Masters Degrees (Religion Studies)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Religion Studies) by Author "Ntombana, Luvuyo"

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    African traditional bereavement rituals amongst Methodist Church members in Mamelodi, Pretoria
    (University of the Free State, 2019) Mokhutso, Jacob; Ntombana, Luvuyo; Mokhoathi, Joel
    This study examined the significance, understanding, and meaning of African traditional bereavement rituals amongst Methodist Church members, particularly the Methodist Church based in Mamelodi, Pretoria, Gauteng province. This study specifically focuses on the meaning of some of the African bereavement rituals, particularly the dual practice of both the Christian and more African-related (ancestral veneration-related) rituals during bereavement. These factors are explored within the Methodist Church doctrine and theology, as well as African spirituality and philosophy. Qualitative research methodology was used, which included one-on-one and group interviews, as well as observations and case studies. This study has found that not all Methodist Church members practise African bereavement rituals. However, those who do practise different African bereavement rituals do so due to a number of reasons. Amongst other reasons, some practise these rituals as influenced by their upbringing, while others practise them due to the pressure of family elders and extended family members. Others practise these rituals due to the fact that it is the norm and common practice in their family and community.
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    Moet wees: Religion spirituality and the formation of youth identities : the case of the Assemblies of God in East London
    (University of the Free State, 2016-02) Mokhoathi, Joel; Ntombana, Luvuyo
    The present study considers the role of religion and spirituality on the formation of youth identities by focusing on the Pentecostal/Charismatic churches, particularly the Assemblies of God, at East London, in the Eastern Cape. It looks at the conceptualisation of religion, particularly Christianity, by young ‘born-again’ Christians; explores the role of spirituality in the construction of youth identities; and examines the impact of both religion and spirituality in the decision-making, life style, and roles of young people in the society. These factors are explored within the South African socio-religious context, where the larger population of the country claims to be Christian. The study used Nicholas Bhekinkosi Bhengu, with his ‘Back to God Crusade’ as a point of reference to the conceptualisation of spirituality, and identity formation in the Assemblies of God.
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    The moral formation, pastoral leadership and contemporary Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Soweto
    (University of the Free State, 2016-09) Jentile, Thembelani; Ntombana, Luvuyo; Venter, R.
    This study is a comprehensive investigation into moral formation of leaders among the Newer Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches (NPC). The NPCs are traditionally known to emphasise the importance of a transformed life (being ‘born again’) that results in moral integrity. However, contradiction arises when the leaders of Pentecostal-Charismatic Churches are associated with serious occurrences related to stories of immoral leadership. Lack of accountability, abuse of power and resources, followers being fed snakes, ordered to eat grass and consume petrol prompted the call for the regulation of religion and the investigation into religious abuse. The study employed the exploratory phenomenological approach which includes open-ended questionnaires. Informants were youth pastors/leaders of various NPC around Soweto in Gauteng Province. The study was drawn to issues around the “calling into ministry”, “Mentorship or assistance”, “Theological versus other studies”, and “involvement or lack of involvement in both the general and the Christian community”. The findings of the study suggest that there is no specific and purpose-driven way of grooming and developing leaders within most of the Charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Moral formation was not being intentionally pursued, and that has a direct impact on the gap between what the young ministers believe ought to be (belief) and what they are expected to be doing (action). Consequently, young ministers venture into the world of ministry raw, with no theological/ pastoral education and with no proper guidance.