Man (88) graduates with PhD from UKZN
Through an in-depth examination of Christianity, Dr Vincent Brennan aims to help the Church take a critical look at its stewardship programmes.
FOR some, their 80s is the time to enjoy their retirement, but that was not the case for Dr Vincent Brennan (88) who was the oldest graduate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s autumn graduation ceremonies this year.
Not only was Brennan awarded a PhD in Theology, but he also juggled his studies with work, which was no easy feat. The graduate said that he had to find the time for research and for writing, often fighting the temptation to abandon the project. He credits his supervisor Prof Susan Rakoczy and co-supervisor Prof Herbert Moyo for their support.
Brennan’s involvement in the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) encouraged an in-depth examination of Christianity, and his PhD study examined the different callings of the Church in a Christian community.
His purpose was to help the Church shed elements of clericalism and make sure the theology of communion became embedded in the life of every diocese and each parish.
Also read: UKZN student runs 672km to raise awareness of green ecology
According to Brennan, his study provides a theological foundation to help churches take a critical look at their stewardship programmes.
“I hope, too, that it will benefit all society as stewardship is not limited to the inner life of the Church but accepts responsibility for all people, especially the poor and those denied their rights, as well as taking responsibility for planet Earth and its future,” he added.
One of the more interesting aspects of his study was the influence of his supervisors – a Catholic nun from the United States who is listed as a feminist theologian and another from the Lutheran Church.
Also read: DUT tells ‘The Story of a Strike’
“Both left me very free to pursue my own research, but I felt challenged in a refreshing way by the experience and questioning and suggestions of two people whose background and training and life experience were very different to mine,” said Brennan.
Looking at the nature of the Church as a community of missionary disciples, he explored its situation of being divided into an elite clergy and a passive laity, as well as stewardship as a manner of translating the community model of the Church into a way of life.
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
