Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 2006"
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, Kenda Creasy Dean, Associate Professor am Princeton Theological Seminary and eine bekannte theologische Jugendforscherin in the USA, verortet die Frage nach dem Glauben der Jungen Erwachsenen nicht, wie?blich, in Theorien der Entwicklung, Erziehung oder Psychologie, sondern in der Praktischen Theologie.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Dean, K C 2004 - Practicing passion: Youth and the quest for a passionate church
Publisher: William B Eerdmans. 260 S.
Reviewer: Professor Stephanie Klein (Universit?t Luzern)
Kenda Creasy Dean, Associate Professor am Princeton Theological Seminary und eine bekannte theologische Jugendforscherin in den USA, verortet die Frage nach dem Glauben der Jungen Erwachsenen nicht, wie ?blich, in Theorien der Entwicklung, Erziehung oder Psychologie, sondern in der Praktischen Theologie. Praxis ist nicht etwas, was dem Glauben hinzugef?gt ist, sondern etwas, was ihm innewohnt, was er ist und tut; sie verk?rpert den Glauben. So ist die praktisch-theologische Aufmerksamkeit f?r die Jugend nicht ..
41 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the relation between the natural and the supernatural dimensions of human life is discussed and a brief discussion of Secular spirituality in Africa with reference to struggle spirituality is given.
Abstract: The term “secular spirituality” is meant to convey the contemporary phenomenon of spirituality as experienced in different spheres not associated with structured, institutionalised religion. An outline is given of the relation between secular reality (the natural realm) and religious/spiritual reality (the supernatural realm), as it developed from pre-secular animism (pre-modern unity with nature) to secular dualism (modernism) to post-secular holism (influence of postmodernism). Then follows a brief discussion of secular spirituality in Africa with reference to struggle spirituality. Secular spirituality in its technospiritual mode is becoming increasingly important and is dealt with cursorily before dealing with secular spirituality as a model for a postmodern natural theology. In this context “natural theology” is not concerned with proofs of God’s existence, but seeks to integrate the natural and supernatural dimensions of human life meaningfully.
35 citations
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Church in South Africa as discussed by the authors argued that the concept of "getting in and staying in" is radically redefined in the so-called "great commission" in Matthew 28:16-20.
Abstract: Getting in and staying in – the “great commission” to the present-day church according to Matthew 28:16-20 In this article the phrases “getting in” and “staying in” relate to the technical term “covenantal nomism”. The article’s aim is to argue that this concept is radically redefined in the so-called “great commission” in Matthew 28:16-20. Inclusivity replaces ethnic exclusivism. This redefinition is applied to the well-being of the church and its spirituality in the present-day postmodern context. The article is specifically addressed to the members of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church in South Africa. It challenges the traditional dichotomy between “insiders” and “outsiders” in missionary work. It advocates a way of thinking in terms of which “non-conformists” in so-called “churchless Christianity” are considered as being part of the “church on the other side”.
29 citations
TL;DR: The Bible has generated a significant reception history in the first decade of democratic, post-apartheid South Africa as mentioned in this paper and its reception history testifies to how the Bible was considered to be important across a broad spectrum of society, also contributing to believers' lives and sense of self amidst the enormous changes in the country.
Abstract: The Bible has generated a significant reception history in the first decade of democratic, post-apartheid South Africa. Its reception history testifies to how the Bible was considered to be important across a broad spectrum of society, also contributing to believers’ lives and sense of self amidst the enormous changes in the country. Recent documents and decisions of the Dutch Reformed Church on homosexuality and the ensuing debates, highlight the influence and impact of Bible use in South Africa today. Examining different hermeneutical approaches to the Bible and using insights from reception theory, a number of interesting trends in the ongoing use and influence of the Bible are highlighted and discussed.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that heteronormativity, embedded in a patriarchal mind-set, is central to the dynamics of belief patterns which determine, among others, gender roles, heterosexual marriage and sexual ethics which manifest in insider-outsider love-hate relationships.
Abstract: Heteronormativity, homophobia and homosexuality – mapping for an inclusive church The aim of the article is to indicate that heteronormativity has prevailed from pre-modern times to the modern world. The article argues that heteronormativity, embedded in a patriarchal mind-set, is central to the dynamics of belief patterns which determine, among others, gender roles, heterosexual marriage and sexual ethics which manifest in insider-outsider love-hate relationships. Aversion to sexual minorities (those who are not heterosexual) is a consequence. The article explores the following: the interconnection of sexuality, marriage and religion; the connection between homophobia and heteronormativity, and how these influence the sexual ethics of the church. In light of the above, the article focuses on the hatred of gays as a consequence of heteronormativity. It explains how an approach to Scripture which uncritically accepts patriarchy, could lead to the justification of homophobia. The article proposes biblical theological perspectives for a postmodern church which is inclusive and loyal to the spirit of the Christian gospel.
20 citations
TL;DR: Horsley as mentioned in this paper argues that the New Testament teaching on family gives two very different pictures: the structured harmony of the patriarchal family as presented in the household codes of Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5, over against the warnings and challenges of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels to leave family in favor of discipleship.
Abstract: The article shows that first-century urban Christian communities, such as those founded by Paul, brought in both whole families and individual women, slaves, and others. An example of an early Christian family can be seen in the autobiographical details of the Shepherd of Hermas, whether factual or not. The article aims to demonstrate that the New Testament teaching on family gives two very different pictures: the structured harmony of the patriarchal family as presented in the household codes of Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5, over against the warnings and challenges of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels to leave family in favor of discipleship. The developing devotion to martyrdom strengthened the appeal to denial. Another version of the essay was published in Horsley, Richard A (ed), A people’s history of Christianity, Volume 1: Christian origins, 201-220. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress. 1.
16 citations
TL;DR: For African theology to make a difference in a multi-cultural and multi-contextual Africa, it should consider being contextual and Biblical as mentioned in this paper, and this should also be one of its premises.
Abstract: This article reflects on the development of African theology from its beginning up to the end of the twentieth century. A critical assessment of this development and the current state of African theology is given. The future and possible shortcomings of African theology are also discussed. It is argued that for African theology to make a difference in a multi-cultural and multi-contextual Africa, it should consider being contextual and Biblical. For Christians the Word means life, is life, and promises life in its fullness. If African theology purports to be Christian, this should also be one of its premises.
16 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the history of pastoral and practical theology is viewed through the lens of postmodern thought, and the authors argue that an age of uncertainty has been engendered by the dissolution of many of the scientific, political and philosophical nostrums of Western modernity.
Abstract: In this article the history of pastoral and practical theology is viewed through the lens of postmodern thought. The article argues that an “age of uncertainty” has been engendered by the dissolution of many of the scientific, political and philosophical nostrums of Western modernity. Such a characterization is, however, intended to present postmodernity more as a loss of innocence than the absolute annihilation of value. It is still possible to pursue the prospects for coherent theological reflection and faithful action amidst such a fracturing of certainties. That involves searching for ways of inhabiting consistently and authentically a tradition of binding values that recognize their own contingency but also seek to create some degree of coherence and transparency. The discipline of Practical Theology should be reconceived as the articulation and excavation of sources and norms of Christian practice, the discipline that enables the community of faith to practice what it preaches. This article is a reprinted version of chapter two of the author’s book Transforming practice: Pastoral Theology in an age of uncertainty, 1996, pp 38-55. Permission for republication is granted by Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene OR.
16 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored six major obstacles to cross-cultural communication (written as well as oral) that play a role in Western attempts to read a Mediterranean Bible and argued that the peculiarities of our cognitive style, language and mode of communication create disconnects with biblical texts of which we have simply not been aware.
Abstract: It is a curious fact that while most people intuitively understand the potential for misunderstanding in face-to-face cross-cultural conversations, no such difficulty is anticipated when reading cross-culturally. Thus Westerners automatically assume they can read the Bible without taking account of its origins in an ancient Mediterranean culture that was sharply different to anything in the modern West. This article will describe the problem and then explore six major obstacles to cross-cultural communication (written as well as oral) that play a role in Western attempts to read a Mediterranean Bible. While a number of other significant obstacles could be cited, those addressed will suffice to make the point that it is time for Western scholars to acknowledge that the peculiarities of our cognitive style, language and mode of communication create disconnects with biblical texts of which we have simply not been aware.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that Afrikaner spirituality is and has always been founded mainly or only upon the Calvinistic tradition, which is a misconception and they argue that the Afrikans' current identity crisis can be resolved by closely looking at the different influences on the spirituality of the nation and by carefully guiding the people through the complex set of multiple choices to a new found Christian identity to confirm our Christian foundation.
Abstract: The article argues that the perception that Afrikaner spirituality is and has always been founded mainly or only upon the Calvinistic tradition is a misconception. Nineteenth century Afrikaner spiritualism consisted of a mixture of theology, philosophy and a way of adapting to extreme living conditions. These factors, although with different contents, are also the determinant issues that made 21st century Afrikaner spirituality such a complex phenomenon. The article postulates that the Afrikaner nation’s current identity crisis can be resolved by closely looking at the different influences on the spirituality of the nation and by carefully guiding the people through the complex set of multiple choices to a fresh relation with Christ in a new found Christian identity to confirm our Christian foundation.
15 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: De Gruchy and De Gruchy as mentioned in this paper published the 25th edition of their book, The Church struggle in South Africa: 25th Anniversary edition, which became the only reliable textbook of its kind and was to be found on the shelves of many ministers.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews
De Gruchy J W & De Gruchy S 2005 - The Church struggle in South Africa: 25th Anniversary edition
Publishers: Fortress. xxx + 286 pp. Price: Unknown
Reviewer: Prof G A Duncan (University of Pretoria)
Earlier editions of this book have already made it an established classic in its field. During the 1980s, it became the only reliable textbook of its kind and was to be found on the shelves of many ministers, particularly in the English-speaking churches. It was avidly read, studied and engaged with in theological institutions such as the Federal Theological Seminary of ..
TL;DR: Horsley as discussed by the authors investigates the origins and development of the earliest Jesus movements within the context of persistent conflict between the Judean and Galilean peasantry and their Jerusalem and Roman rulers, and argues that the net effect of these interrelated factors of theologically determined New Testament interpretation is a combination of assumptions and procedures that would be unacceptable in the regular investigation of history.
Abstract: This article investigates the origins and development of the earliest Jesus movements within the context of persistent conflict between the Judean and Galilean peasantry and their Jerusalem and Roman rulers. It explores the prominence of popular prophetic and messianic movements and shows how the earliest movements that formed in response to Jesus’ mission exhibit similar features and patterns. Jesus is not treated as separate from social roles and political-economic relationships. Viewing Jesus against the background of village communities in which people lived, the Gospels are understood as genuine communication with other people in historical social contexts. The article argues that the net effect of these interrelated factors of theologically determined New Testament interpretation is a combination of assumptions and procedures that would be unacceptable in the regular investigation of history. Another version of the essay was published in Horsley, Richard A (ed), A people’s history of Christianity, Volume 1: Christian origins, 23-46. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors attempt to analize and describe the phenomenon of diversity from the angles of postmodernity, personality preferences and systems thinking, based upon the hypothesis that diversity does not necessarily threaten the unity of local congregations.
Abstract: The accommodation and management of diversity at congregational level Diversity is becomming a prominent phenomenon of our society within a postmodern context. Many clergy and church members believe it threatens the peace and stability of churches and local congregations. Seemingly, diversity contributes to the escalation of conflict and the stress levels church leaders are experiencing. This article attempts to analize and describe the phenomenon of diversity from the angles of postmodernity, personality preferences and systems thinking. The research is based upon the hypothesis that diversity does not necessarily threaten the unity of local congregations. The manifestation of unity within diversity is only possible if leaders are sensitized to manage the challenges of pluriformity.
TL;DR: The authors apply Gerard Genette's narratology as a narrative-critical model for the exegesis of the Gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew, and John, focusing on the role plot analysis fulfills in narrative criticism.
Abstract: Genre and plot oriented exegesis of Gospel material: Introducing narrative criticism This contribution to methodology and hermeneutics, consisting of two articles, aim to argue for combining historical criticism and narrative criticism. The first article shows how genre orientation can provide hermeneutical cues for determining an appropriate exegetical model and method. The article aims to apply Gerard Genette’s narratology as a narrative-critical model for the exegesis of Gospel material. The article focuses on the role plot analysis fulfills in narrative criticism. This discussion is illustrated with examples from the Gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John. The article concludes with a preface to the second article in which aspects such as point of view and focalization, time and space, and characterization will be discussed, also applied to Gospel material.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce narratological codes applicable for the exegesis of New Testament texts and explain how interactive relationships in a narrative discourse reveal the perspective from which a narrator presents a narration.
Abstract: Narrative point analysis of New Testament texts The article forms the second part of an essay that aims to introduce narratological codes applicable for the exegesis of New Testament texts. In the first article generic elements that constitute a narrative discourse were discussed. The focus was on aspects of intercommunicative nature. The aim of the present article is to explain how interactive relationships in a narrative discourse reveal the perspective from which a narrator presents a narration. This perspective pertains to what technically is referred to as “narrative point of view”. The relatedness of this concept to the notion “focalization” is explained by ilustrating the narrator’s situation with regard to the role time, space, and characterization play in the poetics of a narrative. The article is concluded with a discussion of the concept the “narrator’s ideological perspective”. In a following article that forms the third part, the theoretical explanation will be demonstrated by an analysis of John 4:43-54. 1. INLEIDING Hierdie artikel volg op ’n vorige waarin betoog is dat narratiewe kritiek toenemend ’n belangrike plek begin inneem het in ons nadenke oor die metodologie van eksegese van die Nuwe Testament. In die vorige artikel (kyk Van Aarde 2006a:657-677) is reeds sekere inleidende opmerkings oor narratologie gemaak. Die onderhawige bydrae bou op hierdie inleiding voort. In die eerste artikel is daar veral gefokus op die rol wat genre-identifikasie en plot-analise in die eksegese van Evangeliemateriaal speel. Die fokus van beide bydraes is deur die narratologie van Gerard Genette (1980) geinspireer. Net soos in die vorige artikel word die bespreking in die tweede artikel met
TL;DR: In this article, the authors of the book of Chronicles compare the Southern Kingdom with the Northern Kingdom and the result is that the Southern kingdom receives a positive evaluation, while the Northern kingdom is described in a negative light.
Abstract: 1 & 2 Chronicles – a discourse of power This study compares Chronicles with its source documents. It is obvious that the authors of Chronicles omitted certain parts of the source documents on the other hand on the other emphasized certain aspects with a specific purpose. The result is that the Southern kingdom receives a positive evaluation, while the Northern kingdom is described in a negative light. David is presented as the ideal king and in contrast to Exodus is credited as the founder of the religious cult. The cult in Jerusalem is legitimized and proclaimed as the only true religion. In so doing the books of Chronicles without a doubt secured and legitimized the position and actions of the temple personnel. As long as the temple existed it functioned as a discourse of power within this community. As a discourse of power, it set boundaries and excluded different groups that were traditionally part of the people of YHWH. The destruction of the temple though, disempowered this text and opened up the way for it to become part of the Hebrew canon.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors look at the biblical texts on the final judgment from an African perspective and discuss various reasons for the lack of interest in this important aspect of biblical faith are discussed.
Abstract: African churches show little interest in the notion of the final judgment. Various reasons for the lack of interest in this important aspect of biblical faith are discussed. Special attention is given to the problems of time and history as they manifest in African thinking. The idea of punishment as it is perceived in Africa also receives attention. The article looks at the biblical texts on the final judgment from an African perspective. African philosophy and spirituality facilitate a rediscovery of the joyful dimensions of this notion. One of the main arguments is that Africa should not experience insurmountable problems in embracing this aspect of the gospel. On the contrary: Africa can assist the ecumenical world to discover aspects of this message not yet disclosed. The article concludes with a discussion on the fate of the African ancestors.
TL;DR: The issue of what constitutes the "heart of Pauline theology" is a contentious one in academic debates as discussed by the authors and the traditional view is the one fostered by the Reformers and perpetuated by generations of Protestants namely that justification by faith is the key to Paul's theology.
Abstract: The issue as to what constitutes the “heart of Pauline theology” is a contentious one in academic debates. The traditional view is the one fostered by the Reformers and perpetuated by generations of Protestants namely that “justification by faith” is the key to Paul’s theology. Unfortunately, upon careful reading of Paul’s letters, the inadequacy of such a view becomes apparent as such a focus would fail to cast the net broadly enough to capture all of Paul’s theological concerns. In saying this and without denying the presence of other determining factors, especially Christology and eschatology, shape the framework of Paul’s pneumatology. There is no doubt that in their eschatological significance, the death and resurrection of Christ control Paul’s teaching on the work of the Spirit within the lives of believers. It could then be argued that as part of the fundamental core of Paul’s understanding of the Gospel, the Spirit is rather close to the centre of things.
TL;DR: In this paper, a Socio-Cultural Model of Judean Ethnicity is developed, as being a synthesis of Sanders' notion of covenantal nomism, but reappropriated to serve as an ethnic descriptor.
Abstract: This article focuses on the matter of Judean (“Jewish”) ethnic identity during the first century CE. New Testament scholarship lacks an overall interpretive framework by which Judean identity can be understood. Appreciation of what informed the entire process of Judean ethnic identity formation in the first century, or at any period for that matter, is lacking. This lack of interpretive framework is rather acute in scholarship on the historical Jesus, where the issue of Judeanness (“Jewishness”) is most strongly debated. A Socio-Cultural Model of Judean Ethnicity is developed, as being a synthesis of (1) Sanders’ notion of covenantal nomism, but reappropriated to serve as an ethnic descriptor, (2) Berger and Luckmann’s theories on the sociology of knowledge, (3) Dunn’s “four pillars of Second Temple ‘Judaism’” and his “new perspective” on Paul, (4) cultural anthropology in the form of modern ethnicity theory, and lastly, (5) Duling’s Socio-Cultural Model of Ethnicity. The proposed model is termed covenantal nomism. It is a pictorial representation of the Judean “symbolic universe” which, as an ethnic identity, is proposed to be essentially primordialist.
TL;DR: The authors argued that the emergence of Christianity could be better understood in terms of "ethnicity" and argued that ancient Judaism and Christianity can be viewed as religious rather than as a modern concept.
Abstract: The article deals with the problem of the Christian beginnings. Unlike many other scholars, the article does not defend the traditional metaphor which compares Judaism and Christianity to the relationship of mother and daughter. It also does not take for granted that ancient Judaism and Christianity can be viewed as religious. The category “religion” is a modern concept and therefore does not meet the ancient discourse. The article aims to argue that the emergence of Christianity could be better understood in terms of “ethnicity”. Another version of the article was published in Di storia dell' esegesi 21(2), 2004, 497-513.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: From every people and nation: The book of Revelation in intercultural perspective as mentioned in this paper is a text of hope and resistance of all creation in the midst of imperialism, militarism, gender inequality and ecological destruction.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Boekbesprekings / Book Reviews
Roads, D (ed) 2005 - From every people and nation: The book of Revelation in intercultural perspective
Publishers: Fortress. Pages: 277. Price: Unknown
Reviewer: Dr Rukundwa Sebitereko Lazare (Burundi, DRC)
Reading the book of Revelation in its multifaceted context, represents a text of hope and resistance of all creation in the midst of imperialism, militarism, gender inequality and ecological destruction. The authors of the edited essays entitled From every people and nation: The book of Revelation in intercultural perspective, have highlighted the meaning of Revelation in cultural diversity. Subdivided into ten chapters, contributors represent experiences from ..
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The Journeying through Acts (JTH) as mentioned in this paper is a book that is a running commentary on a journey that takes you through the whole book of Acts, from the first to the last chapter.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Spencer, F S 2004 - Journeying through Acts: A literary-cultural reading
Publisher: Hendrickson. Pages 276. Price: Unknown
Reviewer: Dr Dieter H Reinstorf (Cape Town)
Reading Journeying through Acts can indeed by likened to embarking on an exiting "journey". It is a running commentary on a journey that takes you through the whole book of Acts, from the first to the last chapter. Its primary focus is on the "text" of Acts itself, providing the reader with a fresh, exciting and sometimes evocative reading of Acts that endeavors to never loose sight of the "story" told by Luke, whilst also ..
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the challenges of leadership as reflected in the Old Testament and in African contexts are discussed and a transcendental perspective on leadership in response to the African situation is proposed.
Abstract: This article discusses the challenges of leadership as reflected in the Old Testament and in African contexts. The author notes certain strengths and weaknesses with regard to some of the approaches to leadership both in the Old Testament and Africa. As Alternative the article proposes a transcendental perspective on leadership in response to the African situation.
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) is a Church that is ethnically based and focused on the ministry to Afrikaans speaking people.
Abstract: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as “volkskerk”: Overview and evaluation The Church Order of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) states in Ordinance 4 that the NHKA is a “volkskerk”, meaning a Church that is ethnically based and focused on the ministry to Afrikaans speaking people. This article examines the history of the relationship between NHKA and Afrikaners that prevailed since the early 19th century. It argues that the establishment of separate and ethnically based churches in South Africa was, initially, the result of a specific understanding of Afrikaner nationalism and liberty. Only after the Second World War, due to criticism levelled at separate development and separate churches by the ecumenical movement, it was based on theological reflection. This article concludes that the term “volkskerk” has become theologically obsolete as well as practically unusable.
TL;DR: The authors argued that Kuyper was not the ideological father of Apartheid in South Africa in any direct way, and pointed out the inherent dissimilarity between Apartheid and verzuiling.
Abstract: Was Abraham Kuyper, scholar, statesman, and university founder, the ideological father of Apartheid in South Africa? Many belief so. But, there are others, amongst them George Harinck of the Free University in Amsterdam, who don’t think so. The article argues that there is an element of truth in both opinions. Kuyper did exhibit the casual racism so characteristic of the Victorian era, with its emphasis on empire building and all that it entailed. Kuyper was also directly responsible, ideologically, for the social structure in the Netherlands known as “verzuiling” or “pillarization” in terms of which members of the Catholic, Protestant, or Socialist segments of society had their own social institutions. This pillarizing, or segmenting, of society was, however, always voluntary. This is not true of the pillarizing or segmenting of South African society known as Apartheid. While there are similarities between Apartheid and “verzuiling”, especially in their vertical partitioning of the individual’s entire life, the South African historical context, the mediation of Kuyper’s ideas through South African scholars, the total government involvement, and therefore, the involuntary nature of Apartheid, point to their inherent dissimilarity. Apartheid was simply not pure Kuyper. Hence, while the effects of Kuyper’s ideas are clearly discernable in Apartheid policy, the article aims at arguing that Kuyper cannot be considered the father of Apartheid in any direct way.
Abstract: Being postmodern church in light of public theology – unity and diversity Foundationalism criticizes the “relativism” of postmodernity which deconstructs absolute and objective totalitarian truth claims. Although most postmodern scholars deny advocating relativism, they do acknowledge that plurality features significantly in postmodern thinking. Plurality and diversity are important to the theological discourse tool, because the church claims to be catholic and ecumenical. In a postmodern context people who do not necessarily affiliate with the institutional church may nevertheless regard themselves as Christians. The article supports a public theological discourse and aims to provide a framework for reflection on unity and diversity in postmodern faith communities. Public practical theology includes the public as one of its audiences. After a brief overview of the phenomenon of postmodernity, the article explores the role of plurality in ecclesiology. It reflects on the challenge of facilitating a dialogue between members of churches and those who regard themselves as spiritual in the secularized context of a “churchless Christianity”. The purpose of the article is to contribute to the ecumenism and the catholicity of the church.
TL;DR: The Nederduitsch Hervormde Church (NHKA) as discussed by the authors argues from a "Barthian" perspective of "Revelation Theology" versus "Natural Theology", that the current leadership of the NHKA and the majority of its members consider the notion "church" primarily as a community of believers which is brought to completion by the Spirit of God and therefore transcends all anthropological barriers such as race.
Abstract: The article argues from a “Barthian” perspective of “Revelation Theology” versus “Natural Theology”, that the current leadership of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church (NHKA) and the majority of its members consider the notion "church" primarily as a community of believers which is brought to completion by the Spirit of God and which therefore transcends all anthropological barriers such as race. In light of Karl Barth’s concept of Natural Theology, “racism as religion” is confessed to be idolatry and Apartheid a sin. Any attempt to justify racism theologically amounts to heresy. The article is a reworked version of the opening address by the Moderator of the NHKA at a meeting with an official delegation of the World Alliance of Churches (WARC) held in Pretoria from 5-8 June 2006. The article makes an appeal for the ecumenical re-admittance of the NHKA by WARC. It includes documentation from the NHKA’s National Colloquium and the responses to the NHKA’ re-application for WARC membership by WARC officers and the NHKA leadership. 1. INTRODUCTION
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Helmer and Landmesser as mentioned in this paper argued that not only the texts have a "unity-shaping function" (p 3), but the interpretative community that created the canon and the successive generations who use the Bible also have one.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Helmer, C & Landmesser, C (eds) 2004 - One Scripture or many? Canon from biblical, theological and philosophical perspectives
Publishers: Oxford University Press. 249 pp. Price: ?53.00
Reviewer: Prof P M Venter (University of Pretoria)
Biblical theology deals with theological and philosophical questions raised by the text of the Bible. One such question is the issue of the unity of the Biblical canon. The point of view held in this publication is that not only the texts have a "unity-shaping function" (p 3), but the interpretative community that created the canon and the successive generations who use the Bible also ..
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Lindeque as discussed by the authors used this book as an introductory course on the literature of the Old Testament and found it most effective as a textbook for students from an African background with little experience in an academic environment and the best aspect of this book lies therein that it dealt with all the books of the old Testament, the Samaritan etc.
Abstract: Extracted from text ... Boshoff, W, Scheffler, E & Spangenberg, I 2000 - Ancient Israelite literature in context
Pretoria: Protea Book House. 239 Pages. Price: Unknown
Reviewer: Dr G C Lindeque (Rooihuiskraal, Pretoria)
This is an excellent textbook for use as an introductory course on the literature of the Old Testament. I have been using it as a textbook for students from an African background with little experience in an academic environment and I have found it most effective as a textbook. Arguably the best aspect of this book lies therein that it deals with all the books of the Old Testament, the Samaritan ..