Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 1989"
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt to read Mark 12: 1-12 in terms of the plot of the Gospel is made, and the conclusions made from this are used to indicate how Mark 12 : 1 − 12 fits into the plot and what functional role it plays in the development of the Plot.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is an attempt to read Mark 12: 1-12 in terms of the plot of the Gospel. Firstly a brief survey is given of the development of the term plot from Aristotle to the present, thereafter an own methodological point of departure concerning plot is formulated in order to study the plot of Mark. The conclusions made from this are used to indicate how Mark 12: 1-12 fits into the plot of the Gospel and what functional role it plays in the development of the plot. The conclusion reached is that Mark 12: 1-12 contains the plot of Mark in a nutshell.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the establishment and first period of the Hervormde theological training at the University of Pretoria is investigated with the purpose of identifying the ecclesiastical, religious and theological factors that influenced the emergence and development of a typical Hervorman type of theology in South Africa.
Abstract: Establishment and first period of the Hervormde theological training at the University of Pretoria In this study the establishment of the Hervormde theological training at the University of Pretoria is researched with the purpose of identifying the ecclesiastical, religious and theological factors that influenced the emergence and development of a typical Hervormde type of theology in South Africa. It is argued that the resistance of the Transvaal Afrikaners to religious encroachment of th e ir independence in the Boer Republic of the nineteenth century caused distrust of the church and theology associated with Stellenbosch in the British Cape Colony, and that opposition to trends from there determined the association of the Transvaal Hervormers with certain Dutch circles. From the joining of these two forces - what the Transvaal Hervormers required and what the contemporary Dutch theologies could offer - sprang the roots of what Hervormde theology came to be.
9 citations
TL;DR: Ricoeur and Frei as discussed by the authors argue that the appearance of symmetry is an illusion and there is a fundamental conflict between the "pure narrativism" of Frei and the "impure narration" of Ricoeur.
Abstract: Truth or meaning: Ricoeur versus Frei on biblical narrative Of the theologians and philosophers now writing on biblical narrative, Hans Frei and Paul Ricoeur are probably the most prominent. It is significant that their views converge on important issues. Both are uncomfortable with hermeneutic theories that convert the text into an abstract philosophical system, an ideal typological structure, or a mere occasion for existential decision. Frei and Ricoeur seem knit together in a common enterprise; they appear to be building a single narrative theology. I argue that the appearance of symmetry is an illusion. There is a fundamental conflict between the ‘pure narrativism’ of Frei and the ‘impure narrativism’ of Ricoeur. I give reasons for thinking that Ricoeur’s is the stronger position.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an attempt to redefine preaching in order to incorporate the results of modem research, as well as to conserve the fundamental concept of preaching as the Word of God was made.
Abstract: An attempt to redefine praeching in terms of Reformational theology In the field of biblical studies and hermeneutics, modern research, in many aspects results in questioning the authority of the Bible as the Word of God. The consequences of these results often undermine preaching as the Word of God. Within the theology of the re formation , preaching is based upon sound exegetical study and expository of the biblical text. Hence scientific exegetical research brings the authority of preaching to a crisis. This paper is an attempt to redefine preaching in order to incorporate the results of modem research, as well as to conserve the fundamental concept of preaching as the Word of God.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the epistemological status of narrative theology is examined, along with the important differences between ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ narrative theology, and the hermeneutical criteria for distinguishing between good and bad receptions of Christianity's classic text.
Abstract: As reflection on the religious claims embedded in stories, narrative theology touches the nerve of theology: what is the epistemological status of theological theories if they are based on discourse which is fundamentally narrative and metaphorical? This paper analyzes this question, along with the important differences between ‘pure’ and ‘impure’ narrative theology Crucial problems arise from this and are discussed: the epistemological problem of determining criteria for assessing the truth claims of theological statements; and the hermeneutical criteria for distinguishing between good and bad receptions of Christianity’s classic text
7 citations
TL;DR: A comparison between the Belgian Confession and the Catechism of Heidelberg can be found in this paper, where the authors compare both the corresponding material and the 'own' material of each Confession.
Abstract: A comparison between the theology of the Belgian Confession and the Catechism of Heidelberg The history of its origins shows that both emerge from the same mainstream of the calvinistic reformation and that both, in a certain sense, go back to Calvin himself Their main differences therefore do not lie in their contents but in their form, determined by the circumstances in which they were born and by their intentions The main motive of the Belgian Confession is polemic with the emphasis on doctrine; that of the Catechism of Heidelberg is catechetic with the emphasis on instruction aiming on consolation and the founding of faith This article expounds and compares both the corresponding material and the ‘own’ material of each Confession
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the unity of the Church in the New Testament is Theologically, Christologically, pneumatically and kerygmatically founded, and that the relationship similar to that of a family home will hold the church together.
Abstract: The foundation of the unity of the church in the New Testament and the quest for unity today Early Christendom was not an Unitarian movement, but in the New Testament there is a quest for unity. However, this unity was not juridically meant to be institutional of nature. The concern of this article is to argue that the unity of the church in the New Testament is Theologically, Christologically, Pneumatically and kerygmatically founded. Since the church is the household of God, the relationship similar to that of a family home will hold the church together. Building upon the foundation laid by the apostolic tradition the presbyters-bishops, like fathers taking responsibilty for a home, are to be providing the foundation of the unity of the church grounded on th e ir kerygma th a t the household of God is pneumatically united with the body of the crucified and risen Christ.
6 citations
TL;DR: Ursinus, composer of the Heidelberg Catechism, Olevianus, and the heidelberg theology as discussed by the authors were the starting point of the Foederaltheologie of the times.
Abstract: Ursinus, composer of the Heidelberg Catechism, Olevianus and the Heidelberg theology Apart from a survey of the history of the Reformation in Heidelberg and the introduction of Calvinism to the Palatinate, this article concentrates on the contribution of Ursinus and Olevianus to the founding of the socalled Heidelberg theology The Heidelberg Catechism may be regarded as a summary of the Heidelberg theology The covenant theology of Ursinus and Olevianus provides the starting point of the Foederaltheologie of la te r times As such it represents a bridge between Calvin and the subsequent calvinistic scholastics, but without providing any of the philosophical-speculative premises which are characteristic of the scholastics
5 citations
TL;DR: Paradigms and progress in theology: A perspective on the HRSC conference of April 1988 The title refers to a conference believed to be the first interdisciplinary meeting on said theme in South Africa held under the auspices of the South African Human Sciences Research Council in Pretoria last year as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Paradigms and progress in theology: A perspective on the HRSC conference of April 1988 The title refers to a conference believed to be the first interdisciplinary meeting on said theme in South Africa held under the auspices of the South African Human Sciences Research Council in Pretoria last year. Future developments in this field may prove it a major happening in South African theology and methodology yet. An anthology of selected papers read appeared from the press recently. This article contains a number of abstracts made from the book and brief discussions of papers thus abstracted. A basic hesitancy pertaining to the meaning and encompass of the concept ‘paradigm’ as well as a widespread uncertainty regarding theology’s accountability towards science are noted. Fears of dimensional reduction are expressed.
4 citations
TL;DR: In South Africa, the church will have to demystify these institutions and views in order to prevent theomachy, sacrifice its Constantine privileges, and become the servant of the world - whether the state allows it to function publically or not as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The church: A unifying or dividing factor in the development of South Africa? In South Africa churches have, by mystifying institutions, beliefs, prejudices, political strategies, violence and theological views, contributed towards ethnocentrism, egotism, etc. The church will have to demystify these institutions and views in order to prevent theomachy, sacrifice its Constantine privileges, and become the servant of the world - whether the state allows it to function publically or not - in order to contribute towards peace.
4 citations
TL;DR: The difference between the theological faculty and the church with regard to their respective approaches to and uses of the Bible is discussed in this paper, where it is demonstrated that the respective approaches are actually quite different, resulting in a gap between faculty and church.
Abstract: The Bible at the university and in the church The question is posed as to the difference between the theological faculty and the church with regard to their respective approaches to and uses of the Bible. By means of a number of theses it is demonstrated that the respective approaches are actually quite different, resulting in a gap between faculty and church. Due to the scientific orientation and mission of the faculty, however, this gap is unavoidable and even necessary. Even so, this gap should not become of such a nature as to lead to estrangement. To counter this danger, resent insights and developments regarding the study of the Bible should be conveyed to the church, however in a constructive and comprehensible manner. To this venture faculty members and church ministers are equally responsible.
TL;DR: In this article, a representive picture of Professor Van Zyl's many articles about his view on Scripture is presented, showing how he developed his own ideas while also paving the way for historical criticism and other modern methods of research into the understanding of the Bible.
Abstract: Prof Dr FJ van Zyl’s view on Scripture In this article an endeavour is made to depict a representive picture of Professor Van Zyl’s many articles about his view on Scripture. As a theologian of the Reformed tradition he was one of a very selected few who articulated a theological reflection about Scripture. Moving from Karl Barth’s viewpoint, he developed his own ideas while also paving the way for historical criticism and other modern methods of research into the understanding of the Bible as such.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the shaping of rationality in both theology and science eventually forms the framework for dealing with the philosophical problems of truth, objectivity and commitment in Pannenberg's impressive and ever expanding body of thought.
Abstract: The Leitmotiv of Wolfhart Pannenberg’s work has always been his conviction that the Christian faith, and especially theology as a reflection on this faith, has a universal credibility in our age. This essay approaches this issue and sets forth a thesis in terms of the rationality of theology and of science. The shaping of rationality in both theology and science eventually forms the framework for dealing with the philosophical problems of truth, objectivity and commitment in Pannenberg’s impressive and ever expanding body of thought.
TL;DR: The Canonisation of Isaiah's words was a complicated process in which different phenomena played a role as mentioned in this paper. But the Canonization of the Holy Bible is a process that can be traced back to the formation of the Canon of the Church since the eighth century before Christ.
Abstract: Isaiah and the formation of the canon since the eighth century before Christ The canonisation of Isaiah’s words was a complicated process in which different phenomena played a role. Due to politico-historical reasons Jerusalem received symbolic meaning in the Isaiah tradition. Isaiah himself started a prophetic tradition in which Jerusalem was linked to a growing Zion tradition and a monotheising theology of the universal power of God. This tradition became canonical and served as paradigm for understanding the fate of Jerusalem as expression of the sovereign power of God to chastise as well as redeem.
TL;DR: Theology as science as discussed by the authors has been defined as a critical, systematic, controllable investigation, interpretation, and description of what can be known or thought, with ultimate preference for the term responsible theology, and reference to the theology practised in this faculty.
Abstract: Theology as science. Remarks from outside the sistematic theology Starting with a definition of science as a critical, systematic, controllable investigation, interpretation and description of what can be known or thought, the question whether theology could be regarded as a science is treated and positively answered, with ultimate preference for the term responsible theology, and reference to the theology practised in this faculty.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors trace the history of the church during the emigration and the establishment of the Church by the emigrants in South Africa, and present a study that traces the history and evolution of the churches in South African history.
Abstract: The Great Trek and the Church The emigration of about 15 000 pioneer-farmers from the eastern Cape districts to the interior of Southern Africa, was a definite turning point in South African history. In 1852-1854, which can be regarded as the final date of the Great Trek, there were in South Africa two British colonies i e the Cape and Natal and two Boer republics i e the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. This study traces the history of the church during the emigration and the establishment of the church by the emigrants.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors trace John's use of "Bethany across the Jordan" in the 4th Gospel and show that the site has more than geographical significance, it is the spot where the two Johannine worlds meet.
Abstract: John the Baptist in Bethany across the Jordan There a re two places in the Fourth Gospel called ‘Bethany’. One is the well-known site near Jerusalem. The other is the lesser-known locality where John the Baptist started his career as the ‘Baptist’. This paper traces John’s use of ‘Bethany across the Jordan’. It is contended th a t the site has more than geographical significance. In analysis the theological purpose of the site is demonstrated. It is the spot where the two Johannine worlds meet: The world above and the world below. This Johannine dualism is resolved a t one spesific time and place, viz at this Bethany. The locality therefore has the theological significance as point of departure for the narration of the coming of Gods only begotten son, who is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
TL;DR: The relationship between the Heidelberg Catechism and the Kort Begrip of Faukelius is investigated in this paper, with particular emphasis on the theological shift in the latter.
Abstract: The relation between the Heidelberg Catechism and the ‘Kort Begrip’ of Faukelius - with particular emphasis on the theological shift in the latter It is indicated in this article that the theological shift from the point of view of the Heidelberg Catechism to that of the Kort Begrip of Faukelius is the result of three things; The fact that the latter was intended to be an abridged version of th e former, that it had its own peculiar intention and that it became a vessel for the scholastic trend in orthodox theology. Some attention is also given to the possible influence the prolonged use of the Kort Begrip as official handbook for the Catechism, had on the theological thought and practice of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika.
TL;DR: The history of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Pretoria is traced to show the prevalent types of philosophy taught in the Department, because the philosophical training is considered important as preparation for theological training as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The philosophical background of the theological training of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Afrika at the University of Pretoria Since the inception of the theological training of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa at the University of Pretoria in 1917 philosophy has been a mandatory subject for all propaedeutic theological students. The history of the Department of Philosophy is traced to show the prevalent types of philosophy taught in the Department, because the philosophical training is considered important as preparation for theological training.
TL;DR: The presence of God in the book of Ruth as a story has been investigated in this paper, where the authors show that there is a third dimension to human interaction: God uses everyday events and common people in his ongoing dealings with mankind.
Abstract: The presence of God in the book of Ruth as story A study of the book of Ruth as a story, substantiates the viewpoint that it has as its main theme, the question of God’s presence in the world Two features of the narrative are investigated to prove the point The two main characters of the story, Boaz and Naomi, never meet each other This feature is used by the narrator to indicate the dialogue between God and Naomi as indirect and only visible in human activity The spatial aspect of the story is used to enhance the theological perspective, namely that there is a third dimension to human interaction: God uses everyday events and common people in his ongoing dealings with mankind
TL;DR: The former head of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk was portrayed as a theologian with Barthian convictions, while been influenced by Emil Brunner and to a lesser extent by Hendrik Kraemer as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Prof Dr FJ van Zyl as person, church personality and philosopher of religion Professor Francois Jacobus van Zyl (1913-05-06 -) served as Head of the Department of Science of Religion and Missiology, Faculty of Theology (Section: Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk), University of Pretoria, during the period 1960-1978. This article (written by a former student of his and present Head of the same Department) contains a short biography, a discussion of his views on Theology, Science of Religion and Philosophy of Religion, and a bibliography. He is portrayed as a theologian with Barthian convictions, while been influenced by Emil Brunner and to a lesser extent by Hendrik Kraemer also. His primary audience was the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk and his theological activities (especially in the period 1960-1983) must be seen in relation to his influential role in same church.
TL;DR: The authors investigates Bultmann's views on the eschatology of the New Testament as expressed respectively by Jesus, the earliest Christians, Paul, John and the churches of the post-apostolic period.
Abstract: Rudolf Bultmann’s demythologizing of the eschatology of the New Testament This article investigates Bultmann’s views on the eschatology of the New Testament as expressed respectively by Jesus, the earliest Christians, Paul, John and the churches of the post-apostolic period. It also pays attention to what Bultmann has to say about the secularisation of eschatology during the history of the church, and about the relationship history-eschatology. The conclusion is that although his program of demythologizing has far-reaching and dire consequences for the traditional end-time eschatological expectations of the church, much of it is to be evaluated positively. Much is also to be gained from his insights especially with reg a rd to his emphasis on the ex iste n tia l importance of the decision of faith, in the moment here and now, for authentic existence as the eschatological event.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of apologetic antitheses on Ephrem's description of the natures of Christ is investigated, including the relationship between the church and Judaism, between the nature of God and Arianism, and between God and humanity.
Abstract: Christology is an attempt to relate the two natures of Christ; apology on the other hand, has the dual aim of justification and attack; both these entail polar structures. It is argued in this paper that these two binary systems of opposition interfered with each other to a certain extent. This occurred because of the practice of the early church to establish institutional stability and consent via a process of polarisation. The effect of apologetic antitheses on Ephrem’s description of the natures of Christ is investigated. Examples from Ephrem’s work relating to the polarity between the church and Judaism, between the nature of God and Arianism, and between the nature of God and humanity are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors deal with the relation between God's work and man's actions in the world as the basic problem in connection with our view of the origin and form of the Bible.
Abstract: View of Scripture: Some aspects This essay deals with the relation between God’s work and man’s actions in the world as the basic problem in connection with our view of the origin and form of the Bible. The position assumed is that in the Old Testament there are at least two different ways of looking at the problem: In literature with a polemic tendency (especially in books from the time of the Babilonian exile) the omnipotence and predestination of God is stressed. In wisdom-related literature the more prominent view is that man was free to choose for himself although the outcome was always in the hand of God. It is argued that, due to the fact that they were in a polemic situation, the first option was dominant in the theological reflections of orthodoxy. The thrust of the essay is that, regarding different aspects of our view of Scripture, the possibilities of the second option must by exploited.
TL;DR: The universal priesthood of all believers was also taken over by John Calvin this article and the position of this thesis in Calvin's theology is examined and it is shown that Calvin does not trea t this thesis as a separate statement.
Abstract: The priesthood of all believers as seen by Calvin The Lutheran thesis of the priesthood of all believers was also taken over by John Calvin. The position of this thesis in Calvin’s theology is examined and it is shown that Calvin does not trea t this thesis as a separate statement. A short introduction is given of the main points Calvin explores when he discusses the meaning of the thesis. In the end it is shown that Calvin developed the thesis of the universal priesthood in such a low-key form to preserve the order in the Church and the prime position of the preaching of the gospel.
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt is made to find a solution by reflecting on a specific presupposition in the hermeneutical process when preparing a sermon, and the problem that concerns us here is whether a sermon based on modern exegesis can communicate God in such away that an encounter facilitating faith is possible.
Abstract: Preaching and the experience of faith. Discussion on the theological character of the sermon Empirical studies show that the community of believers in the churches of the Reformation expects an encounter with God through preaching. These studies also show that this expectation is not always met. The problem that concerns us here is whether a sermon based on modern exegesis can communicate God in such away that an encounter facilitating faith is possible. An attempt is made to find a solution by reflecting on a specific presupposition in the hermeneutical process when preparing a sermon.
TL;DR: In this article, the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes and its relation to the rest of the Bible is investigated, and a number of comparisons between the book and modern thinkers are considered.
Abstract: The relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes Since the book of Ecclesiastes is generally neglected in biblical theology, systematic theology and the preaching of the church, the question is asked whether it is still relevant for the church. After a cursory look at some prominent ideas in the book, the relation between Ecclesiastes and the rest of the Bible is investigated, and a number of comparisons between Ecclesiastes and modern thinkers are considered. Finally an attempt is made at evaluating the relevance of the book of Ecclesiastes and indicating ways in which it might be explored for the theology and preaching of the church.
TL;DR: In a recent study as mentioned in this paper, it was proven that the language and style of the Gospel of the Sondergut-Lukas was influenced by the Septuagint, and the childless-motif in Luke 1 and the last part of Jesus genealogy in Luke 3 are representative examples of this.
Abstract: The manifestation of Septuagint-influence in the Sondergut -Lukas It has often been postulated that the Gospel of Luke was influenced by the Septuagint. In a recent study this was proven to be true when research on the language and style of the Gospel was conducted. It manifested a number of similarities between the Septuagint and the Gospel - especially within the source-material peculiar to Luke ( Sondergut -Lukas). The childless-motif in Luke 1 and the last part of Jesus’ genealogy in Luke 3 are representative examples of this.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the theology of mission of Prof dr FJ van Zyl and found that almost none of his dictions are outdated, especially after 1961, when the radical cataclysm in the mission of mission was sharply detected and exposed.
Abstract: Prof Dr FJ van Zyl as mission theologian In this article, the theology of mission of Prof dr FJ van Zyl is being explored. This is done by way of his lectures in the Science of Mission at the University of Pretoria during 1960-1978 and also from articles in the magazines of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk dating back approximately forty years. It is found that almost none of his dictions is outdated. The radical cataclysm in the theology of mission, especially after 1961, he sharply detected and exposed. His theology of mission is built on a very broad theological base which can be described as theology of the Word. To him mission is proclamation.