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31 January 2024
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Story EDZANI NEPHALELA
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Photo ANJA AUCAMP
Dr Martin Laubscher’s thesis, crowned with the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize, is testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.
In a historic triumph that reverberates over four decades since its inception, the UFS has clinched the coveted
Andrew Murray Prize – now renamed the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize – for the first time. Standing shoulder to shoulder with institutions such as the University of Pretoria (UP) and Stellenbosch University (SU), this achievement marks a significant milestone in the UFS’ journey.
At the heart of this accomplishment lies the profound contribution of
Dr Martin Laubscher, distinguished Senior Lecturer specialising in Practical and Missional Theology in the
Faculty of Theology and Religion. Dr Laubscher’s dedication and scholarly prowess culminated in the groundbreaking work titled
Publieke teologie as profetiese teologie? (Public theology as prophetic theology), a revised edition of his doctoral thesis, which was originally crafted at Stellenbosch University in 2020, with a focus on the eminent Karl Barth.
Dr Laubscher received the Andrew Murray Prize for Theological Books in Afrikaans for his research and insightful analysis. The journey started when he realised, under the guidance of his study leader,
Prof Dion Forster, that his script had the potential to be published in Afrikaans. Sun Media’s interest in publishing this work in Afrikaans, led to it being the first-ever published thesis in Afrikaans. Dr Laubscher recalls, “I was grateful and excited about Sun Media’s interest. The book emerged within a year, and during a celebratory launch Prof Forster suggested I submit it for the Andrew Murray Prize.”
Earlier this year, Dr Laubscher was excited to learn that he was being shortlisted for the prestigious award. Reflecting on the significant moment, he shares, “The elation I felt upon receiving the news was unparalleled. I was not only celebrating a personal triumph, but also etching my name as the first laureate from our faculty to secure this prestigious accolade.”
Faculty first to present course in church ministry for Chinese students
2009-02-20
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The Faculty of Theology at the University of the Free State (UFS) became the first faculty in the country to present a certificate course in church ministry specifically for Chinese students. This course with Chinese Christians in mind was developed by Rev Ko-Ta Jen. He translated the course in Mandarin, the only course of its kind in South Africa. The first students completing the course received their certificates at the recent Theological day at the UFS. The students are involved in commerce and industry. Rev Ko-Ta Jen has among others student in Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth, New Castle and Johannesburg. Rev Johan Botha is the coordinator for short courses like these, presented at the Faculty of Theology, UFS. At this occasion two students from African churches also received their certificates in church ministry. Here are, from the left: Prof. Francois Tolmie, Dean of the Faculty of Theology at the UFS, Rev Ko-Ta Jen and Rev Botha.
Photo: Supplied |