STUDENT NUMBER: 27544893 DARIAN VERGOTINE PRACTICAL THEOLOGY 152: A2 POSSIBLE ANSWERS A2 POSSIBLE ANSWERS 10-mark questions 1. Child Theology is a theological discipline that focuses on understanding and exploring theological concepts and beliefs from the perspective of children. It recognises the important of including children in theological discussions and considers their unique insights and questions about faith and spirituality. If we look at how child theology can be applied, suppose a group of children is discussing the story from the bible. Instead of simply teaching the children the traditional interpretation of the story, a child theologian or educator might engage the children in a conversation about the characters in the story. They might ask questions like, “How do you think the injured man in the story felt?” Or “Have you ever helped anyone in need? How did it make you feel?” Through these exegetical questions, the child theologian then encourages the children to express their thoughts and feelings which could contribute to the story’s moral and theological implications. 2. The bible portrays children in various ways throughout its texts, and these portrayals often reflect the cultural and societal norms of the times in which the various books were written. Children in the bible can be seen as a source of blessing, a symbol of innocence and a sign of God’s favour. If we reference the book of Matthew, we can say that in the new testament, especially in the gospel of Matthew, there is an emphasis on childlike faith. In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” The passage highlights the importance of humility, trust and simplicity in one’s approach to faith and God. 3. Approaching children in a congregation requires a thoughtful and intentional approach that recognizes their unique needs, perspectives, and contributions. Here are some ways to operate differently in our approach to children in the congregation, along with practical examples: To make worship services more inclusive for children, congregations can create a designated space or time for children's participation. This could involve incorporating age-appropriate songs, prayers, or interactive elements into the service. For example, a church might have a "Children's Moment" where a brief message is shared specifically for the younger audience, helping them connect with the broader themes of the service. Implement mentorship programs where older members of the congregation take on a mentorship role for younger individuals. This helps create a sense of community and provides children with role models who can guide them in their spiritual journey. Practical activities could include one-on-one discussions, joint service projects, or shared prayer times. By implementing these practices, congregations can create environments that actively engage and support the spiritual development of children, fostering a sense of belonging and a lifelong connection to their faith community. 15-mark questions 4. The African church, like any religious institution, plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of compassion, protection, and support for vulnerable individuals, including orphaned children. Addressing violence towards children requires a multi-faceted approach that involves the collaboration of religious institutions, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and communities. Firstly, churches can contribute significantly to prevention efforts through education and awareness programs. This involves teaching congregants about the rights of children, the consequences of abuse, and the importance of creating safe environments for them. Emphasizing values such as love, empathy, and responsibility can help shape a community that actively opposes violence towards children. Secondly, the church can provide support systems for orphaned children within its community. This may include establishing orphanages, organizing foster care programs, or partnering with existing child welfare organizations. Creating a network of caregivers and mentors helps to ensure that orphaned children receive the emotional, physical, and spiritual support they need to thrive. In cases of abuse, the church should encourage individuals to report such incidents to the appropriate authorities. It is essential to prioritize the well-being of the child above any concerns about reputation or internal disputes. Additionally, churches can offer counseling services for both the victims and perpetrators of abuse, addressing the root causes of violence and promoting healing within the community. As for specific suggestions and remarks from Rosinah Gabaitse, I would need more context or specific information about her work or statements on the abuse of orphaned children. If she has delivered insights on this issue, her recommendations could be valuable in shaping effective strategies for addressing child abuse within the African context. 25-mark questions 5. South African children face a myriad of challenges, many of which are rooted in the country's complex socio-economic and historical context. One prominent issue is the impact of poverty, as a significant portion of the population struggles to access necessities such as education, healthcare, and adequate housing. Additionally, South Africa has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, leading to the vulnerability of many children who may be orphaned or living in households affected by the disease. The legacy of apartheid also continues to influence the landscape, contributing to racial and economic disparities that disproportionately affect children in marginalized communities. Social injustice plays a profound role in the lives of South African children, shaping their opportunities, experiences, and overall well-being. Discrimination, inequality, and systemic issues contribute to an environment where certain children face more obstacles than others. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and limited access to education, perpetuating social injustice across generations. Moreover, the psychological impact of witnessing or experiencing violence, as well as the effects of historical trauma, adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by South African children. In addressing the theological aspects of supporting children impacted by the trauma of injustice, a crucial approach is to draw upon liberation theology. Liberation theology emphasizes the Christian commitment to justice, particularly in the context of oppressed and marginalized communities. This involves actively engaging in efforts to address social, economic, and political structures that perpetuate injustice. Theological approaches can include advocating for policies that promote equity, supporting grassroots initiatives, and fostering a community-centred approach to address the needs of affected children. "Theology from below" in the case of children burdened by social injustice involves a perspective that starts with the experiences and voices of those who are marginalized. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the lived realities of individuals facing injustice and using these insights as a foundation for theological reflection and action. For South African children, this means incorporating their narratives, struggles, and aspirations into theological discussions, ensuring that theological responses are grounded in the specific context and challenges they face. This approach seeks to empower children and communities, acknowledging their agency in overcoming the impact of social injustice through a theological lens that prioritizes justice, compassion, and solidarity.
