http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1 This is a student research section on theological issues. 2026-03-19T16:30:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/29 Title: An inquiry into the effects of COVID 19 to the church: a case study of the Brethren in Christ Church-Nkulumane (2020-2021) Authors: Dube, Rumawu Abstract: The novel covid-19 pandemic led to change in lifestyles and other social activities including religious gatherings. In Zimbabwe, the government restricted attendance of worship places in March, 2020 to help curb the spread of covid-19. This study sought to make an inquiry into the effects of COVID 19 to the Brethren in Christ Church. A case study was carried out in BICC Nkulumane, one of the oldest branches in Bulawayo as a representative of other BICC churches. Questionnaire and interview guide were used for data collection. 40 questionnaires were distributed to the targeted group and group interviews were carried out to obtain enough information within a short space of time. Key leaders of different church ministries, the pastor, and randomly picked congregants saved as the participants. The study found out that church gatherings have been affected forcing services to be done online. Online services were a challenge for the church at Nkulumane. Moreover, leadership challenges were also discovered not forgetting the negative impact on the faith of the believers. In as much, offerings have taken a nose-dive trend at Nkulumane contributed by a combination of different factors. After the findings, recommendation were proposed with the hope that they may provide a solution to the prevailing challenges caused by the outbreak of COVID 19. Description: Research focused on the effects of Covid 19 pandemic to the BICC in Nkulumane. 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/28 Title: An investigation into the problem of syncretism among Emakhandeni Christians Authors: Chihuri, Muchatenda Abstract: Emakhandeni is an area that is open to the gospel of Jesus Christ; however it has been observed that the problem of syncretism among Christians is prevalent among Christians. The researcher intended to find out how much of African traditional religion (ATR), have been imported and infused into the Christian faith, because involvement of other beliefs in Christianity renders Christianity irrelevant and ineffective. The research was restricted to Rock of Ages, Methodist and Emakhandeni community churches. Syncretism has been investigated using qualitative methodology and phenomenology design. The targeted population was one hundred participants out of six hundred people from the three churches. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires, whilst secondary data from journals, newspapers and electronic reading material were used. Data presentation was done in the form of pie charts, tables and bar graphs. One of the major issues discovered was Christian identity meaning whether one is an African Christian or Christian African, for which without a clear understanding, syncretism may be practiced ignorantly under the influences of ATR. Moreover, research findings concerning traditional and spiritual problems, cultural practices and social issues were uncovered. Suggested recommendations sought to empower pastoral leadership and congregants to seek true biblical Christian practice through theological training, personal research and to fully depend on the work of the cross through Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit should also be given room to teach and guide Christians to the whole truth of God’s counsel. Description: Research focused on why there continued to be the practice of syncretism in the church among Emakhandeni Christians. 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/27 Title: The impact of Christianity and modernity on the burial customs of the Ndau people of Rusitu Chimanimani Authors: Mhembere, Mercy Abstract: The research focuses on the impact of Christianity and modernity on the Ndau burial customs of Rusitu, Chimanimani. This research was born out of the realisation that United Baptist Church Zimbabwe (UBCZ) members who profess to be Christians turn back to their traditional customs, in this case, burial customs. The research sought to find out the impact of Christianity and why in the first place the Ndau people were convinced by missionaries to convert to Christianity, abandoning their traditions. Data regarding Ndau people’s understanding of burial customs was collected using in-depth semi-structured and focus group interviews. It was analysed using the discourse analysis. This research is qualitative in nature and the aim was to develop an understanding of how the world is constructed, in this case the Ndau world. The major findings showed that the Ndau were more attracted to the civilisation brought by the Europeans who brought the UBCZ in Rusitu than the Christian gospel message preached by the missionaries. Therefore, according to this research, UBCZ members go back to their burial traditions because the church has proved to be unable to meet the essential needs of the Ndau people. Recommendations are for the church leaders to help the church understand what it means to be Christian and how issues to deal with Ngozi (avenging spirits)/ misfortunes which are believed to come if they fail to bury their dead properly can be understood and dealt with, without practising religious syncretism. Description: Research focused on the syncretism practiced by Ndau people of Chimanimani in their burial customs. 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/26 Title: The perceptions of the elderly church members on youth migration from mainline churches to new Pentecostal churches: a case study of the Trenance Roman Catholic Parish in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Authors: Donga, Nomazulu Abstract: The study aimed at investigating youth migration from the Roman Catholic Church to New Pentecostal Churches. It was carried out at the Roman Catholic Church in Trenance Suburb, in Bulawayo. What accounts for this migration and what preventive measures can be employed to counter this exodus. It was informed by the African Traditional Religion and Feminism theories. The researcher used a case study premised in a qualitative methodology, which allows the researcher to analyse, assess, discuss and explain ideas and opinions of scholars and respondents on an issue under discussion. From the 20 elderly people targeted, she ended up interviewing 15 because of data saturation, using semi structured interviews as an instrument. The researcher observed ethical considerations namely, informed consent, confidentiality, privacy and anonymity. All data was narratively presented as well as thematically analyzed. The study findings were that the influence of Pentecostal theological orientation appeals to most cultures where the movement finds itself. Pentecostal beliefs and practices have always tended to influence and shape the daily lives of its members, rendering it relevant in addressing peculiar cultural and societal circumstance of the people it finds itself in hence attracting young people. Description: Research focused on why young people leave main line churches to Pentecostal churches. 2022-03-01T00:00:00Z