Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Mudimeli, L. M."
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Item Embargo Deviant Healing Practices within Contemporary Religious Movements in Ṱhohoyanḓou, Limpopo: Towards a Post-Colonial African Practical Theology Perspective(2024-09-06) Muthivhi, Mashudu Edward; Mudimeli, L. M.; Dames, G. E.The legacy of imperialism on Indigenous belief systems has imprinted an arguable influence on the identity and traditions of religiosity in the histories of Africa. The phenomenon of religion entails socio-political and cultural realities, some of which may overlap, correspond, or compete with different fields of study, which ultimately bears an impact on the conventional understanding of religious meaning, practice, and function. The introduction of Eurocentric orientations into African spirituality did not only encounter Indigenous religious systems but resulted in the development of religious pluralism. As such the researcher felt obliged to explore the Christian religious setting from an African perspective. The study unpacked the universality of the religion and focused on the underlying philosophy of African religious experiences and expression. The latter was engaged from two complimentary investigative angles: i) the researcher defined and explained deviant healing practices within contemporary religious movements in Ṱhohoyanḓou from a Practical Theology perspective and thereby probed consequent incidents of spiritual abuse; ii), in addition the researcher also appraised the implications and challenges of melding Indigenous religious beliefs and practices, and those of Western origination. This sought to unearth the depth of missionary influence or lack thereof; that contributed to deviant healing practices amongst identities within the Vhavenḓa spiritual landscape and heritage. The study is qualitative in nature and encompasses an ethnographic research methodology. This comprised of literature review, an empirical survey of deviant practices and an assessment of Western and African religious inclinations in modern day society. Hopefully, the research poses a benefit to faith communities, religious and government leaders and consequently, equips individuals who can provide positive influence. Ultimately, the study served to present religious insights from a Practical Theology perspective and equally expound on the interpretations of pastoral care within contemporary religious belief systems.Item Embargo Pastoral care interventions by untrained pastoral caregivers in Polokwane Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Mashabela, Segotji Elias; Baloyi, G.; Mudimeli, L. M.Studies that were conducted about pastoral counselling interventions have successfully brought to light areas which were previously unknown. However, little has been written about pastoral counselling interventions by untrained pastoral counsellors and the role that untrained pastoral counsellors play in their pastoral counselling interventions. Some of their interventions were acceptable but other interventions were outrightly unacceptable, questionable, and a little deviant from the expected norm. This study seeks to investigate various counselling interventions and services conducted by untrained pastoral counsellors in the Polokwane Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A qualitative research approach was utilized to solicit the needed information from various participants in this study to answer the research questions. This study utilized purposive sampling. These willing participants were interviewed using semistructured interviews. Focus group discussions added more value in getting more helpful information for better analysis and interpretation of the findings of this study. The findings that this study generated will add light to the body of knowledge and allow other researchers to expand more on this subject or related parts of this topic.Item Embargo Reforming reformed liturgy: An African decoconial study of liturgical practices in the Black Reformed Churches of South Africa (RCSA)(2024-09-06) Mudau, Ndidzulafhi; Khosa, H. P.; Mudimeli, L. M.The introduction of Western Christianity has resulted in the colonisation of African societies, with little regard for the indigenous religious beliefs and knowledge systems of the people. A predicament confronts African Christians whereby adherence to integrity necessitates the observance of Western cultural customs in their religious practices, while simultaneously upholding their native African cultural heritage. This study focuses on the reading of African Decolonial literature, with the aim of Decolonising Christian Liturgy for the worship services in South African black Reformed churches, focusing on the order of worship in the African context. Research questions were used to unpack the problem in question and come up with strategies that help to Decolonise Reformed Liturgies and, in the process, enrich them with an African outlook. The study was organised around four research models: exploratory, descriptive, normative, and action research. The population of interest for the study comprised male and female youths and adults at the black RCSA, specifically in Limpopo Province's Vhembe District in South Africa. The research utilises focus groups and interviews as methods of data collection. The purpose of these tools was to enhance the researcher's understanding of the participants' perspectives and viewpoints on the Reformed Order of Liturgy, as well as its potential for decolonisation. This has significant implications for the church's identity and the spiritual experiences of believers during worship. Chapter One primarily aimed to introduce the process of reformation and decolonisation of Reformed Liturgy within an African setting, with a specific emphasis on the black Reformed Church in South Africa (RCSA). Chapter Two focused on presenting secondary material from multiple sources, specifically emphasising and demonstrating the historical development of the worship order in black Reformed churches. Moreover, it functioned as a manual for examining the decolonial viewpoint of black Reformed churches and striving to research methodologies used to obtain and analyse data as part of the research process. Chapter Four explored how missionaries utilised church rituals to achieve colonial domination over the African mindset. Furthermore, it examines the several approaches through which church ritual was used to establish control over the African mindset. Chapter Five explored the reasons behind the need for the Reformed Liturgy to undergo reformation and decolonisation.