Schema adjustment and Holy Communion : a transdisciplinary approach

In his sermon entitled ‘The means of grace’, John Wesley proclaimed that Christians should consider the Sacrament of Holy Communion as an event through which a person is exposed to God’s life-transforming grace. The research question posed by this article is whether Holy Communion can attain change in an individual. Using a transdisciplinary approach, this article explores how Holy Communion in the Methodist tradition can be used for schema formation and/or schema adjustment.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

How postmetaphysical can God-talk be?

A stalemate often ensues when science, philosophy and theology deliberate over the notion of metaphysics. It is apparent that these three disciplines approach metaphysics from different vantage points. By delineating the definition of metaphysics to the distinction between ‘what is known’ and ‘what is not known’, it is argued that the resulting ‘silo-effect’ of knowledge does not advance the discourse between science, theology and philosophy. This is especially true when religion raises the notion of ‘God-talk’. In order to create a common ground between science, theology and philosophy (specifically when it comes to God-talk), this article proposes another construct, namely ‘postmetaphysics’. It is argued that postmetaphysics assists in overcoming dualistic theological notions of God which hampers discussions between the mentioned conversation partners.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

A decade of the same-sex debate in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (2001-2011)

Peer revieweThe conversation on same-sex relationships in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) has been a long and emotional one. For ten years, this denomination, amongst others, has struggled to define its own position regarding this very important and highly emotive social issue. When conversations span a long period of time, it becomes easy to digress and to lose focus of the central questions that need to be worked through. It is thus important to look back and take stock of where the MCSA has come from and where it has moved to in this debate. In this article I will give a description of the history of the debate on same-sex relationships in the MCSA by drawing on the official statements and reports of Conference of the MCSA, the Connexional Executive and the Doctrine, Ethics and Worship Committee. Reflecting on this history, this article will suggest further steps for the MCSA in its ongoing search to find grace and truth on this matter

Are we special? : a critique of imago Dei

‘Are we special?’ In response to this question, Christian theology has traditionally sought comfort in the notion that humanity is created in the image of God. In light of modern scientific knowledge, is this self-understanding still feasible? Are there different ways in which imago Dei can be understood? Is it possible for imago Dei to be both grounded in its Christian heritage, while also being helpful in the science and religion conversation? This article critically examines the notion of imago Dei and proposes an interpretation that could be credible and acceptable to both science and Christian anthropology.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

Living a good life? : considering technology and pro-social behaviour

This article explores the notions of a good life as understood in religion and psychology. The markers of altruism and empathy are identified. The effect the use of social media has on brain chemistry is then explored and used in trying to answer the question as to whether technology (social media in particular) is hampering our ability to live a good life. The notions of the rise of narcissism and the decline in empathy are also discussed.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

Christian leadership in the workplace – Introduction

No abstract available

Karl Barth’s definition of church in politics and culture: Growth points for the church in South Africa

The article describes briefly Karl Barth’s views on church, its role in politics and how it relates to culture. This is done by identifying the way in which the church participates in the social realm through its relationship with the State. The historic religious question asks whether there is a natural mutual-determining relationship between church and State. The church may ask whether faith and politics should mix, while a secular state may question the authority which the church claims to speak from. To a large extent culture determines the bias in this relationship. History has shown that church- State dynamics is not an either/or relationship, whereby either the authority of the church or the authority of the State should function as the ruling norm. Karl Barth describes the dynamics of this relationship very well, within the context of culture, in the way his faith engages with the political status quo. Once the relationship is better understood, Barth’s definition of the church will prove to be more effective in its evangelical voice, speaking to those who guide its citizens through political power

Is there a wall to peek over? : exploring approaches in the science and religion conversation

Is there a metaphorical wall that separates science and religion? In the continued interaction between science and religion, the questions of ontology (what is there?) and epistemology (how do we know what is there?) plague efforts to come to an integrated model that successfully includes both partners. In this article, three possible scenarios are discussed: firstly, that science and religion occupy opposite sides of a dividing ‘wall’. Secondly, that science and religion stand on the same side of a ‘wall’ that separates the known from the unknown. Thirdly, the possibility that no ‘wall’ exists and that science and religion effectively come to interdependent conclusions based on their interaction within an open system. This article addresses the questions of transcendence and immanence against the background of the wall metaphor.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

Balancing the transcendence and immanence of God in Nürnberger’s theology

Klaus Nürnberger has provided an invaluable contribution to theology over the course of his career, and he continues to do so. His recent writings focus on a model of theology that takes seriously the truth claims made by the natural sciences. This article investigates Nürnberger’s understanding of God in the context of the science–religion conversation. It particularly focuses on how Nürnberger describes the immanence and transcendence of God.Research Institute for Theology and Religio

The need for continued decolonisation and Africanisation of ordination in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa

Being the church in Africa requires a continuous self-assessment by Christian denominations, asking whether it is sufficiently contextualised both in its doctrines and practices. This selfcritique is essential so as to not perpetuate negative colonial influences in the way churches operate. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) has a rich history of challenging itself to become truly instrumental in working towards ‘A Christ-healed Africa for the healing of the nations’. This article explores the history of the MCSA’s engagement with its doctrine and practices of ordination, its journey of decolonisation and its presentation of an emerging Africanised theology of the presbytery.Research Institute for Theology and Religio