We are delighted to present recently completed PhD theses that showcase not only the breadth of academic inquiry but also the depth of research across various disciplines. These theses, ranging from theological studies in Nigeria, educational dynamics in South Sudan, local theology in Italy, to interfaith relations in Kenya, and more, reflect a mosaic of cultural, religious, and social perspectives. Each thesis is a testament to the rigorous scholarship and dedication of the researchers who have delved into complex and often under-explored topics, offering fresh insights and contributing significantly to their respective fields. This collection is a celebration of academic diversity and a tribute to the relentless pursuit of knowledge here at OCMS.
Shürhisieü Meyase
‘Change and Continuity in Angami Naga Traditional Morality: A Critical Appraisal with Special Reference to Kenyű, Mhosho, and Thenyi’
In this work, Shürhisieü brings to light the Angami Naga traditional notions of morality and ways in which Naga Christians reconcile their understanding of traditional morality with Christian morality. She explores this tension by looking at the Angami concepts of kenyü and mhosho in the pre-Christian Angami context. Her examination of this reveals how ‘individualism’ emerges with the introduction of Christianity and how contemporary Angami Christians today live with the traditional ideas in actual practice. Shürhisieü’s work provides the Angami Nagas with a broader perspective of their own ideas/practices and contributes to the wider scholarship on Naga morality.
Saturnino Gonzalez
‘A Pentecostal Perspective on Church Leadership: A Study on Church Leadership Conversion among Young Pentecostal Latinos in the Florida Multicultural District of the Assemblies of God’
The thesis highlights both the factors that led 30 youths to become church leaders and the Pentecostal Ethos that informed their choice in pursuing credentials for leadership. In doing this research Nino used an interpretative approach for analysing the data from his respondents. The results revealed the following factors influencing their decisions: i. Spiritual experience leading to an awareness of being called by God; ii. Belief in God’s on-going involvement in human affairs; iii. Awareness that individuals can experience God in a manner similar to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. These findings contribute to Practical Theology and Leadership studies, besides highlighting significant implications for the pastoral ministry of the church in the region.
Ambrose Massaquoi
‘The Role of the Christian Faith in the Emergence of Social Entrepreneurship in Lagos, Nigeria’
Christians are routinely recognised as pioneer social entrepreneurs in the social entrepreneurship literature. However, there are limited empirical studies exploring how the personal faith of Christian social entrepreneurs influences their engagement and persistence in the ventures they create to tackle chronic social problems. Ambrose explores the role the faith of Pentecostal social entrepreneurs plays in the founding and development of their ventures in Lagos, Nigeria. A complementary purpose of Ambrose was to theologically reflect on the potential of social entrepreneurship as an integrated aspect of faithful Christian ministry. His work contributes to a better understanding of the interrelationship between the Christian faith and social entrepreneurship and reveals the Christian faith as a prevalent but fluid logic interacting with multiple other logics to influence Pentecostal social entrepreneurs’ motivations, leadership, and venture organising in the founding and development of their social ventures in Lagos, Nigeria.