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Development aid and power : What kind of global power structures do Swedish Christian development organizations contribute to?
No full textBistånd ses ofta som en del av lösningen för att främja mänskliga rättigheter, minska fattigdom och nå en fredlig utveckling. Å andra sidan menar kritiska röster att bistånd och utvecklingssamarbete liknar det europeiska kolonialstyret. Trosbaserade organisationer har även starka kopplingar till kolonialismen. Därav undersöker denna uppsats svenska kristna utvecklingsorganisationer. Det är avgränsat på så vis att det endast är en del av bistånd som undersöks, det som kallas utvecklingssamarbete. Arbetet är även avgränsat till att endast undersöka på en text-och dokumentnivå. Genom att analysera organisationernas policys och strategier om deras partnerskap, ämnar uppsatsen att kritiskt utreda vad svenska kristna biståndsorganisationer bidrar till för globala maktstrukturer. De organisationer som granskas är ACT Svenska kyrkan, Diakonia och PMU. Med hjälp av ett dekolonialt perspektiv och teorin om eurocentrism utförs en kritisk diskursanalys på dokument om organisationernas partnerskap. ACT Svenska kyrkan, Diakonia och PMU bidrar, i sina dokument, till flera olika globala maktstrukturer. De bidrar till att öka jämställdhet, egenmakt och gemensamt ansvar samtidigt som de reproducerar strukturer från kolonialismen och eurocentrismen. Aid is often seen as part of the solution to improve human rights, reduce poverty and achieve peaceful development. On the other hand, critics argue that aid and development cooperation resemble European colonial rule. Faith based organizations also have strong links to colonialism. Hence, this paper examines Swedish Christian development organisations. It is limited in a way that only one part of aid is examined, the part that is called development cooperation. It is also limited to examining only at a text and document level. By analysing the organisations policies and strategies on their partnerships, the paper aims to critically examine what Swedish Christian aid organisations contribute to global power structures. The organisations under review are ACT Church of Sweden, Diakonia and PMU. Using a decolonial perspective and the theory of Eurocentrism, a critical discourse analysis is carried out on documents about the organisations partnership. ACT Church of Sweden, Diakonia and PMU contribute, in their documents, to several different global power structures. They contribute to increasing gender equality, empowerment and shared responsibility while reproducing structures of colonialism and eurocentrism.
Diversity, Youth and New Perspectives on Congregational Development : An Action Research Project on Necessary Change to Increase Youth Participation in the Congregation
No full textThis master's thesis explores how congregations can work for change in ways that enable inclusion and increased participation of young people. Through participatory action research conducted at Broängskyrkan between December 2021 and January 2023, young people aged 13-19 collaborated as co-researchers to develop new methods for generational integration. The study employs theories from Axel Honneth's recognition theory, Jessica Benjamin's intersubjective relationships, and Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy. The research methodology included research circles, interviews with congregational leaders, and participatory methods such as photovoice and biblical reflection. The primary finding is the development of "Third Space" – a method for congregational development that creates constructive meeting ground where generations engage in dialogue on equal terms. Third Space combines dialogue leading to action with biblical reflection, addressing how congregations can enable genuine youth inclusion. The study reveals that traditional democratic structures alone are insufficient for youth integration. Real integration requires shared symmetrical power encompassing meaning, belonging, and empowerment. The action research process proved transformative, providing youth with tools for reflection and increased agency. The thesis contributes to practical theology by demonstrating Third Space as contextual congregational development that bridges ambition and reality. When young people are recognized as active co-creators rather than mere participants, sustainable generational integration becomes possible
Thy Will Be Done : Doing Theology Through Diffractive Methodology
No full textThe overall purpose of this thesis is to perform and propose diffractive methodology as a means for exploring, reading, learning, and understanding systematic theological discourses beyond binary and oppositional thinking. This methodology is based on performative strategies and feminist new materialist theory, with a specific focus on Karen Barad’s ethico-onto-epistemological agential realism theory; it can also be considered an alternative to a more traditional academic reflexive methodological approach, thus allowing for an infinite number of explorative methods to be developed within its umbrella definition of diffractive methodology. The diffractive analysis in this study is shaped as an intra-active entangled reading of Graham Ward’s Engaged Theology, through Erika Fischer-Lichte’s Performance Aesthetics, and the specific diffractive method I call Voicing-as-Performative-Theology. This thesis is divided into three parts. Part I unfolds some relevant terminology for understanding a) diffractive methodology, and b) Voicing-as-Performative-Theology. Part II performs the diffractive reading analysis as Voicing-as-Performative-Theology. Part III consists of a concluding essay summarizing the outcome of this study’s diffractive reading, as well as opening up suggestions for how diffractive methodology can be applied – as for example Voicing-as-Performative-Theology - for developing more performative and diffractive methods as part of future theological research.
An analysis of the principle of proportionality and justice in MIG 2018:20
No full textThe purpose of the study is to analyze the application of the proportionality principle from a justice perspective, using John Rawls theory of justice as fairness. The study examines the tension between the state’s right to control immigration and individual human rights, particularly children's rights. The case MIG 2018:20 from the Swedish Migration Court of Appeal is analyzed, in which the proportionality principle is applied. The case concerns an eight year old child from Syria who arrived in Sweden with his uncle without his parents during the 2015 refugee crisis. It illustrates the balancing of the child's interest against those of the state. The research questions were: 1. How can the principle of proportionality in MIG 2018:20 be understood as an effective protection for fundamental freedoms according to Rawls theory? 2. In what way does the court’s review and fair social structure take special account of the most vulnerable? The study is limited to the MIG 2018:20 and uses a normative legal-theoretical method, with Rawls theory of justice as an analytical tool. The results showed that the principle of proportionality can be understood as an effective protection of fundamental freedom, as well with Rawls theory of justice, including Rawls principle of liberty. The study can also contribute to a just social structure by protecting the rights and freedoms of the most vulnerable. This raises questions about how children's rights can be improved in future asylum cases
A Critical Evaluation of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme in Nigeria : Human Rights Implications on Child's Rights
No full textThis study critically evaluates the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme in Nigeria, with a focus on its human rights implications on the rights of the child. Recognizing education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of development, the research explores whether the UBE Programme fulfills its mandate of providing free, compulsory, and quality basic education to Nigerian children, its alignment with Human Rights Norms and its impact towards the integral development of children. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing policy documents, legal frameworks, and relevant literature. By examining the UBE Programme through the lens of national laws such as the UBE Act (2004) and the Child Rights Act (2003); and international instruments – the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the research identifies both progress and persistent gaps in the realization of children’s educational rights. The findings reveal significant implementation challenges, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and disparities in access. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reform and the adoption of an integral child-rights-based approach to education in Nigeria.
Theology of sexuality : A theological contribution to the Uniting Church in Sweden
No full textIn this essay I investigate some of the theological thoughts about sexuality that are presented within the Uniting Church in Sweden (UCS) today, and how to develop those theological thoughts. To reach that purpose, I analyze Esther Kazens Feministpastorns tro och tvivel [the Feminst Pastor’s Faith and Doubt], USC:s official document Equmeniakyrkan och hbtq [UCS and LGBTQ] with help from Emma Audas Det heliga äktenskapet [the Holy Marriage]. My conclusions are that we need to understand love in the light of eros and agape where both aspects are equally important. Eros is not only about our sexual desire or reproduction, but also about our needs and wishes. God has created us humans with sexuality as a driving force which makes us seek connection with God and other human beings. Sexuality is linked to body, soul and spirit. It is connected to pleasure and desire. Sexuality also has the power to bring people closer in trust, vulnerability and love. Gender is an essential part of our identity, including our sexual identity. The differences in gender mirrors God’s diverse creation. Gender is linked to several parts of us, where sexual attraction and reproduction are some of those parts. Romantic love as an ideal has taken the place of God for many people in the west today. In a time where we do not show our vulnerability or weakness in front of others, the expectations of a love partner become unrealistic. Marriage can not be the only place where we allow each other to be vulnerable. Church has an important part to play here. Reproduction does not fulfill the purpose of sexuality, but is one dimension of it. Couples today can have more control over their reproduction because of the rise of contraception use. Biological parenthood is one of many ways to serve God. No matter what our lives look like, we should strive for a life directed toward God in which we grow together in love
AN UNDERSTANDING METHOD OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY : Same-sex Union: A Lawful and Theological Study from the State, Anglican, and Lutheran perspectives
No full textThis thesis examines the difficulty between civil regulation and churchly stances on same-sex marriage across diverse Christian denominations in Sweden, Nigeria, Germany, Great Britain, and Finland. It investigates whether congregations respond to legislative shifts concerning same sex marriage or actively exploit civil regulation. Using a comparative case study approach, the study explores the Anglican and Lutheran congregations, displaying different ways in their reactions to societal transformations and theological addresses on parity and inclusion. The findings show the influential effect of national contexts and civil laws on ecclesiastical views, emphasizing the uncertainties and controversies within congregations. By studying the intricacies of the church state ties and the evolving mindsets towards marital parity, this study contributes to the broad discussion on social fairness, the part of ecclesiastical governance, and the difficulties LGBTQ people encounter in various artistic and theological terrains. Ultimately, it highlights the engaged fuse between legal structure, ecclesiastical thought, and cultural mindset toward LGBTQ privileges, echoing the continued expansion of marriage as an institution
Trapped by Law: Divorce Prohibition and Advocacy in the Philippines : A Minor Field Study
No full textThis thesis investigates how activists in the Philippines advocate for the legalization of divorce in a context shaped by religious conservatism, political risk-aversion, and patriarchal structures. Based on qualitative interviews with eight activists, the study identifies key challenges such as red-tagging, lack of legal protection, and moral stigma. Drawing on Political Process Theory, Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, and Sylvia Walby’s feminist theory of patriarchy, the analysis explores how individuals experience and resist these constraints through strategies like online anonymity, storytelling, and grassroots organizing. The findings show that while formal political opportunities are limited, acts of resistance and strategic adaptability persist through relational and discreet forms. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how advocacy for legal reform is shaped by broader power dynamics and offers insights into the gendered and ideological barriers faced by human rights defenders
The Dark Side of Sex Education in Sri Lanka : Exploring Institutional Silence, Cultural Taboos, and Educator Experiences
No full textThis thesis examines the difficulties and impediments related to the introduction of sex education in Sri Lankan public schools, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of principals and instructors. Based on a thematic analysis of twelve in-depth interviews my native languages inhala, the study finds that the main barriers to comprehensive sexuality education are community resistance, curricular inconsistencies, institutional avoidance, religious influence, and cultural taboos.The results demonstrate that sex education in Sri Lanka is deliberately suppressed through fear,silence, and structural ambiguity rather than being merely ignored. Inadequate training, mental distress, and fear of reputational damage are among the grievances that teachers voice. Even while life skills education is acknowledged at the policy level, schools operate in an institutionally passive environment and frequently advise teachers to remain clear of "sensitive"subjects. Students are deprived of essential details on their bodies, relationships, and rights in the meanwhile. This thesis contends that the regulation of sexuality in education is a reflection of broader systems of gendered control and cultural politics, drawing on feminist legal theory, socio-legaltheory, critical legal studies, and public health legislation as its analytical framework. Nonetheless, a number of participants voiced optimism for change and demanded age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and legally supported reform.According to the study's findings, sex education needs to be reframed as a public health and human rights issue rather than a moral one if it is to be successful in Sri Lanka. Breaking the silence and empowering teachers and students requires clear policies, professional development,and community involvement
Den teologiske andre : En normkritisk läsning av svensk religionsvetenskap och universitetsteologi
No full textReligious Studies has a history of distancing itself from theology with the claim of being descriptive and theologically neutral. University theology, with reference here to Mårten Björk's recent article, on its part distances itself against confessional theology. A norm-critical reading of these two claims makes clear that they are not substantiated. With Ingemar Hedenius as a starting point, it becomes clear that he assumes a particular view of "faith" as not entailing any extra type of knowledge, while this would be contested by theologians such as Augustine and Duns Scotus. What an awareness of the theological debates about faith and reason shows is that theological claims of the relationship between nature and supernature precedes the choice of method in Religious Studies and confessionally informed theology of ministry is used to defend a "two-room" solution between confessional and university theology