Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Practical Theology and Missiology) by Subject "AIDS (Disease)"

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    Going back to my roots : a critical understanding of the interplay between Christian faith and Shona tradition in the quest to find meaning within the HIV pandemic
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Tamirepi, Farirai; Thesnaar, C. H.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: During the study there was an attempt to understand the interplay between Christian faith and Shona tradition in the quest for meaning within the HIV and AIDS pandemic. It was revealed that HIV/AIDS has caused unimaginable suffering among all segments of society in Zimbabwe but impacts more on women and children. The suffering caused by HIV and AIDS has inevitably raised the question of meaning which is urgent and widespread, making people turn to the Christian faith or to Shona tradition for answers to their suffering. During the study there was an attempt to find out why Shona Christians revert to Shona traditions in quest for meaning within the HIV and AIDS scourge. It has been revealed that one single answer does not exist and that the quest for meaning as the sum total of answers does not exist. The quest for meaning is about discovering a God-image which is appropriate to give meaning in suffering by being involved and engaged with the existential realities of people within the HIV and AIDS pandemic. It was made clear during the study that the quest for meaning within the HIV and AIDS pandemic has greatly challenged both belief systems to the extent that the Shona Christians, not only revert to tradition in quest for meaning but move back and forth, in and out of both belief systems and remain confused about who God is. The dilemma for the Shona Christians in quest for meaning therefore is a crisis of faith, a personal crisis of identity and a continuous search for meaning. In light of this devastating pandemic, it is an undeniable fact that the quest for meaning among the Shona Christians within the HIV and AIDS pandemic challenges the SDA church to reinterpret and reframe pastoral theology in a way that is relevant to discovering a God who can be trusted to give meaning in suffering.
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    HIV and AIDS and the stigmatisation of woman by men in Nigeria : a pastoral care intervention strategy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04-04) Bwosh, Samuel D.; Penxa-Matholeni, Nobuntu; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stigma is known as negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes towards people living with HIV (PLHIV), groups associated with PLHIV and other key populations at higher risk of HIV infection. Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to testing, treatment uptake and adherence. (Odimegwu et al, 2017:2) The above quotation is a clear indication that stigma is a terrible phenomenon that causes set-backs in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This research investigates the role of men in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation discourse from a pastoral care perspective. It is strongly argued that men are key stakeholders and players in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women in Nigeria. Therefore, the research advances an argument that the utilisation of pastoral care in addressing the role of men in the HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women, is a necessity. The study discusses at length the concept of stigma. It determined that it is one of the many factors which boost the spread of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. The research also revealed that cultural, political, social, and religious factors sometimes aggravate the situation of women. Harmful cultural practices, especially patriarchy, were discovered to be major vehicles of stigmatisation against women in Nigeria, also increasing women’s vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. The study argues that pastoral care and counselling is the best response to the menace of HIV and AIDS stigmatisation. To elicit information that would assist in arriving at a reliable conclusion, the research employed a qualitative research methodology, using the practical theological framework of Richard Osmer (2008). The study further engaged relevant literature in theology, psychology, and other appropriate disciplines. The motivation for this research emanated from the fact that women, like their male counterparts, are created in the image of God and, therefore, deserve to be treated with love, respect, and a high sense of decorum and propriety at all times, and more so when they are facing the challenge of HIV and AIDS or any illness. The research concludes that HIV and AIDS stigmatisation against women constitutes a significant threat to their fundamental human dignity. Consequently, recommendations are put forward to generate fundamental knowledge and awareness in the church and how it can objectively and urgently address the threat of HIV and AIDS stigmatisation of women by men.
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    Stigma and suffering : a theological reflection within the HIV/AIDS pandemic from the perspective of a theologia resurrectionis
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-12) Heymans, Frederik J.; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Stigma is a social-identity devaluation due to a characteristic mark or feature. It imposes a discredited status, resulting in personal/social rejection and suffering. As a psychosocial construction, stigma reflects a systemic influence, as determined by the history and characteristics of the individual's psychological and social environment. This study explores the nature, variations, development, functions, processes, and justification of stigma and stigmatisation. It reflects on the experiential context of HIV/AIDS stigma/stigmatisation from the perspective of both the stigmatiser and stigmatised. Accounting for HIV/AIDS stigma are factors such as concealability, the unpredictability of infection, its terminal nature, and visible manifestations. The result is the multi-faceted suffering of internalised and external stigma, manifested by the prejudice, rejection, ostracism, discrimination, and condemnation of people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. An assessment of HIV/AIDS destigmatisation found that it represents a recent development in the struggle against the pandemic. Destigmatisation interventions have been mostly ineffective because they lack a systems approach. Destigmatisation interventions must be developed with cognisance of the societal context, cultural impediments, major causes and problems of the pandemic. It was argued and concluded that theology can play a major role in combating HIV/AIDS stigma and stigmatisation. Scripture provides both knowledge and existential direction to inform HIV/AIDS destigmatisation. Stigmatisation is sin because it robs the human being - as created in the image of God, reconciled, and redeemed through the cross and resurrection - from his God-endowed dignity and worth. A theology of HIV/AIDS, including a theology of affirmation and an inhabitational theology, is required to adequately address HIV/AIDS stigmatisation and destigmatisation. A theology of affirmation is appropriate because it confirms the eschatological ontology of the human being as a new creation, with a new, stigma-freed identity and status. An inhabitational theology reflects triumph over stigma through the empowerment of the indwelling Spirit. It was concluded that both a theology of the cross (reflecting the passion and compassion of God) and a theology of the resurrection is needed. A theology of the cross reveals our human condition of sin, guilt and guilt feelings, but also God's grace, our salvation, forgiveness and reconciliation. A theologia resurrectionis emphasises the power of God over sin, results in the transformation of the believer, which enables empowerment through the Spirit - who infuses the believer with courage, meaning, purpose, dignity and self-worth. Stigmatisation has made way for self-worth, victory, and charisma. The study concluded that the church has a major role to play in the destigmatisation of HIV/AIDS stigma. The church should contribute to the deconstruction of power and counter systemic injustices. Its should follow a holistic, systems approach, involving the proclamation of a theology of life, practicing pastoral care, participate in the missio Dei, and exhibiting a normative basis regarding destigmatisation interventions - especially with regard to marriage, gender and sex education. It should fulfil its calling of service, participate in the home-based care of the HIV/AIDS infected and affected (including children), and demonstrate the resurrection identity of hope and empowerment, as enabled by the Holy Spirit.