Corruption in South Africa's liberal democratic context

This book is meant for academics in the fields of theology and ecclesial management, for business leaders and governmental authorities in the private and public domain. This collected work by mainly practical theologians reflects on the phenomenon of corruption in the liberal democracy of post-apartheid South Africa. Liberal democracy has considerable salience in the contemporary world. Not only is it the form that many of the world’s most powerful and influential nations approve of, but it is a political system that is being tried – and used – by many formerly developing countries. South Africa is described as predominantly Christian. In such a context corruption is not to be expected. However, it is strongly prevalent. It undermines the values of both democracy and Christianity. Not only does corruption promote a general lack of trust in institutions and leadership, but it stimulates a perpetual culture of corruption that invades all spheres of life. The research is based on a qualitative empirical study. Its aim is to stimulate discourse in theology and related disciplines. Data were collected by means of interviews with political, business, church, and labour union managers and leaders in South Africa’s Gauteng area, who have experienced corruption. This area is the hub of economic, executive political and public office activities in South Africa. Respondents were specifically asked how their experience of corruption was informed by their norms, which in turn were influenced by their religious convictions and cultural conventions. The book suggests strategies for redressing the current ‘culture of corruption’. Although the chapters represent different perspectives, the shared objective is to emphasise that corruption is unethical, to describe and explain why it is taking place and how the situation should appear. The explanation focuses on the negative consequence of corruption: it does not respect human dignity – the ‘otherness’ of others; it exacerbates poverty; it weakens religious values and norms; it is not conducive to social cohesion in the country. The authors also share the theological premise that God is present in this world. In the kingdom of God, believers are encouraged to participate in the ‘clean-up’ process which includes combating the phenomenon of corruption. This book roots theological research and reflection in the real life of both believers and non-believers who consider a ‘clean’ world without corruption as an absolute necessity for a country characterised by the ideals of liberal democracy. The book will stimulate on-going transdisciplinary research focusing on unethical lifestyles, and it will also encourage church leaders to engage with managers in other spheres of society, such as politics and economics in order to counter the evil of corrupt practices. The research outcomes are relevant not only in the South African context, but also globally

Die verhouding tussen openbaring, dogmavorming en doksa-uiting in die himniese stof van die Nuwe Testament

The relation between revelation, the formation of dogma and the expression of doxa in the hymnal matter of the New Testament This article proceeds from the central theoretical argument that in the liturgical song an integral relation exists between revelation, the formation of confession (dogma) and the expression of glory (doxa). The purpose of the article is to analyse the mentioned relationship as it becomes manifest in the hymnal matter of the New Testament and to determine its significance in the hymnal action of the community of worshippers. It is kept in mind that the New Testament, unlike the Old Testament, does not contain a book of songs and that the number of complete songs is limited. The article thus also focuses on song fragments. The conclusion arrived at is that the song material of the New Testament indicates that the revelation stands in a causal relation to dogma formation and doxa expression that occur in the liturgical song. Dogma formation and doxa expression respond to the revelation and actualize the revelation, while these two vital elements of the hymnal content (dogma formation and doxa expression) stand in a convergent and symbiotic relation to each other. The result of this investigation appears to be important for the meaningful use of New Testament songs in contemporary liturgy

Bracing patients with idiopathic scoliosis: Design of the Dutch randomized controlled treatment trial

Background. The effectiveness of bracing patients with IS has not yet been convincingly established due to a lack of RCTs. Some authors suggest that their results confirm that bracing is effective; others conclude that the effectiveness of bracing is doubtful or recommend a RCT. The aim of this study was to establish whether bracing patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in an early stage will result in at least 5 degrees less mean progression of the curvature compared to the control group after two years of follow-up. Methods. A randomized controlled trial was designed. Eligible patients are girls and boys in the age group 8-15 years whose diagnosis of IS has been established by an orthopedic surgeon, who have not yet been treated by bracing or surgery, and for whom further growth of physical height is still expected based on medical examination and maturation characteristics (Risser ? 2). The Cobb angle of the eligible patient should either be minimally 22 and maximally 29 degrees with established progression of more than 5 degrees, or should be minimally 30 and maximally 35 degrees; established progression for the latter is not necessary. A total of 100 patients will be included in this trial. The intervention group will be treated with full-time Boston brace wear; the control group will not be braced. Every four months, each patient will have a physical and an X-ray examination. The main outcomes will be the Cobb angle two years after inclusion and health-related quality of life. Discussion. The results of this trial will be of great importance for the discussion on early treatment for scoliosis. Furthermore, the result will also be important for screening for scoliosis policies. Trial registration. Nederlands Trialregister ISRCTN36964733

Skriftuurlike perspektiewe op die effek van doop op vergifnis

This article focused from a Scriptural perspective on the question of whether baptism can and should have an effect on forgiveness and reconciliation in the South African society. This aspect was examined because in one of the most widely used confessionals of the worldwide church, the Nicene Creed, the following words are found: ‘We believe in … one baptism for the forgiveness of sin’. Another reason for investigating the effect that baptism should have on forgiveness and reconciliation is the connection between God’s forgiveness and the calling on the baptised to forgive. The article highlighted the following five key points: God acts in baptism; the Triune God works in baptism; the covenant relationship is expressed in baptism; baptism is a baptism in Christ’s death and resurrection; God’s forgiveness and reconciliation in baptism call the baptised to forgivehttp://www.ve.org.za/index.php/VEhttp://verbumetecclesia.org.za/index.php/VE/article/viewPDFInterstitial/725/1201http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v34i1.72

Liturgiese identiteitsvorming as antwoord op die invloed van die verbruikerskultuur

The formation of liturgical identity in response to the influence of a consumer culture Liturgy in South Africa is continually interacting with the Western cultural heritage on the one hand, and increasingly with African culture on the other hand. However, another powerful influence on the local liturgy springs from the so-called global consumer culture. A few characteristics of the latter are inter alia the following: The emphasis on what the “buyer”, the worshipper and “potential” worshipper prefer; a show business attitude resulting in transforming members of the congregation into spectators rather than participants. Furthermore the emphasis is on the pursuit of effectiveness and the utilisation of technology to attain it and the focus is specifically on the needs of the individual and not on those of the community. The continual formation of liturgical identity is the answer to the mainly detrimental cultural processes currently manifesting themselves. The point of departure in forming a cultural identity implies an in-depth study of the liturgical guidelines indicated in the Old and the New Testament and the historical development of liturgy, especially in the second, sixteenth and twentieth centuries. The following aspects should, however, also be taken into consideration: the contemporary characteristics of the local indigenous culture, beauty of God, relationship between liturgy and culture, multi-cultural enrichment of liturgy, missionary aim and eschatological focus of liturgy.http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v34i4.61http://www.inluceverbi.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/viewFile/610/49

Die Heilige Gees en gebed in die erediens

The Holy Spirit and prayer during the service Prayer in the worship service is pre-eminently a pneuma- tological reality: prayer is a gift from the Holy Spirit. The ques- tion that is addressed in this article is: Which decisive function does the Holy Spirit fulfil in the elements of the prayers in the worship service? Aspects that are discussed include the work of the Holy Spirit in the service events, especially in prayer and the essence of the service; the elements of the service prayer; the congregation’s participation in the service prayers; and the relationship between Scripture reading and preaching to service events. The Spirit works the most intimate relationship between the prayer believers and Christ, and so with God the Father, this is the trinitarian grounds for the service prayer. Prayer entails spiritually entering God’s holiness, directly addressing God, the confession of the believers and the most important part, their gratitude. In prayer it is above all about the honour of God. Elements of the worship service prayer include honour and awe for God (praise) and gratitude towards God (saying thanks), a realisation of sin and repentance (humiliation and confession of sin), invocation that can even be a lamentation, dependence and a Christian attitude of love (intercession). The relationship of Scripture reading, preaching, prayer, worked by the powerfull work of the Holy Spirit, is a causal relationship of community with God in Christ with his gathered congregation through revelation to confession and worship.http://www.inluceverbi.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/viewFile/240/136http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v43i3.24

Liturgiese antwoorde op geweld – ’n verkenning

Liturgical solutions to violence – an exploration Violence is an action that causes serious trauma – also in believers. The concept of violence should thus also be addressed and accounted for in all theological disciplines. In this article it is attempted to give an overview of what violence against women and children implies. Possible liturgical solutions to the phenomenon of violence are subsequently presented as seen from a feminist point of view. The viewpoint of the “liturgy of protest” is also discussed and finally the solutions suggested by acts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are scrutinised. In gatherings of the congregation, of family members and small groups in the congregation the traumatised should not be neglected, and the aspect of koinonia expressed by the community of worshippers should bring comfort and hope to the wounded in the body of the church – also by means of liturgical acts. Opportunities should be created for people to interpret the pain and humiliation they have experienced. These opportunities can also be utilised to remove the element of embarrassment that usually accompanies this kind of pain and humiliation. In every element of reformed liturgy possibilities are indicated that can be utilised in the processing of and coming to terms with the trauma effected by violence

Die impak van selfmoord op dié wat agterbly

The impact of suicide on those who are left behind In order to offer pastoral guidance to someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, it is essential to be informed on the un- paralleled impact that suicide has on those who are left behind. Without this knowledge the pastoral intervention can be re- jected or counselling can fail entirely. In this article an attempt is made to firstly discover the nature of suicide and then to establish how many people are touched by suicide. After that the physical and emotional impact on the people who are left behind comes up for discussion. The processing of suicide in relation to its impact as well as its social and spiritual aspects is also investigated. It is important to determine who has been impacted on by the suicide in order to ensure that no one is overlooked during counselling. The trauma has a far-reaching impact on the spiritual lives of those who are left behind and for this reason the spiritual or religious impact of a suicide must be the counsellor’s main focus. Although all the other facets should also be thoroughly attended to, true healing cannot take place if an individual’s inner struggle and spiritual questions are not addressed.http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ids.v41i4.323http://www.inluceverbi.org.za/index.php/skriflig/article/viewFile/323/21

Liturgiese riglyne vir die sensitiefmaak van die jeug vir die probleem van armoede

The question investigated in this article is the following: In what way can financially privileged young people be made sensitive to the massive problem of poverty by participating in the liturgy of a congregation? The working plan is to describe synoptically the scope of poverty and give a brief characterisation of the young people concerned as regards their relationship to liturgy and poverty. The further investigation into liturgical praxis is based on these findings. Liturgical guidelines for making the youth sensitive to the problem of poverty are taken as points of departure. Conclusions are that young people can be effectively made sensitive to the problem by focussing in the full gathering of the congregation (worship service) on joint planning of the worship service, the ritual of coming together before the votum, the service of meeting, the service of humiliation and atonement, the service of the Word and the benediction at the end of the service. The planning of the worship service, the gathering of the congregation and the celebration of the Holy Communion are indicated as unique opportunities in this process. The final conclusion is that the liturgy can radically influence the attitude of a congregation towards the poor and can have a transforming effect amongst others on young people as regards poverty.http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/practheo/practheo_v21_n1_a4.pd

Vaartversnelling vra verdieping van ons liturgie

Spurt requests a deepening of our liturgy The science of Liturgy is currently experiencing a considerable expansion of knowledge and contributions from Reformed scholars need to bear a unique imprint. This article argues for an approach aimed at intensifying the liturgy – an intensification implying that God’s mighty presence should be recognized, experienced, acknowledged and confessed in the gathering of the congregation and during each element of the worship service. Two examples, namely the Word service and the service of Humbling and Reconciliation, illustrate what this intensification means. In conclusion, guidelines are provided for addressing contentious liturgical issues, such as transcultural enrichment and the use of symbols and rituals in the liturgy of the congregation and in the liturgy of life