Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 2004"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a practical theology that develops out of a very specific context, in this case, HIV/AIDS, and the philosophical framework is found in an integration of two paradigms, namely social-constructionism and post-foundation-alism.
Abstract: The practical theology that emerges from this article is one that develops out of a very specific context – in this case, HIV/AIDS. The philosophical framework is found in an integration of two paradigms, namely social-constructionism and postfoundation-alism. The article concludes with a research case study from the HIV/AIDS context. Practical theological research is not only about description and interpretation of experiences, but it is also about deconstruction and emancipation. The bold move should be made to allow all the different stories of the research to develop into a new story of understanding that transcends the local community. According to the narrative approach, this will not happen on the basis of structured and rigid methods, through which stories are analysed and interpreted. It rather happens on the basis of a holistic understanding and as a social-constructionist process to which all the co-researchers are invited and in which they are engaged in the creation of new meaning.
69 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the agency theories of Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu can provide a theoretical basis and method for public religious education, which can facilitate a dialogue between theology and the social sciences.
Abstract: In the postmodern world young people no longer accept the values advocated by the institutionalised church as unquestionably relevant to their lives, one of the reasons for this being that the supremacy of the Christian faith has given way to a secularised society. Public practical theology includes the public as one of its audiences. In this paper the point of departure is a reflection-theory and not the praxis as such. This theory focuses on everyday concerns and issues in order to facilitate a dialogue between theology and the social sciences. The article aims to reflect on the enhancement of the experience of transcendence in the everydayness of the present-day youth. It argues that the agency theories of Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu can provide a theoretical basis and method for public religious education.
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the development of a culture of human rights and the improvement of the judicial process alone will not solve the problem of witchcraft in South Africa, as it is a too deeply rooted religious phenomenon.
Abstract: This article is a theological contribution aimed at creating an understanding of the phenomenon of witchcraft in South Africa. Witchcraft still causes major social problems in this country. The article argues that the development of a culture of human rights and the improvement of the judicial process alone will not solve this problem. Witchcraft is a too deeply rooted religious phenomenon. The phenomenon is described in its religious complexity and diversity. Witchcraft is discussed within the framework of the African theodicy.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the negative impact of witchcraft beliefs and experiences among many African people, including Christians and the educated, is highlighted, that is, "educated" in the western sense.
Abstract: Witchcraft is presented as a threat to the life and well-being of the people of Africa, their embracement of Christianity notwithstanding. This article seeks to highlight the negative impact of witchcraft beliefs and experiences among many African people, including Christians and the educated, that is, “educated” in the western sense. The article identifies a lacuna in the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika’s ministry to the sick and to those who find themselves engulfed by misfortune in one form or another and believed to have been caused by witchcraft. The article points to the need for a ministry that will be relevant and meaningful in addressing the illnesses and misfortunes of black African Christians.
15 citations
TL;DR: The politics of religious experience (2004) is a collection of essays by a group of leading Foucault scholars on a variety of themes within the history, thought and practice of theology as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Present History: Michel Foucault in conversation with theology Philosopher Michel Foucault’s work has become a major strand of what is often referred to as “postmodern theology”. The wider relevance of his work for theology nevertheless still remains unexamined. This contribution serves as a review article of the book Michel Foucault and theology: The politics of religious experience (2004), edited by James Bernauer and Jeremy Carrette. It deals with “present history” as a leitmotiv in Foucault’s work, before presenting a summary of this collection of essays by a group of leading Foucault scholars on a variety of themes within the history, thought and practice of theology. The book is described as a fascinating contribution to Foucault scholarship, which demonstrates, for the first time, the influence and growing importance of Foucault’s work for contemporary theology.
13 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Lose proposes that preaching which seeks to be both faithful to the Christian tradition and responsive to our pluralistic, modern context, is best understood as the public discourse as discussed by the authors, which is a challenge of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a postmodern context.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Lose, D J 2003 - Confessing Jesus Christ: Preaching in a postmodern world
Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 264 Pages. Price: US$27-00
Reviewer: Prof T F J Dreyer (Hervormde Teologiese Kollege, University of Pretoria)
This publication is an attempt to address the challenge of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a postmodern context. Within the complicated environment of homiletics it makes a timely contribution to guide preachers in fulfilling their task.
Lose proposes that preaching which seeks to be both faithful to the Christian tradition and responsive to our pluralistic, modern context, is best understood as the public ..
13 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the root cause of violence is frustration, which finally produces anger, anxiety, conflict and the eruption of violence, which leads to violent acts, such as suicide bombers in Palestine and other parts of the world.
Abstract: This article traces the roots of aggression, anger and violence in South Africa and the rest of the world. The paper is divided into four parts: Aggression, Anger, Catharsis and Violence. As a result of violence against other human beings, especially women and children, a profound respect for human dignity has been lost. People have become extremely aggressive. The last few decades have created a culture of violence because of the suppression or oppression of feelings. The article argues that frustration yields anger that leads to violent acts. The root cause of violence is frustration, which finally (if not attended to) produces anger, anxiety, conflict and the eruption of violence. Suicide bombers in Palestine and other parts of the world demonstrate this type of aggression, anger and violence. Anger, on the one hand, is a good defense mechanism. It helps people cope with frustration. Violence, on the other hand, is used as a means of dominance, especially against women and children. In a political situation it is used as a means of changing social structures.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate the epistemological processes behind exegetes' diverse use of Scripture and show that this trend causes an untenable tension between the dialectical notions sola fidei and sola Scriptura, which contributes to the social psychological phenomena of homophobia and sarcophobia.
Abstract: Homosexuality: Church, tradition, and the Bible – homophobia, sarcophobia, and the gospel The article demonstrates a trend in the current debate on the church’s attitude towards homosexuality, namely that exegetical results supersede authentic faith experiences of gays. It shows that this trend causes an untenable tension between the dialectical notions sola fidei and sola Scriptura. Such an unacceptable tension contributes to the social psychological phenomena of homophobia and sarcophobia. The article investigates this empirical approach (theoretical reason) to homo-sexuality from the dialectical perspective of a theological approach (practical reason). The latter includes an investigation of the epistemological processes behind exegetes’ diverse use of Scripture. The article aims to show that homophobia in society and church, and the sarcophobia of homosexuals can be challenged and healed if the church holds on to the dialectic between sola fidei and sola Scriptura and the dialectic between pastoral concerns and the engagement with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
12 citations
Journal Article•
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the Reformers' so-called "Scripture Principle" in light of the paradigm shifts from pre-modern, to modern and to postmodern theology.
Abstract: Perspective on Scripture in light of postmodernity The aim of the article is to focus on the Reformers’ so-called “Scripture Principle” in light of the paradigm shifts from pre-modern, to modern and to postmodern theology. The “Scripture Principle” relates mainly to two notions: the Bible is God’s word in human speech and Scripture is handed to all believers who are encouraged to interpret it for themselves. In light of the perspectives on Scripture by Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, and Rudolf Bultmann, the article discusses the “Scripture Principle” according to three positions: the Bible as book of the church; the Bible as book of believers; the Bible as book of theologians. The article advocates tolerance for users of the Bible to regard the authority of Scripture in concurrence with anyone of these positions without the hegemony of the one over the other. Yet, an overlap is an indication of postmodern theology.
10 citations
TL;DR: Luke-Acts was written during the period after the destruction of the second temple, when, for most Jews, hopes for future restoration were conceived largely in terms of rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem and resuming the cultic life associated therewith.
Abstract: Luke-Acts was written during the period after the destruction of the second temple, when, for most Jews, hopes for future restoration were conceived largely in terms of rebuilding the temple and city of Jerusalem and resuming the cultic life associated therewith. Against this background Luke poses an alternative vision, in which the divine presence associated previously with the [foreign font omitted] is seen no longer as localised but as dispersed. The Holy Spirit manifested in the life and expansion of the Church transcends and supersedes the notion of sacred space associated with the Zion traditions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the social and religious dynamics of parables of Jesus in which "rich" and "poor" are juxtaposed, and expose the legitimisation provided by the Israelite elite to ensure the collection of taxes placed on the peasant population by the Roman Empire.
Abstract: This article explores the social and religious dynamics of parables of Jesus in which “rich” and “poor” are juxtaposed. It focuses on Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus) and on Luke 18:9-14 (the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector). The core of the exploration relates to questions concerning “wealth” and “poverty” in a limited-good society such as first-century Palestine. The article aims to expose the legitimisation provided by the Israelite elite to ensure the collection of taxes placed on the peasant population by the Roman Empire.
TL;DR: In this article, a traditional penitential prayer in the book of Daniel 9 is linked to an apocalyptic narrative, and the view that man has to wait upon God to change history is extended into a life of sanctification, teaching, fasting and offering of penitence.
Abstract: The prayer in Daniel 9 theologically paved the way for prayers in the later synagogue. In this chapter the Daniel tradents linked a traditional penitential prayer to an apocalyptic narrative. Through this combination their view that man has to wait upon God to change history, is extended into a life of sanctification, teaching, fasting and the offering of penitence. As these tradents were estranged from the temple, they had to find somewhere else to conduct their liturgical services. Their apocalyptic mythological view of the temple enabled them to constitualise holy space away from the material temple. In this way they paved the way for the synagogue as house of prayer in later times.
TL;DR: The authors describe a research experience in Atteridgeville, a historically disadvantaged community in South Africa, with a family of women infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, about their experiences of care and or the lack thereof.
Abstract: Black women in previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa carry the burden of triple oppression: (a) the social engineering policies synonymous with apartheid have marginalised women economically and socially; (b) patriarchy, embedded in cultural and religious discourses, has rendered women voiceless and powerless and (c) HIV/AIDS targets the most vulnerable: women and children. The authors describe a research experience in Atteridgeville, a historically disadvantaged community in South Africa, with a family of women infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS, about their experiences of care and or the lack thereof. A narrative approach offers useful ideas to facilitate a process in which African women in historically challenged communities can speak out about their experiences of care and or the lack of care.
TL;DR: In this paper, the Banyamulenge cultural way of living and how the divine was traditionally revealed to them in the form of human deities were discussed. But many of the practices and traditions have become obsolete.
Abstract: In recent years the name Banyamulenge has become associated with a warrior group in Eastern Congo because of the role some of its community members played in the war against the Mobutu regime. Researchers have been intrigued by the political motivations which unfortunately do not cover the cultural aspects of this community. This article attempts to document the cultural heritage of the Banyamulenge community. Many of the practices and traditions have become obsolete. The article explains the Banyamulenge cultural way of living, and how the divine was traditionally revealed to them in the form of human deities. Burnt sacrifice was part of community worship. The article documents what has been learnt from elders about the oral tradition, the cultural and religious realities of the community.
TL;DR: This article reviewed several approaches to the study of anger in the Old Testament and focused on the use of methodology in these trends with specific reference to the common neglect of Classical Hebrew terminology and expressions relating to the emotion of anger.
Abstract: This article reviews several approaches to the study of anger in the Old Testament. It focuses on the use of methodology in these trends with specific reference to the common neglect of Classical Hebrew terminology and expressions relating to the emotion of anger. Such styles lead to an impoverished understanding of the ideal cognitive model of anger as reflected in Classical Hebrew. By contrast, the few recent cognitive linguistic studies on the same subject prove to be far more successful in giving a detailed account of the ancient Israelite conceptualisation of this emotion.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a soteriology in the Johannine Epistles that is metaphorically presented from the perspective of the conduct of God the Father, reflecting a paternalistic Old Testament image of a household.
Abstract: This article attempts to compile a soteriology in the Johannine Epistles. Circumstances and false teachings that might have influenced the theological doctrine and ethical behaviour of the community are constructed. The article argues that aspects which led to the reported schism, determine the structure and content of the soteriology. In the Johannine Epistles the “elder” teaches only basic aspects of soteriology. They are presented from theocentric and christocentric perspectives that are closely interwoven with different themes. The article demonstrates that soteriology is metaphorically presented from the perspective of the conduct of God the Father, reflecting a paternalistic Old Testament image of a household. The elder refers to three of God's characteristics: light (1:5), justice (2:29), and love (4:8). Believers have to direct their lives according to these characteristics once they have been born as children into the family of God and have experienced “eternal life.”
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce postmodern epistemology, postcolonial hermeneutics, post-colonial biblical studies, and unlock potential biblical research in South Africa, and introduce five pre-preludes.
Abstract: Postmodern epistemology and postcolonial hermeneutics Postcolonial hermeneutics is concerned with linguistic, cultural and geographical transfer. Within the framework of biblical studies it explores strategies of interpreting texts from the situation of previously colonised people who are accommodated in a new liberated context, but find themselves both included and excluded. Biblical texts are historically considered to be both the products of people who were subjected to the exploitation of Middle-Eastern and Graeco-Roman super powers and interpreted today in the third world by people who also were subjects of modern colonial powers. Postcolonial studies represent a postmodern epistemology which implies a deconstructive approach to hermeneutics. The article consists of five “preludes”, introducing postmodern epistemology, postcolonial hermeneutics, postcolonial biblical studies, and unlocking potential biblical research in South Africa.
TL;DR: The ownership of the Bible in Africa is not restricted to hermeneutics, but goes beyond the commodification of Bible in modern consumerist culture to refer, ultimately, to the control of the biblical texts.
Abstract: An important but often neglected aspect of the use of the Bible in Africa is its ownership and issues related thereto. Ownership of the Bible obviously concerns its personal possession and all that that entails, but goes beyond the commodification of the Bible in modern consumerist culture to refer, ultimately, to the control of the biblical texts. The limited attention to the ownership of the Bible is mostly restricted to hermeneutics, often identified as a site of struggle in Africa. However, claims to ownership are becoming increasingly visible and up-front in the area of vernacular translations, where such claims and other conditions imposed on Bible translations illustrate the affinity people have with the Book, how their sense of identity and worldviews are moulded by it and how a Bible translation acts as an important player in issues of power at various levels.
TL;DR: In this paper, a holistic view of humankind in terms of which religious experience is seen as more than some brain functions and people are embedded in a "sacred canopy" is advocated.
Abstract: “Genes Я us” – or not? About human determinism and voluntarism, with reference to homosexuality This article has as its departure point the conviction of some that human genome mapping predisposes human beings genetically and as a consequence, the homosexual person becomes a mere victim of circumstances. Biological determinism and social construc-tionism are not mutually exclusive and although a person is orientated within a web of boundary matters, the depiction of a human being as imago Dei still prevails. A person has the freedom to choose and the responsibility to do so. One’s understanding of reality provides a frame of reference from which a definition of morality is derived. The suggestion of Nancey Murphey to understand reality as a “nonreductive physicalism” is followed. Reductionism in any form is subsequently avoided. A holistic view of humankind in terms of which religious experience is seen as more than some brain functions and people are embedded in a “sacred canopy”, is therefore advocated.
TL;DR: The origin and text form of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9 are investigated in this article, where it is concluded that the author himself made minor changes to his text without following another Vorlage.
Abstract: The origin and text form of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9 are investigated. On a tradition-historical level it is established that Psalm 45:1-2b was quoted in 4Q171 in early Judaism, but in early Christianity, prior to Hebrews, no evidence of quoting Psalm 45 has been found. Messianic connections might have prompted the author to use it. On a text-critical level, new manuscript evidence is assessed and variant readings are discussed. It is concluded that the author himself made minor changes to his text without following another Vorlage. Insofar as Jesus is being called “God” by God himself, Psalm 45 confirmed to the author of Hebrews the divinity of Jesus. The royal imagery, righteous rule and eternal throne are christologically applied.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the way in which the author of Revelation composed the seven seals: Formal elements group the seals in smaller patterns, and the meaning of the Rider on the white horse and the ambiguity of the symbols are discussed.
Abstract: The article investigates the way in which the author of Revelation composed the seven seals: Formal elements group the seals in smaller patterns. It then explains how this reading of the composition contributes to the process of interpretation by analysing the Rider on the white horse as first seal. Other aspects of the author’s compositional skills are brought into discussion in a last part of the article where the meaning of the Rider on the white horse and the ambiguity of the symbols are discussed.
TL;DR: In the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus was seen as an individual individual resurrection before the general eschatological resurrection that inaugurates "the age to come" as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Resurrection in Judaism, the Greek-Roman world and the New Testament The article shows that in the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds’ belief in the afterlife underwent a progressive development. It focuses on a “belief” in no life after death in pre-exilic Judaism, which developed into the belief that the dead did not cease to exist in the afterlife. This view again developed into a belief that the dead still lived, but only as a shadow of the living existence. In post-exilic Judaism the belief in a general eschatological resurrection was held, a conviction that was the result of the understanding of martyrdom in especially the Maccabean period. In the Greco-Roman world the conviction initially was that there was no life after death (Homer), and later a belief in the immortality of the soul (Plato) set in. The mystery cults also upheld a belief in the resurrection of the dead. Interpreted from a Jewish perspective on afterlife in the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus was seen as an individual resurrection before the general eschatological resurrection that inaugurates “the age to come”.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Hilkert, M C & Schreiter, R J (2nd ed) 2002 - The praxis of the reign of God: An introduction to the theology of Edward Schillebeeckx as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews
Hilkert, M C & Schreiter, R J (eds) (2nd ed) 2002 - The praxis of the reign of God: An introduction to the theology of Edward Schillebeeckx
Publisher: Bronx, NY: Fordham University Press. 207 Pages. Price: R188.95 (paperback)
Reviewer: Dr H M Hofmeyr (University of Venda)
In the "Introduction" Catherine Hilkert states the purpose of this "second edition" as providing an updated overview in English of the theological contribution of Edward Schillebeeckx, and a reading guide to students, pastoral ministers, ecumenical audiences and others who wish to explore his thought, but do not know where ..
TL;DR: In this paper, a homiletic reflection on the words of Stephen in Acts 7:48f that "the most High dwelled not in temples made with hands; as said the prophet, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? said the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?’" is presented.
Abstract: “God, Almighty, does not live in human made constructs” This article is a homiletic reflection on the words of Stephen in Acts 7:48f that “the most High dwelled not in temples made with hands; as said the prophet, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? said the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?’” The explication and application of these words are theologically contextualised with respect to current debates among theologians in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. The perspective represented in this reflection is based on the belief that faith affirmations had developed from a fundamental religious experience. When shared by others in a particular time and cultural context, the expressed faith experience became articulated in metaphorical language. From here on it could be transformed into a dogmatic creed, distanced from its origins. Putting one’s trust in dogma as metaphorical language without participation in the fundamental religious experience expressed by creedal language, amounts to confining God to human made constructs. The article focuses on several faith affirmations, such as God’s creation, Jesus’ virginal conception and his resurrection, and the expiation of sins.
TL;DR: This paper explored the model of Christie Neuger with regard to pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context, complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur.
Abstract: Mercy beyond forgiveness as way to healing and wholeness: A theoretical model for narrative pastoral counselling The article explores the model of Christie Neuger with regard to pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context. This model is complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. The article focuses on the following questions: What are the conditions for forgiveness? How can the abused woman find forgiveness in her heart? What is the role of the pastor? What happens if the woman cannot forgive? What are the theological implications of forgiveness? How can pastor and counselee together reframe the story of violence? The article argues that Ricoeur’s notions of prefiguration, configuration and refiguration complement Neuger’s theoretical model. This modified model presents a possible way to healing and wholeness.
TL;DR: The authors identified several reasons for the lack of focus, consensus and results, fragmentation and isolation, methodological imperialism, excessive formalization and schematisation, idiosyncratic tendencies, discrepancies between input and output, inability to break out of the mould of the sentence and competition from other disciplines.
Abstract: Does discourse analysis have a future? After a promising start, enthusiasm for the use of discourse analysis in the study of biblical texts seems to be waning. Several reasons for this state of affairs are identified: lack of focus, consensus and results, fragmentation and isolation, methodological imperialism, excessive formalisation and schematisation, idiosyncratic tendencies, discrepan-cies between input and output, inability to break out of the mould of the sentence and competition from other disciplines. However, discourse analysis has proven itself as such a useful exegetical instrument that everything should be done to rehabilitate it. Suggestions to this effect are made. South African discourse analysis can make an important contribution towards any future development of discourse analysis.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The not-so-wise Solomon as mentioned in this paper argued that although the mere existence of Solomon is in contention in contemporary Old Testament scholarship, a historical Solomon can be accepted However, this Solomon differs widely from the positive image of him that abounds not only in the Bible itself, but also in general Christian thought.
Abstract: The not-so-wise Solomon In this article it is argued that although the mere existence of Solomon is in contention in contemporary Old Testament scholarship, a historical Solomon can be accepted However, this Solomon differs widely from the positive image of him that abounds not only in the Bible itself, but also in general Christian thought In this article the relevant issues concerning the historical Solomon are put on the table and it is argued that a critical stance towards Biblical and other hero figures, which searches for a balance between individual and collective interests, befits more the attitude of a mature and responsible religion (and therefore spells wisdom)
TL;DR: The authors argue that the Reformed view of work as a vocation of God should not be relinquished, and that the view of the Reformers can and should be retained, however, a more dynamic interpretation of the reformers' view should be given and the comprehensive theological framework within which the Bible views work, should be respected.
Abstract: Is the preaching that work is a vocation of God still relevant? According to the view of the Reformers Luther and Calvin work is a vocation of God. This article attemps to establish whether this view is still valid today. A number of factors that contribute to presentday Christians experiencing this view as problematical, are discussed. As a result of this experience the theologian Miroslav Volf argues that the Reformed view of work as a vocation of God should be relinquished. Contrary to Volf, the author of the article argues that the view of the Reformers can and should be retained. A more dynamic interpretation of work as vocation of God should, however, be given and the comprehensive theological framework within which the Bible views work, should be respected.