Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 1988"
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt is made to define the essence of the Church in the most concentrated formula possible, and it is argued that the most essential truth regarding the church resides in the fact that it belongs to the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Abstract: The essence of the Church: A theological answer to a philosophical question In this article an attempt is made to define the essence of the church in the most concentrated formula possible. In doing so it is argued that the most essential truth regarding the church resides in the fact that it belongs to the Lord, Jesus Christ. Then it is indicated what relevance this definition has for the formulation and description of the qualities and properties of the church. It is indicated for example that the quality of the essential unity of the church receives quite a different meaning when approached from this angle than when approached from the idea of unity as such.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the social outcasts are led by Jesus to an existence of trust in the presence of God in spite of depressive circumstances and the apparent elusiveness of God.
Abstract: Jesus and the social outcasts The article argues that Jesus, as a first century Jew, must be seen as part of the social outcasts of his days. The group, however, should not anachronistically be treated from modern economical and political perspectives. It is illustrated how the social outcasts are led by Jesus to an existence of trust in the presence of God in spite of depressive circumstances and the apparent elusiveness of God.
10 citations
TL;DR: Galilee and Jerusalem as narratological toponyms in the Gospel of Mark: A continuation of the Lohmeyer-Lightfoot-Marxsen chain of thought as discussed by the authors is argued that as such they are important conveyers of the ideological perspective of the narrator.
Abstract: Galilee and Jerusalem as narratological toponyms in the Gospel of Mark: A continuation of the Lohmeyer-Lightfoot-Marxsen chain By means of a narratological examination of the Gospel of Mark the role of the toponyms Galilee and Jerusalem as localities of interest is pointed out. It is argued that as such they are important conveyers of the ideological perspective of the narrator. The article furthermore enters into the debate surrounding the redaktiomgeschichtliche contribution of Willi Marxsen on this topic. A narratological examination of the Gospel of Mark reveals further links in the Lohmeyer-Lightfoot-Marxsen chain of thought, although at times correctives are suggested.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compare the Kingdom Theology and the Covenant Theology in the context of Systematic Theology, and show that both theologies can be enriched by mutual exposure.
Abstract: Kingdom Theology and Covenant Theology One of the tasks of Systematic Theology is to relate different aspects of the Christian Faith. This is often done by using a key concept. Well-known in Reformed Theology are the concepts Kingdom of God and Covenant. To put a theology developed along one key concept over against other theologies, is a rather apologetic and unfruitful approach. To relate such theologies meaningfully to each other, is an ecumenical, daring and rewarding approach. Both a Kingdom Theology and a Covenant Theology can be enriched by such an exercise. A Kingdom Theology tends to become impersonal and hard, while a Covenant approach may foster familiarity. Mutual exposure may prevent such extremes.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show that explanatory progress in theology is a form of inference to the best explanation and that the rationalities of theology and science are determined by the specific epistemic values that they have in common.
Abstract: The justification of cognitive claims in theology can be dealt with adequately only if the epistemological issues of metaphorical reference, experiential adequacy and explanatory progress are seen as crucial issues for the more encompassing problem of rationality in theology. To claim some form of reality depiction the theologian will have to argue for a plausible theory of reference on the basis of interpreted religious experience. In this discussion important analogies between the rationality of theological theorizing and that of science are revealed. Thus explanatory progress in theology is shown to be a form of inference to the best explanation and, therefore, the rationalities of theology and science are determined by the specific epistemic values that they have in common.
6 citations
TL;DR: The Canon Within the Canon (COC) as mentioned in this paper is a henneneutical-theological problem, and it has been argued that the Canon itself invites priorities and preferences, and consequently its own reduction.
Abstract: The canon within the canon as henneneutical-theological problem Taking as point of departure the diversity, and in many cases the disparity of the canon, this essay agrees with a number of prominent scholars that the canon itself invites and requires priorities and preferences, and consequently its own reduction. It also points out that as a result of this fact and due to hermeneutical and theological presuppositions, theological and ecclesiastical traditions have in practice always operated with some kind of 'canon within the canon'. In view of this the conclusion arrived at, is that when one takes the canon and its problems seriously and perceives it responsibly, one has in principle no other option than to work with a canon within the canon. Although a stance like this has its problems and difficulties and runs the risk of onesidedness and the absolutizing of a particular appropriation, it is self-evidently the most preferable and can and should be effectively checked by the criticism of theological discussion.
6 citations
TL;DR: The threat to the church in Colossae The variety of opinions on the Colossian error is illustrated by means of a brief overview of some of the most important contributions, taking into account a number of more recent discussions as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The threat to the church in Colossae The variety of opinions on the matter of the Colossian error is illustrated by means of a brief overview of some of the most important contributions, taking into account a number of more recent discussions. The testimony of the text on the matters raised by the previous section is then discussed from the point of view of Colossians' distinctive textual form, as well as the stress on confessional material in the letter. Under this last heading the contents of the confessional pronouncement in 1: 13—20 is summarised, followed by a characterisation of what is now called the threat to the Christian community and which was found to be a Jewish mystical group outside of the community. In conclusion it is suggested that an interpretation along these lines can help to solve the problems of eschatology and Holy Spirit in Colossians.
5 citations
TL;DR: The cross is the proof of this statement as discussed by the authors, and the cross is also the evidence that suffering is due to the original sin, and therefore the communio peccatorum needs the communia sanctorum desperately.
Abstract: Embarrassment of the theologian concerning the theodicy problem Questions concerning human suffering need not be embarrassing to the theologian. The absence of God should not be a problem for the believing sufferer. God is never absent. His v/rath over sin is just another aspect of his presence in the world. The cross is the proof of this statement. God is also not an unjust God, His righteousness comes forth from his grace, not from the rev^rarding of deeds. God's grace can aslo only be known through the theology of the cross. Suffering cannot be led back to God's punishment of specific sins. Suffering is due to the original sin and therefore the communio peccatorum needs the communio sanctorum desperately.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it is found that Kuitert accepts teleology and solidarity as norms for his ethics and uses it as a method for his arguments against suicide, which results in outonomy with less emphasis on the theological argument against suicide.
Abstract: The ethics of HM Kuitert according to his book entitled. Suicide - wat is er tegen? Selfdoding in moreel perspektief According to several publications Kuitert is criticised as a humanist. This paper tests his view on suicide to this accusation. It is found that Kuitert accepts teleology and solidarity as norms for his ethics and uses it as a method for his arguments against suicide. His goal is to offer an ethic which is acceptable for the Christian and the non-Christian. This results in outonomy with less emphasis on the theological argument against suicide. The result of this study is that the ethics of Kuitert cannot be described as mere humanism. Outonomy is judged as a form of theonomy.
3 citations
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TL;DR: Theology and ecology as mentioned in this paper deals with the main components and extent of the present ecological crisis and with the theological response to the ethical and religious issues involved, where man and his future is so intimately involved, ethical and theological questions arise and call to be addressed.
Abstract: Theology and ecology Ecology is a term traditionally used in the biological sciences. The word 'ecology' used in this sense means the science which studies the relation of living organisms (usually plants and animals) with their environment and the resultant life patterns. Changes in the environment result in changes of the life patterns of the living organism in that ecosystem. Since the industrial revolution and especially in the past decades man has so drastically changed the ecosystems on a global scale that he is no longer an outsider and consumer in this process; man is intimately involved not only as change-agent, but also as one whose life, standard of living, future and very existence is at stake. And where man and his future is so intimately involved, ethical and theological questions arise and call to be addressed. This paper deals with the main components and extent of the present ecological crisis and with the theological response to the ethical and religious issues involved.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the defining quality of antitheses was implemented by the Syrian church father Ephrem as a rhetoric technique to enhance the power of arguments in his hymns.
Abstract: This paper reflects research on the semantic structure of antitheses. The thesis being proposed is that the defining quality of antitheses was implemented by the Syrian church father Ephrem as a rhetoric technique to enhance the power of arguments in his hymns. Examples are being investigated to explain the function of antitheses in the surface structure of some of his arguments.
TL;DR: The influence of epistemological choices on the definition of the entities 'text' and'meaning' as well as on the evaluation of textual expositions is discussed in this article.
Abstract: 'Controlled' exegesis and/or 'creative' interpretation Exegetes often regard epistemological questions as unnecessary and of 'academic' interest. Yet, answers to questions such as; 'What is a text?' and 'What is meaning?' are of fundamental importance in the argument about exegetical method(s). For instance, exegetical techniques focussing on the 'structure' of texts, although often claimed to be anti-positivist, do not of themselves imply a divorce from positivism, because the epistemological frameworks within which exegetical techniques are applied, determine their hermeneutical function. The influence of epistemological choices on the definition of the entities 'text' and 'meaning' as well as on the evaluation of textual expositions is discussed, and a few remarks are made on the (often determining) influence of theological tradition on such epistemological choices.
TL;DR: The authors summarizes the six great theological models, with modifications, and then briefly researches the South African context, concluding that there is only one King, one kingdom, one Word and one life; distinctions may be drawn but divisions are confusing.
Abstract: Reflections on the theory of the two kingdoms The question concerning the so-called two kingdoms, the kingdom of God/heaven and the kingdom of the devil/earth is as old as the history of humanity itself. Does not Christ himself refer to what belongs to Ceasar and what belongs to God (Matt 22: 21)? In this article the author first of all tries to summarise the six great theological models, with modifications, and thereafter briefly researches the South African context. He comes to the conclusion that there is only one King, one kingdom, one Word and one life; distinctions may be drawn but divisions are confusing.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue for a comprehensive approach to the history of ancient Israel, including political, socio-cultural, religious and literary aspects of that history and their dynamic mutual interrelation.
Abstract: Towards a comprehensive history of ancient Israel This paper reflects on the aim of ancient Israelite historiography and argues for a comprehensive approach to the history of Israel. In such an approach various aspects of that history (political, socio-cultural, religious and literary) and their dynamic mutual interrelation should be accounted for. The classification of the history in various historical periods should also integrate with this comprehensive approach.
TL;DR: In the Christology of D Bonhoeffer as discussed by the authors, a new understanding of the Scriptures is necessary, and this must be done in an a-religious way, and the only question is whether he did not lose both the uniqueness of the Christian revelation and faith and the reality that is central to Christianity.
Abstract: 'Understanding' in the Christology of D Bonhoeffer There has been a change in the approach to hermeneutics, with the result that it is no longer considered merely auxihary to exegesis, but is seen as a basic science, the central problem of the so-called new understanding of Scriptures. In the study of Dogmatics this opens new visions. In this regard Bonhoeffer asked certain questions, of which some are still important today. Characteristic of Bonhoeffer is that man, who has 'come of age' and is 'a-religious', is of decisive importance in the construction of a Christology. To 'save' the 'Gospel' in a world that has 'come of age', a new understanding of Scriptures is necessary, and this must be done in an a-religious way. The only question is whether he did not lose both the uniqueness of the Christian revelation and faith and the reality that is central to Christianity.
TL;DR: The problem of preaching in terms of a "canon" within the canon is discussed in this paper, where it is argued that the authority and relevancy of certain books and passages are questioned.
Abstract: The problem of preaching in terms of a 'canon' within the canon New evidence in scientific research, attempts to prove that Holy Scripture no longer maintain its unqualified position as an authoritive canon. The authority and relevancy of certain books and passages are questioned. There are significant signs that a 'canon' within the canon is already functioning in the preaching of the church. How does this mere fact of a 'canon' within the canon, affects and influences the preaching of today? The paper is an attempt to define the problem and to provide guidelines in handling this contemporary question.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analysed credal statements in the New Testament with a view to their credal content and function towards the communication of these letters, and found five occurrances of credal statement in the Pauline literature, the function of which were to effect a transition from letter opening to letter body, the three cases of Romans 1: 16-17, Ephesians 1: 22-23, and Colossias 1: 13-20.
Abstract: Credal statements as Pauline epistoraly transitions In view of the fact that I have previously found five occurrances of credal statements in the Pauline literature, the function of which were to effect a transition from letter opening to letter body, the three cases of Romans 1: 16—17, Ephesians 1: 22—23, and Colossians 1: 13—20 were analysed with a view to their credal content and function towards the communication of these letters. The analyses were preceded by a discussion of recent research on credal material in the New Testament.
TL;DR: In this paper, the central themes of the soli deo gloria and the sola et tola scriptura of the theology of the Church of the Saviour are discussed.
Abstract: Calvin and Calvinism The theology of Calvin had and still has a worldwide influence. During the course of history, theologians suggested various themes as the central theme of Calvin's theology around which it is possible to structure all the aspects of his theological thought to a coherent system. It is a question if this is really possible writhout a lesser or greater measure of distortion of Calvin's own theological thought. In this article two 'central themes' are treated, that is the theme of the soli Deo gloria and the theme of the sola et tola Scriptura . In each case Calvin's own thinking on the subject concerned, is described and then the various interpretations in history of the theme concerned are treated. In this way trends in calvinistic thinking and groups such as Kuypers Neo-Calvinism, the Social Gospel, the rationalistic Orthodoxism, the methodistic Pietism, the Enlightenment, theological Liberalism and modem hermeneutics are broached. Finally, ensuing from this, the most important issues to be adrcssed presently in Calvinistic thought, are identified.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors of the so-called Israel vision treat the Bible as a prophecy of the present day, having made an exact forecast of the future role of this white race in the final stages of God's cosmic war against Satan.
Abstract: Israel vision: Destruction or deconstruction? Exponents of the so-called Israel vision believe the white European race to be the offspring of the 'lost ten tribes of Israel'. In their monographs the Bible is treated as a prophecy of the present day, having made an exact forecast of the present role of this white race in the final stages of God's cosmic war against Satan. Studying these publications from the viewpoint of modem hermeneutics, allowing extensive space for the deconstructive role of the reader in the reading process, this article shows how every known fallacy in Biblical exegesis is found in one form or another in this literature. The conclusion is drawm that such arbitrary deconstruction is found with these authors, that it seems justified to describe the reading process found here as one in which destruction rather than deconstruction of the Biblical text takes place.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey of Rm 4:13-25 shows that at least Paul viewed righteousness through the law as an entrance requirement in Judaism and for that reason also Paul's criticism of it.
Abstract: Righteousness through the law and rightousness through faith in Rm 4:13—25: A reaction to EP Sanders In his book Paul and Palestinian Judaism EP Sanders has presented us with a most stimulating approach. His main thesis that traditional New Testament research has misunderstood Paul as well as first century Palestinian Judaism, received positive comment from many quarters. According to Sanders first century Judaism should be understood within a context of gratuity rather than as a religion of works. A survey of Rm 4:13-25 shows, however, that at least Paul viewed righteousness through the law as an entrance requirement in Judaism. As far as the Jewish sources are concerned a preliminary investigation indicates that Sanders' usage and interpretation of these sources are questionable. It seems highly probable that Sanders has misinterpreted Palestinian Judaism and for that reason also Paul's criticism of it.
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of characterization postulated by De Beus, expanded by Brink, and corrected by the present author is applied to reconstruct the character of Jonah in the Septuagint version of this Biblical narrative.
Abstract: Jonah: The reconstruction of a character The purpose of this article is twofold: (i) first to present a useful model of characterization postulated by De Beus, expanded by Brink, and, on narratological grounds, corrected by the present author; (ii) this model is accordingly applied to reconstruct the character of Jonah in the Septuagint version of this Biblical narrative.
TL;DR: A structural analysis of this liturgical song shows up the prayer for deliverance (vs 47) as focal point, cast against the background of the confession of guilt (vs 6), elaborated by reference to past history.
Abstract: Remarks on the theology of Psalm 106 A structural analysis of this liturgical song shows up the prayer for deliverance (vs 47) as focal point, cast against the background of the confession of guilt (vs 6), elaborated by reference to past history. Theologically the psalm is representative of what can be found on many pages of the Old Testament. A liturgy constructed around the history between God and man finds full richness in the contrast between divine and htmian acts and in the confession of the saving grace which gives life in spite of the contrast.
TL;DR: In this article, the right to revolt against the state, as perceived within each model, is also dealt with, with reference to the right of individuals to resist the authority of the state.
Abstract: The interrelationship between church and state: Some theological models with reference to the right to revolt against the state In this paper consideration is given to the theological models concerning the relation church and state, as accepted by the Roman Catholic Church, Luther, Calvin, Karl Barth and the theologies with a revolutionary inclination like the Political Theology, Theology of Liberation, Revolutionary Theology and the Kairos Document. The right to revolt against the state, as perceived within each model, is also dealt with.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the message of covenant and forgiveness in Deuteronomy 29 and 30 and its relationship to the deuteronomistic history, and investigate the possibility of forgiveness within the framework of the convenant.
Abstract: Covenant and forgiveness: Deuteronomy 29 and 30 and the deuteronomistic history The deuteronomistic history was written to illustrate to the Babylonian exiles that the judgement that had befallen them, was a just one. It does, however, also proclaim the possibility of forgiveness within the framework of the convenant. This is also the message of Deuteronomy 29 and 30. This paper investigates this message of covenant and forgiveness in Deuteronomy 29 and 30 and its relationship to the deuteronomistic history.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors point out that the problem of the relationship between man and nature has become eminent as a result of the ecological crisis and propose a pneumatological doctrine of creation which accommodates the quantum physic's concept of time together with that of evolution.
Abstract: These three remain. Creator, creature, creation: A theological profile of the ecological debate In a comprehensive article the author points out that the problem of the relationship between man and nature has become eminent as a result of the ecological crisis. In his search to find a coherence of being, the author presents a state of affairs of the current debate. The solution is being looked for in a pneumatological doctrine of creation which accommodates the quantum physic's concept of time together with that of evolution.
TL;DR: The letter of Jude as mentioned in this paper presents a world where God protects those who obey his commands and punishes those who place themselves outside the readers' symbolic universe through their conduct, and presents their world as an ordered whole and as the only legitimate form of existence.
Abstract: The letter of Jude: A symbolic universe endangered The readers to whom Jude adresses his letter experience alienation from their symbolic universe because of their contact with certain people who hold a different interpretation of God. Within the letter's textworld Jude maintains his reader's symbolic universe by changing their image from that of a weak group to a strong group with a clearly defined status and role. He also presents their world as an ordered whole and as the only legitimate form of existence where God protects those who obey his commands and punishes those who place themselves outside the readers' symbolic universe through their conduct.
TL;DR: In the case of the Epistle of James, the interpretation has until recently stood under the spell of the 'comparative' method of Dibelius as mentioned in this paper, and the emphasis on internal cohesion in the text recently led to the proposal of the following translations: James 2:1: '... surely, you do not have the faith in our Lord... on account of favouritism?' James 4:5: 'Do you think Scripture speaks in vain? Should the spirit which He made to dwell in us desire (the world) with envy?' James 5:6 '
Abstract: New options in the understanding of the Epistle of James(Js 2:1; 4:5; 5:6) New methods of interpretation occasionally lead to new options in the understanding of texts. In the case of the Epistle of James, the interpretation has until recently stood under the spell of the 'comparative' method of Dibelius. Greater emphasis on internal cohesion in the text recently led to the proposal of the following translations: James 2:1: '... surely, you do not have the faith in our Lord ... on account of favouritism?' James 4:5: 'Do you think Scripture speaks in vain? Should the spirit which He made to dwell in us desire (the world) with envy?' James 5:6 'You judge and murder the innocent. Will He (God, cf 4:6) not resist you?'
TL;DR: The Passion narrative of Matthew is a verbal enunciation which finds its place next to other passion narratives in which the narrator lets the protagonist use the words of the '1' person of Psalm 22 and in which a narrator describes internal and external conflicts with the words in the Psalm as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The passion narrative of Jesus as told by Matthew is a verbal enunciation which finds its place next to other passion narratives in which the narrator lets the protagonist use the words of the '1' person of Psalm 22 and in which the narrator describes internal and external conflicts with the words of the Psalm. Against the background of the Greek Septuagint and the Aramaic text in the Targum, parallel to what the hymnist of Qumran tries to do and the narrator of the story about Aseneth, based on the narrative as we find it in Mark, Matthew took Psalm 22 as anchor for his story. What is described in the Psalm, happens in the life and death of Jesus. To approach Jesus' passion more closely, Matthew used poetic language: words on words on words. The passion and death of Jesus has thus become literature, an ambiguous attempt to express the impossible. The question, 'how can one maintain today compassion against the forces of violence?', is the concern of the article.