Department of Theology and Ethics
Theology and Ethics relevant for Today
The department offers a contemporary approach to the study of ecumenical theology and ethics in order to nourish discerning leaders for urbanized contexts.
The department does this by reflecting on the intersection of faith and society in an urbanized African context with cognizance of the struggle(s) for human dignity and social justice.
These reflections are placed in the everyday complexities and the dynamics of communities and in light of a hopeful future of the life-giving and loving God.
We therefore engage in the studies of Theology and Ethics by asking appropriate, critical and contemporary questions that impacts on personal life, church, communities and society. And thereby, respond to the broader task of how to live faithfully and justly-orientated amidst the diversities and complexities of our worlds in a responsible and embodied manner.
We encourage critical and constructive studies that nourish religious leaders who are theological grounded and thus, Christ centered, Spirit-filled, ecumenical orientated, Biblical rooted, sound inter-faith dialogue partners, inclusive, eco and child-friendly. We further encourage the religious leaders to live with an ethical alertness and resilience towards the challenges and opportunities of the local, global and future world in light of the gospel.
The department engages in ethical leadership studies which encourages scholars, from various disciplines, to become sound interdisciplinary scholars and agile leaders who are capable of engaging with the diversities of our local and global contexts in a respectful and hospitable manner.
We foster leadership that encourages leaders (theological and ethical) to become discerning dialogue partners that part-take through their vocation (in everyday work) in the embodiment of just, dignified and life-giving practices for the well-being of all.
Thus leaders who are well grounded in the love of God and enabled to make a difference in the various contexts of local churches, communities, the work place and that of society.
Is the relationship between leadership and integrity important to you?
Have you been called to bring about change through the Gospel, whether in church, in the marketplace or in society as a whole?
About us
For over 50 years, theological education has been integral to the Cornerstone Institute programmes. Over the years, students have been shaped to think theologically and act ethically for the betterment of society.
Today, our team provides a relevant theological program that places students’ spiritual and critical academic growth at the forefront of our teaching. We are excited to offer this program in both in-person and online modes, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for our students.
We understand that all students bring knowledge and lived experiences to the classroom and that we facilitate learning in a faithful, ecumenical sense by engaging with scholars and contexts who share our theological questions, concerns, experiences, and appreciation. Our program offering of interdisciplinary courses broadens the scope of ministry and offers choices in leadership studies, pastoral counseling, and community development.
Our team is led by cluster leads who play a pivotal role in shaping the program’s content.
Dr. Martin Khoaseb heads the Pastoral Care and Community Development cluster, Dr Charmaine Manuel heads the Practical Theology and Leadership cluster, and Anlené Taljaard leads the Biblical Studies and Constructive Theology cluster.
They, along with several adjunct lecturers, bring their expertise to the programme’s development and lecturing.
We aim to serve individuals, the church community, and society by ‘doing theology together.’ We believe that this collaborative approach will lead to meaningful contributions and positive change.
The qualifications aim to equip faith leaders with comprehensive theological knowledge, practical ministry skills, and leadership abilities to significantly enhance their contributions to churches and communities. This is achieved by promoting social change, compassionate justice, well-being, and societal stability.
Additionally, the qualification fosters critical skills to support life-giving practices in ministry and related fields, such as counseling and community development.
The programs are designed to address crucial needs within the South African context, enabling students to:
- Develop a robust theological foundation that supports various Christian ministries.
- Acquire sound pastoral skills that integrate psychological principles.
- Implement resilient and responsible community development practices that promote human dignity, social justice, and cohesion.
The specialization fields within the qualification aim to prepare leaders for transformative roles in Christian ministry, pastoral counseling, and community development. The interdisciplinary approach allows for a rich integration of:
- Ministry: Combining general Leadership Studies theories with understanding local and global contexts.
- Pastoral Counseling: Grounding inappropriate psychological principles.
- Community Development: Approaching from a faith-based perspective with a thorough understanding of sociology and change dynamics.
These specialised leadership roles support a broader understanding of ministry and address the critical needs of communities within the South African context.
- The BTh in Community Leadership consists of the following five components with the option of a specialisation field. (See leaflet for detailed module descriptions and options)
- Component: Biblical Studies;
- Component: Christian Faith Studies;
- Component: Leadership Studies;
- Component:
- Specialisation in Christian Ministry
- Specialisation in Psychology for Pastoral councelling
- Specialisation in Sociology and community development for faith based organisations.
- Component: Research Project
- The BA Programme (Theology) allows students to study theology in the context of social sciences. (See leaflet for detailed module descriptions and options)
- The Higher Certificate in Christian Ministry allows students to orient leaders of faith communities with no formal ministerial education to a foundational understanding of core aspects of Christian ministry situated in and relevant to the complex contexts of Southern African society. (See Leaflet for detailed module descriptions).
Anlené Taljaard
Constructive Theology: Chair
Anlené Taljaard
Constructive Theology: Chair
Anlené Taljaard holds a Research Masters in Reformed Theology at the Vrije University of Amsterdam, Netherlands and a Licentiate and Masters of Divinity at Stellenbosch University. Her research focuses on Christology and theological ways to support sustainable and just societies.
She worked on several university research projects, church and community initiatives for the last 25 years ( Gugulethu, Stellenbosch University, Free State University and Heidedal) to engage on how to create a more humane, just and sustainable world. She lectured Ethics at the University of the Free State and was a part-time pastor (Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa) for more than 10 years.
She is keenly interested in the articulation of who Jesus Christ is and has studied the work of John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Thomas Torrance. This work enables contemporary theological responses to current times and issues. She enjoys engaging with theology that makes sense for people today while drawing from classical theological and traditional spiritual wells.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:anlenet@cornerstone.ac.za
Headman Ntlapo
Practical Theology: Adjunct Lecturer
Headman Ntlapo
Practical Theology: Adjunct Lecturer
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:headmann@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr Jacobie Visser
Lecturer
Shaun Marais
Lecturer
Shaun Marais
Lecturer
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:Shaunm@cornerstone.ac.za
Lynton Daames
Lecturer
Lynton Daames
Lecturer
Department of Theology, Cornerstone Institute A shepherd at heart and an equipper by skill, Lynton is a lecturer who is passionate about shaping spiritually grounded individuals who can engage meaningfully with both Church and society. His approach reflects Cornerstone Institute’s commitment to ethical leadership, personal transformation and the pursuit of social justice rooted in a Christ-centred worldview.
With a background in leadership development, mentoring and pastoral ministry, he brings a practical understanding of how faith is lived out in real-world contexts. His postgraduate studies in missiology, with a particular focus on cross-cultural mission and contextual theology, inform his vision for a Church that is both locally rooted and globally aware.
His years in local church ministry have given him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of spiritual leadership. Lynton continues to invest in the training and development of leaders who are called to serve communities with wisdom, compassion and theological clarity.
In the Christian Spirituality Formation module, students are invited into a learning environment that is both reflective and action-oriented. Emphasis is placed on cultivating healthy spiritual disciplines, deepening relational connections, and exploring vocation in light of God's redemptive mission in the world.
Aligned with Cornerstone’s ethos of integrating faith, justice and learning, his teaching encourages students to embody their faith in ways that bring hope and healing within diverse South African and global contexts. He approaches every interaction with curiosity, humility and a deep desire to see others flourish.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:ntandoyenkosim@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr Charmaine Manuel
Practical Theology: Chair
Dr Charmaine Manuel
Practical Theology: Chair
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:charmainem@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr. H.J. Prinsloo
Lecturer
Dr. H.J. Prinsloo
Lecturer
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:hendrikp@cornerstone.ac.za
Dr. Martin Khoaseb
Lecturer
Dr. Martin Khoaseb
Lecturer
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:martink@cornerstone.ac.za
- Taljaard, A. (2024, September 12). Constructive theology as part of the narrative of theological studies at CI. Cornerstone Institute. https://cornerstone.ac.za/constructive-theology/