Faculty of Theology
Prof CJA Vos, Dean
Telephone number: 012 420 2322
Fax number: 012 420 4016
E-mail address: cas.vos@up.ac.za
Preface by the Dean
Strategic initiatives in the Faculty of Theology had an impact on three levels, namely faculty research, departmental research and individual research. Research projects were planned and organised within the framework of particular focus areas. Several projects crossed traditional disciplinary boundaries within the Faculty as well as the boundaries with other disciplines, for example, the social sciences and the economic and management sciences. A number of projects reflected inter-university collaboration on a national and international level. Emphasis was given to nationally relevant projects, and the results of some projects were incorporated in existing academic programmes. Particular attention was given to the communication and dissemination of research results to the public through the Centres of the Faculty, namely the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC), the Centre for Business and Professional Ethics (CBPE) and the Institute for Missiology and Ecumenical Research (IMER). The Centre for Continued Theological Training (CCTT) and the Reformed Theological College (RTC) are responsible for continued theological training to alumni from the ranks of traditional clerical partners. Under the auspices of the Desmond Tutu Chair, and in collaboration with the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences as well as other national and international institutions, research is conducted in the fields of leadership development and future studies. Furthermore, the Faculty of Theology conducts research on HIV/AIDS in a cultural context, and is also involved in gender studies, while solutions to alleviate poverty are researched together with NOVA with THRIP funding.
Research on the Old and New Testaments and related literature focused on Scripture and the context within which it was developed, as well as its reception by target groups. Research on Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics concentrated on the history, identity and current relevance of the Christian dogma and moral tradition, as well as business ethics. In the area of Church History and Church Polity, attention was given to general South African church history and the development of church models to fulfil the needs of local churches. With regard to Practical Theology, the spotlight fell on communicating the gospel in a post-modern society, preaching, hymnology, spirituality among members of the church, narrative pastoral care and counselling, narrative pastoral family therapy, Christian leadership in the Church and community, and urban community development. The focus areas in Science of Religion and Missiology included the challenges of the church and of missionary work in Southern Africa.
Research in the various focus areas took place in co-operation with a number of international institutions, including the Asbury Theological Seminary (USA), Context Group in the USA, Evangelical Theological Seminary Cairo (Egypt), the International Reformed Theological Institute, the Von Humboldt-University of Berlin, the Universities of Bonn, Durham (Duke Divinity School), Essen, Louvain, Marburg, McCormick Theological Seminar (Chicago, USA), Munich, Münster, Princeton Theological Seminary, St Petersburg, Utrecht, Vienna and the Free University of Amsterdam.
In the Faculty of Theology research is supported by courses in research methodology for graduate students. The research of graduate students and professionals who have obtained a doctoral degree is integrated with the research projects of faculty members in collaboration with an extensive network of international research associates. The two scholarly theological journals of the Faculty, HTS Theological Studies and Verbum et Ecclesia, are internationally recognised and accredited for their scientific standard. Their editorial boards include various international scholars. More than 110 articles were published in academic journals during 2004. Several books and articles were published internationally: Psalms and liturgy Human DJ & Vos CJA (ed) London: T&T Clark, contributions in the Festschrift of Prof NA Schuman (Free University Amsterdam) and of Prof J Jeremias (Marburg), to mention but a few.
An external assessment conducted during 2004 confirmed that the teaching as well as the research conducted in the Faculty is of a high, internationally comparable standard.
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