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Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 2005"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the bereavement of children left orphaned by the HIV and Aids pandemic that is crippling the continent of Africa by listening to the stories of three Zulu children, and showed how they can reformulate the story of their lives and find the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Abstract: This article looks at the bereavement of children left orphaned by the HIV and Aids pandemic that is crippling the continent of Africa. Their bereavement is examined by means of the narrative approach and by integrating this approach with the traditional African art of storytelling. By listening to the stories of three Zulu children, the article gives them the opportunity to express their own unique stories of bereavement: stories that would otherwise have been silenced by the wave of bereavement in the wake of countless deaths worldwide as a result of HIV and Aids infection. It looks at the losses these children have suffered, their greatest fears and how their Zulu culture and customs influence their emotional experience of losing their parents. The article shows how they can – by means of storytelling – reformulate the story of their lives and find the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of the above concepts affects Africans in urban areas, who are caught up in the two worlds, namely the African and western worlds, and the article compares the western concept of caring, which is based on individualism and people's privacy.
Abstract: This article analyses the village concept of caring among African people. The old pattern of caring was based on the concept of ubuntu (humanity) which respects people, because they are created in the imago Dei. Then the article compares the western concept of caring, which is based on individualism and people's privacy. Finally, economy, globalisation and this western concept are analysed. The impact of the above concepts affects Africans in urban areas, who are caught up in the two worlds, namely the African and western worlds. 1. CARING The concept of caring is a gift from God for all human beings, as well as animals. I cannot imagine what life would be like without caring for one another. In other words, your life and mine would be unimaginable without the care, guidance and support of parents, uncles, aunts and other human beings. In fact, caring occurs from the time of conception, right up to the time of death. Waruta reminds us of several ways in which caring and support occur:

22 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the author argues that postmodern epistemology, in its 21st century guise, is exhausted, with little to offer post-Baudrillard, arguing that our times demand a more studied, retracted and meditative approach to philosophy.
Abstract: Terror, frenzy and orders: The monk as persistent symbol of ardour in philosophy It is argued that postmodern epistemology, in its 21st century guise, is exhausted, with little to offer post-Baudrillard. In thematic conjunction with the critiques of Fredric Jameson, Christopher Norris and Jurgen Habermas, the author depicts 21st century postmodernism as a “frenzied party”, where philosophy’s historical and characteristic ardour for truth and analysis has been dissolved in favour of a mockery of some of the most profound ideas of Western civilization, such as truth, beauty and justice. The logical consequences of this frenzied epistemology are described as socially devastating, especially within the context of systematic terror, which is described as the predominant social marker of the first years of the 21st century. The author, in reaction both to terror and “epistemological frenzy”, attempts to rehabilitate philosophical ardour and a zeal for truth by linking up with the historical persona of “the monk”, arguing that our times demand a more studied, retracted and meditative approach to philosophy. Our dreadful times demand a new ardour and sobriety from philosophers.

20 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A survey of Matthew's reading of the Bible can be found in this paper, where the authors focus on the subtler ways that Matthew evokes scriptural images and patterns, rather than focusing only on Matthew's distinctive formula quotations.
Abstract: This essay surveys the evangelist Matthew’s reading of Israel’s Scripture. Rather than focusing only on Matthew’s distinctive formula quotations, we must observe the subtler ways that Matthew evokes scriptural images and patterns. The essay highlights four major aspects of Matthew’s reading of Scripture. (1) Matthew reads Israel’s Scripture as a story that highlights election, kingship, exile, and messianic salvation as the end of exile. (2) Matthew reconfigures Torah into a call for radical transformation of the heart. (3) Matthew highlights Scripture’s call for mercy, particularly by emphasizing Hosea 6:6 as the hermeneutical key to Torah. (4) Matthew interprets the mission to the Gentiles as the fulfilment of Israel’s destiny and the active embodiment of the authority of the Son of Man (Dn 7:13-14) over the whole world. Jointly taken, these strategies of interpretation produce a striking reconfiguration of Israel’s Torah.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the nature of the interconnections and the values attributed to sexuality, religion and marriage in Biblical times, from premodern, to modern, to postmodern times.
Abstract: The social environment of the Biblical world can be distinguished in the Eastern Mediterranean (Semitic) and the Western Mediterranean (Greco-Roman) contexts. From a historical chronological perspective these contexts first functioned separately and then later merged because of Hellenisation. In both these Mediterranean contexts sexuality, religion and marriage were intertwined, but the values attributed to them, were different. The Old Testament mostly mirrors the Eastern Mediterranean world, whereas the New Testament represents a syncretism of the values of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean worlds. In order to understand the changes in the values attributed to sexuality, religion and marriage over time – from premodern, to modern, to postmodern times – it is necessary to investigate the social dynamics in the different eras. The aim of the article is to explore the nature of the interconnections and the values attributed to sexuality, religion and marriage in Biblical times.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The political responsibility of the church: On the necessity and boundaries of the theory of the two kingdoms as mentioned in this paper The voice of the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa has fallen silent in the new political dispensation in South Africa.
Abstract: The political responsibility of the church: On the necessity and boundaries of the theory of the two kingdoms The voice of the church has fallen silent in the new political dispensation in South Africa. Many people in the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Church) argue that the church should keep its distance from politics. They are of the opinion that they could defend this position with the "Lutheran two- kingdoms theory". This article shows that the theory of the two kingdoms is not a uniquely Lutheran, but also a Calvinistic interest. It furthermore shows that this theory is not only interested in separating the two kingdoms, but also in bringing these kingdoms in relationship with one another. A plea is made for loyalty to both the Lutheran and Calvinistic traditions. The article also calls for a concentration on the three new challenges in South Africa, namely democracy, pluralism and Africanisation.

14 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The concept of intertextuality is an essential factor for the generation of the meanings of a text in the acts of the production and reception of the text as mentioned in this paper, and it is an important part of a theory of the semiotics of biblical texts, which can serve as a theory and helpful method for investigations of the history of biblical text as well as for reflected school lessons, sermons and poetics in today's times.
Abstract: In this article intertextuality is introduced as one important part of a theory of the semiotics of biblical texts. Intertextuality is an essential factor for the generation of the meanings of a text in the acts of the production and reception of a text. It opens the internal structure of a text with regard to its relations to other texts. The semiotic concept of intertextuality distinguishes three ways of intertextual readings: production-oriented intertextuality, receptionoriented intertextuality and experimental intertextuality. This wide but differentiated concept of intertextuality can serve as a theory and helpful method for investigations of the history of biblical texts as well as for reflected school lessons, sermons and poetics in today’s times. An intertextual reading of the first chapter of Matthew provides a test case of this semiotic concept of intertextuality.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The role of the church in caring for those who are already infected with HIV is defined in this paper, where the authors argue that the community of the faithful should be moved to heed Christ's call to show neighbourly love.
Abstract: The HIV/Aids pandemic is cause for great frustration to the developing countries in their attempts to improve the quality of life of their citizens. HIV/Aids in South Africa demands a specific approach to the Christian ministry in which the African world-view is acknowledged. In order for the church to play a relevant and meaningful role in combating the HIV/Aids pandemic, it is necessary that the church should be informed of the existential situation of persons living with HIV/Aids. This information is vital for raising awareness and engendering sensitivity among Christians. In the context of such awareness of and sensitivity to human pain and suffering, the community of the faithful should be moved to heed Christ’s call to show neighbourly love. The possible role of the church in caring for those who are already infected with HIV is defined.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce the reader to autobiographical biblical criticism, which is to implement personal criticism as a form of self-disclosure, wittingly, while reading a text as a critical exegete.
Abstract: The aim of this article is to introduce the reader to autobiographical biblical criticism. Autobiographical biblical criticism entails an explicitly autobiographical performance within the act of criticism. Autobiographical biblical criticism is to implement personal criticism as a form of self-disclosure, wittingly, while reading a text as a critical exegete. It thus has to do with a willing, knowledgeable, outspoken involvement on the part of the critic with the subject matter. This phenomenon is a natural consequence of the postmodern shift towards a personal spirituality. These issues are investigated and the phenomenon of this exegetical method is evaluated in the article.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper found substantial evidence for women's exercise of both public and private patronage to women and men in the GrecoRoman world, by both elites and sub-elites, and applied this information to early Christian texts to infer how women's patronage functioned in early house churches and Christian life.
Abstract: In spite of numerous studies on the patronage system in Mediterranean antiquity, little attention has been paid to either how the patronage of women was part of the system or how it differed. In fact, there is substantial evidence for women’s exercise of both public and private patronage to women and men in the GrecoRoman world, by both elites and sub-elites. This information must then be applied to early Christian texts to infer how women’s patronage functioned in early house churches and Christian life.

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a model for "intercultural exegesis" and apply this model to Luke 22:69 and Acts 7:56 and conclude that the "Son of Man" concept in the selected texts not only includes a reference to the eschatological saviour, judge and defender, but also creates a sense of Jesus' solidarity with his fellow human beings.
Abstract: This article presents a model for “intercultural exegesis” and applies this model to Luke 22:69 and Acts 7:56. In this process, the term “Son of Man” is approached from two perspectives: that of a biblical culture in the first century Graeco-Roman world, and that of a current Christian culture in Africa. The study concludes that the “Son of Man” concept in the selected texts not only includes a reference to the eschatological saviour, judge and defender, but also creates a sense of Jesus’ solidarity with his fellow human beings. Such an understanding would certainly have led to Jesus’ exaltation by his followers, who lived under conditions of social turmoil in the Graeco-Roman world of the first century, and would lead to such an exaltation by those who experience similar circumstances in Africa today.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compared the inclusive tendencies of Matthew and Paul by evaluating the inclusive structure of their respective communities and found that the Law-free Gentile community is more inclusive than the Lawobservant Gentile communities.
Abstract: This article compares the inclusive tendencies of Matthew and Paul by evaluating the inclusive structure of their respective communities. The article mainly investigates two issues: Matthew’s and Paul’s practice of the Law and their perspectives on the Gentiles. The community that strictly keeps the Law is a more exclusive community. The Law is used to reject unclean and lower class people from the Israelite community. Secondly, Matthew’s perspective on the Gentiles and that of Paul are investigated to determine tendencies of inclusivity in their respective thinking. It is observed that the Law-free Gentile community is more inclusive than the Law-observant Gentile community. The approach adopted by this article is one of cross-cultural interpretation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a rich history of development of personhood in the West is discussed with reference to the metaphor of mask for personhood, and the history of modernism led to the experience of the end of people's personhood and the restoration of subjectivity through some form of communitarianism.
Abstract: This paper endeavours to converge on present-day experiences of self. This is done against the backdrop of the interdependence between person (organism) and environment (physical and cultural). The rich history of development of personhood in the West is discussed with reference to the metaphor of mask for personhood. Cultural epochs are described as phonocentric (in front of the mask), logocentric (behind the mask) and virtuocentric (between non-present masks). The history of modernism led to the experience of the end of personhood in the West. The restoration of personhood (subjectivity) seems possible through the restoration of some form of communitarianism. This brings Africa in focus. In an enigmatic way Africa knows science and utilises technology, but simultaneously relativises it in favour of traditional customs which the Western mind may judge to be mythological and primitive. African personhood is discussed with reference to African science in the format of Indigenous knowledge systems, to African community life as ubuntu, and to the place of seriti in African metaphysics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that viewing pastoral actions as texts and exploring the hermeneutical insights of Paul Ricoeur will contribute to the understanding of the meaning of pastoral actions.
Abstract: This article reflects on the hermeneutical model of Donald Capps, William Harte Felmeth Professor of Pastoral Psychology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Capps points to a similarity between pastoral actions and texts, but regrets that often there is a better understanding of texts than of pastoral actions. The article illustrates Capps’ conviction that theories of pastoral care lack methodologies for understanding what makes pastoral actions meaningful. He uses hermeneutics to make a contribution to the methodology of pastoral care. The article argues that viewing pastoral actions as texts and exploring the hermeneutical insights of Paul Ricoeur, will contribute to the understanding of the meaning of pastoral actions. Such a hermeneutical model uncovers how pastoral actions can be of world disclosing value to the individuals concerned. The article concludes by demonstrating how the notion of reframing in Capps’ theory of pastoral care is based on the concept of the hermeneutical arc in Paul Ricoeur’s philosophy.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the contrast between the seen and the unseen is developed to address the apparent contradiction between the promises of glory that drew them to faith and the inglorious experience of life in the world.
Abstract: Hebrews was written for Christians whose situation had developed as a result of several stages. Firstly the readers' community was established when the message of salvation led to conversion and was confirmed by experiencing miracles and a sense of the Spirit's presence. Secondly, during a time of persecution conditions became more difficult but the community remained steadfast in the wake of abuse, dispossession, and imprisonment and was not pressurised into relinquishing their commitments. During the third stage, conditions within the community seemed to deteriorate as ongoing friction with non-Christians and the demands of mutual support within the Christian community evidently moved some to exhibit a diminished commitment to the faith and to neglect the community's gatherings. In response, the author develops the contrast between the seen and the unseen in order to address the apparent contradiction between the promises of glory that drew them to faith and the inglorious experience of life in the world. The author seeks to bolster the readers' confidence by showing that Jesus' suffering was followed by exaltation to heavenly glory and that Jesus' followers can be confident that God will also bring others who suffer into the glory that has been promised to them.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article argued that cultural criticism should be seen as an imperative for Christians because they ought to build their lives on the "cultural wisdom" of Jesus of Nazareth, which pertains to a "cultural-critical" position in his time.
Abstract: In this article cultural criticism is approached from an epistemological perspective, in other words from the viewpoint of a theory of knowledge that includes matters such as the nature of knowledge, its sources, criteria, possibilities, and limits. Seen from this perspective, cultural criticism represents a critical position towards those culturally oriented studies, which advocate a positivist schema in epistemology. A cultural-critical disposition in Christian theology is to question whether meaningful life depends on a Christian’s acceptance and conformity to the so-called “orders of creation” as divine imperatives. Since such compliance was biblically legitimated as God’s will and wisdom, cultural criticism seeks for another theological validation that can create space for an “alternative wisdom” within a postmodern paradigm. The article aims at showing that dialectical thinking paved the way for applying critical theory in the humanities, theology and biblical exegesis. In the article different critical theories in firstcontinental (Euro-centric) philosophy and Christian theology are discussed. It argues that cultural criticism should be seen as an imperative for Christians because they ought to build their lives on the “cultural wisdom” of Jesus of Nazareth, which pertains to a “cultural-critical” position in his time.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article argued that the story of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:2128) falls into this reality and that her encounter with Jesus helps him discover the wider scope of his healing mission beyond geopolitical and cultural boundaries.
Abstract: Reading the Gospel of Matthew from the perspective of postcolonial theory means taking the context of the Gospel seriously. The political and religious circumstances of Palestine under Roman colonization influenced Matthean redaction. From a this perspective, it can be argued that Matthew presents Jesus as a revolutionary leader whose divine mission was to challenge and overthrow the Roman empire and its local collaborators on behalf of the poor, the powerless, the afflicted, the hungry and the outcasts. His mission was to replace existing power structures with the universal, just and powerful kingdom of heaven on earth. The article argues that the story of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:2128) falls into this reality. She negotiates justice and righteousness on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter. Seen from the perspective of Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew (5:3-6), her encounter with Jesus helps him discover the wider scope of his healing mission, beyond geopolitical and cultural boundaries.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article explored the argument of whether religion should be relevant at all, and what the consequences of denying the relevance of religion would be, and concluded that it is expected of religion to be of relevance to society, to inform politics, to guide people in their personal development and so forth.
Abstract: This article deals with the relevance of Christian faith. It is expected of religion to be of relevance to society, to inform politics, to guide people in their personal development, and so forth. The article wants to explore the argument of whether religion should be relevant at all, and what the consequences of denying the relevance of religion would be.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Kr?ger, J S 2003 - Sweeping whirlwinds: A study of religious change: Reformed religion and civil religion in the city of Pretoria (-Tshwane) (1855-2000).
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews HTS 61(4) 2005 1437 Kr?ger, J S 2003 - Sweeping whirlwinds: A study of religious change: Reformed religion and civil religion in the city of Pretoria (-Tshwane) (1855- 2000). Pretoria: UNISA Press. Prys: R379-00. Resensent: Dr Johann Beukes (Johannesburg) In 2003 verskyn by UNISA Uitgewers J S (Kobus) Kr?ger se Sweeping whirlwinds: A Study of religious change: Reformed religion and civil religion in the city of Pretoria (- Tshwane) (1855-2000). Hierdie boek van bykans 700 bladsye bring 'n Religionswissenschaftliche projek waarmee Kr?ger minstens sedert die vroe? 1990's besig was (aanvanklik ten opsigte van die vroe?re ..

Journal ArticleDOI
David Sim1
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the early Christian mission(s) to the Jews, and attempted to determine, albeit speculatively, the number of Jews in the Christian movement in the first century.
Abstract: This study examines the early Christian mission(s) to the Jews, and attempts to determine, albeit speculatively, the number of Jews in the Christian movement in the first century. It is argued that the combined Christian mission was marked by a distinct lack of success. Neither the Law-observant gospel of the Jerusalem church nor the Law-free gospel of the Hellenists and Paul made much impression upon the people of Israel. Throughout the first century the total number of Jews in the Christian movement probably never exceeded 1 000 and by the end of the century the Christian church was largely Gentile.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Scheffler, E H 2001 - Politics in ancient Israel as discussed by the authors, is a book about the political situation in South Africa during the apartheid regime and its effects on the people of the Bible and the ancient Near East.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... HTS 60(3) 2005 1023 Scheffler, E H 2001 - Politics in ancient Israel Publisher: Biblia Publishers: Pretoria. 176 Pages. Price: Unknown Reviewer: Dr J Beyers (Groblersdal) Eben Scheffler teaches Old Testament and Biblical Archaeology at the University of South Africa. He has a special interest in the politics, culture, religion and literature of the people of the biblical world and the ancient Near East. The purpose of this book is to increase political awareness among South Africans. The book is also dedicated to all longing for a better South Africa. The varying political situations Israel was subjected to during the ..

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The story of Blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) displays some traits that are unusual in a synoptic healing miracle and it displays most of the features of a call story as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The story of Blind Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52) displays some traits that are unusual in a synoptic healing miracle and it displays most of the features of a call story. The genesis of the narration may account for the combination of these two genres: the story about the calling of the blind beggar Bartimaeus has been expanded by that of the healing of the blind man, where Jesus focuses attention on his faith. Next, the crowd was introduced to highlight Bartimaeus’ faith. Finally, the pericope was adapted to fit into Mark’s Gospel. The main editorial contribution of the evangelist is his contextualizing of the scene at the end of the section 8:27-10:52, which deals with Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, to suffering and death. In this episode Jesus calls Bartimaeus to follow him on his way. Mark added significance to the story by contrasting Bartimaeus with other characters, especially Peter, James and John, the foremost three disciples. This contrast may imply some criticism of leadership in the Markan community.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors define the relation between culture and preaching from different hermeneutic perspectives, namely the cultural embedding of the biblical kerygma; the interwovenness of language and culture; and the necessity for contextuality in preaching.
Abstract: Before the new political dispensation in South Africa (1994), the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) referred to the church as a “peoples church” (volkskerk). Owing to political changes the qualification “volkskerk” has created a certain degree of disturbance in the ranks of the church. The relationship between “church and culture” became a topical issue. Since 1994 the focus of the homiletical debate shifted to the question of the role of the church within a changing environment and again the answer to the question of “church and culture” was of utmost importance. Nowadays the reality of a multicultural society becomes a new challenge to the church. This article is an attempt to define the relation between culture and preaching from different hermeneutic perspectives, namely the cultural embedding of the biblical kerygma; the interwovenness of language and culture; and the necessity for contextuality in preaching.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the meaning of the liturgical actions in the worship service of the Afrikaans Reformed Churches are discussed, and related to world-wide ecumenical tendencies.
Abstract: Actions in the worship service: Enriching liturgy through music The worship service in the Reformed Churches in South Africa has of late come under pressure. On the one hand it is experienced as too rigid and “traditional”. On the other hand superficial forms of renewal create tension. In this article the worship service and the meaning of the liturgical actions in the worship service of the Afrikaans Reformed Churches are discussed, and related to world-wide ecumenical tendencies. It is argued that certain liturgical actions are a necessary part of the ritual of the worship service. The structure needs inner logic, although there should also be some degree of flexibility. Hymns and music offer the means for a more creative presentation of liturgical actions and traditional forms. Suggestions to enrich the liturgy through the use of hymns and liturgical forms in the Liedboek van die Kerk (2001) are offered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors show how meaningful life-possibilities and a high level of wellness can be socially constructed within a process of narrativepastoral therapy for a patient who is chronically ill and therefore cannot be cured.
Abstract: Health is much more than the absence of illness; it is rather a “high level wellness” and a life with “meaningful life-possibilities”. This article indicates how meaningful life-possibilities and a high level of wellness can be socially constructed within a process of narrativepastoral therapy for a patient who is chronically ill and therefore cannot be cured. Pastoral care as a spiritual and religious act can play an important role in giving sense and meaning to people’s lives, and can play a preventive role in living with illness. This article furthermore shows how patients’ stories of illness can be centralised by means of narrative therapy and how a pastoral and ethical attitude of love and respect can create a climate conducive to better health and well being. We share how patients’ richer descriptions of their illness can produce a spiritual climate which can contribute to their better health.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the novelty of the canonical approach is questioned and its fascination at least partly traced to the Reformation, as well as to the post-Reformation need for a clear and authoritative canon to perform the function previously performed by the church.
Abstract: The novelty of the canonical approach is questioned and its fascination at least partly traced to the Reformation, as well as to the post-Reformation’s need for a clear and authoritative canon to perform the function previously performed by the church. This does not minimise the elusiveness and deeply contradictory positions both within the canon and triggered by it. On the one hand, the canon itself is a centripetal phenomenon and does play an important role in exegesis and theology. Even so, on the other hand, it not only contains many difficulties, but also causes various additional problems of a formal as well as a theological nature. The question is mooted whether the canonical approach alleviates or aggravates the dilemma. Since this approach has become a major factor in Christian theology, aspects of the Christian canon are used to gauge whether “canon” is an appropriate category for eliminating difficulties that arise by virtue of its own existence. Problematic uses and appropriations of several Old Testament canons are advanced, as well as evidence in the New Testament of a consciousness that the “old” has been surpassed (“Uberbietungsbewustsein”). It is maintained that at least the Childs version of the canonical approach fails to smooth out these and similar difficulties. As a method it can cater for the New Testament’s (superior) role as the hermeneutical standard for evaluating the Old, but flounders on its inability to create the theological unity it claims can solve religious problems exposed by Old Testament historical criticism. It is concluded that canon as a category cannot be dispensed with, but is useful for the opposite of the purpose to which it is conventionally put: far from bringing about theological “unity” or producing a standard for “correct” exegesis, it requires different readings of different canons.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A plausible overview of the development of the church in Philippi in the period following Paul's preaching there and the end of the sixth century can be found in this article, where the authors provide a more detailed history of this church's history than ever before.
Abstract: From the commentaries on Paul's epistle to the Philippians, much can be gleaned about the circumstances of that period. But what happened in the time after the Philippians received Paul's letter? From the fourth to the sixth centuries, at least five churches were built. Were these churches necessary due to large numbers of churchgoers, or did one or more of these churches belong to heretical groups? This article attempts to provide a plausible overview of the development of the church in Philippi in the period following Paul's preaching there and the end of the sixth century. The famous studies by Collart and Lemerle cannot be ignored, but far more information than what those scholars had access to is now available to us. The recent works by Peter Pilhofer, in particular, are highly instructive. Using new evidence, we can now provide a more detailed history of this church's history than ever before.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Lathrop succeeded in bringing two previously disparate themes, that is faith and cosmos, together in a cosmological liturgy as mentioned in this paper, which gives us not only place and time in this cosmos, but a global responsibility towards nature as well.
Abstract: Liturgy as the fountain of life: A review article on the cosmic mapping of Gordon W Lathrop’s book, Holy ground: A liturgical cosmology An interpretative review is given of the recently published book by Lathrop, which completed his trilogy on liturgy. Lathrop succeeded in bringing two previously disparate themes, that is faith and cosmos, together in a cosmological liturgy. This review interprets Lathrop’s exposition within a postliberal theological framework and seeks to add value to liturgy and our understanding of reality. A believer grows up under a “sacred canopy” of faith and values. Liturgy now plays the role of providing congregants with coordinates to map their position on this earth and under the sky. A Christian liturgy depends on the Biblical understanding of creation, which in turn, is both derived from ancient myths and the inverse thereof. This gives us not only place and time in this cosmos, but a global responsibility towards nature as well. The Christian sacraments therefore lead to an ecological engagement.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Brave new world? Theology, ethics and the human genome, edited by Celia Deane-Drummond and published in 2003 by T&T Clark International in London as mentioned in this paper, is a collection of essays in terms of the dialogue between theology and the natural sciences.
Abstract: The author presents a review article on the book, Brave new world? Theology, ethics and the human genome, edited by Celia Deane-Drummond and published in 2003 by T&T Clark International in London. After a rather elaborate exposition, he appraises the collection of essays in terms of the dialogue between theology and the natural sciences. As an acid test, he assesses the challenge Kant, however, dealt with, namely to combine and to separate the right things. Kant pushed this to extremes and ended up with both solipsism and dualism. This article tackles the challenge differently and concludes that theology is an a posteriori science and that by means of differance, knowledge of the noumenon is indeed possible. The author therefore appreciates the different contributions in the book in this light. Deane-Drummond’s proposal that a virtue ethic should be complemented by certain biblical values is therefore viewed rather sceptically. This remains a transcendental enterprise where epistemology precedes ontology.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on the issue of cremation the church is increasingly faced with and with which it has to deal, and the issue has become very topical in South Africa as cemeteries are reaching capacity.
Abstract: This article focuses on the issue of cremation the church is increasingly faced with and with which is has to deal. The issue has become very topical in South Africa as cemeteries are reaching capacity. Throughout its history the church, both Roman Catholic and Protestant, viewed cremation in a negative light. The author traces the reasons for this negativity back to the thirteenth century. Finally, the article focuses on relevant scriptural passages. South Africans can no longer avoid the issue because some cemeteries have already reached their full capacity and land for more cemeteries is limited.