Page 18 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8

Nicolene Joubert

Introduction to the

South African Articles Nicolene Joubert
(South Africa)
psychologist,
It is a privilege for me to write the introduction Founder and
to the South African articles, as I treasure the head of the In-
history of South Africa, full of struggles, cou- stitute of Chri-
rage and victories, deeply. The country is still stian Psychology
faced with many socio-economic and political (ICP) near by
challenges that could compromise mental and Johannesburg, Counselling Psychologist in
spiritual wellbeing. I am therefore grateful for private practice, Ph.D. in Psychology from
the rich contribution from the Christian com- Northwest University ZA. Specialized in
munity (as displayed in the articles) in order to trauma therapy and the development of
find resolutions and render mental health ser- dissociative identity disorder. Prof Joubert
vices on all levels. is the founder and chairperson of the South
African Society for the Study of Trauma
South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation. and Dissociation.
This term was earned during and after a peace-
ful transition from a white dominated regime
to democracy and full independence. The Rain-
bow serves as a metaphor for the rich diversity
of cultural, language, religious, ethnic and race
groups that mark the South African society. The
diversity further entails unique histories, iden-
tities and forms of self-expression. The narrati- term “soul” in pastoral care is confused with the
ves of the different groups each hold their own term “psyche” in Psychology. Professor Louw
moments of sorrow, loss, conflict, sin, struggle, postulates a potential solution for the conflict
redemption and glory. between an anthropology that is based in the
doctrine of sin (Christian reformed tradition)
The writers of the South African articles pu- and the over-optimistic anthropological stance
blished in this journal open a window for rea- adopted by Psychology, which claims that every
ders to view and taste the richness of this di- person has internal psychic potential that could
versity. The articles further serve to provide a be actualized. Instead, he proposes a relational
slice of the Christian psychological and Chri- anthropology for pastoral care.
stian pastoral research and practice to readers.
The aim is to increase readers’ understanding of Other articles stem from research projects with
how mental and spiritual health is approached the aim to gather important information with
by diverse Christian groups in South Africa. regards to the practice of Christian Psychology.
Furthermore, we trust that readers would be Ms Ninky Shuenyane points out in her article
enriched and intrigued by the country’s diver- how the church in South Africa perceives coun-
sity on the one hand, and the unity in Christ on selling and Psychology. She highlights that the
the other hand. church is a healing community but often lacks
the necessary knowledge and skills to address
The articles further represent different focus the psychological issues of their congregation.
areas. Some focus more on pastoral care, such as Ms Dorcas Khomari’s research project indicates
the article written by Professor Daniël Louw. In her findings with regards to a Biblically based
his first article he explores the interaction bet- marriage enrichment programme that she has
ween Psychology and pastoral care and how the developed and implemented in a congregation.

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