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Showing papers in "Hts Teologiese Studies-theological Studies in 2007"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article argued that postcolonial theory provides a means of defiance by which any exploitative and discriminative practices, regardless of time and space, can be challenged, and the role of feminism and anti-colonialism is discussed in the third instance.
Abstract: The purpose of this article is to outline certain options and struggles, which gave rise to postcolonial theory The author deals with various experiences of anti-slavery and anti-colonial movements in Western and tricontinental countries, comprising the development of postcolonial theory It is argued that postcolonial theory provides a means of defiance by which any exploitative and discriminative practices, regardless of time and space, can be challenged The article consists of a section in which terminology is clarified, secondly a discussion of the elements that functioned as justification of the formation of postcolonial theory, namely a humanitarian, economic, political, and religious justification The role of feminism and anti-colonialism is discussed in the third instance, followed by a reflection on the concept “hybrid identities”

53 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors address the question why this is also the case in South Africa and why the African philosophy of "ubuntu" (humaneness) does not seem to make a difference, and conclude that religious communities can fill the gap left by the lack of Ubuntu and can play a major role in nurturing HIV/AIDS orphans who function as heads of households.
Abstract: By the year 2002 14 million children had been orphaned globally because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A great number of these have become the heads of households, are forced to look after themselves and siblings, drop out of school, are vulnerable to many forms of abuse and have found work to take care of themselves and their siblings. Misinformation, ignorance and prejudice concerning HIV/AIDS limit the willingness of a community to provide for the orphans who have been affected by the disease. This article aims to address the question why this is also the case in South Africa and why the African philosophy of “ubuntu” (humaneness), does not seem to make a difference. This study build upon fieldwork undertaken in the Bophelong area among HIV/AIDS orphans who function as heads of households and children who have been orphaned due to circumstances other than HIV/AIDS. The article concludes that religious communities can fill the gap left by the lack of “ubuntu” and can play a major role in nurturing HIV/AIDS orphans who function as heads of households. Churches can build a supportive environment where HIV/AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children can feel accepted.

46 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a theological paradigm shift taking place in congregations in South Africa that empower them to become involved in development work as a way of serving their neighbor.
Abstract: The article describes a theological paradigm shift taking place in congregations in South Africa that empower them to become involved in development work as a way of serving their neighbor. It also opens the possibility of working interdisciplinary without compromising theological and faith values. The perspectives and assumptions of the new paradigm are outlined and the basic methodology of doing theology is described. The new paradigm is a missional one, taking the focus on God as its point of departure and describing the identity and purpose of the church by looking at God’s identity and plan or mission with creation and humankind. Social development is seen as being in line with God’s mission and as such the church should not have difficulty in working with those who pursue the same goals.

38 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that schools (teacher-educators and learners) should be allowed to engage in inter-religious dialogue as part of their pedagogical and civic duty.
Abstract: Social and civic conflict inspired by the fundamental convictions of different religious groups seems to be rife all over the world, also in schools. One way of addressing this problem is to promote interreligious dialogue. To establish the viability of this solution, the authors take several steps. They analyze the phenomenon “religion” and discover that it is constituted of several layers or levels that have to be accounted for in the proposed inter-religious dialogue in schools. After discussing the term “dialogue” they consider several approaches to religious diversity or plurality to find a suitable basis for the proposed inter-religious dialogue in schools. Based on these analyses, the authors argue that schools (teacher-educators and learners) should be allowed to engage in inter-religious dialogue as part of their pedagogical and civic duty. This will ensure a better understanding of others and their religions, also at the deepest spiritual level. Such comprehension can contribute to the more peaceful co-existence of people in religiously pluralist societies.

29 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the first part of a three-part series, "Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world: Females in a male world", is presented, where four aspects of the cultural world of the Bible are relevant for an understanding of the institution of marriage as presented in Biblical texts: marriage as embedded in the social institution of the family, the role of honor and shame, dyadic personality and the different marriage strategies that can be discerned throughout Biblical times.
Abstract: Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (1): Females in a male world This article is the first of a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage. Attention is given to four aspects of the cultural world of the Bible that are relevant for an understanding of the institution of marriage as presented in Biblical texts: marriage as embedded in the social institution of the family (kinship), the role of honor and shame, dyadic personality and the different marriage strategies that can be discerned throughout Biblical times. The article concludes with a few remarks on the effects the above “cultural scripts” had on the understanding of marriage as an institution and the position of women in marriage.

27 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors argue that blind submission to heteronormativity, an outdated social construct, traumatises those who do not conform to the hetero norm, in two ways: hegemony is one consequence, and internalised homophobia is another.
Abstract: The aim of the article is to focus on hegemony as it relates to the issue of sexuality and the trauma imposed on sexual minorities. A point of departure is that social identity theories can shed light on homophobia. The article argues that an empathic approach to those traumatised by internalised homophobia calls for a gay-friendly psychotherapy/analysis. The article reflects particularly on how heteronormativity maintains homophobia. It also illustrates the relationship between homophobia and social scientific insights regarding personality types and gender. The concepts homophobia and the internalisation of homophobia are discussed by focusing on aspects such as personality types and violence. The article finds that blind submission to heteronormativity, an outdated social construct, traumatises those who do not conform to the hetero norm, in two ways: hegemony is one consequence, and internalised homophobia is another.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the second part of a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage as a Biblical institution is presented, and a description of the first-century Mediterranean world had a very specific understanding of what marriage, betrothal, adultery, divorce and remarriage entailed.
Abstract: Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (II): Marriage, adultery, divorce and remarriage This article is the second in a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage as Biblical institution. The first-century Mediterranean world had a very specific understanding of what marriage, betrothal, adultery, divorce and remarriage entailed. A description thereof is given. The question whether this understanding of these concepts can still be applicable in our understanding of marriage as a postmodern institution, is posed. Although the question is answered in the negative, it does not, however, mean that the Bible does not have anything to offer as far as marriage in a postmodern society is concerned. 1. INLEIDING In die eerste bydrae van ’n trilogie van artikels oor die huwelik in die eersteeeuse Mediterreense wereld is die spesifieke kultuurbedding (“cultural scripts”) wat ten grondslag gele het van die huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wereld aan die orde gestel. Daar is aangetoon dat die huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wereld nie verstaan kan word as daar nie in ag geneem word dat die huwelik in die sosiale instelling van die familiale ingebed was, die vrou altyd in die eer van die man ingebed was, en persoonlikheid as diadies verstaan is. Vierdens is aangetoon dat daar in die kanon van die kerk meer as een beskouing van die huwelik aantoonbaar is, en dit daarom problematies is om van “die Bybelse huwelik” te praat.

23 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the relationship between marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world and the attitude of Jesus towards marriage as an institution in a post-modern society, concluding that his stance towards marriage was negative.
Abstract: Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (III): Jesus and marriage This article is the third in a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church regarding marriage as Biblical institution. In the first article attention was given to the relevant cultural scripts that are necessary to understand the institution of marriage in the time of Jesus. In the second article a description of what marriage, betrothal, adultery, divorce and remarriage in the first-century Mediterranean world entailed was given. In this article Jesus’ point of view on marriage is investigated. The conclusion reached is that Jesus’ stance towards marriage was negative. This, however, does not mean that Jesus had nothing to say as far as marriage as institution in a postmodern society is concerned. 1. INLEIDING 1 Korintiers 11:13 stel dat dit onbetaamlik vir ’n vrou is om sonder iets op haar kop in die erediens tot God te bid. Met enkele uitsonderings na, dra hierdie opdrag van Paulus vandag weinig gewig. 1 Korintiers 14:34 stel verder dat vrouens nie toegelaat word om in die erediens te praat nie. Tog legitimeer die Kerk vandag vroue in die ampte, ook in die amp van predikant. Om die waarheid te se, elke Sondag in die erediens luister vroue sonder enige vorm van hoofbedekking na die verkondiging van die evangelie, en die stem wat die evangelieboodskap dra is dikwels die van ’n vrou. Is die rede vir hierdie “gemaklike” opsy skuif van bogenoemde twee uitsprake van Paulus die gevolg van ’n interpretasie van die Bybel wat

20 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Gerrie Snyman is verbonde aan die Departement van Ou Testament and Ou-Nabye Oosterse Studies, Universiteit van Suid-Afrika as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Gerrie Snyman is verbonde aan die Departement van Ou Testament en Ou-Nabye Oosterse Studies, Universiteit van Suid-Afrika. Sy vertrekpunt met hierdie boek is dat die gebruik van die Bybel vir die teologiese regverdiging van apartheid deur kerke uit die reformatoriese tradisie die huidige lees van die Bybel vir lidmate problematies gemaak het. Die Bybel kan nie meer vandag op dieselfde manier gelees word nie. Volgens hom het die ou manier van Bybellees meegebring dat sekere Bybellesers merke op ander mense gelaat het. Om hierdie rede moet die Bybel anders gelees word.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors apply this view of Luther in terms of two unacceptable extremes: the creation ordinances of Brunner and the analogy of relation of Barth, and apply it to marriage.
Abstract: Marriage, according to Martin Luther, is an institution both secular and sacred. It is secular because it is an order of this earthly life. But its institution goes back to the beginning of the human race and that makes marriage sacred, a divine and holy order. It does not ‐ like the sacraments ‐ nourish and strengthen faith or prepare people for the life to come; but it is a secular order in which people can prove faith and love, even though they are apt to fail without the help of the Word and the sacrament. The author applies this view of Luther in terms of two unacceptable extremes: the creation ordinances of Brunner and the analogy of relation of Barth. The dialectic of Law and Gospel should never be dispensed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce social-scientific exegesis of New Testament texts and discuss some advantages of social scientific criticism and pose a critique of the approach by reflecting on the positivism that could underlie the epistemology behind some interpretation models used in social scientific analysis.
Abstract: Introducing the social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts: Methodological initiators in the research history The article is the first of a series of three that aim to introduce socialscientific exegesis of New Testament texts. Aspects of the social background of these writings are analyzed in light of the perspectives which underlie the dynamics of first-century Mediterranean social world. The article shows that social-scientific criticism of the New Testament represents an exegetical approach by means of which the rhetoric of texts is interpreted in light of their cultural environment and the social interaction that determines this context and semeiotic codes. The first article focuses on the initiators in the field of historical-critical exegesis who paved the way to social scientific criticism and explain key facets of the “new” exegetical approach. The second article explains some models and methods of social-scientific criticism. The third article discusses some advantages of social scientific criticism and poses a critique of the approach by reflecting on the positivism that could underlie the epistemology behind some interpretation models used in social scientific criticism. It concludes with an emphasis on cultural criticism as a hermeneutical challenge.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper argued that Barth's revelation-based theology represents male bias entrapped within the patriarchal Christian tradition, and pointed out that the rigid way of using the revelationbased model in exegesis and theology goes against the grain of Barth's otherwise flexible epistemology.
Abstract: This article is to argues that Karl Barth’s revelation-based theology represents male bias entrapped within patriarchal Christian tradition. The rigid way of using the revelation-based model in exegesis and theology goes against the grain of Barth’s otherwise flexible epistemology. It is particularly evident in the connection between Barth’s theoetics and his view on the subordination of women. In two articles written from a gender critical perspective the focus of the first article is on Barth’s asymmetrical theoethics and that of the second on the disparity in his dogmatics. The aim of the first article is to trace the influence of the Christian tradition (including early Christianity) on his theology. The aim of the second article is to explain Barth’s dogmatic disparity as the product of his neoorthodox understanding of Reformed tradition.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The book of Adrian Thatcher as discussed by the authors, Marriage after modernity, Christian marriage in postmodern times, is a resent publication which endeavours to formulate guidelines for marriage in a postmodern society.
Abstract: Biblical models of marriage: A critical perspective The Christian marriage finds itself in a crisis. Churches worldwide are struggling to find answers to address the problem in their communities. The book of Adrian Thatcher “Marriage after modernity, Christian marriage in postmodern times”, is a resent publication which endeavours to formulate guidelines for marriage in postmodern society. This article is an attempt to give an overview of, as well as a critical reflection on the Biblical models as identified in his research. Although Thatcher’s “models” are of utmost importance in the recent debate, it is necessary to select certain perspectives within his models that are still applicable in postmodern times. This first article describes and evaluates his models, whilst the second article focuses on the relevancy thereof in postmodern times. 1. INLEIDING

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Kloppenborg's reading of the tenants (Mk 12:1-12/GThom 65) can be regarded as the first thoroughgoing realistic interpretation of the Tenants as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Kloppenborg’s reading of the parable of the tenants (Mk 12:1-12/GThom 65) can be regarded as the first thoroughgoing realistic interpretation of the Tenants. By using extensive literary evidence on viticulture from 300 BCE to 300 CE, Kloppenborg argues that GThom 65 most probably comes closest to the original form of the parable, calling into question important values of first-century Mediterranean culture. Following a summary of Kloppenborg’s reading of the parable of the tenants, the second part of the article focuses on a social-scientific reading of GThom 65 through the lens of patronage and clientism and that of honor and shame. Finally, the conclusions reached by the social-scientific reading are compared with Kloppenborg’s realistic reading thereof.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, African theology can be understood as a theology from below, or rather, "as below, so above" or "as above, so below" which can explain African perspectives on shame and guilt, sin and reconciliation, liberation, the ancestors and eschatology.
Abstract: African theology can be understood as a theology from below ‐ or rather, “as below, so above”. This phrase not only reflects the concept of ubuntu and the African partiality towards horizontal relationships, but may help explain African perspectives on shame and guilt, sin and reconciliation, liberation, the ancestors and eschatology. Subsequently, there seems to be some concurrence between African theology and Western postmodern theology. Although these theologies challenge traditional theology, and should in turn be scrutinized, they may offer useful and valid ways of thinking and speaking about God.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the origins and implications of metaphors that could be potentially harmful to the quality of women's lives and the way in which this metaphor is used in the marriage formulary of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa.
Abstract: Demystification of the methaphor “the church as bride” Because of the important role language, imagery and metaphors plays in the lives of human beings, it is necessary to explore the origins and implications of metaphors that could be potentially harmful to the quality of women’s lives. The metaphor that is the focus of this article, is that of “the church as bride”. This metaphor is an example of how metaphors and language have an impact on women’s self-understanding and subject quality of their lives. It is an example of how patriarchal structures, culture and language affect the lives of women. In a follow-up article the way in which this metaphor is used in the marriage formulary of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa is investigated. This formulary is specifically based on Ephesians 5:21-33 in which the metaphor of “the church as bride” is found.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article explored the notion that some of the basic assumptions upon which textual criticism is built, like the quest for an original text, have serious flaws and that much of what has been attempted the last 300 years is actually an exercise in futility.
Abstract: This article explores the notion that some of the basic assumptions upon which textual criticism is built, like the quest for an “original text”, have serious flaws and that much of what has been attempted the last 300 years is actually an exercise in futility. In this sense New Testament textual criticism can be declared dead. However, textual criticism, if viewed from a different perspective, can indeed be reimagined to make a fresh and important contribution to New Testament scholarship.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prominence of Romans 1:18-32 in the gay-debate is the subject of various and wide-ranging opinions as far as the most adequate interpretation of this passage.
Abstract: The prominence of Romans 1:18-32 in the gay-debate is the subject of various and wide-ranging opinions as far as the most adequate interpretation of this passage. This contribution puts the debate about the text into perspective by surveying some recent alternative opinions on its meaning. It is established that two particular matters are most important in Romans 1:18-32 and the past and current debate on its interpretation: the argument according to “nature” and the nature of the infringement or error (Rm 1:27).

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the historical Jesus research is of the utmost importance and it puts the emphasis on the individuality of an event and the contribution of nineteenth century reflection on history.
Abstract: This article contributes to the fundamental rethinking of New Testament scholarship being undertaken by New Testament scholars attached to the University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa. The thrust of the article holds that the historical Jesus research is of the utmost importance and it puts the emphasis on the individuality of an event and the contribution of nineteenth century reflection on history. As point of departure and further elaboration it accentuates the notion that history writing must be a form of homecoming.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the positivistic traits in the Barth legacy are raised once again, in order to open the door to Jurgen Habermas and other deconstructionist thinkers of the postmodern era in hermeneutics.
Abstract: Karl Barth’s hermeneutic legacy prolonged Western Christian tradition, especially influenced by Hegelian philosophy of history. This led to Barth’s “theological exegesis” instead of a historic-critical exegesis. In a preceding article Barth’s understanding of the notion “hermeneutic circle” is discussed against the background of the Enlightenment and its counter-movement in Romanticism. In this article Barth’s attitude to the place and role of historical criticism is explained in light of his dialectic distinction between “scientific” and “practical” interpretation. The article aims to show that Barth, with his dialectics, continues Schleiermacher’s realism. In conclusion, the positivistic traits in the Barth legacy are raised once again, in order to open the door to Jurgen Habermas and other deconstructionist thinkers of the postmodern era in hermeneutics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article argued that a revision of the distinction between absolute and relative poverty can provide general standards applicable to humans everywhere, and argued that such a revision can improve the understanding of poverty in general.
Abstract: While it is relatively easy for most people to identify human beings suffering from poverty, it is rather more difficult to come to a proper understanding of poverty. In this article the author wants to deepen our understanding of poverty by interpreting the conventional definitions of poverty in a new light. The article starts with a defence of a claim that poverty is a concept uniquely applicable to humans. It then present a critical discussion of the distinction between absolute and relative poverty and it is then argued that a revision of this distinction can provide general standards applicable to humans everywhere.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on Barth's ontological reframing of the traditional understanding of the Biblical notion of human beings as created in the "image of God" and present a feminist alternative.
Abstract: Karl Barth’s gender perspective is often analysed with reference to his so-called “theoethics” or “creational theology”. This perspective perpetuates an asymmetry in gender relations that was prevalent in Biblical times, throughout Christianity and to some extent still is visible today. He based his view on the subordination of women on an exegesis of Genesis 1:27 as “intertext” of Ephesians 5:22-23. Barth’s asymmetrical gender perspective is a product of his embedment in Western Christian tradition which in turn, is rooted in early Christian patriarchal theology. The aim of this article is to focus on Barth’s ontological reframing of the traditional understanding of the Biblical notion of human beings as created in the “image of God”. The article consists of four sections: (a) Luther’s and Calvin’s gender perspectives; (b) the Enlightenment failure to achieve emancipation; (c) gender disparity in Reformed theology; and (d) a feminist alternative.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A critical hermeneutical perspective on marriage in post-modern times is discussed in this paper, where the authors present a framework and guidelines to address the complexity of marriage in our context.
Abstract: A critical-hermeneutical perspective on marriage in postmodern times This research report consists of two articles. The first part is titled: Biblical models of marriage: A critical perspective. In the first article the book of Adrian Thatcher (1999) Marriage after modernity: Christian marriage in postmodern times, is discussed in conjunction with other relevant studies. His hermeneutical approach identifies five Biblical models of marriage. An overview and discussion of these models lead to the question of whether these models could assist in understanding the essence of marriage in postmodern times. Based on the research of recent studies, this second article is an attempt to modify and implement his models as a possible framework and guidelines to address the complexity of marriage in our context. 1. INLEIDING In ’n voorafgaande artikel is die modelle wat Thatcher (1999) in sy navorsing as moontlike Bybelse modelle van die huwelik aangebied het, bespreek en geevalueer. Thatcher het ’n keuse gemaak vir bepaalde “modelle” wat hy in die Bybel gevind het. Meerdere modelle en perspektiewe kan geidentifiseer word, maar die fokus van hierdie artikel val op die vraag of, en in watter mate, hierdie modelle van Thatcher bruikbaar is vir vandag. Die bespreking en evaluering van die Bybelse modelle wat Thatcher geidentifiseer het, is in sekere opsigte baie waardevol. Tog kom ’n mens uit die voorafgaande artikel

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a group of people within the Johannine community (2:18) contributed towards destroying the fellowship of this community, and the nature of the schism comprises pneumatological, Christological, and ethical issues encoded in the polemical language of slogans, dialectic discourse, confessions and denials.
Abstract: A group of people within the Johannine community (2:18) contributed towards destroying the fellowship of this community. Because 1 and 2 John do not provide direct evidence of the identities of the community’s heretically inclined members, they are defined in different ways by different scholars. A search for socio-religious circumstances which contribute towards determin-ing the opponents and adherents of the author which created the agenda for the reconstruction of the phenomena that caused this schism. The nature of the schism comprises “Pneumatological,” “Christological” and “ethical” issues encoded in the polemical language of slogans, dialectic discourse, confessions and denials. The schism in 1 John proves to be a matter of different interpretations of a shared tradition.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors introduce social scientific exegesis of New Testament texts, which represents an exegetical approach by means of which the rhetoric of texts is interpreted in light of their cultural environment and the social interaction that determines this context and semeiotic codes.
Abstract: The social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts: A critical assessment of the first results The article is the second of a series that aim to introduce socialscientific exegesis of New Testament texts. Social-scientific criticism represents an exegetical approach by means of which the rhetoric of texts is interpreted in light of their cultural environment and the social interaction that determines this context and semeiotic codes. The first article focuses on the initiators in the field of historical-critical exegesis who paved the way to social scientific criticism and it explains key facets of the “new” exegetical approach. This article explains some models and methods of socialscientific criticism and focuses on some advantages of social scientific criticism. 1. DOELSTELLING Hierdie artikel is die tweede wat as bedoeling het om as oorsigtelike inleiding tot die sosiaal-wetenskaplike kritiek van die Nuwe Testament te dien. Hierdie kritiese benadering tot eksegese wil die wyse van kommunikasie van NuweTestamentiese tekste ondersoek deur die kulturele konteks waarbinne tekse

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors explored the significance of anti-totalitarian humanism for contemporary moral and social philosophy, with special reference to the thinking of Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995), and made use of Tzvetan Todorov's (1939) work “Hope and memory” to clarify the framework within which anti-trivial humanism takes shape, and also shed light on the relation, similarities and disagreements between the totalitarian utopianism that characterized twentieth century fascist regimes, and other versions and residues of the utopian tradition, such as we encounter in Levinas and
Abstract: This article explores the significance of anti-totalitarian humanism for contemporary moral and social philosophy, with special reference to the thinking of Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995). Special use is made of Tzvetan Todorov’s (1939) work “Hope and memory” to clarify the framework within which anti-totalitarian humanism takes shape, and also to shed light on the relation, similarities and disagreements between the totalitarian utopianism that characterized twentieth century fascist regimes, and other versions and residues of the utopian tradition, such as we encounter in Levinas and the early generation of Neo-Marxist philosophers. Levinas’ attempt in his early works to develop a humanism that is founded in both everyday material existence and interpersonal relationships is then examined in closer detail. Interpretations of the utopian significance of his phenomenological notions such as death, time and sociality, Messianic hope, despair and moral repair are offered. It is emphasized that Levinas’ early notion of innerworldly bliss constitutes a utopian core in his thought that is to be separate from the notion of innerworldly bliss that characterizes totalitarian utopianism, and also undermines the philosophical foundations of totalitarian utopianism.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the differences and similarities between the social value systems of the New Testament, the West and Africa are explored, and it is acknowledged that the categories "The New Testament" and "The West" are very broad general categories, it is possible to distinguish between them at a certain level of
Abstract: This article explores the differences and similarities between the social value systems of the New Testament, the West and Africa. While it is acknowledged that the categories “The New Testament”, the “West” and “Africa”, are very broad general categories, it is possible to distinguish between them at a certain level of

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The second century BCE Book of Jubilees as discussed by the authors presents the contents of Genesis-Exodus in a new form, and uses a Deuteronomistic retributive scheme of sin- punishment-repentance-salvation.
Abstract: Intertextuality in the Book of Jubilees The second century BCE Book of Jubilees presents the contents of Genesis-Exodus in a new form. This article studies the techniques used in Jubilees 23. It indicates how Psalm 90:10 was used to link the death of Abraham to a declining-inclining scheme of longevity. This scheme was then combined with a heptadic jubilee scheme. To this the author added a Deuteronomistic retributive scheme of sin- punishment-repentance-salvation. On this combination an apocal- yptic framework was finally superimposed.