Jan Albert Van den Berg | University of the Free State (original) (raw)

Books by Jan Albert Van den Berg

The reality of a radically changing world is beyond dispute. The notion of the Fourth Industrial ... more The reality of a radically changing world is beyond dispute. The notion of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a heuristic key for the world of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, big data, the internet of things, and biotechnology. The discussion of emerging technologies and the Fourth Industrial Revolution highlights urgent questions about issues like intention, function, risk, and responsibility. This publication stimulates further reflection, ongoing conversation, and eventually the production of more textured thinking. The conversation with technology and with thinkers on technology, holds the promise of a certain fecundity, the possibility to see deeper into human evolution, but also, may be, into the future of humankind.
Contents:
Chapter 1 - Technology and theology: Finding the real God - LCH Fourie
Chapter 2 - Close encounters of the fourth kind: A theological essay about new technologies - RR Ganzevoort
Chapter 3 - Theologising emerging technologies - R Venter
Chapter 4 - The “Fourth Industrial Revolution”: A case of South African techno-messianism - JH Rossouw
Chapter 5 - From Harari to Harare: On mapping and theologically relating the Fourth Industrial Revolution with human distinctiveness - DP Veldsman
Chapter 6 - What is the shape of future ethics? - AA van Niekerk
Chapter 7 - Towards transforming university pedagogy and curricula for the Fourth Industrial Revolution - F Strydom & H Prinsloo
Chapter 8 - Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Adaptive changes for sustainable distance theological education - M Naidoo
Chapter 9 - Religious leadership and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Towards a competency framework - IA Nell
Chapter 10 - The impact of emerging technologies on liturgical practices: A thanatechnological exploration - N Matthee & C Wepener

PhD Thesis - The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2018

Social media is considered one of the crucial drivers of a rapidly changing world. The continuing... more Social media is considered one of the crucial drivers of a rapidly changing world. The continuing and growing influence of social media as an innovative, but also disruptive power can be observed in various fields, in which traditional practices are already being newly developed and run. Over the past decade, existing research has explored the influence of social media on church and religious practices. The relevance of this research, however, is further accentuated by the growing expressions of ‘lived religion’, which describes the contemporary articulation and communication of belief.

In this research, the collage of existing descriptions is further developed by investigating the possible role and meaning of the social media platform Twitter in the formulation and communication of Christian motifs. The character of the investigation is formed in the creative tension between the traditional formulation of theological language and the possibility of creating new contemporary Christian expressions that are accessible to all people.

The seven articles presented in this thesis are directly linked to the central theme of the research. In the thesis, the articles are logically and congruently grouped by making use of the key metaphor of ‘networked religion’, which is structurally backed by seven related perspectives. A detailed introductory chapter and a summary conclusion chapter provide orientation and reflection, respectively.

The articles are based on a practical theological orientation. In choosing this orientation for the research, I recognised the close, yet complex reflexive relationship between practice and theory. Methodologically, the experimental research project is anchored to a standard supposition for a practical theological description and reflection in formulating the praxis. In order to state the practical theological orientation, all the articles present a clear, but not exclusive qualitative, character. A narrative accent, with strong autobiographical emphases, which is also inherently part of the character of Twitter, stands central to the deployment, management, administration and documentation of the research. On the basis of an extensive literature study and an analysis of comprehensive empirical data, four levels of description and analysis are indicated and presented in the included articles. As expression of a classical, practical theological orientation, the continuous circular interaction between empirical data and theoretical perspectives is presented on the following four levels.

Firstly, a descriptive-empirical explanation of the origin and character of social media, with specific reference to Twitter as a microblogging platform, is provided. This description is complemented by perspectives from an initial pilot study, which serves as the design for the later empirical research.

Secondly, a specific hermeneutic for the interpretation of the social media phenomenon, with specific emphasis on the meaning of social media, in particular Twitter, is investigated. With direct reference to related empirical data, further theoretical perspectives are used to reflect on further elucidation and interpretation.

Thirdly, a normative dimension, with strong emphasis on the possible value and meaning of Christian motifs on Twitter, is provided. On the basis of a variety of detailed analyses, specific Twitter data sets associated with important periods on the Christian calendar are presented, analysed and described.

Lastly, the strategic or pragmatic meaning of the research is investigated on the basis of a reflective movement. Specific relevant sets of empirical data from Twitter are presented, analysed and described, in order to illustrate their potential value in the formulation of theological expressions and Christian motifs.

The four levels of research are reflected in the content and nature of the seven articles in the thesis, in view of the key metaphor of ‘networked theology’. The contribution of the research rests in the new formation of theory that could lead to creative, positive and relevant informing and construction of the praxis of theological articulation and communication.

ABSTRACT This contribution towards the possible reformulation, as well as new articulations, of ... more ABSTRACT
This contribution towards the possible reformulation, as well as new articulations, of the language of faith, constitutes a search for relevant accents for the future workplace. From the outset, clear interdisciplinary accents from the dialogue between practical theology and futures studies are given utterance, with particular reference to the new – and future – workplace. In the development of a memory for the future, a so-called theologia habitus is facilitated, with a view to the facilitation of a spiritual recapitalisation in the future workplace. Through the use of concepts associated with the metaphor of architecture, the domain for the interdisciplinary dialogue between practical theology and futures studies is clearly delineated from the very first page. On the basis of this dialogue, the research renders a fivefold contribution: Firstly, this design – in the context of the experimental and developing nature of the qualitative model of auto/biographical research that is used – contributes towards the articulation of what is most personal in such a way that it indeed has general meaning and significance. By means of the qualitative Delphi research method, an existing model of research is informed, in an evolutionary manner, by social constructionist perspectives with a meaningful narrative accent. Secondly – arising from the need for a relevant spirituality for the future workplace – this design makes a contribution in terms of the development of a relevant and pragmatic theologia habitus, with the articulation of specific practical theological accents, as well as perspectives for a sustainable future. Thirdly, the design facilitates the necessary contours for an accountable interdisciplinary discourse, with the discovery of new spaces – and space – in the mapping out of the respective disciplines. Fourthly, with regard to the dialogue of involvement that took shape between, inter alia, practical theology and futures studies during the research, not only is a motivation provided as to why certain interdisciplinary partners were chosen; but the meaning of the newly integrated perspectives for the particular context of the new workplace is also indicated. An important and innovative contribution to the further development of a strategic investigation has thereby been made, with the emphasis on possible experimental alternatives. The fifth advantage of the documented research can be found in important accents of meaning from the field of futures studies. In the development of the concept of a memory for the future, it is important to take the four dimensions of teachability, persona, ecology and evolution into account, in order to consider the present in terms of its significance for the future. In subscribing to the pivotal use of the metaphor of architecture, the research space is mapped out in such a way that specific architectonic movements of design and shaping become discernible therein. The study is mapped out on the basis of four movements that are closely related to the design of the so-called architectonic gestalt or figure, namely the movements of terrain; path; threshold and destination. These four movements, in turn, are ultimately related to three core perceptual categories, namely background, centre and foreground, against which the study is mapped out, and which reflect an ongoing circular movement between practice and theory.

Papers by Jan Albert Van den Berg

This article discloses, in an intimate personal manner and based on an (auto)biographical journey... more This article discloses, in an intimate personal manner and based on an (auto)biographical journey, some of the secrets and treasures of a (practical) theological academic author. Drawing on an initial casual contact with a practical theologian’s personal living-space, it presents a trajectory for charting the development of academic writing. Unexpected milestones along the path of documented practical theological research include aspects of a local, concrete and embodied description. Each of these milestones describes the steep elevation and gradient along the course. In viewing these milestones, one discovers that both writer and reader share in the most personal matters and that this intimacy has general significance. An analysis of the reflecting words of a (practical) theologian reveals potential coordinates for future writing and charting of other personal theological academic secrets and disclosures.

HTS Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, 2019

To my mind, theology is much more a verb than a noun. This evolving understanding already appeals... more To my mind, theology is much more a verb than a noun. This evolving understanding already appeals to me as a student who listens to the lectures of Prof. Maake Masango. Prof. Masango's research, his ministry and his personal relationships all testify to the embodiment of theology as a verb. Even Maake's humour reminds me of the deepest theological truths that can be found in the strangest moments of everyday life. As an expression of my appreciation for all that he has contributed to my life, I gladly present Prof. Maake Masango with the perspectives reflected in this article.

HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies , 2017

Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains... more Social media makes an important contribution to a rapidly changing world in which various domains of meaning are described anew. The evolving nature and dynamic character of social media therefore provides for a rich praxis terrain with which to interact from a practical theological orientation. More specifically associated with the theme of this contribution, the social media sphere also provides an excellent space not only to rethink but also to reenact expressions of dignity in society. The research is facilitated from a practical theological orientation, with particular focus on a normative dimension as embodied in aspects of dignity. Through the use of an interdisciplinary approach and methodology, some contours of dignity specifically associated with South African politics as well as the so-called Charlie Hebdo attacks in 2015 in Paris expressed on the social media platform, Twitter, are described and discussed. From this empirical analysis, description and discussion, a practical theological reflection is offered in which aspects of dignity associated with a normativity function are described. Some practical theological perspectives contributing to future relevant tweeting on dignity are also formulated and provided in conclusion.

Aim: The purpose of this article is to present the results of a private cardiac surgical practice... more Aim: The purpose of this article is to present the results of a private cardiac surgical practice. This information could also serve as a hermeneutical text for new wisdom. Methods: A personal database of 1 750 consecutive patients who had a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) done was statistically analysed. Mortality and major morbidity figures were compared with large registries. Risk factors for postop-erative death were determined. Results: Over a period of 12 years, 1 344 (76.8%) males and 406 (23.2%) females were operated on. The observed mortality rate was 3.03% and the expected mortality rate (EuroSCORE) was 3.87%. After stepwise logistic regression, independent risk factors for death were urgency (intra-aortic balloon pump), renal impairment (chronic kidney disease, stage III), re-operation and an additional procedure. Apart from the 53 deaths, another 91 patients had major complications. Conclusion: Mortality and morbidity rates compared favourably with other international registries. Mortality was related to co-morbidities. This outcome contributes to a hermeneu-tical understanding focusing on new spiritual wisdom and meaning for the surgeon.

How do white Afrikaans Christians live in post-apartheid South Africa? This is the question that ... more How do white Afrikaans Christians live in post-apartheid South Africa? This is the question that is investigated in this longitudinal research. The co-researchers are white members of the Dutch Reformed Church (Welkom South congregation). Over a period of fourteen years (1998-2012) they were twice given the opportunity to tell their self-narratives. The study uses the Trust and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) revelations as a backdrop for their stories. The themes include white people’s idea of apartheid, guilt and confession of guilt, reconciliation and the role of the church in all of these. The report is presented according to the ABDCE narrative research model.

Chapter one is a story of action. This tells of the 1994 political transition and the following TRC. The report is placed within practical theology and specifically in a postmodern paradigm. Social construction discourse is discussed as well as the methodology used. The method used in the initial and follow-up research is explained as well as the origin of the transcriptions that is included as attachments.

The second chapter is a story of the background and focuses on the background and origins of apartheid as seen through the eyes of the co-researchers. Then the fourteen years before the follow-up research is examined. The opinions of the co-researchers are given under the headings of uncertain, disillusioned, excited and dishonest. The role of the church are portrayed in two sections: first the period before 1998 and the time since 1998. Lastly two models are suggested as lenses through which transformation can be viewed.

In chapter three (a story of development) the co-researchers are given a bigger voice. With the use of longer and shorted extracts from the transcription the position of each is described. The pertinent question is how they viewed apartheid through their white eyes. The co-researchers then react to the TRC disclosures. Five typical reactions are described. In the final part of the chapter the role of the church up to that stage is discussed.

Chapter four is a story of a climax. Here we hear the co-researchers in 2012. The same themes as in the previous chapter are discussed. The participants give their opinion regarding the two worlds we still live in as well as the racism that is still part of their daily lives. Guilt, reconciliation and affirmative action is discussed. The same themes are the discussed from a church point of view.

The last chapter is a story of an ending. First the impact of the TRC is discussed. The focus then falls on the heart and legacy of apartheid. Then the path of guilt and reconciliation and the role the church need to play, is examined. The liberating forgiveness is highlighted in contrast to the paralysing guilt that many seems to have. The chapter ends with a look at the road ahead for white Afrikaans Christians. The hope and the challenges are presented.

This research looked at how white Afrikaans Christians live in post-apartheid South Africa. The TRC is used as an alternative story to the one usually told by white people. The co-researched unfortunately show little insight into the effects apartheid had on black people and therefore issues of guilt, confession and affirmative action remains controversial.

A Narrative Pastoral Involvement with Adolescent Girls who have experienced Sexual Abuse The phe... more A Narrative Pastoral Involvement with Adolescent Girls who have experienced Sexual Abuse
The phenomenon of sexual abuse is a complicated matter that includes therapeutic as well as legal aspects and which is the result of the complex interaction between individual, social and environmental influences. The purpose of this research is to map the importance of hope therapy from an eschatological perspective in the healing process of adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse. This article focuses, in the first instance, on the understanding of the identity of a teenage girl from a theological anthropological perspective. Secondly, the focus shifts to what the phenomenon of sexual abuse entails, the impact of this form of abuse on how an individual understands her identity in Christ, as well as a narrative pastoral involvement with female adolescents who have experienced sexual abuse. Thirdly, the importance of a perspective of Christian hope, born from faith in God, as space and place for the praxis of God's committed involvement in the life-story and suffering of adolescent girls who have experienced sexual abuse, is highlighted. This research is portrayed by the metaphor of cartography and the mapping of the research journey occurs according to the five directives of the ABDCE approach to narrative research as developed and used by Julian Müller and others. Sleutelwoorde: Inleiding en aktualiteit Ek was die afgelope agt jaar as pastorale terapeut by verskillende skole in Kroonstad en omgewing betrokke. 'n Beduidende aantal van die adolessente meisies by wie ek gedurende hierdie tyd in pastorale gesprek betrokke was, is op die een of ander ouderdom seksueel misbruik. My waarneming op grond van hierdie gesprekke sluit aan by dié van Wickham en West (2002:4), naamlik dat, " Child victims of sexuality, beyond their emotional and physical developmental levels, are violated in every sense of the word: physically, psychologically , emotionally and spiritually. " 1 Hierdie artikel is gebaseer op dr Hester Fourie se doktorale proefskrif met die titel: " 'n Narratief-pastorale betrokkenheid by adolessente dogters wat seksueel misbruik is " .

Negative outcomes of coronary bypass operations not only have an important impact on the patient ... more Negative outcomes of coronary bypass operations not only have an important impact on the patient and family, but also have an influence on the cardiac surgeon on many levels. Within a specific surgical context and from a tradition of faith, interwoven narratives present the possibility of an interdisciplinary conversation between medical science and theology. By following an auto-ethnographic approach, an invitation is offered to participate in sharing the surgeon’s database as a new hermeneutic text. Fellow cardiac surgeons on a national level are involved by way of a Delphi research model, providing for a collective tracing of God’s involvement in surgical outcomes. In a process of a reinterpretation of negative surgical outcomes, Henri Nouwen’s three poles of a spiritual movement can lead to spiritual transformation. Bearing physiological barriers and lifestyles in mind, as well as God’s involvement, the patient and surgeon can in a new manner reflect on possible negative outcomes following operative procedures.

This paper explores a futures perspective for practical theology. Although there are some example... more This paper explores a futures perspective for practical theology. Although there are some examples of a future orientation, a systematic futures perspective has not been developed. Building on futures studies (including predictive studies on foresight and design and architecture studies), the authors propose a methodological model for future-sensitive practical theology, accounting for the probable, possible, and preferable. The model results in three modes in which practical theology can employ a future orientation: utopian, prognostic-adaptive, and designing-creative.

Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a dig... more Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a digital domain. The social media platform, Twitter, comprises an important expression of the digital world and social media but also of popular culture. In a practical theological tracing of the theme of human waste on Twitter, new contents and meaning related to this concept are mapped out in a variety of categories. On the basis of existing and newly developed research methodologies, an exploration is conducted in order to indicate how the digital world can assist in the creation of new empirical realities, hermeneutic outcomes and strategic involvement. In this tracing of human waste as a theme on Twitter, accents of a possible lived spirituality are sounded out and verbalised. It is on the basis of these descriptions that possibilities unfold for new practical theological orientations, both for the present and the future.

The phenomenon relating to the popularity and impact of social media as an important expression o... more The phenomenon relating to the popularity and impact of social media as an important expression of the new digital world, is already widely known and well-documented. In this research, the main focus will fall on a specific manner of expression associated with social media and, in particular, with the Twitter platform, namely the hashtag (#) symbol. This symbol has come to comprise an important expression in popular culture, and is generally associated with various dimensions of activities in the social media environment. Through the use of several examples from the recent past, the development and meaning of the hashtag will be explored and described. As part of this description, a motivation will be put forward as to why it is important, for the
purposes of a practical theological involvement as expressed in
the dimensions of a lived spirituality, to take cognisance of the hashtag and the world that is associated with it. Arising from this motivation, and in congruence with the strategic character of practical theology, perspectives will be mapped out with a view to the further use and meaning of a dynamic reading of the hashtag.

Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a dig... more Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a digital domain. The phenomenon relating to the popularity and impact of social media, as an important expression of this new digital world, is already widely known and well-documented. Various existing and newly developed research methodologies can be used by the practical theologian in order to conduct an exploration on how the digital world can assist in the creation of new empirical realities, hermeneutic outcomes and strategic involvement. More specifically, the highly popular social media platform, Twitter, provides for a relevant and important praxis terrain illustrating the revealing dynamics of the digital world, social media and popular culture. In an endeavour of tracking these dynamics, a practical theological tracing of Christian expressions of faith on Twitter, provided for new content and meaning which are mapped out in a variety of categories. Through the use of specific examples from specific Australian and South African Twitter accounts, deriving from the recent past, the development and meaning of new theological accents and articulations are explored and described. In the tracing and mapping of these religious reporters’ expressions of faith, accents of a possible lived spirituality are sounded out and verbalised. The research is therefore making a contribution in terms of new and relevant articulations of the language of faith. On the basis of these descriptions various possibilities unfold for new practical theological orientations and engagement in amongst other, theological education, both for the present and the future.

Verbum et Ecclesia 35(2), Art. #873, 6 pages. http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/ve.v35i2.873

Against the backdrop of a virtual existence, this contribution has portrayed the intimate relatio... more Against the backdrop of a virtual existence, this contribution has portrayed the intimate relationship between two practical theologians. Through the use of biographical accounts, the author has not only attempted to indicate the significant contribution of Professor Julian Müller to the field of practical theology, but has also described the influence of this work on his own life and current research practice. In these descriptions of engagement, on the basis of which relevant research accents have been demarcated, a scenario pointing towards relevant future developments has also been indicated. In the mapping of a digital autobiographical practical theology, the author has personally ‘reached beyond’ in his endeavour to identify new research avenues in the articulation of the autobiographical language of a lived digital religion.

HTS Teologiese/Theological Studies

In a digital world, it seems as if the boundaries between rich and poor are becoming increasingly... more In a digital world, it seems as if the boundaries between rich and poor are becoming increasingly blurred. A mobinomic world is created through the use of cellular telephones, which plays an
important role on multiple levels of socioeconomic understanding. Various advantages are created through the interplay between the power of mobility and the convergence of various forms of media. Considering the immediate accessibility of an overflow of data in various forms as well as time pressure, decision-making is increasingly becoming associated with living in the fast lane of the digital world. Unfortunately, the cost of faster decision-making
is that it could potentially result in individuals making poor decisions on various levels. A practical-theological exploration, as embedded in a transversal rational engagement, entails a preliminary investigation and description of this digital reality, especially as portrayed in the dynamics of decision-making associated with the social media platform Twitter.

In the context of the interconnected world of the information age, and demarcated by a virtual ex... more In the context of the interconnected world of the information age, and demarcated by a virtual existence through the use of the Internet, decision-making has become even more dynamic. In an evolving era of virtuality, with special emphasis on the increasing role of mobile communication technology, it is indicated that decision-making has become fluid. As part of the phenomenon of fluid decision-making, not only is the evolutionary character of virtual connectivity acknowledged, but the ever-increasing and important role of mobile platforms is also emphasised. In a hermeneutical practical theology of lived spirituality, focusing on the praxis of everyday living, the possible role of spirituality in informing the fluid decision-making processes in a mobile virtual world was traced. A qualitatively inspired analysis, using data collected from various virtual forums, was proposed. In the description of these contours, special emphasis was placed on narrative-inspired biographical accents. The research made a contribution in terms of possible new articulations of the language of faith as embodied in fluid decision-making in a mobile virtual reality.

An appreciation for the positive! Appreciative engagement as congregational process and congregat... more An appreciation for the positive! Appreciative engagement as congregational process and congregational- and pastoral lens.
The traditional approach of only solving what is wrong is challenged by newer perspectives emphasising the meaning of an appreciation for the positive. The possible meaning of this alternative perspective for the development of a relevant positive practical theology was explored in investigating the possible meaning of the methodology of appreciative inquiry. The benefit of this model, for congregational studies and pastoral ministry amongst others, was investigated, described and illustrated with a case study. After a critical evaluation of the methodology of appreciative inquiry, suggestions for the development of a relevant positive practical theology, incorporating an appreciation for the positive in an appreciative engagement were mapped.

PhD Thesis - The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2018

HTS Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, 2019

HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies , 2017

Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a dig... more Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a digital domain. The social media platform, Twitter, comprises an important expression of the digital world and social media but also of popular culture. In a practical theological tracing of the theme of human waste on Twitter, new contents and meaning related to this concept are mapped out in a variety of categories. On the basis of existing and newly developed research methodologies, an exploration is conducted in order to indicate how the digital world can assist in the creation of new empirical realities, hermeneutic outcomes and strategic involvement. In this tracing of human waste as a theme on Twitter, accents of a possible lived spirituality are sounded out and verbalised. It is on the basis of these descriptions that possibilities unfold for new practical theological orientations, both for the present and the future.

Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a dig... more Different and divergent facets of human existence are increasingly becoming embodied within a digital domain. The phenomenon relating to the popularity and impact of social media, as an important expression of this new digital world, is already widely known and well-documented. Various existing and newly developed research methodologies can be used by the practical theologian in order to conduct an exploration on how the digital world can assist in the creation of new empirical realities, hermeneutic outcomes and strategic involvement. More specifically, the highly popular social media platform, Twitter, provides for a relevant and important praxis terrain illustrating the revealing dynamics of the digital world, social media and popular culture. In an endeavour of tracking these dynamics, a practical theological tracing of Christian expressions of faith on Twitter, provided for new content and meaning which are mapped out in a variety of categories. Through the use of specific examples from specific Australian and South African Twitter accounts, deriving from the recent past, the development and meaning of new theological accents and articulations are explored and described. In the tracing and mapping of these religious reporters’ expressions of faith, accents of a possible lived spirituality are sounded out and verbalised. The research is therefore making a contribution in terms of new and relevant articulations of the language of faith. On the basis of these descriptions various possibilities unfold for new practical theological orientations and engagement in amongst other, theological education, both for the present and the future.

Verbum et Ecclesia 35(2), Art. #873, 6 pages. http://dx.doi. org/10.4102/ve.v35i2.873

HTS Teologiese/Theological Studies

South Africa is the country with the highest incidence of HIV / AIDS in the world. In order to un... more South Africa is the country with the highest incidence of HIV / AIDS in the world. In order to understand the complex phenomenon experienced by people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the diverse cultural landscape, amongst other factors, needs to be explored. In a qualitative study, the authors explore the impact of this phenomenon on marriage. Using psychiatric texts and by employing the method of Discourse Analysis on two case studies, different ways of dealing with HIV/AIDS in marriage and the way it dramatically influences marriage are analysed. The impact of these
previously untold stories of HIV/AIDS in marriage is seen especially in the lives of spouses who respond differently when managing this problem. In coping with the trauma of HIV/AIDS, spirituality plays a role. Using the biopsychosocial/spiritual-model within a post-modern view of therapy, the role of spirituality is described. The research, viewed through a culture-sensitive lens, acknowledges the different ethical dilemmas involved. Certain limitations in the research methodology are discussed and the need for further research is highlighted.

Living beyond apartheid: narratives of church members from a longitudinal pastoral involvement. H... more Living beyond apartheid: narratives of church members from a longitudinal pastoral involvement.
How do white Afrikaans Christians live in post-apartheid South Africa? This question was investigated with members of the Dutch Reformed Church as co-researchers over a period of fourteen years (1998-2012). The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) revelations form a backdrop for their stories. Themes include white people’s idea of apartheid, guilt and confession, reconciliation and the role of the church. The research is placed within practical theology and specifically in a postmodern paradigm informed and supported by social construction discourse. By using a longitudinal narrative informed methodology a series of group discussions were held
in 1998 with co-researchers with the themes mentioned above as focus. In 2012 a series of individual conversations were once again conducted with the same co-researchers focusing yet again on the same themes mentioned above. Despite changes on various levels of South African society very little has changed in the views of the co-researchers during this period. In some cases they have even taken a more racist position than in 1998. The focus in the research is mainly on the Dutch Reformed Church and the process of reconciliation, reintegration and the possible role of the Confession of Belhar in this process.

One finds differences and even tension in the way in which congregations worship in the new mille... more One finds differences and even tension in the way in which congregations worship in the new millennium. In a renaissance of worship, it is not only a matter of liturgical developments being mapped out, but traditional forms of worship are also being rediscovered. In this article, the nature, content, and meaning of worship in the new millennium will be investigated. As a case study for analysis and discussion in the article, the meaning of the group U2 for some Protestant Churches in America is investigated. Some claim that the Gospel according to Bono and Bono’s psalms have become the new voice for these Protestant churches. In this evaluation of the use of the lyrics of, amongst others, Bono and U2, as part of worship, markers are mapped out as key elements for worship in the new millennium.