Browsing Research articles (Dept of Theology and Religious Studies) by Title
Now showing items 1-18 of 18
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Kelaotswe, O.N. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), December NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the practices of traditional healing and how they are integrated or rejected by the African Independent Churches (AICS)in Botswana. The paper argues that in spite of some doubtful elements of rejection in the AICS, there is a large degree of integration of healing in the AICS Botswana. The story of this paper is based on a long discussion with a prophet healer who does not have a clear view of his position with respect to integrartion of healing in the AICS and traditional healing. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/352 Files in this item: 1
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Amanze, J.N. (Edinburgh University Press, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Argues that although Botswana is predominantly a Christian country, belief in and veneration of ancestors continues unabated. Ways in which the resilience of ancestor worship is based on the fact that it is the core of the Tswana Traditional Religion; Creation of another brand of Christianity that is attracting many Batswana Christians because they feel it is relevant to them as Africans in their struggle for human existence. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/765 Files in this item: 1
Amanze_SWC_2003.pdf (6.527Mb) -
Amanze, James N. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the preventative role of condoms in the fight against HIV/ AIDS. It will be argued in this paper that because of the magnitude, severity, devastation and complexity of the HIV/AIDS pandemic there is great need to advise people to use condoms as one of the weapons in the fight against this deadly disease. The primary objective of this advice is to save human lives, though this of course quite often compromises moral standpoints. Failure to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by all means available is like entering into a covenant with death, which may consequently lead to the eventual depopulation of Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1030 Files in this item: 1
Amanze_BNR 2000.pdf (1.292Mb) -
Haron, M. (Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs; Carfax Publishing; Taylor & Francis; http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/13602004.asp, August NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper provides a brief survey of the contemporary da'wah movements and Sufi orders (tariqah) that have redefined and reformulated some of the social institutions among the Muslim community in southern Africa. After a theoretical discussion of the definition of movements and orders, the paper provides a brief overview of Islam's presence in contemporary southern Africa. This is followed by a historical review of the various Sufi tariqahs and Muslim movements in the region, focusing on the Tabligh Jama'at at and including the Chistiyyah, Murabitun, Qadriyyah, Alawiyyah and Naqshbandi tariqahs. In the final section of the paper comparisons are made between the growth of da'wah movements and Sufi tariqahs and the reasons for their relative influences and successes are analysed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/34 Files in this item: 2
haron_jmma_2005.pdf (2.699Mb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Haron, M.; Jensen, K.; Mmolai, S.; Nkomazana, F.; Sebina, L.; Togarasei, L. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), June NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The following secondary literature review was developed by a team of researchers from the University of Botswana, primarily from the Department of Theology and Religious studies, as part of an assessment of the present and possible capacity of various faith-based organisations in Botswana to effectively promote HIV prevention. Relevant secondary literature was reviewed as a means of guiding and informing that study-namely, the Ditumelo study 2007. The literature review focused primarily on HIV and AIDS prevention, both in the broader context and in particular to faith-based organisations. Although the focus was on Botswana, regional and international sources on HIV and AIDS were also consulted. Given the breadth of literature on HIV and AIDS as well as faith-based communities in Botswana, and the overriding need to manage and review relevant literature, the following review is divided into three primary categories: (i)public health, especially HIV prevention, (ii)religioun and cultural perspectives, and (iii) religious organisation-initiated or multi-sectoral HIV interventions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/368 Files in this item: 1
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Ikpe, I.B. (Edinburgh University Press, www.eupjournals.com/ijhac, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The advent of e-learning has been a welcomed development in African universities, especially in countries where the demand for university education far outstrips capacity. This form of instruction not only has helped in reducing the problem of managing and testing large classes, but it also has helped lecturers in providing valuable assistance to students who would otherwise not have such access. The limitations of the e-learning platform coupled with a distorted student-teacher ratio has raised concerns about quality, especially for traditional humanities disciplines where the emphasis on argumentative rigor and critical thinking are at odds with the science leaning orientation of e-learning platforms. This concern is especially important because the technology is relatively new and there are problems of access not only in terms of infrastructure but also in terms of the relevant computer literacy skills required of users of the technology. This essay examines the problems associated with the use of e-learning in teaching and examining traditional humanities courses in general but especially the problems encountered in using e-learning in teaching and assessing critical thinking courses at the University of Botswana. I argue that although certain aspects of e-learning are structured, confining, and therefore unsuitable for traditional humanities disciplines, e-learning can still be an appropriate tool for the humanities if used appropriately and creatively. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/929 Files in this item: 1
Ikpe_IJHAC_2011.pdf (1.393Mb) -
Haron, M. (Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, http://academic.sun.ac.za/tsv/Scriptura/scriptura.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Southern Africa's Muslim minorities have been growing at a steady pace through procreation, conversion and migration. These Muslim communities have rooted and embedded themselves onto the Southern African soil and have contributed in varied ways to the respective countries where they reside and live. Apart from South Africa's well documented Muslim community, very little attention has been given by scholars to the Muslim communities in its neighbouring states. When one surveys the region, it becomes evident that nothing substantial has been written about the Muslims in Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho except for a few popular journalistic articles, and that few attempts have been made by scholars to write about the Muslim communities in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. This article will therefore try to look at the last mentioned country with specific focus on the Gaborone Muslim community. This article complements the academic studies that have been produced in 1989 and 1998/2000 respectively. This article mainly focuses itself upon the contemporary developments that have taken place in Botswana's capital city where most of the Muslims reside and work. It intends to pinpoint, describe and briefly analyse all the major role players and institutions that are around and that have contributed towards creating a unique Gaborone Muslim community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/150 Files in this item: 2
haron_gaborone_muslimcommunity2006.pdf (214.9Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ikpe, I.B. (Boleswa Journal of Theology, Religion and Philosophy (BJTRP), December NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper focuses on public morality in Africa and examines the contributions of Christian theology to moral decline in Africa. The paper points out the disparity between the theology of purnishment in African religions and the theology of purnishment in Christianity and suggests that this disparity may be the underlying cause of the decline in public morality in Africa. It explores the function of fear as an instrument of moral preservation in both traditional religion and Christianity and argues that the transition from traditional religion to Christianity diminished the efficacy of this instrument and thus affected attitude of Africans to public morality. In conclusion, the paper recommends a re-engineering of the Christian theology to stem this crisis. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/351 Files in this item: 1
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Togarasei, L. (Edinburgh University Press, http://www.euppublishing.com/, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This study seeks to find out what has attracted women to Christianity. In particular, it seeks to find out the existential circumstances and needs of the Harare Christian women that have led them to be attracted to Jesus. What are their images of Jesus Christ, and how do these fulfill their existential needs and aspirations? In apartheid South Africa and the black American movement, for example, Christ was seen as liberator. Who is Jesus Christ then for the Harare Christian women? To address these questions, the paper is divided into three sections. The first section provides a brief discussion of Chriscology in the New Testament. This is done to show that even the Christology of the New Testament communities was influenced by their existential needs. A second section, which gives a general overview of African Christology, follows this. The third section then focuses on the Christology of Harare women. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/593 Files in this item: 1
Togarasei_SWC_2007.pdf (515.9Kb) -
Togarasei, L. (Research and Development Unit, University of Botswana, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Most of the literature on religion and politics in Africa celebrates the role that churches have played in fighting the oppressive yoke of colonialism, in fighting the ills of ethnicity and tribalism and in the process of democratisation in post-colonial Africa. There are, however, few academic works that investigate how churches are affected by secular politics. This article contributes to such an investigation. It does so through a critical examination of the reasons that led to the division of the Family of God Church in Botswana. Its argument is that the reasons that led to the division of this church are not only intra-church but also inter-state politics. From a study of the experiences of this church, the article concludes that although the church may have been experiencing internal problems, its division into two groups was also influenced by inter-state politics between Botswana and Zimbabwe. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/642 Files in this item: 1
Togarasei_PULA_2008.pdf (105.4Kb) -
Nkomazana, F. (University of Botswana, National Institute of Development and Cultural Reseach, http://www.thuto.org/pula/html/pula-home-page.htm, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: David Livingstone is often misunderstood as being a conscious promoter of European colonization of Africa. On the contrary, he believed that the key to Africa's future was the stimulation of indigenous development and good government. Such 'civilization' could only be achieved by the combination of Christianity with legitimate commerce, to replace the Slave Trade which had been the bane of Africa's development for centuries. This paper traces the roots of Livingstone's belief in the combination of moral and material betterment, derived from his personal origins and the Evangelical and Anti-Slavery movements. It shows how these ideas matured during his mission days among the BaTswana, during which he began to travel north to the Zambezi and beyond. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/734 Files in this item: 1
NKomazana_PBJAS_1998.pdf (2.757Mb) -
Togarasei, L. (Unisa Press, http://www.unisa.ac.za & Routledge, http://www.informaworld.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Statistics show that at present there are more gospel musicians in Zimbabwe than secular musicians. Consequently this paradigm shift has not gone unquestioned. People have asked what the mission of these gospel musicians is. Are they true ministers of the Word, or lovers of money clothed in ministerial garments? This article attempts to analyse the mission of gospel musicians. Since the gospel musicians we are discussing and those who criticise them are mainly Christians whose views are shaped by their understanding of the Bible, my analysis will be from a biblical (i.e. Christian) perspective. Data from informal interviews with some Zimbabwean gospel musicians and fans, as well as songs from CDs and video cassettes were used in the analysis. The article is divided into four sections: The first defines and gives a brief history of gospel music in Zimbabwe. It is followed by a presentation of the criticisms brought against gospel musicians. The third section is a critical review of the mission of the musicians: Are they making money or spreading the gospel, or they are making money and spreading the gospel? The fourth section attempts a theology of gospel music before a conclusion wraps up the article. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1092 Files in this item: 1
Togarasei_MJMRA_2007.pdf (5.238Mb) -
Togarasei, L. (Brill Academic Publishers, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The past twenty to thirty years in the history of Zimbabwean Christianity have witnessed the emergence of a new breed of Pentecostalism that tends to attract the middle and upper classes urban residents. This paper presents findings from a case study of one such movement, the Family of God church. It describes and analyses the origins, growth and development of this church as an urban modern Pentecostal movement. The first section of the paper discusses the origins and development of the church focusing on the life of the founder. The second section focuses on the teaching and practices of the church. The church’s doctrines and practices are here analysed to find out the extent to which these have been influenced by the socio-political and economic challenges in the urban areas. The paper concludes that the modern Pentecostal movement is meant to address urban needs. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/598 Files in this item: 1
Togarasei_E_2005.pdf (251.2Kb) -
Ikpe, I.B. (crencas religioes e poderes dos individuos as sociabilidades, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Gender relations in Africa have always been important especially given the active involvement of women in production as well as reproduction processes. Women have always been actively involved in traditional economies as sole providers of food and nourishment whether such societies are agricultural or pastoral. More recently, women have been intricately involved in the production of goods and services which buoy both local and national economies of diferent African countries and could easily be noticed in various economic activities in both the trasitional and cosmopolitan locale. But more importantly , women are sometimes solely responsible for social reproduction in their capacity as minders of children and young adults. It is usually their responsibility to pass on societal norms and values to the next generation of Africans by helping them understand the ethos and cultural practices of the society. What this suggests is that Africa women have always held an important place in society both traditional and modern. The difficulty, however, has always been in analysing the power relationships between the sexes in African societies and understanding them in relation to the objectives of the feminist movement, especially, its call for womens emancipation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/369 Files in this item: 1
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Togarasei, L. (Edinburgh University Press, http://www.euppublishing.com/, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The article discusses the politics of bible translation focusing on the Shona Bible. Specifically it looks at the translation of the word 'banquetings' into 'mabira' in the Union Shona Bible, the first complete translation of the Shona Bible. It also discusses the history of the translation of the Bible from the time the missionaries arrived among the Shona peoples in the 1890s to the time when the first complete Bible was translated into the Shona language in the late 1940s. It discusses the political and cultural factors that influenced the way the Bible was translated. How did missionaries’ understanding of the Shona worldview influence their translation? How did the translators address the dialectical differences in the Shona language considering that it has five dialects? How did Shona cosmology and spirituality influence translation? To answer these and other questions concerning the politics behind biblical translation, specific biblical examples (here the translation of ‘banquetings’ into mabira in 1 Peter 4:3) are analysed. The article also briefly looks at subsequent ‘improvements’ to the Shona Bible to see how translators have responded to cultural and linguistic changes over the years in their use of the bible among the Shona. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/596 Files in this item: 1
Togarasei_SWC_2009.pdf (112.8Kb) -
Dube, M.W. (Wiley-Blackwell, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: Since the first clinical evidence of AIDS was reported two decades ago, HIV/AIDS has spread to every corner of the world. Still rapidly growing, the epidemic is reversing development gains, robbing millions of their lives, widening the gap between the rich and poor, and undermining social and economic security. Mission is carrying out God's work among people who are struggling to live with dignity and wholeness…Mission is to proclaim the good news that God affirms life over death, and that God acts among the poor, the majority of whom are women, who are victimized in the globalization of the market economy and left out in decision making processes. Mission is forming partnership…to struggle for life and work for justice for all people.” Traditionally, Jesus' own mission (Luke 4:18–19) and its mandate have been understood primarily in terms of proclaiming the word. What would be the further implications of seeing this mission also as that of spreading fire upon the earth? URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/762 Files in this item: 1
Dube_IRM_2002.pdf (5.676Mb) -
Ikpe, I. (Taylor & Francis, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Obedience is traditionally the supreme virtue of the military and, for many people, a soldier is an unthinking automaton that has been conditioned to respond to commands and operate in strictly hierarchical environments. But as soldiers progress in rank, they are required to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate commands as well as to reason concerning their commands and other military and non-military engagements. This paper is an overview of the practical steps adopted to foster independent thinking among student officers at the Botswana Defence Command and Staff College. It shows how the tools of critical thinking can be used to help student officers overcome the lessons of unquestioning obedience ingrained in them at cadet training and gain an awareness of themselves as autonomous individuals with responsibilities to and beyond the military hierarchy. It also shows how critical thinking can assist in the evaluation of military objectives and in the decisions that follow such evaluations. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/795 Files in this item: 1
Ikpe_PP_2011.pdf (1.327Mb) -
Dube, M.W. (Sage Publications / http://www.sagepublications.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: This article is an amalgam of four talks given over several days at The Community of Women and Men in Mission Conference. The overall title 'Who do you say that I am?' covers the subjects of Jesus the Liberator, The Healer, The One Who Empowers, and The One Who Sends Us. The author explores these issues in the context of Africa and opens a very illuminating set of questions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/819 Files in this item: 1
Dube_FT_2007.pdf (2.305Mb)
Now showing items 1-18 of 18