Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 1998"
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk, like other churches in South Africa, is being challenged to articulate the identity of its community in a transitional period.
Abstract: Spirituality, identity and the ethos of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Recent research emphasises the need to articulate the identity of the community of believers, especially amidst a period of transission. It also points to the fact that identity is closely linked with spirituality. The term 'ethos' is often used in this regard. This article is an attempt to outline the relationship and interdependence of these concepts. Even-tually, the results are applied to the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk, which, like other churches in South Africa, is being challenged to articulate the identity of its community in a transitional period.
14 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the parable "A Man Had Two Sons" (Lk 15:11-22) is interpreted from the Lucan perspective, showing how the mytheme of the two-sons stories is used as a tensive symbol in order to establish the all-inclusiveness of God's kingdom.
Abstract: Jesus' parables are to be read as metaphorical stories. Parable as metaphor demands that the parable remains open-ended and polyvalent, with the reader always involved in a participatory role. This article aims at showing that Jesus' kingdom parables are of a diaphoric, nature challenging the conventional worldview. It focuses on the parable 'A Man Had Two Sons' (Lk 15:11-22). This parable is interpreted from the Lucan perspective. It shows how the mytheme of the 'two-sons stories' is used as a tensive symbol in order to establish the Lucan notion of the all-inclusiveness of God's kingdom.
8 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the authority of a leader is "ordained by God, be it that of a just or an unjust government", and that their right to govern should therefore be respected.
Abstract: This article aims at demonstrating that Calvin's grasp of the message of Romans 13 in its reference to the state is highly relevant for the present South Africa. This includes the belief that the authority of rulers is ordained by God, be it that of a just or an unjust government, and that their right to govern should therefore be respected; that government should maintain a public order of justice and peace within which people can serve God in all spheres of life; that state authorities should use the sword and even the death penalty when needed, and not shy away from this God-given responsibility; that a society in which crime threatens to create chaos needs stronger measures of punishment; and that rebellion against the government or disruption of public life should be resorted to only as an ultimate means and when carefully considered as in the general interest.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a correlaion is drawn between a conception of Scripture, God-images (King/Lord, Father, Friend, Mother) and the identity of women, and an orientation of church and society within a postmodern paradigm toward an authentic life for women before God.
Abstract: Pastoral care and counseling with women: God-images and theidentity of women. The focus of this article is on women in the pastoral care situation. Rather than the revolutionary approach of liberation theology, a choice is made here for a process of conscientisation. Consciousness should be raised concerning the harm that has come to women on account of the dominant male perspective. A correlaion is drawn between a conception of Scripture, God-images (King/Lord, Father, Friend, Mother) and the identity of women. The article concludes with an orientation of church and society within a postmodern paradigm toward an authentic life for women before God.
5 citations
TL;DR: Feminist hermenentics as citical theory is discussed in this article, where the main characteistics of some approaches within feminist hermeneutics are discussed and the result poses an alternative to a positivistic approach to Scripture.
Abstract: Feminist hermenentics as citical theory. The aim of this study is to descibe the main characteistics of some approaches within feminist hermeneutics. The following approaches have been idenified by Carolyn Osiek: 'rejeciorust', 'revisionist', 'sublimationist' and 'liberationist'. To these approaches an epistemology of paricipation is added. Feminist hermeneuics is seen through the lense of the citical theory of Jurgen Habermas. The result poses an alternative to a positivistic approach to Scripture. Some contibuions of feminist hermeneuics to church and society are idenified.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the historical probability that Joseph, the father of Jesus, should be regarded as a legendary figure was demonstrated. But the search for the historical Joseph leads to the conclusion that Jesus grew up fatherless.
Abstract: This article aims at demonstrating the historical probability that Joseph, the father of Jesus, should be regarded as a legendary figure. It seems that the Joseph figure is modeled after the patriarch in the First Testament. Here Joseph was exalted despite of slander. He married an 'impure' virgin. He became the adversary of Judah. His sons, bornin Egypt, were seen as the forefathers of the illegitimate Samaritans. He was regarded as an ethical paradigm. He served as the ideal type for God's beloved child. The search for the historical Joseph leads to the conclusion that Jesus grew up fatherless. This conclusion has enormous consequences for the quest for the historical Jesus.
5 citations
TL;DR: The notion of "canon" has become quite complicated as mentioned in this paper, and it is no longer possible to identify the canon with only one form of the textual tradition in textual criticism, since the canon of the Bible works on a multidimensional level, conronting people with the living God who empowers them to live in God's presence.
Abstract: What does 'canon' mean at present? The notion of canon has become quite complicated. In textual criticism it is no longer possible to identiy the canon with only one form of the textual tradition. Canonical texts originate and function in communities of faith. Childs' canonical approach does not accommodate this aspectproperly. Sanders' canon criticism invites social scientific criticism like Gottwald's to enable one to understand the canon within a much largerframe work. Even traditional studies of the history of the canon have to pay attention to a series of sociocultural factors. In postmodern society the canon of the Bible works on a multidimensional level, conrontingpeople with the living God who empowers them to live in God's presence.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a double question is posed: which topics of Calvin research have been analysed and discussed succesfully until now? And which topics should urgently be re-researched in future?
Abstract: With the word international, we think specifically of the worldwide research on Calvin. The term international also points to the international Calvin Congresses, of which, until now, six have been held. At the Congresses we try to combine the international research as well as to give a fresh impetus for research. The lectures of all the previous Congresses have been printed, with exception of the last Congress in Edinburgh, 1994, which is now being printed. The results of these Congresses are therefore easy to obtain - everyone can read them. The task leads to a double question: Which topics of Calvin research have been analysed and discussed succesfully until now? Which topics should urgently be researched in future? The first answer includes both a review of the previous six Congresses as well as a glance at recent Calvin literature; the second answer will be developed in the overview which follows, titled The future tasks of Calvin research.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the normative interpretation of Matthew 5:19 is not appropiate neither for the Chistian Jews who created it nor for the evangelist.
Abstract: According to the normative interpretation of Matthew 5:19, this logion specifies that a stict hierarchy will exist in the consummated kingdom of God based upon observance of the Jewish law. The highest place in the kingdom is reserved for those Christians who uphold the law, while those who break or relax the law will find themselves at a lower level. Matthew 5:19 therefore makes the important point that even law-free or Pauline Chisians would not be rejected from the kingdom. This study challenges this interpretaion of Matthew 5:19 by arguing that it is appropiate neither for the Chistian Jews who created it nor for the evangelist. Both Matthew and his Chistian Jewish predecessors were highly citical cf Paul and his gospel, and they expected law-free Chisians to face eternal punishment. In the light of it is, Matthew 5:19 must be taken as a reference to the exclusion of these Chistians from the kingdom.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the importance of the place Samaria in Luke-Acts and investigate the way in which Samaia as 'focal space' contibutes to constituting the plot of Luke-acts as a tragic narraive.
Abstract: Samaria: Focal space of interest in Luke-Acts. The aim of this article is to investigate the importance of the place Samaria in Luke-Acts. The method of investigaion consists of a combination of historical critical exegesis with narraive criticism. The histoical citical focus is on the so-called Antiochean source used by the author of Acts to indicate the importance of Samaia in the missionary activity of the early church. The narratological perspective focuses on the way in which Samaia as 'focal space' contibutes to constituting the plot of Luke-Acts as a tragic narraive.
TL;DR: Calvin addressed himself to the providence of God not only in his 'theological' works (eg Institutes), but particularly in his more 'popular' works, for instance his correspondence and sermons as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: It is quite remarkable that Calvin addresses himself to the providence of God not only in his 'theological' works (eg Institutes), but particularly also in his more 'popular' works, for instance his correspondence and sermons. This is where the doctrine of providence is significantly contextualized. It is obvious that he takes up his topic in a most responsible manner, by which the 'providentia Dei' should not only comfort those who believe in Christ, but should also call for a responsible life before the countenance of God. Furthermore, for Calvin providence is not so much an issue to be 'explained', but rather a 'confession' related to the very heart of faith.
[...]
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the topic of why and how Calvin preaches, under the headings of three questions: Why did he preach? How did he preaches? and What did hepreach?
Abstract: After introducing the congregation of Geneva to whom Calvin preached, the topic of this paper is discussed under the headings of three questions namely: Why did he preach? How did he preach? and, What did he preach? By answering these questions Calvin's view on preaching is elucidated.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors apply the sociology of knowledge to the day of the Lord in 2 Peter in order to render its meaning for modern readers, which is not clear to modern people who do not share the mythological world view of the author of 2 Peter.
Abstract: The day of the Lord in 2 Peter from the perspective of the sociologyof knowledge. The concept the day of the Lord in 2 Peter is, as a mythological expression, an example of analogical language. However, the meaning of this mytheme is not clear to modern people who do not share the mythological world-view of the author of 2 Peter. Although the historical roots ofthe day of the Lord has been thoroughly researched, the aspect of analogical language has not received much attention. The meaning of the day of the Lord needs to be explored with the aid of a method which has the capacity to probe the meaning of analogical language. The sociology of knowledge offers such a method, especially with its potenial to analyse symbolic universes. This article is an atempt at applying the sociology of knowledge to the day of the Lord in 2 Peter in order to render itsmeaning for modern readers.
TL;DR: In this article, Davies' analysis of Jesus' baptism is criti- cally assessed in terms of his database of sources, his arguments for authenticity, and his psychological explanation of this crucial event in Jesus' life.
Abstract: Taking Albert Schweitzer's threefold criticism of psychological readings of the historical Jesus as point of departure, Davies' analysis of Jesus' baptism is criti cally assessed in terms of (1) his database of sources, (2) his arguments for authenticity, and (3) his psychological explanation of this crucial event in Jesus' life. The article insists, in conclusion, that Davies' psychological analysis sho:dd be supplemented with a consideration of social values if we wish to understand the historical Jesus better.
TL;DR: The authors distinguish between the historical and confessional elements in the gospels, and place them once again in a dialectical relationship, in order to recover the poetics of early Christian faith.
Abstract: Since the advent of the first quest for the historical Jesus in the nine-teenth century, theologians have felt compelled to accept as normative either the Jesus of history (so Liberal Theology) or the Christ of faith (so Liberal Theology). This choice is a false one, for the structure of early Christian faith involves both historical and confessional elements inthe creation of meaningful theological discourse. We can recover the poetics of that discourse if we clearly distinguish between the historical and confessional elements in the gospels, and place them once again in a dialectical relationship. In this way, the quest for the historical Jesus may retain its character as an historical discipline, and yet still prove fruitful for critical theological reflection.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors highlight the fact that the dualistic view of man is at odds with a Biblical image of man and argue that a correct appreciation of the anthropology of man can guide decisions in ethics, where the focus is constantly anthropological.
Abstract: In this article the author highlights Calvin's anthropology. A main feature of this anthropology is his dualistic view on man. Calvin was very much influenced by the ancient Greek philosophy, which argued that man had two parts: a superior soul and an inferior body. The author argues that this perception is at odds with a Biblical image of man. According to the Bible no part of man is inferior or superior to any other part of his personhood. The article indicates that a Biblical perspective on anthropology will draw different conclusions in ethics compared to a dualistic perception of the nature of man. A correct appreciation of the anthropology of man is therefore needed to guide decisions in ethics, where the focus is constantly anthropological.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors demonstrate that children, on the grounds of Biblical, dogmatical and church law are no less the property of God than adults, and that children are a complete pan of God's church, they should be taken into account during public worship.
Abstract: The primary school child in public worship. With this study I want to demonstrate that children, on the grounds of Biblical, dogmatical and church law are no less the property of God than adults. Because children are a complete pan of God's church, they should be taken into account during public worship. The exceptional nature of the primary school child asks of the church to consider that pans of public worship be arranged for their specific needs and prepared according to their nature.
TL;DR: In this paper, the outcome of the research undertaken by Loader is critically reviewed and seriously questioned and it is maintained that his evaluation of ethical theology is too rigid and its influence on the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk overemphasised.
Abstract: Roots and background of reformed theology and ecclesiastical being in South Africa. After investigating researches and publications on the ethical direction taken by Dutch theology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, J A Loader came to the conclusion that this direction is an important - if not the most important - background to the theology of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. and of its theological training at the University of Pretona, especially during the earlier years and at the time of its inception. In this article the outcome of the research undertaken by Loader is critically reviewed and seriously questioned. It is maintained that his evaluation of ethical theology is too rigid and its influence on the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk overemphasised. It seems that the prominent influence of Hoedemaker and confessional theology is overlooked by Loader.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study of Luther's doctrine on baptism, as found in his 'De captivitate babylonica ecclesiae praeludium' of 1520 is studied.
Abstract: Martin Luther's doctrine of baptism according to the De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium of 1520. In this study Luther's doctrine on baptism, as found in his 'De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium' of 1520 is studied. This is not an exhaustive study of Luther's complete doctrine on baptism. It only explores his views on this sacrament which, according to his thesis, is held in captivity by the Roman doctrine on baptism. It is found that Luther, in this work, shifts the existing emphasis on the sacramental elements to the primacy of the Word and faith in that redemptive Word.
TL;DR: In faith, God is not a distant God any more. He entered into the problematic situation of human suffering, bringing redemption to man as discussed by the authors. But the problem of theodicy is still open.
Abstract: The problem of theodicy: An answer from a pastoral perspective. A fundamental aspect of the problem of theodicy is the experience of God's action as at times unfair, a perception at home espedally in a situation of human suffering. God's redemptive action in and through his Son Jesus Christ, however, opens a new perspective on this problem. In faith, God is not a distant God any more. He entered into the problematic situation of human suffering, bringing redemption to man.
[...]
TL;DR: In this article, the answer of J H Gunning Jr, one of the leaders of the so-called "ethischen", to Abraham Kuyper, is discussed, and the topic of this paper indicates how, in the end, Gunning saw predestination.
Abstract: The heart of the church. Abraham Kuyper accused the so-called 'ethische' theologians that they only pretended to be Calvinists because the doctrine of predestination did not figure as a central point of their thinking. In this paper the answer of J H Gunning Jr, one of the leaders of the so-called 'ethischen', to Kuyper is discussed. Although this paper mainly focuses on six articles Gunning published in the periodical 'Stemmen voor waarheid en vrede' between 1878 and 1880, it also introduces other articles of Gunning into the discussion. The topic of this paper indicates how, in the end, Gunning saw predestination.
TL;DR: In this paper, the meaning and function of the robe as a liturgical symbol are investigated. But the purpose of the robes is not to impede the communication of the word of God, but to contribute to the message of the Gospel.
Abstract: The communication of liturgical symbols with specific reference to the robe. Recently, in the name of renewal, full churches and the satisfaction of church members, the hunting season was opened on many of the church's traditional symbols. Renewal is necessary, but before a well-trusted custom is thrown overboard, the value of such a custom must first be established. A well-tried practice usually is worth, more than what can be seen on the surface at first glance. Liturgical symbols, amongst others the robe, are being put under suspicion by many church members as well as theologians. Do these liturgical symbols impede the communication of the word of God or does the robe, inter alia , contribute to the communication of the Gospel, which is the nucleus of protestant public worship? By means of empirical research, this article aims to establish the theological meaning and function of the robe as a liturgical symbol.
TL;DR: The most important aspects of this trend are a sharp awareness of self-identity; a desire for freedom, implying a negative reaction to British political and cultural imperialism; a fierce love of the Afrikaans language; and an aversion to mixing with people of non-Western descent.
Abstract: When speaking of the direction of a people, the term direction has the meaning of a relatively stable trend or course over a relatively long period of the history of the majority of that people. The problem dis-cussed in this paper is the question whether such a direction(s) can be discerned in the history of the Afrikaans people. Such a direction can only be the result of values obtaining in a stable order of preference, forming a set of norms expressed in the views and actions of the people over a relatively long period of time. In a compact overview, eight of the most important areas of the history of the Afrikaans people are considered. The conclusion is that a definite trend is discernible. The most important aspects of this trend are a sharp awareness of self-identity; a desire for freedom, implying a negative reaction to British political and cultural imperialism; a fierce love of the Afrikaans language; and an aversion to mixing with people of non-Western descent.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the consequences of these conflicting worla views for ministers counseling individuals caught up in the practices of satanism. But they did not consider the effect of such beliefs on the effectiveness of counseling individuals.
Abstract: Satanism seen from the perspective of pastoral counselling. Based on observations of Satanism and exorcism, the article suggests that pastors are confronted with two world views which are in conflict with one another: the mythological world view of the New Testament and the modern world view. The article explores the consequences of these conflicting worla views for ministers counselling individuals caught up in the practices of satanism.
TL;DR: In this article, three issues are treated: the understanding of the past and what history is, the requirements for writing history and the question whether history has a vision for the future.
Abstract: Every generation writes its own history of the Church. As the past is continually evaluated from different points of view and as every generation asks new questions, so the understanding of the past changes and history is rewritten. In discussing this situation, three issues are treated: the understanding of the past and what history is, the requirements for writing history and the question whether history has a vision for the future. These matters continually appear in discussions on history and the requirements for writing history.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the healings of Jesus should be understood as empowerments of empowerment, and that the various institutions in the first-century Mediterranean world must not be seen as separate from one another: they are in fact embedded in each other.
Abstract: Jesus: A faith-healer? How are we in a modern age to understand the healing wonders of Jesus in the gospel? How must exorcism be understood? The intention of this paper is to indicate that Jesus' exorcisms are to be understood against the background of the stress factors in the first-century Mediterranean world. The propaganda motive, as well as the competitive milieu in which the texts originated, must be kept in mind when interpreting the healings of Jesus. Jesus' exorcisms are embedded in the structure and institutions of his time. The various institutions in the first-century Mediterranean world must not be understood as separate from one another: they are in fact embedded in each other. The healings of Jesus should be understood as healings of empowerment. Jesus empowers people to cope. He gives authentic meaning to peoples' lives on account of their experience of God's presence.
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk as discussed by the authors is an important theological foundation of the Nederdeitsch Church, and it was the place where Martin Luther's understand-ing of the Word of God was studied.
Abstract: Luther's understanding of the Word of God. This paper attempts to show that Martin Luther is much more than a great personality from the past. He is in fact an important theological father of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Our theology must be understood from the perspective of Luther's theology. A call is also made that theologians from the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk not turn their backs on Luther. This paper concentrates on Luther's understand-ing of the Word of God. It gives perspectives on historical developments in Luther's theology. It also disCusses the following themes: the Bible as the Word of God, the relationship between Old and New Testament, the relationship between law and gospel, the position of the pope and the role of experience in understanding the Word of God.