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Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 1993"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe some dimensions of this cultural shift that is occurring and then reflect on the challenges and opportunities that they offer to theologians, including the broader notion of rationality that the postmodern culture proposes, its broader anthropology, the emphasis on the involvement of both expertise and experience in decision-making, and finally the reduction of the world to a 'global village'.
Abstract: The shift from a modem to a postmodern cuhure which is still in the making brings a new understanding of self and the world with it. Theology therefore has to reflect on the implications and compatibility of this new understanding of the self and the world for a Christian understanding of reality as revealed in the Bible and other relevant texts. In this paper I shall describe some dimensions of this cultural shift that is occurring and then reflect on the challenges and opportunities that they offer to theologians. The dimensions of the postmodern culture discussed in the paper are the broader notion of rationality that the postmodern culture proposes, its broader anthropology, the emphasis on the involvement of both expertise and experience in decisionmaking, and finally the reduction of the world to a ‘global village’.

61 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors argued that the hazy intersection between the diverse fields of theology and the other sciences is not to be clarified in the first place by exploring methodological parallels or degrees of consonance between theology and science.
Abstract: This paper claims that the hazy intersection between the diverse fields of theology and the other sciences is not to be clarified in the first place by exploring methodological parallels or degrees of consonance between theology and the sciences. What should be explored first is the epistemological question of the nature and status of explanations and of explanatory claims in theology and science. The similarities, as well as important differences between theology and science, will thus be highlighted when we focus this discussion on the shaping of rationality in theology and science, on the hermeneutical problem o f relating context and meaning, and on the fallibilist nature of both theological and scientific truth claims.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, van Aarde's work is discussed under the following topics: Jesus as a social outcast, Herodian Palestine in macrosociological perspective, the historical Jesus and engaged hermeneutics, and the 'fatherless' Jesus.
Abstract: In the previous article (see HTS 49/3) the work of Andrie du Toit and Willem Vorster on historical Jesus research were discussed. In this article Andries van Aarde’s work is discussed under the following topics: Jesus as a social outcast, Herodian Palestine in macrosociological perspective, the historical Jesus and engaged hermeneutics, and the ‘fatherless’ Jesus. In conclusion, the kind of influence that South African Jesus research is subjected to or stimulated by is shown.

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A survey of past attempts to formulate the theological distinctness of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, with special attention to a change of mode in the face of ecumenical developments since the 1960's is given in this article.
Abstract: The theological distinctness of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk: Questions and nuances A survey of past attempts to formulate the theological distinctness of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, with special attention to a change of mode in the face of ecumenical developments since the 1960’s. It is shown that there are several streams of theological thought, exemplified by the published work of different theologians. The author’s own position is that the reformed heritage compels us to be critical of church thinking and practice: Scripture keeps calling us away from all egotism, all systematism, all overemphasis on creed, all undisciplined acts in life.

8 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on aspects of the social stratification of first-century Palestine as an advanced agrarian society and describe the interaction between different classes and the sociological origins of groups like the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
Abstract: Aspects of the social stratification of the advanced agrarian society in first-century Palestine This article focuses on aspects of the social stratification of first-century Palestine as an advanced agrarian society. It aims at describing the interaction between different classes and the sociological origins of groups like the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The relation between the elites and the peasant communities is interpreted in terms of, inter alia, the social location of villages surrounding cities. It is argued that in an advanced agrarian society the family as institution should still be regarded as the dominant ideology. However, political and economic pressures caused a weakening of the influence of the extended family on the surface.

7 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: From Andrie du Toit to Willem Vorster, published in two articles as mentioned in this paper, is an overview of the history of historical Jesus research in the light of the results of recent North American and South African studies.
Abstract: Besides the introductory remarics this area report consists of five sections, published in two articles: ‘From Andrie du Toit to Willem Vorster’ and ‘From Willem Vorster to Andries van Aarde’. As part of the introductory remarks the titles of various articles that recently appeared on the South African scene are brought together in the first article. With respect to Du Toit, the overview focuses inter alia on an evaluation of his p re view of historical Jesus research in the light of the results of recent North American and South African studies. Vorster’s contribution is discussed according to two themes: the epistemology of ‘post-critical’ historical research and the presuppositions regarding the ‘Jewishness’ of Jesus.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, two poetic sections are identified and investigated in Daniel 2 and the function of these poems within the narrative in Daniel and its particular structure is paid to the function and function.
Abstract: Two poetic sections are identified and investigated in Daniel 2. Attention is paid to the function of these poems within the narrative in Daniel 2 and its particular structure. The conclusion is drawn that poetic speech is used here as a focusing technique to point out the main themes of the narrative.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The rise and current state of New Testament research in South Africa is discussed in this article, where the ground-breaking contributions of John William Colenso and Johannes du Plessis are summarily characterized, as well as the pioneering role of EP Groenewald, WJ Snyman and AS Geyser.
Abstract: The rise and current state of New Testament research in South Africa In the first part of this presentation the ground-breaking contributions of John William Colenso and Johannes du Plessis are summarily characterized, as well as the pioneering role of EP Groenewald, WJ Snyman and AS Geyser.

4 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors explored the common ground or lack thereof between these two methods and found that at some points the various methods complement each other, at others they remain contradictory or mutually exclusive, and that a dialogue has begun to emerge that seeks to explore the shared ground or the lack thereof among the two methods.
Abstract: As the variety of methods used by biblical scholars multiplies, new sub-disciplines are being born that all too often leave specialists isolated from each other. While at some points the various methods complement each other, at others they remain contradictory or mutually exclusive. Two of the newer such methods, literary criticism and social-science criticism, have until now re mained in isolation. In recent months, however, a dialogue has begun to emerge that seeks to explore the common ground or lack thereof between these two methods. This article is a beginning reflection by a social-science critic on some of the issues involved.

3 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a double-sided approach is proposed to understand the resurrection of Jesus from both a historical and a systematictheological perspective, where the appearances of Jesus are interpreted as God's startling loving turn to history, which has the character of invitation and not of proof.
Abstract: The resurrection of Jesus: The ever nearer coming God in protest and love The resurrection of Jesus poses the challenge to be understood from an historical as well as a systematictheological perspective. The one without the other give rise to very different and problematic shortcomings. Exploring this double-sided approach, the resurrection narratives - focussing firstly on the empty tomb - are related to the historic-archaeological possibility of a secondary burial of the body of Jesus by some of his disciples without the knowledge of the other. However, the appearances of Jesus are subsequently understood as God’s startling loving turn to history which, due to the very problematic interpretative nature of these appearances, have the character of invitation and not of proof. The appearances are understood from a systematic- theological line of interpretation, called ‘the ever nearer coming God in protest and love’.

3 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The misunderstanding between the Bible and biology has been identified as a major obstacle in the acceptance of the theory of evolution as discussed by the authors, which is often based on an idealistic definition of evolution that is incongruous with the materialistic definition used by biologists.
Abstract: Evolution: The misunderstanding between theology and biology Theological reaction to the theory of biological evolution ranged from an outright rejection to positive acceptance. Both these extreme viewpoints are, however, often mistaken in their basic assumptions. Rejection of evolution is often based on fundamentalist preconceptions th a t are both unnecessary and inconsistent with the Bible. On the other hand, acceptance of the theory of evolution is often based on an idealistic definition of evolution that is incongruous with the materialistic definition used by biologists.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors explored the relationship between church involvement and plural religious beliefs in both countries and found a sharp contrast between the Dutch and a sample of church-going white South Africans regarding secularization and church involvement.
Abstract: The concept of religious beliefs is distilled from the perspective of one’s belief in God. With regard to this belief in God we propose to distinguish between two dimensions: The personal versus the a-personal characte r of God and his transcendent versus his immanent nature. This leaves us with a plurality of beliefs in God. Does this plurality of beliefs exist in the minds of people in the Netherlands and in South Africa? Together with this we explore the relationship between church involvement and plural religious beliefs in both countries. We have found a sharp contrast between the Dutch and a sample of church-going white South Africans regarding secularization and church involvement. Nevertheless, we have found a highly similar structure of religious beliefs among both people.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the Graeco-Roman world, there was a surprising widespread reticence towards writing, varying from mere indifference to active scepticism as mentioned in this paper, with even literates expressing little confidence in writing.
Abstract: This study contributes to the understanding of communication in antiquity by analysing a few specific references to oral and literate traditions in Hellenistic and Christian texts. In the Graeco-Roman world we find a surprising widespread reticence towards writing, varying from mere indifference to active scepticism. The scribal culture of antiquity exhibits a strong bias towards orality, with even literates expressing little confidence in writing. There was a prevailing preference for the ‘living voice’ in education, and a strong belief that corpora of teaching which were never written down, and could not be written down, distinguished the insiders from the outsiders.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Koinonia in the city: Relations in the larger urban congregations of the Reformed churches Koinonia is of vital importance for the church and it is imperative that the church's ministry encourages koinonia as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Koinonia in the city: Relations in the larger urban congregations of the Reformed churches Koinonia is of vital importance for the church. It is not only a Biblical injunction, but also, sociologically speaking, a prerequisite for the preservation of faith in the Christian community. Therefore it is imperative that the church’s ministry encourages koinonia. This is especially true for the church in an urban context, where relational networks have been severely impaired. The traditional pattern of ministry of churches in the Reformed tradition, the shepherd-flock model, does not succeed in stimulating koinonia under these circumstances. Therefore, the choice is rather made for the body of Christ-model, with complementary koinonia-gwupings as theory of practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the notion of framing the text is defended to emphasise that history is constructed and always p re supposes a perspective, and that framing is a comprehensive activity which adds complexity.
Abstract: Understanding a text always demands knowledge of its context. Possible reasons why context is frequently regarded as a subordinate part of interpretation are analysed. Interpretation within a communicative perspective, and facets of contextualisation are discussed; some theoretical aspects concerning contextual issues are clarified. The notion ‘framing the text’ is defended to emphasise that history is constructed and always p re supposes a perspective. Framing is a comprehensive activity which adds complexity. Because it engages in historical interpretation and describes aspects of the various levels of context, one’s framing activity can be criticised and improved. Framing arises from oscillation between intensive interpretation of details and generalisation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors presented a simplified account of the theory of truth expressed in the writings of certain existentialist writers, namely, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Jaspers, and Marcel.
Abstract: This article is an attempt to present a simplified account of the theory of truth expressed in the writings of certain existentialist writers - namely, Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Jaspers, and Marcel. It is designed to serve as a supplement to conventional textbook treatments of the nature of truth, which typically ignore the contributions that existentialists have made to the topic. An existential theory of truth stresses the epistemological (not ontological) indeterminateness of meaning and truth, apart from one’s personal participation in determining them. Contrary to superficial interpretations, this theory does not do away either with a transcendent reality or with objectivity. What is rejected is anything that would circumvent the necessary task of participating, oneself, in the epistemological determination of truth.

Journal ArticleDOI
Jerome A. Stone1
TL;DR: In this paper, a third option to foundationalism and relativism is proposed, which is based on reconstructionist post-modernism, and it criticizes William Dean's historicist radical empiricism for going too far toward a relativ ist deconstructionism and Wentzel van Huyss teen's critical realism.
Abstract: This paper aims at creating a third option to foundationalism and relativism. It criticizes William Dean’s historicist radical empiricism for going too far toward a relativ ist deconstructionism, and Wentzel van Huyss teen’s critical realism for not leaving modernism. Both, however, succeed in creating a third option. This paper examines their respective contributions to a non relativist, reconstructionist post-modernism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a planned situation-analysis of the local church is presented, where the purpose is to systematically look at the situation in a congregation of the church and then to identify problems that stand in the way of fulfilling the Biblical command.
Abstract: Heading toward new ministerial structures: A situationanalysis of the local congregation According to 2 Corinthians 3:18 the church has the instruction to be transformed so to become part of the body of Christ more and more. But it does happen that the church stagnate in its ministry. The purpose of the subject Church Growth is to adress this problem. One phase of this subject is the analysis of the situation in the local church. The purpose of the analysis is to systematically look at the situation in a congregation of the church and then to identify problems that stand in the way of fulfilling of the Biblical command. The situation- analysis can not be done at random, but must be planned carefully. This study gives attention to a planned situation-analysis of the local church.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a detailed analysis of the association of literary themes, the development of a motif of Matthew 27:51 and 28:2 is traced through diverse Patristic and Byzantine authors.
Abstract: Two earthquakes or one? The association of literary motifs in the exegesis of Matthew 27:51-54 & 28:2-4 By means of a detailed analysis of the association of literary themes, the development of a motif of Matthew 27:51 and 28:2 is traced through diverse Patristic and Byzantine authors. This is done in order to illustrate how the two earthquakes of Matthew 27 and 28, respectively, came to be fused into one in some representations of the Paschal events.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The quintessence of the hypothesis stated in this article is the coexistence between and symbiotic interrelationship of metaphors, contemporary theology and the imagination, and this interrelation should be regarded as a postmodern phenomenon, and should be interpreted accordingly.
Abstract: Metaphor, theology, imagination ; A postmodern perspective The quintessence of the hypothesis stated in this article is the coexistence between and symbiotic interrelationship of metaphors, contemporary theology and the imagination. This interrelation should be regarded as a postmodern phenomenon, and should be interpreted accordingly. The anti-atomistic, anti-modernistic and non-doctrinal nature of the above constitutes the hypothesis. Any theology which disregards this perspective will progressively be identified as a fatal and selfdestructive hermeneutical activity, by the postmodern condition itself. This hypothesis has far-reaching implications for contemporary theological reflection, which are stipulated by means of an interpretive conclusion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine how Matthew combines his version of the Beatitudes within the oth er material of his gospel writing The Matthean Beatitudes appear to be statements of Jesus about himself in connection with the concept of Anawah.
Abstract: God ’s revelation in Jesus as the ‘Humble One ’: Matthew’s version of the Beatitudes and an early- Christian and rabbinical concept of ' Anawah The author tries to examine how Matthew combines his version of the Beatitudes within the oth er material of his gospel writing The Matthean Beatitudes appear to be statements of Jesus about himself in connection with the concept of ' Anawah In the Old Testament one can already find some prophetic and poetic thoughts about God as the ’ Anawah Matthew makes use of this concept which was already known by Early Christianity, and further evolved by the rabbis In his version of the Beatitudes he tries to describe Jesus as the personified ’ Anawah

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Schmithals as discussed by the authors regarded the kerygmatic Christ rather than the historical Jesus as the foundation for Christrian theology, in agreement with the first origins of Christian dogma and the dogmatic tradition of the Reformation of the church, maintaining the scriptural witness regarding Jesus Christ.
Abstract: Christology: The historical Jesus and the kerygmatic Christ according to Walter Schmithals This article shows how and why Walter Schmithals undertook to regard the kerygmatic Christ rather than the historical Jesus as the foundation for Christrian theology. In agreement with the first origins of Christian dogma and the dogmatic tradition of the Reformation of the church, he maintains the scriptural witness regarding Jesus Christ. He does so in a manner which deserves respect in the historical-critical approach to the Bible.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, it was shown that even writhin the textual context, the hortative reading makes good sense, even in the presence of the textual evidence, and that the future textual variant (jopeaojiei/ in 1 Corinthians 15:49b) enjoys stronger textual support.
Abstract: 1 Corinthians 15;49b: A hortative or future reading? The didactical context within chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians furnishes the reason why the publishers of the Greek New Testament and the majority of exegetes preferred the future textual variant (jopeaojiei/ in 1 Corinthians 15:49b instead of the hortative reading (jiopeaa)- which enjoys stronger textual support. In addition to convincing text-critical arguments, discourse analytical and exegetical arguments can be put forward to show that even writhin the textual context the hortative reading makes good sense.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors determine the possible communicative function(s) of the "thanksgiving (s)" in 1 Thessalonians, which leads to the conclusion that 'thanksgiving' is a misnomer for these sections in 1 thessaloians; their function is rather to render the implied reader favorable towards the encoded author so that he/she can be receptive to his argumentation.
Abstract: The function of the ‘thanksgiving(s)’ in 1 Thessalonians The aim of this article is to determine the possible communicative function(s) of the 'thanksgiving (s)’ in 1 Thessalonians. Traditionally more than one ‘thanksgiving’ is identified in this letter (contrasting the other Pauline letters containing only one ‘thanksgiving’). Approaches like the formalist and /or ‘content’ approaches are rendered as inadequate to deal with this problem. The interactive model seems to be a more satisfactory approach to determine the function(s) of these sections in 1 Thessalonians. This approach leads to the conclusion that ‘thanksgiving’ is a misnomer for these sections in 1 Thessalonians; their function is rather to render the implied reader favourable towards the encoded author so that he/she can be receptive to his argumentation.

Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: For more than a century the emphasis has been on the growth and not on the making of the Gospel of Mark as discussed by the authors, and this essay focuses on the latter, in which the current views on the origins of the material in order to illustrate the implications of the traditional focus.
Abstract: For more than a century the emphasis has been on the growth and not on the making of the Gospel of Mark. This essay focuses on the latter. Firstly, a tten tio n is paid to the current views on the origins of the material in order to illustrate the implications of the traditional focus. Secondly, the production of the Gospel of Mark is discussed from the perspective of a totally different perception of the phenomena of text and textual relationships.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The crisis of disbelief in Numbers 13-14 is expounded in this article as a narrative in which two commissioning type-scenes are reintertwined, and its eventual punishment is depicted from a sapiental viewpoint to be in full agreement with its own fatalistic wishes.
Abstract: The crisis of disbelief in Numbers 13-14 Numbers 13-14 is expounded in this paper as a narrative in which two commissioning type-scenes a reintertwined. Israel refuses to execute God’s commission and its eventual punishment is depicted from a sapiental viewpoint to be in full agreement with its own fatalistic wishes.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The rise and current state of New Testament research in South Africa: Part 2 The dynamic development of new Testament research since 1965 is depicted with special reference to the role of the New Testament Society of South Africa and international interaction with colleagues as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The rise and current state of New Testament research in South Africa: Part 2 The dynamic development of New Testament research since 1965 is depicted with special reference to the role of the New Testament Society of South Africa and international interaction with colleagues. The wide variety of methodological trends are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors assesses the manner in which the Bible functions within the broader interpretative stance of each document, namely Church and Society, Road to Damascus and Relevant Pentecostal Witness.
Abstract: Three documents have recently appeared which all appeal to Scripture in their elaboration of a vision for the church’s involvement in society. This paper assesses the manner in which the Bible functions within the broader interpretative stance of each document, namely Church and Society , Road to Damascus and Relevant Pentecostal Witness. In order to achieve this, attention is first paid to the establishment of criteria which should form part of a common explanatory commitment to which all position papers should adhere. It is argued that the ideological stance of both the interpreter and Scripture should be acknowledged, so that the relative merits of the various documents can be intersubjectively tested.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as discussed by the authors, it was also considered that no liturgical clothes should be worn, other than the academic robe as proof of competence.
Abstract: Liturgical clothes with special reference to the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika In the Old Testament it was ruled that church officials should wear special clothes depicting the seperation between God and man. The function of the high priest was fulfilled by Jesus Christ and the gulf between God and man eliminated, making the need for liturgical dress unnecessary from the time of the New Testament. Since the earliest centuries of the church, official clothes for clergymen has been uncommon. Although the medieval Roman Catholic Church enforced official liturgical attire, the church reformists viewed such dress with scepticism. It is also considered that in the Hervormde Kerk no liturgical clothes should be worn, other than the academic robe as proof of competence.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a symbiotic method is proposed as an alternative answer to the 'how' question in Christian Ethics. But it is not primarily 'What should I do?' but rather 'How should I know what I should do?'
Abstract: Methods in Christian ethics The basic question in Christian ethics is not primarily ‘What should I do?’ The basic question is rather ‘How should I know what I should do?’ This article describes two methods, namely, the inductive and the deductive methods as existing answers to the ‘how’ question. Due to criticism on these methods a symbiotic method is proposed as an alternative answer. The theological point of departure is that God and man exist symbiotic, that is co-existent to each other. The conclusion reached from this point of departure, is that the relationship between God and man, Scripture and the situation is of reflective nature and should therefore be accepted as being part of the method used in Christian ethics.