The Faculty of Theology of the University of Zululand: its contribution to vocational training, research and publication and spiritual support

• Main Author: Kitshoff, Michiel Casparus
• Other Authors: Pitchers, A.L.M.
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: University of Zululand 2015
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1380

Submitted to the Faculty of Theology and Religion Studies in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Theology in the Department of Systematic Theology and History of Christianity at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2000. === The thesis commences by describing the establishment of ethnic university colleges, including the University College of Zululand, during 1959. In more detail the establishment of a department of Theological Studies in 1964, followed by a faculty of Theology in 1970, is discussed. Chapter 2 discusses the professional training activities of the Faculty of Theology in co-operation with accredited theological institutions. The thesis relates how the Faculty moved from co-operation with Dutch Reformed Church institutions to practising an open door policy. Chapter 3 records and discusses the contribution of the Faculty of Theology to vocational training at the main campus, Durban-Umlazi campus and at the accredited colleges. It discusses the history and content of theological degrees, the position and impact of Biblical Studies and Method of Biblical Studies, extramural and extracurricular training as well as student unrest. The chapter also supplies details of the staff of the Faculty of Theology and finally gives a list of graduandi of the various years. Chapter 4 discusses in detail the research and publication activities of the Faculty. The discussion also covers the impressive work done by NERMIC, the University research unit for the study of New Religious Movements and Independent/Indigenous Churches. Chapter 5 highlights the spiritual support supplied by the Faculty through the Council of Supervision for the Ministry to Students, interdenominational services, the University chaplaincy, commemorative services, student societies, prayer meetings and individual Faculty members. Chapter 6 looks at the crucial question of the viability of the Faculty of Theology from a historical perspective, while weighing up its chances of survival in the light of the present situation. Chapter 7 rounds off the study with a resume and some concluding remarks.