Abstract:
The Department of New Testament and Related Literature (formerly the Department of New
Testament Studies) for the past 100 years has had a proud tradition of practicing life-giving
theology. From very early on, several members of the department were critical voices against
exclusive and discriminatory narratives of their time. Representing the voices of the
disadvantaged, excluded and marginalised people, they critiqued systemic injustices,
envisaged inclusive believing communities, advocated an open society with equal
opportunities for all and called for social justice. This article shows that the current members
of the department are upholding this proud tradition in their research and publications.
Common to the current trend in the department is the avoidance of a literal reading of texts
by paying attention to the historical and social contexts of texts and using all possible
approaches in reading the text from as many angles as possible. This approach has led to
new avenues to reread texts with concomitant new interpretations. As an example of this
approach, a rereading of the so-called parable of the Samaritan is presented, challenging its
dominant and universally accepted interpretation. The article concludes with a statement of
intent linked to the vision of the department, that is, to practice and teach life-giving theology
that counters individualised and unreflective ways of living by articulating and embracing
a theology that leads to a flourishing life for all creation.
