisation of South Africa unique within theAfrican context will be discussed.
Gamification in education is still a very new concept in South Africa. Being a 21st-centuryinvent... more Gamification in education is still a very new concept in South Africa. Being a 21st-centuryinvention, it has already established itself in the world within the environs of the corporatemarket, marketing, training and the social world. This article will first discuss gamification(and all its other designations) and its applications in general; thereafter, the focus will be onthe application of gamification within the environment of education, and more specificallywith an emphasis on assessment. The burning question for South Africa is whethergamification can enhance a module or course on the level of higher education so much that aneducational institution cannot do without it anymore, knowing that we are working withstudents belonging to the ‘Digital Wisdom generation’. This article would like to open theway for the implementation of gamification as a transformative online assessment tool inhigher education.
Christianity changed the world for the better through the development of education, charity organ... more Christianity changed the world for the better through the development of education, charity organisations, art, music, law and medical care among others. However, not all changes initiated by Christianity were positive. The Christian religion was also responsible for division, death, destruction and war. Focusing on the positive changes, nearly 500 years after the reformation though, it seems as if Christianity has lost its renewing and transformative powers. It seems as if society, politics and the economy are pressurising Christianity to conform to the world and not the other way round. Therefore, the research focuses on the question whether Christians can bring about positive change and transformation to the current problems in society. What can Christians do to provide a religious response to current persistent societal problems? Change agents – people who drive positive change – are capable and competent, make use of networks, are visible and contactable and are often also outs...
The struggle for ‘non-white’ South Africans to eventually become liberated in this country was a ... more The struggle for ‘non-white’ South Africans to eventually become liberated in this country was a very tough and bloody one. In the struggle the South African Native National Congress – later renamed to African National Congress – as a liberation movement played a decisive role from the beginning of the 20th century, as the mainstream churches failed in the previous three centuries to really contribute to the liberation process. However, the Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Soweto serves as a good example of a church that did not look the other way during the struggle. This church assisted the liberation movement in promoting freedom for everyone,serving as the platform for many a politician and even, at least once, as a shelter against the raining bullets of the police.
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