- +27828223851
Maniraj Sukdaven
University of Pretoria, Faculty of Theology and Religion, Faculty Member
- I am interested in Interreligious Dialogue and African Worldview.edit
Contribution: This article contributes to understanding the Hindu concept of Nishkama Karma as a contributor to social cohesion in South Africa and also examines the important role that different religions play in supporting governmental... more
Contribution: This article contributes to understanding the Hindu concept of Nishkama Karma as a contributor to social cohesion in South Africa and also examines the important role that different religions play in supporting governmental objectives in the country.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Epistemology and Zulu
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
... DC GROENEWALT (POSTHUMOUS) DR. SJEJ VAN VUUREN Page 2. 2 ... He opened up his library and home to me. ♦ Dr Sarie van Vuuren, co-supervisor with whom I spent endless hours on the research data and from whom I learned much about data... more
... DC GROENEWALT (POSTHUMOUS) DR. SJEJ VAN VUUREN Page 2. 2 ... He opened up his library and home to me. ♦ Dr Sarie van Vuuren, co-supervisor with whom I spent endless hours on the research data and from whom I learned much about data interpretation. ♦ Proff. ...
Research Interests: Art and Church Growth
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This article unveils the causes of incestuous rape in the Epworth community of Zimbabwe. It was premised on a feminist theoretical framework which was applied in light of the perspectives of African Christians, Shona indigenous religious... more
This article unveils the causes of incestuous rape in the Epworth community of Zimbabwe. It was premised on a feminist theoretical framework which was applied in light of the perspectives of African Christians, Shona indigenous religious people, and Shona culture. The research hopes to serve as a resource for victims of incestuous rape, scholars, religious leaders, community leaders, the government, those who sympathetically seek to support incestuous rape victims, and those who seek to become a voice of the voiceless to treat incestuous rape as a serious problem that needs serious attention. It addresses three major objectives: (1) to unveil how Epworth residents construe incestuous rape; (2) to expose the prevalence of incestuous rape cases in Epworth; and (3) to highlight the factors which lead to the occurrences of incestuous rape cases in Epworth. The study has established that the causes of incestuous rape in Epworth may vary, but most notably, are ascribed to some cultural an...
Research Interests: Epistemology and Zulu
This article is based on a Timbuktu manuscript listed in a digital form on the Library of Congress - Global Gateway. The authors of this article were involved in the translation and exegesis of the manuscript. Of significance, aside from... more
This article is based on a Timbuktu manuscript listed in a digital form on the Library of Congress - Global Gateway. The authors of this article were involved in the translation and exegesis of the manuscript. Of significance, aside from the translation, is the exegetical analysis of the manuscript which was translated and written simultaneously in a poetic form so as to bring forth the intended beauty of the author of the manuscript. From the eighty-eight lines, eighty-three are dedicated to theosophical ethical thoughts as well as to the spiritual sarcasm of the author. The context addresses a reciprocal relationship between God and humanity and how humanity can experience the highest form of happiness in this world and the hereafter. Therefore this manuscript is not only a mystical text but also contributes to Islamic ethics. In the exegesis of the translated work, Qur'anic verses were incorporated to lend support to the text where necessary.
Research Interests:
This article follows the one published in Verbum et Ecclesia (Sukdaven & Ahmed, 2017: 1-10) which is associated with the Timbuktu Project at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. A translated edition of the manuscript 'Qissat Dhul... more
This article follows the one published in Verbum et Ecclesia (Sukdaven & Ahmed, 2017: 1-10) which is associated with the Timbuktu Project at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. A translated edition of the manuscript 'Qissat Dhul Qurnain: The story of the "Two Horned King" known as Alexander the Great'1 makes reference to Gog and Magog (Sukdaven et al., 2015: 106-108). This article addresses two issues. Firstly, to place into context the current manuscript within a plethora of other renderings of Alexander the Great within other traditions commonly regarded as the 'Alexander Romance'. Much has been written about the Alexander Romance and this article attempts to summarise the different traditions of the Alexander Romance as a precursor to the article. Secondly, in as much as this manuscript addresses many themes, the article will focus only on the theme surrounding Gog and Magog in the different Alexander Romance stories pre and post Islamic traditions.
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has ravaged glocal societies of both developed and developing countries, has once again shown that there are some phenomena that are no respecters of societies. This is clearly... more
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has ravaged glocal societies of both developed and developing countries, has once again shown that there are some phenomena that are no respecters of societies. This is clearly observed in the most recent COVID-19 global statistics, where the most advanced country in the world has the greatest number of infections and deaths. Globally, there are 171.5 million COVID-19 cases, 153.7 million recoveries and 3.6 million deaths (worldmeters.info/coronavirus accessed 01 June 2021). Not only has COVID-19 devastated both developed and developing countries, but has also demonstrated the widening gulf between the rich and the poor. The Minority World were able to secure millions of vaccine doses for their citizens, while the Majority World had to wait in line. We have also witnessed an uprising recently (July 2021) in two of South African provinces of social dissolution where socio-economic and racial tension resulted in a number of...
Research Interests:
Incarnation, as per definition in its simplistic form, wherein God assumes a human nature, is central to the Christian doctrine of faith. The premise upon which the uniqueness of the Christian doctrine of incarnation, as opposed to other... more
Incarnation, as per definition in its simplistic form, wherein God assumes a human nature, is central to the Christian doctrine of faith. The premise upon which the uniqueness of the Christian doctrine of incarnation, as opposed to other religious traditions, is embedded in and among other texts of the Christian Bible, and in the Gospel according to John 1:1-18. This article will articulate some of the philosophies in existence at that time which may allegedly have influenced and elicited a response from the writer of the Gospel according to John (GAJ). An attempt will be made to understand how some of these philosophies view incarnation in forms that may not necessarily reflect incarnation as is traditionally understood in Christianity which is primarily 'God becoming flesh'. Central to the understanding of Christian incarnation is the philosophical concept of logos which emanated in Greek philosophy. Finally, it should become apparent, that the understanding of 'incarn...
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has ravaged glocal societies of both developed and developing countries, has once again shown that there are some phenomena that are no respecters of societies. This is clearly... more
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has ravaged glocal societies of both developed and developing countries, has once again shown that there are some phenomena that are no respecters of societies. This is clearly observed in the most recent COVID-19 global statistics, where the most advanced country in the world has the greatest number of infections and deaths. Globally, there are 171.5 million COVID-19 cases, 153.7 million recoveries and 3.6 million deaths (worldmeters.info/coronavirus accessed 01 June 2021). Not only has COVID-19 devastated both developed and developing countries, but has also demonstrated the widening gulf between the rich and the poor. The Minority World were able to secure millions of vaccine doses for their citizens, while the Majority World had to wait in line. We have also witnessed an uprising recently (July 2021) in two of South African provinces of social dissolution where socio-economic and racial tension resulted in a number of deaths. It is within this context that this study aimed to examine how the integration of Arthashastra’s economic treatise and Madhva’s philosophical notion on social cohesion, can contribute to a just socio-economic society. Even though Arthashastra’s economic treatise and Madhva’s philosophical notion of social cohesion are common within Hinduism, and more specifically related to India, the global community will benefit from implementing the salient features from it for application in their contexts.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Within the primary and secondary Hindu scriptures, especially the Vedas, Epics and Puranas, many gods are mentioned. At times a hierarchy of deities is distinguishable, and at other times these deities assume each others’ names and... more
Within the primary and secondary Hindu scriptures, especially the Vedas, Epics and Puranas, many gods are mentioned. At times a hierarchy of deities is distinguishable, and at other times these deities assume each others’ names and functions. Then there are some deities that manifest themselves in other forms such as a bird, an animal, a human, or both animal and human. These manifestations are at times clearly construed as avataras. To determine the transformation (metamorphosis), progression and/or regression of Hindu deities from the Vedas through to the Puranas, the researcher applied the systematic literature review methodology. He argued that this evolution of Hindu deities is the result of changes in the specific needs of the community in their quest for immortality. Accompanying this metamorphosis of Hindu deities is the notion of avatara which gained significant prominence in the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, although there are indications that the notion of avatara can be...
Research Interests:
Incarnation, as per definition in its simplistic form, wherein God assumes a human nature, is central to the Christian doctrine of faith. The premise upon which the uniqueness of the Christian doctrine of incarnation, as opposed to other... more
Incarnation, as per definition in its simplistic form, wherein God assumes a human nature, is central to the Christian doctrine of faith. The premise upon which the uniqueness of the Christian doctrine of incarnation, as opposed to other religious traditions, is embedded in and among other texts of the Christian Bible, and in the Gospel according to John 1:1-18. This article will articulate some of the philosophies in existence at that time which may allegedly have influenced and elicited a response from the writer of the Gospel according to John (GAJ). An attempt will be made to understand how some of these philosophies view incarnation in forms that may not necessarily reflect incarnation as is traditionally understood in Christianity which is primarily ‘God becoming flesh’. Central to the understanding of Christian incarnation is the philosophical concept of logos which emanated in Greek philosophy. Finally, it should become apparent, that the understanding of ‘incarnation’, in s...
... DC GROENEWALT (POSTHUMOUS) DR. SJEJ VAN VUUREN Page 2. 2 ... He opened up his library and home to me. ♦ Dr Sarie van Vuuren, co-supervisor with whom I spent endless hours on the research data and from whom I learned much about data... more
... DC GROENEWALT (POSTHUMOUS) DR. SJEJ VAN VUUREN Page 2. 2 ... He opened up his library and home to me. ♦ Dr Sarie van Vuuren, co-supervisor with whom I spent endless hours on the research data and from whom I learned much about data interpretation. ♦ Proff. ...
Research Interests:
This article follows the one published in Verbum et Ecclesia (Sukdaven & Ahmed, 2017: 1-10) which is associated with the Timbuktu Project at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. A translated edition of the manuscript ‘Qissat Dhul... more
This article follows the one published in Verbum et Ecclesia (Sukdaven & Ahmed, 2017: 1-10) which is associated with the Timbuktu Project at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. A translated edition of the manuscript ‘Qissat Dhul Qurnain: The story of the “Two Horned King” known as Alexander the Great’ makes reference to Gog and Magog (Sukdaven et al., 2015: 106-108). This article addresses two issues. Firstly, to place into context the current manuscript within a plethora of other renderings of Alexander the Great within other traditions commonly regarded as the ‘Alexander Romance’. Much has been written about the Alexander Romance and this article attempts to summarise the different traditions of the Alexander Romance as a precursor to the article. Secondly, in as much as this manuscript addresses many themes, the article will focus only on the theme surrounding Gog and Magog in the different Alexander Romance stories pre and post Islamic traditions.
The RCA is the youngest and smallest church within the Dutch Reformed family of churches. Its mission focus was predominantly on “Indians” in South Africa. With the repeal of all segregated legislation based on race classification, South... more
The RCA is the youngest and smallest church within the Dutch Reformed family of churches. Its mission focus was predominantly on “Indians” in South Africa. With the repeal of all segregated legislation based on race classification, South Africa witnessed a larger and legal migration of people from rural to urban areas. This resulted in many “informal settlements” being established. This new development offered new challenges to the RCA churches. Whereas in the past the RCA focussed its mission on its own racial group (Indians), it had to now contend with mission to the “informal settlements” around its neighbourhood. This article assesses the perception and response of members of the RCA congregations, within the RCA Presbytery of Gauteng, towards the inclusion of “informal settlements” as also part of their mission focus.
Historically, most Darul Ulooms in South Africa have been modelled along the curriculum of Darul Uloom Deoband in India, which was established in 1866, and there is a need for reforming the curriculum in a world that has evolved over... more
Historically, most Darul Ulooms in South Africa have been modelled along the curriculum of Darul Uloom Deoband in India, which was established in 1866, and there is a need for reforming the curriculum in a world that has evolved over time. In recent years, the role of the Darul Uloom has become more crucial as more students, both nationally and internationally, are now studying at the South African Darul Ulooms. This research article aims to propose some reforms to the current Deoband curriculum adopted by some of these South African Darul Ulooms.Contribution: This proposal suggests applying themes from Al-Mawwaq’s work to foster reforms to the curriculum, which will enhance and produce scholars who are more tolerant and able to deal with the changing circumstances, both nationally and internationally.
Research Interests:
In and among the many models developed for engaging in inter-religious dialogue was a model that became known as scriptural reasoning (SR). SR basically serves the purpose of being hospitable towards the Abrahamic religions. The current... more
In and among the many models developed for engaging in inter-religious dialogue was a model that became known as scriptural reasoning (SR). SR basically serves the purpose of being hospitable towards the Abrahamic religions. The current approach of SR, by virtue of its focus only on scripture as the basis of engagement, obviously excludes other faith traditions that possess no sacred scripture. One such religion is African traditional religion (ATR). As a result of this exclusion, this article intends to engage SR to consider reinterpreting imaginatively, or to use a synonym, to reconceptualise, its basis of only scripture as the primary source of engagement and as such to expand its basis to include religions with an oral-orientated tradition. This article explores such a possibility for the inclusion of ATR, as an oral tradition, to be considered as an equal partner in a reimagined SR or as a parallel model with similar guidelines and outcomes as found in SR.
This article emanates from a manuscript found in Timbuktu and digitised. The digitised version was subsequently translated by a team of translators and published as a book: Qissat Dhul Qarnayn [Tale of the two-horned one]. The most... more
This article emanates from a manuscript found in Timbuktu and digitised. The digitised version was subsequently translated by a team of translators and published as a book: Qissat Dhul Qarnayn [Tale of the two-horned one]. The most important question raised in reading this manuscript was the identity of Dhul Qarnayn. Subsequently to this manuscript being published as a book, a book written by Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in 1949 in Arabic was examined, and it detailed a comprehensive scholarly study of the different views among scholars at that time about Dhul Qarnayn and Alexander the Great. This article reflects on the views of Muḥammad Rāghib al-Ṭabbākh in his book together with the manuscript found in Timbuktu and brings together views that attempt to establish and understand who Dhul Qarnayn is or was and his adventures.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: The article elaborates on a topic that has been discussed by historians and theologians of the Jewish, Ch...
Research Interests:
This article is based on a Timbuktu manuscript listed in a digital form on the Library of Congress – Global Gateway. The authors of this article were involved in the translation and exegesis of the manuscript. Of significance, aside from... more
This article is based on a Timbuktu manuscript listed in a digital form on the Library of Congress – Global Gateway. The authors of this article were involved in the translation and exegesis of the manuscript. Of significance, aside from the translation, is the exegetical analysis of the manuscript which was translated and written simultaneously in a poetic form so as to bring forth the intended beauty of the author of the manuscript. From the eighty-eight lines, eighty-three are dedicated to theosophical ethical thoughts as well as to the spiritual sarcasm of the author. The context addresses a reciprocal relationship between God and humanity and how humanity can experience the highest form of happiness in this world and the hereafter. Therefore this manuscript is not only a mystical text but also contributes to Islamic ethics. In the exegesis of the translated work, Qur'anic verses were incorporated to lend support to the text where necessary.
Research Interests:
The terms “inclusivism” and “exclusivism” is not defined as it is understood in the “Theology of Missions”. In the context of this dissertation these terms refers to mission work engaged in by the congregations of the Gauteng Presbytery... more
The terms “inclusivism” and “exclusivism” is not defined as it is understood in the “Theology of Missions”. In the context of this dissertation these terms refers to mission work engaged in by the congregations of the Gauteng Presbytery in South Africa as to whether it includes or excludes the informal settlements that are to be found in their areas.
These terms are also defined vis-à-vis universalism as distinct from universal salvation. A comprehensive study, yet not an exhaustive one, is attempted in order to understand the terms “inclusiveness” and “exclusiveness” in the Old and New Testaments. These terms were also subjected to an understanding of missions as centripetal and centrifugal. The relationship between church and mission is investigated so as to determine whether these are two separate identities or whether there is an inseparable link between the two.
The research is structured so that the sample of the universe being researched would provide data that is representative of the RCA Presbytery of Gauteng. The questionnaire instrument of measurement was adopted to gather information for this research. The sampling method employed was the probability, stratified simple random sampling method.
These terms are also defined vis-à-vis universalism as distinct from universal salvation. A comprehensive study, yet not an exhaustive one, is attempted in order to understand the terms “inclusiveness” and “exclusiveness” in the Old and New Testaments. These terms were also subjected to an understanding of missions as centripetal and centrifugal. The relationship between church and mission is investigated so as to determine whether these are two separate identities or whether there is an inseparable link between the two.
The research is structured so that the sample of the universe being researched would provide data that is representative of the RCA Presbytery of Gauteng. The questionnaire instrument of measurement was adopted to gather information for this research. The sampling method employed was the probability, stratified simple random sampling method.