Theses and Dissertations

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    An assessment of perceptions and attitudes of christians towards cremation and how these attitudes and perceptions affect missiological education
    (2014-04-10) Itegi, Grace
    The research study focused on cremation of the dead and the attitudes and perception of Christians towards it. Cremation is quite a rare practice among Kenyan Christians who view it cautiously and with apprehension. The study sought to establish the perceptions and attitudes of Christians with regard to cremation as well as to determine their knowledge concerning the subject. It was also the researcher's intention to find out how the doctrine of resurrection relates to cremation and some of the theological views that arise from the topic. The role of Christian education in the matters of cremation was also pointed out. The researcher also focused on how these perceptions and attitudes affect missiological education. It also aimed at enlightening Christians on cremation matters so that they in return are helped in making informed decisions. In addition, the study looked at the cultural beliefs and values that are held by Christians and how these values affect their view about cremation. The study population included congregation members of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Nairobi Baptist church, Pentecostal churches and other mainline churches in Nairobi as well as pastors from the same churches. The researcher used two questionnaires to collect quantitative data from the sampled churches. One tool targeted congregation members while the other collected data from pastors. A total of 359 members and 54 pastors participated. An interview guide for the individual in-depth interviews was formulated and administered. The researcher held two focus group discussions one with church workers and the other with a few friends. The researcher also interviewed two people who had cremated their loved ones. The researcher hypothesized that there is a relationship between respondents' attitudes toward cremation and their willingness to cremate a loved one. The study also endeavored to contribute towards highlighting and creating awareness within the Christian fraternity in Kenya so as make informed decisions in matters pertaining to cremation practice. The results indicated that respondents strongly felt that cremation does not hinder the doctrine of resurrection. It was found that knowledge about cremation was lacking in the churches. The members are in need of church teachings about cremation. The results point out how Christians' perceptions and attitudes affect missiological education especially due to the discontentment when some Christians opt for cremation while others are opposed to it.
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    An examination of attitudes and factors influencing usage of internet for evangelism in Nairobi: a case study of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology
    (2014-04-10) Maritim, Onesmus Kipkirui
    This was a descriptive study done as a case study of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate school of Theology (NEGST) to examine the perception of attitudes and factors influencing usage of Internet for evangelism in Nairobi. As a case study, NEGST provided an appropriate place to capture some insights from faculty members and students, who are a representative sample of the leaders of churches and ministries in Africa and other parts of the world. The insights could be used as a relevant reference document containing valuable guidelines that could suggest ways to help other ministries in the same category as NEGST to harness internet for use in communicating the gospel to non-believers. This study assumes Internet is one of those new skills which can offer an exciting new opportunity for evangelism as it has become a part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. The target population of this study was all post graduate students from evangelical theological schools in Nairobi. The accessible population however was tile faculty and students of NEGST. Most of the information was gathered by use of a questionnaire; however some information was obtained by personal interview with a web designer in Nairobi. Among the major findings in this study were: The NEGST faculty and students have computer skills to use internet however they lack the techniques of using the same for evangelism. This contributed to a great number of them indicating an undecided perception as they were not sure whether it was an appropriate tool to use. Secondly, the perception of attitude towards use of internet for evangelism is dependent on the role of the respondent (faculty member or a student). Thirdly, gender and level of education at entry would influence the perception of attitude whereas other socio-economic factors like the size of family, the age pattern, level of income and marital status would not affect. The disparity in the socio-economic factors is a major characteristic of the NEGST community. This scenario would offer a great opportunity for harnessing and using Internet for evangelism. In light of the above findings the researcher recommends that the NEGST faculty and students be exposed to the skills of using internet for evangelism to make them more effective fishers of men. The researches further challenges and recommends the faculty members and students of NEGST to encourage their churches and ministries launch websites with evangelistic and apologetic messages to non-Christians. The researcher suggests that this tool of internet is being redeemed it is not to replace the other traditional methods but they can be used in tandem or where situation demands. The researcher recommends further research on the same topic but on a church set up. The church set up is expected to come up with more insights which could not have been captured in this study.