Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 2001"
TL;DR: The authors argued that if Christians focus only on the Church's kerygma, they base their ultimate trust upon assertions of faith, rather than upon the cause of faith and argued that the cause is the canon behind the canon.
Abstract: God, and not the Bible as such, is the church's primary authority. Jesus of Nazareth is the manifestation of God in history. In a post-Aufkllirung environment one cannot escape the demand to think historically. To discern what could be seen as the "ground" offaith, one needs to distinguish the "proclaiming Jesus" from the "proclaimed Jesus", though these two aspects are dialectically intertwined. This dialeclic can be described as the "Jesus kerygma" or the "cause of Jesus". The aim of this article is to argue that if Christians focus only on the church's kerygma they base their ultimate trust upon assertions of faith, rather than upon the cause of faith. The dictum that the cause of Jesus is the canon behind the canon is explained in terms of the distinction between ''fides qua creditur" and "fides quae creditur", and postmodern historical Jesus research.
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TL;DR: In this article, a socio-rhetorical approach to the reading of the Gospels has been proposed, based on a specific understanding of what is meant by a narratological reading of a text and, on the other hand, by a social-scientific interpretation of biblical texts.
Abstract: In the past two decades, narrative criticism (narratology) and social-scientific criticism have come to the fore as the two most prominent new methodologies to be associated with gospel research. When these two methodologies are integrated in the reading of biblical texts, this is now referred to as "socio-rhetorical inter pretation". This article departs from a specific understanding of what is meant by a narratological reading of a text on the one hand and, on the other hand, by a social-scientific interpretation of biblical texts, in order to propose a working definition of a socio-rhetorical analysis of texts. 1. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS As the 20 th century ends and the third millennium begin, narrative criticism and social scientific criticism have come to the fore as the two most prominent new methodologies to be associated with current gospel research. Moreover, literary approaches to the Gospels (e g, narrative criticism) have now established themselves sufficiently for scholars studying the Gospels from a literary perspective not to need to fear losing what has been gained in the last two decades if they endeavour to integrate their work with social scientific criticism. According to Tannehill (1997:132), the need for this integra
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make use of Ferdinand Hahn's insights (with Son of God as case study) to indicate how the naming of Jesus developed in stages, and it is shown that the name Sonof God was not used by Jesus.
Abstract: This study makes use of Ferdinand Hahn's insights (with Son of God as case study) to indicate how the naming of Jesus developed in stages. It is shown that the name Son of God was not used by Jesus. It functioned within the context of the cultic activities of early Christianity, was taken over from the surrounding religious, political and cultural world while its referential meaning shifted in the various layers. Hahn focuses on the multi-stage development of the Jesus tradition from an Aramaic "Judaism", through a Hellenistic "Judaism" to a Gaeco-Roman stage. First the possible historical origins of the title Son of God are discussed, after which Hahn's view is taken into consideration.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors express the conviction that the liturgy, hymns and music of the church serve a necessary function and make an appeal for their regeneration in the church.
Abstract: The church hymn: A consideration of fundamental and practical nature. This study expresses the conviction that the liturgy, hymns and music of the church serve a necessary function and makes an appeal for their regeneration in the church. Such regeneration would, as a consequence of the relection on and experience of the depth and wealth arising from Biblical songs, foster a deeper love for the hymns and songs of the church. However, at the same time, this study also protests against the tendency, Under the pretext of renewal and in unison with the spirit of the times, to render the ministry, liturgy as well as the hyms of the church supericial. This study wishes to make an appeal: that we, on the grounds of a better knowledge of the songs of the Bible and the hymns sung throughout the ages, arrive at stronger church songs applicable to present times.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a close analysis of the text reveals that what is portrayed as an external conlict clearly has a serious internal dimension too, and the heart of the conlict lies not so much in disputes over land and building rights, but rather in the central issue of access to the community of returned exiles.
Abstract: The text of Ezra-Nehemiah relects a severe conlict situaion in post-exilic Judaean society. However, the text is unclear about crucial issues such as the identity of the parties involved, the aims of the different parties, and even the roots of the conlict. A close analysis of the text reveals that what is portrayed as an external conlict clearly has a serious internal dimension too. The heart of the conlict lies not so much in disputes over land and building rights, but rather in the central issue of access to the community of returned exiles.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the origins of millennialism as it manifested in the history of theoligy and reflect on some new and challenging ways New Testament scholars nowadays study eschatology and apocalypticism from a social-scientific perspecive on the conception of time in the first-century Mediterranean world and from the cultural psychological perspective on altered states of consciousness.
Abstract: Millennialism, eschatology, and apocalypticism. This aricle consists of four parts. Firstly, it describes briefly and elementarily the origins of millennialism as it manifested in the history of theoligy. Secondly, it reflects on some of the new and challenging ways New Testament scholars nowadays study eschatology and apocalypticism from a social-scientific perspecive on the conception of time in the first-century Mediterranean world and from the cultural psychological perspective on altered states of consciousness. Thirdly, the articile aims at applying the social-political results of the study to the interpretation of the expression "one thousand year reign" in Revelation 20:1-10.
4 citations
TL;DR: Van Aarde and Pelser as mentioned in this paper discussed the influence of the Reformation and Aufldirung on Biblical interpretation, methodology of exegesis, role of extra-canonical writings, a canon in the canon, the use of the Bible at the university and in the church, Bible translation, the interrelationship between theology and culture, a critical evaluation of the ''peoples' church" ("volkskerk"); the church as corpus permixtum; ministry rather than office; confessionalism; Pauline themes; the theological heritage of Rudolf B
Abstract: "An in-depth open theological discussion". This article reflects a conversation between Andries G van Aarde and Gert Pelser. G M M Pelser was professor of New Testament at the University of Pretoria from 1972 to 2001. The following issues were discussed: the influence of the Reformation and Aufldirung on Biblical interpretation; methodology of exegesis; the role of extra-canonical writings; a canon in the canon; the use of the Bible at the university and in the church; Bible translation; the interrelationship between theology and culture; a critical evaluation of the ''peoples' church" ("volkskerk"); "the church as corpus permixtum; ministry rather than office; confessionalism; Pauline themes; the theological heritage of Rudolf Bultmann.
4 citations
TL;DR: The New Testament (especially the Gospel of John) helps us understand that a church, which has a family orientation as its basis, should provide a home for the poor as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: As a consequence of the bipolar tension between theory and practice, experience (considered in the South African context) influences the church's reflection on Practical Theology. Insight into the economic system of the Mediterranean world helps us to understand the complexities involved in positioning poverty, as well as the role of the New Testament faith community in its interaction with the poor. The social system in the ancient world, within which poverty was encountered, cautions us against taking a simplistic view of the poor. We cannot duplicate social systems and impose them on current situations. The New Testament, which is set against a particular system, speaks of the Kingdom of God as a place where the poor must be cared for. The New Testament (especially the Gospel of John) lets us understand that a church, which has a family orientation as its basis, should provide a home for the poor.
TL;DR: The use of music in pastorai therapy has been examined in this article, where the authors argue that music can be used to assist a person as an integraed being, and the use of a holisic approach emphasises the creat've responsibility and various possibilities of a life coram Deo.
Abstract: The use of music in pastorai therapy. Both religion and music are ways for a person to express a relationship with God, other people, nature and the self. In the premodem paradigm, the interwoven relationship between human bangs, music and religion was seen holistically. The rationalism of the modern era allenated people from this ontological relationship with music. Following the modern era, the current postmodern need for wholeness has resulted in various holistic therapies. This aricle examines the use of music as a powerful therapeutic resource in pastoral therapy. It argues that music can be used to assist a person as an integraed being. The use of a holisic approach emphas'zes the creat've responsibility and various possibilities of a life coram Deo.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the theme of the Pentateuch can be expressed by the idea of "תורה", which is expressed in specific parts of the text and the interrelationship between the motifs of divine providence and obedience demanded from humans.
Abstract: Both the structure of the overarching literary blocks in the Pentateuch (primarily containing either narrative or legal material) and the unfolding of its story line attest to the fact that the legal sections in the Pentateuch are subsumed under the narrative material in light of the flexibility of the concept of "theme", the article argues that the theme of the Pentateuch can he expressed by the idea of תורה. The narrative sequence of the Pentateuch is reviewed from this angle to show that the general theme is manifested in specific parts of the text. The interrelationship between the motifs of divine providence ("Gospel'') and obedience demanded from humans ("Law'') demonstrate both the meaning תורה and the presence of this theme throughout the Pentateuch.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discussed the degree to which the vow is binding on descendants, the sabbaical character of the day of commemoration and the implications of the Hews behind the vow for reconciliation in the present South Africa.
Abstract: Once more: The background, contents and implications of the Vow of 1838. The vow taken by the so-called Voortrekkers before the Battle of Bloodriver in Natal on the 16th December 1838 against the Zulu impis remains a much-debated topic. In this article the author enters into dialogue with some results of recent research. Themes such as the degree to which the vow is binding on descendants, the sabbaical character of the day of commemoraion and the implications of the Hews behind the vow for reconciliation in the present South Africa, are discussed. The conclusion is that the vow is based on sound Chrisian principles, morally binding on Chrisian Afrikaners and those who see fit to associate with them, and in principle not a stumbling block in the way of reconciliaion in a South Africa based on Christian values.
TL;DR: In this paper, the ecclesial position of the diakonia within the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Arika is discussed and ways and means of raising awareness are discussed, in which relevant resources for practical service provision are identified and discussed.
Abstract: This aticle reflects on the ecclesial position of the diakonia within the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Arika. The body-of-Chist model is postulated as the basis for a pracical theological theory. Koinonia is depicted as a linchpin for Christian caring and sharing towards which, if made aware of its role in poverty alleviation, it would make a meaningful contribuion. Ways and means of raising awareness are discussed, ater which relevant resources for practical service provision are identified and discussed. The establishment of small groups and the engagement of women and youth groups are cited as enabling actions in respect of the meaningful provision of benevolent and development services. It is then suggested that the church start, register and run development projects in co-operaion with the welfare department, business, development agencies and ecumenicalriends.
TL;DR: In this article, three problem areas that may cause prayer to be experienced as futile, are discussed, i.e., the omniscience, will and omnipotence of God.
Abstract: Three problem areas in prayer: A perspective from the New Testament. Three problem areas that may cause prayer to be experienced as futile, are discussed. The areas are: the omniscience, will and omnipotence of God. Several texts in (primarily) the New Testament are treated. The article concludes that these areas do not lead to futility in prayer, but rather invite the believer to -through prayer - rest in the providence of God, and to share in his peculiar dealings with individual believers and the cosmos, dealings which are grounded in God's kindness.
TL;DR: The authors examine the role played by the way Scripture is viewed in the postmodernity: crisis or challenge, and contrast the views of Johan Janse van Rensburg and Andries van Aarde.
Abstract: Postmodernity: Crisis or challenge? An examination of the role played by the way Scripture is viewed. Theologians see the postmodern era either as a crisis or a challenge, depending on their view of Scripture and on the roots of the postmodern era. This is illustrated by contrasting the views of Johan Janse van Rensburg and Andries van Aarde. The view of Johan Janse van Rensburg is described as "foundationalist". According to this view, science is viewed as only being possible when built on indubitable facts. As the philosophies of the modern era are questioned by those of the postmodern era, the "foundationalist" view of Scripture experiences the new era as a crisis. Andries van Aarde sees postmodernity as a positive challenge to the church. This optimism is founded on a view of Scripture that can withstand the scrutiny of the postmodern era built on the insights of Jacques Derrida. In order for the church and theology to take up the demands of the new era, this article hopes to prompt the on the view of Scripture.
TL;DR: In this paper, a hermeneusis of 2 Peter 1:12-15 is presented to make believers aware of the consequences of an immoral lifestyle and to prepare them against it.
Abstract: Preparing against immorality in a postmodern society: A her-meneusis of 2 Peter 1:12-15. Under the influence of postmodernism the moral autonomy of man is at present strongly accentuated and society more and more evinces the characteristics of this perspective. This article on 2 Peter 1:12-15 argues that it is important to make believer!' aware of the consequences of an immoral lifestyle and to prepare them against it. Believers must be equipped with fresh and clear knowledge of the teachings of the apostles. In these teachings the believers possess authoritative guidance that will help them to distinguish between true and false teachers of Jesus Christ and that will lead them to sanctification. The teachings of the apostles will also teach them to call lovingly upon other people to live a life true to God and one that speaks of high moral values and self control.
TL;DR: The relation between apocalyptics and eschatology according to Waiter Schmithals is discussed in this article, which unfolds the development from the apocalyptic view of life to the eschatological one, as seen by Schmithal.
Abstract: The relation between apocalyptics and eschatology according to Waiter Schmithals. The article unfolds the development from the apocalyptic view of life to the eschatologicalone, as seen by Waiter Schmithals.The historical Jesus was part of the apocalyptic movement The message of the early church acknowledges the expectation of the apocalyptic movement but recognizes a specific fulfilment thereof.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors summarise recent criticisms of Paul under the headings of ethnicity, social class, gender, and homoeroticism, and conclude with a statement on the moral of reading.
Abstract: In this article recent criticisms of Paul are summarised under the headings of ethnicity (Mack), social class (Theissen), gender (Wire) and homoeroticism (Nissinen). Horsley's positive appraisal of Paul's anti-imperial stance is also surveyed. These views are introduced by means of the concept of imitation as a category of social ethics in Paul, the article, concludes with a statement on the morality of reading.
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TL;DR: Canon in the Canon in the canon can no longer be a reductionist and static choice from Biblical materials, but is a dynamic and ongoing process of endless combinations, even of contradictory possages, to meet the demands of each new situation as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Canon in the canon. Kanon in die kanon P M Venter Departement Ou-Testamentiese Wetenskap U niversiteit van Pretoria. The reductionist trend of the notion of a canon in the canon is radically changed in a postmodern era. A modernist hegemonic notion of canon shifted towards a contextually based inter subjective dialogue between reader and text. Canon criticism shifted the focus of attention from the text towards the process in which the text operates as canon. Issues in this process are the actions of discrimination and of formal selection. These should be seen as the canon in the canon process. Such a view is not reductionist, but rather pluralistic. Canon in the canon can no longer be a reductionist and static choice from Biblical materials, but is a dynamic and ongoing process of endless combinations, even of contradictory possages, to meet the demands of each new situation.
TL;DR: Socio-rhetorical analysis of the gospels focuses on a specific text's strategy and situation as discussed by the authors, and is interested in what any given text wanted to communicate (ideology) in its original socio-historical and socio-cultural situaion.
Abstract: Socio-rhetorical analysis of the gospels focuses on a specific text's strategy and situation. As such, it is interested in what any given text wanted to communicate (ideology) in its original socio-historical and socio-cultural situaion. In this article attenion is given to contibuions in a recent publicaion entitled Gospe linterpretation: Narrative-critical and social-scientiic approaches (with Kingsbury as editor) that has as focus what can be described as a socio-rhetoricalanalysis of the gospels, that is, readings of the gospels that aim to integrate narrative-critical and sociological readings of the gospels. Ater a few introductory remarks, some of the contribuions in the above-mentioned publicaion are summarized and then evaluaed in terms of their own explicitly stated aim, that is, to read the gospels from a socio-rhetoical perspective. Finally, a few remarks are made concerning both the necessiy for a socio-rhetoical reading of ancient texts and the possibilities that a socio-rhetorical analysis of ancient texts holds for gospel interpretain.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that the challenge to study Scipture accurately and objecively requires hermeneutical guidelines from the church in order to prevent subjecivism.
Abstract: Assurance of faith in the church's history of Biblical interpretation. The aim of this article is to focus on biblical interpretaion. It relects on the implications of biblical interpretaion for the foundaions of faith. People generally understand their world on the basis of their own presupposed convicions and on the basis of what they already know and have experienced of life. This tendency afects interpreters, understanding of the original audience of biblical texts. The article argues that the challenge to study Scipture accurately and objecively requires hermeneutical guidelines from the church in order to prevent subjecivism.
TL;DR: The authors proposes a post-modern hermeneutics that preserves the paradox of Christology in the New Testament and orients the constitutingconsciousness of theologians and scholars to both a spirituality of "being-affected-by" the biblical witness to Jesus Christ and a faith that will initiate action toward the transformation of society.
Abstract: Again and again throughout the historyof Christian thought theological apologetics has dissolved the great ironic paradox of Jesus Christ into binary oppositions. In these historical contexts cultural relevancy has prevailed, and the underlying philosophical ideology has generated a disastrous subversion of the apologetic formulations of Christology in the New Testament. By calling this dichotomization into question, this essay intends to promote a postmodern hermeneutics that preserves the christological paradox and orients the constituting consciousness of theologians and scholars to both a spirituality of "being-affected-by" the biblical witness to Jesus Christ and a faith that will initiate action toward the transformation of society.
TL;DR: The communication of the robe as a liturgical symbol in the Protestant tradition has been investigated in this paper, by means of a quantitive empirical research within the discipline of Pracical Theology.
Abstract: The communication of the robe as liturgical symbol in the Protestant tradition - a quantitative empirical research. Liturgical symbols, amongst others the robe, are being put under suspicion by many members and theologians of Protestant churches. 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 a quantitive empirical research within the discipline of Pracical Theology, this article aims to establish the theological meaning and function of the robe as a liturgical symbol.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors from the Dutch Second Reformation who were also drawn upon for the formulaion of the Voortrekker Vow are identified and an analysis of the histoical and theological sources from which the Vow originated, enables us to give a definiion of this vow in paricular.
Abstract: The theological background of the Voortrekker Vow (1838). An investigation into the theological background of the Voortrekker Vow of 1838 bings to light interesing perspectives on the sources that had an influence on the coming into existence of the Vow and its meaning. The preparatory research done by Prof A D Pont emphasises the fact that the Vow was exclusively based on sources from the Dutch Second Reformation. The understanding of its theological background can largely be traced to the work of Wilhelmus a Brakel. This was, however, not the only influential source dealing with vows of this nature and the body of the Vow cannot exclusively be understood from the work of Brakel alone. In this article several other authors from the Dutch Second Reformation who were also drawn upon for theformulaion ofthe contents of the Vow are identified. An analysis of the histoical and theological sources rom which the Vow originated, enables us to give a definiion of this vow in paricular.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors interpret the purpose of 1 Thessalonians and conclude that the stated purpose is to persuade the readers to live according to God's will, regardless of the hardships and opposition that they encounter.
Abstract: The purpose of a text is related to its rhetorical genre, but it is important to realise that genre is more than the form and function of discourse. Genre derives from and is relate4 to the author's motive in responding to a recurrent social situation. These situations and responses are seen as resulting from shared social interpretations and are part of a socially constructed reality. Not only do genres respond to particular social contexts, they also shape them. The aim of this article is to interpret the purpose of 1 Thessalonians. It is concluded that the stated purpose of 1 Thessalonians is found in 3:11 and 12 and 5:23: to persuade the readers to live according to God's will The author teaches the readers how to live as Christians and encourages them to accept new roles in society, to change their lives according to God's will and to remain faithful to Christ and the author, regardless of the hardships and opposition that they encounter.
TL;DR: In this paper, the taceat mulier of 1 Cor 14:34-35 revisited is discussed and the latest attempt to solve the clash between 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 14: 34-35 by text-critical means is discussed, and various harmonizing efforts are criticised.
Abstract: The taceat mulier of 1 Cor 14:34-35 revisited. Discussions of the role of women in the church's ministry, as well as feminist attacks on Paul, require that the debate on 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 should continue. The latest attempt to solve the clash between 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and 14:34-35 by text-critical means is discussed and various harmonizing efforts are criticized. Also the expedient of putting the taceat in the mouth of an opposing party is found unconvincing. Paul's theology and especially his view of women in the ministry, indicate that 1 Corinthians 14:33b-36 should be viewed as a post-Pauline interpolation. The development of the different textual traditions was quite complex and includes various kinds of redactional activity. Ironical as it may seem, the identification of 1 Corinthians 33b-36 as a post-Pauline insertion brings us nearer to the original Pauline text than mere external text-critical considerations. However, the always imminent danger of subjectivity requires that this procedure be applied with great circumspection and only as a last option.
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika has always regarded Church Hisory as a very important part of the theological curiculum as mentioned in this paper, and little attention has been given to metatheological quesions concening the subject, object, method and purpose of Church History.
Abstract: Church History: Perspectives from the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika has always regarded Church Hisory as a very important part of the theological curiculum. For that reason little attention has been given to metatheological quesions concening the subject, object, method and purpose of Church History. This article examines these questions, applying insights and contributions from several sciences such as Hisory, Philosophy of History, Theory of Science and Theology. This aricle reflects on questions as to why and how Church History can be regarded as a theological discipline
TL;DR: Schalk Botha as discussed by the authors was vir baie jare betrokke by die opleiding van teologiese studente, aanvanklik by die Universiteit van die Noorde en die Hervormde Teologiese Opleiding (Hammanskraal), and die afgelope aantal jare by die University of Pretoia.
Abstract: Professor Schalk Botha was vir baie jare betrokke by die opleiding van teologiese studente, aanvanklik by die Universiteit van die Noorde en die Hervormde Teologiese Opleiding (Hammanskraal), en die afgelope aantal jare by die Universiteit van Pretoia. Hy het aan die einde van 2000 amptelik afgetree, maar sy dienste is weer deur die Fakulteit Teologie ingekoop om gedurende 2001 lesings te gee in die Departement Kerkgeskiedenis en Kerkreg.