Master of Divinity

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://192.168.0.29/handle/123456789/137

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Browsing Master of Divinity by Subject "Mozambique"

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    A Biblical response to the challenges of dual allegiance at the Mozambique Adventist University Church
    (Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-05) Macamo, Ovídio José Bonifácio
    The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mozambique is still facing the challenges caused by dual allegiance. Dual allegiance is the mixing of Biblical principles with traditional beliefs, hence causing syncretism. Its practices are embedded in the people's worldview, consequently affecting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this territory negatively. This study aimed to discover the facts leading to dual allegiance among the Mozambique Adventist University Church members. Also, suggest a biblical response to respond to this Missiological problem. Consequently, the study considered understanding the causes, the manifestations, the impact, and the possible solutions for solving these challenges. Furthermore, the researcher analyzed selected biblical passages from both Old and New Testaments and Ellen White's writings to establishthe theological foundation of the issue and understand how God dealt with those who got entangled in these practices during biblical times. The study used a mixed-method and descriptive approaches. Consequently, the researcher used two instruments to collect data among the Mozambique Adventist University church members. The instruments used were survey and questionnaires. Furthermore, the researcher used a convenient sample to distribute to survey the church on October 17, 2020. A total of 134 respondents participated in the study, including both genders (52 female and 82 men), with age group varying from 20 years old to above 61. The instrument used to analyze the quantitative data is SPSS. Additionally, the researcher interviewed three former church pastors of the investigated church. These interviews intended to assess the pastor's experiences concerning the cultural aspects that influenced the gospel's preaching among the Mozambique Adventist University Community. The results were presented into six categories: The cultural practices of the community and their manifestation, the influence of cultural practices in the allegiance to God, the process of contextualization of the message, the reasons that lead the members into dual allegiance, how the church dealt with the phenomenon of dual allegiance and the possible solutions for dual allegiance. The outcomes obtained from the data collection revealed that dual allegiance in its various manifestations is still a missiological challenge among the Mozambique Adventist University members. In other words, witchcraft accusations, sorcery and ancestors’ worship are still practices observed by the members. Furthermore, social life challenge and a lack of solid theological firmness in the word of God are the causes of these practices. In short, the study verified that members have challenges inthe understanding of the doctrines of "the State of the Dead" and "Growth in Christ" and "the Great Controversy." Finally, the study revealed the necessity of emphasizing more in biblical training of the members, pastoral visitation, and engaging them in biblical practices to solve this problem. The researcher also suggests some recommendations to the local church leaders and the Central Conference, and the Mozambique Union Mission, which, if implemented, will contribute to solving this missiological challenge.
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    Perceptions of polygamy and treatment of polygamous male converts: a Mozambican context
    (Adventist University of Africa, Theological Seminary, 2021-03) Muabsa, Silas B.
    Different treatment of polygamous male converts within Christendom, the existence of a first wife and non-defined stances in the absence of explicit local and worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church policy pose a challenge in treating polygamous male converts. Moreover, varied perceptions among members about polygamy and polygamous wives’ legitimacy exacerbate the challenge in a country where 19.5% of married women live in polygamous relationships. Ascertaining which wife ought to remain and understanding members' and polygamous converts’ perceptions regarding wives’ legitimacy in polygamous marriages and polygamy concerning adultery, the sole biblically sanctioned reason for divorce, is the aim of the research. Answering these questions is crucial in the debate towards a framework to better disciple polygamous men. The researcher surveys the biblical treatment of first and subsequent wives, the roadmap to any course of action in missions. Also, a literature review, a survey of Pentateuch laws and a study of Abrahams, Jacob’s, Elkanah’s and royal polygamy aid in forming a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Besides, 481 church members from Tete, Sofala, and Maputo responded to a questionnaire. A non-probabilistic, purposeful sample of four polygamous male converts share their perceptions of polygamy and polygamous converts’ treatment through an interview. The research concludes that, in contexts permissive of polygamy, none of a polygamous man’s wives commits adultery, and all are equally legitimate. Both the first wife and the non-defined stances violate no biblical principle, and neither infringes local legislation. Although the former stance is more prevalent among questionnaire respondents, interview participants base their choice on factors other than the chronological order of acquisition. Additionally, God’s treatment of polygamous wives and Ellen G. White’s dealing with unbiblical marriages demand a treatment that transcends chronological order. Such treatment calls for flexibility whenever the first wife’s stance is unfeasible, assessing and mitigating negative social and missional implications of any stance and follow an adequate cultural exegesis of polygamy in specific communities. Furthermore, this treatment requires effective education and training of church members and guidelines making the wife’s choice a results of a contextualized discipleship process.