HTS Volume 61, Number 4 (2005)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11844

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4000 Jaar van soeke na God
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Klopper, Frances
South Africans live in a time of growing unease amongst Afrikaans-speaking Christians about the traditional God-image of their childhood. As a consequence, churches are losing members – which is of concern to the church’s leaders. By referring to Karen Armstrong’s book, A History of God (1999), this article shows that rethinking the idea of God is not new and that healthy iconoclasm is part and parcel of religions as evolving and changing organisms. Over the past 4000 years, each generation created an image of God that worked for them. The article reflects on the God of Judaism, the Christian God, the God of Islam, the God of the philosophers, the mystics, the reformers and the thinkers of the Enlightenment to the eventual eclipse of God in twentieth-century Europe. The purpose of the exercise is to encourage Christians to engage with the process and create a sense of God for themselves by taking heed of the negative and positive moments in God’s long history.
Terreur, roes en ordes : die monnik as blywende simbool van erns in die filosofie
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Beukes, C.J. (Cornelius Johannes); Beukes, Johann
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 Jürgen 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.
The key to the present fulfilment of the eschatological inclusion of the gentiles into the people of God
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Pretorius, Mark
The first part of this article the aim is to deal with the following question: How does the “new covenant” differ from the old? Who is included in this new covenant, and how are people brought into this new covenant? Although the subject is vast and encompasses some of the teaching found in the New Testament, the purpose of the article is to focus on the Spirit. According to Paul, the Spirit is the key to the present fulfilment of the eschatological inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God. An understanding of the old covenant and its significance are interpreted in the second part of the article. The purpose is to provide solutions through a meaningful interpretation and exposition of the relevant passages. In so doing, the difficulties associated with the inclusion of Gentiles are addressed.
Matthew's and Paul's inclusive tendencies : a comparison
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Shin, In-Cheol; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
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.
The sparrow's fall (Mt 10:29)
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
According to Matthew 10:29, not one sparrow will fall to the ground “apart from the Father”. The latter phrase is elliptical, and it is not clear what type of involvement from the Father is meant. This article examines how this verse is interpreted in the various Bible translations and by modern commentaries. Thereafter patristic writings are consulted in search of a solution. It shows that the interpretation of this verse is often rooted in theological doctrine.
Pentateugtradisies en -temas in Daniël
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Nel, Marius Johannes
In this article a survey is done of traditions and themes from the Pentateuch traditions in the book of Daniel. The results reveal only two types of references: to Jewish observance of the Mosaic law leading to Antiochic persecution and those to the Torah and the covenant in Daniel 9. The article indicates that the references in Daniel 9 are probably secondary interpolations. This leads to the question: Why are those traditions and themes that are important to the Pentateuch not important to the writer of the book of Daniel. A theory that would explain the lack of Pentateuch traditions is suggested.
Deeltydse predikante in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Van Wyk, B.J. (Barend Jacobus), 1946-; Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
This article points out that the Polity of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church’s has a definite background which can be described as Biblical Reformative Theology. It finds its typification in the Presbyterial-synodal church order. With special reference to the Presbyterial-synodal church order, the office of the pastor is seen as a full-time, functional ministry, based on the calling of God. Pastors dedicates themselves to their full-time ministry. The article refers also to the clause with regard to the appointment of part-time ministers. It concludes that practical considerations were decisive and not the principles of the Biblical Reformative Theology and its Presbyterial-synodal background.
Psalm 103 : lofprysing word gebore uit die swaarkry van die lewe
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Mare, Leonard P.
Psalm 103 testifies to the believer’s experience of the love and mercy of God. The psalm teaches that believers should worship God for who He is and for what He has done. It is, however, important to note that the praise offered to God in Psalm 103 is not “cheap” praise, but praise born in the crucible of life. Christians also experience times of hardship and times of trouble. However, new birth and new life go hand in hand with the experience of pain. Difficult times thus become a birthplace for praise.
Non-past referring Imperfects in the New Testament : a test case for an anti-anti-anti-Porter position
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Swart, G.J. (Gerhardus Jacobus), 1955-
Since the publication more than a decade ago of two comprehensive studies on verbal aspect in New Testament Greek (Porter 1989; Fanning 1990), scholarly discussion has tended to focus more on the differences than on the agreements between these theorists. Ironically, the main point of dispute has become not their different views of the notion of ‘aspect’, but the question whether or not the tense forms of the indicative mood systematically convey temporal meaning. In this study an attempt is made to clear up some of the resulting confusion. The scope of the study is limited to New Testament passages containing imperfect tense forms which, according to Porter, do not refer to past time. Porter’s interpretation of these passages is discussed and compared with the opposing views of a number of scholars.
Christelike gesindheid en politieke protes
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Vorster, J.M. (Jakobus Marthinus)
In Christian ethics the issue of protest has always been a widely discussed theme. Notwithstanding, the development of constitutional democracies all over the world, the topic has become even more prominent especially as it relates to the following issues: the position of minority groups in majority governments and the freedom of individuals to maintain a certain value system in various spheres of authority. This article discusses the nature of a Christian perspective on political protest and the role such Christian attitude can play. In this regard special reference is made to the strategies of armed resistance, civil disobedience and external pressure. The implementation of the classic idea of “uis ad bellum” is questioned on grounds of the current existence of weapons of mass destruction. Norms are formulated for the responsible use of civil disobedience and external pressure to promote freedom of choice and expression in a peaceful and constructive way.
Van wie zegt de profeet dit? Een een-voudige vraag en een meer-voudig antwoord
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Bos, Rein, 1955-
Theologians seeking to preach Old Testament texts in a meaningful way in Christian congregations face a great challenge. On the one hand, very little has been written in homiletical textbooks about hermeneutical problems facing those who wish to read the Old Testament from the perspective of Christ’s life and death. On the other hand, advances in biblical criticism seemed to have made any such attempt problematic to begin with. In this article, the author attempts to provide a practical-theological contribution to this hermeneutical challenge by reconsidering the heuristic value of mediaeval fourfold interpretation of scriptural passages. By focussing on the servant song of deutero-Isaiah (53) in light of its reinterpretation in Acts 8, this paper aims to provide some suggestions on how Christological interpretation of the Old Testament can be done in a way that takes the original context seriously and is able to read the text from a Christian perspective without the one reading infringing on the other.
Lewenspeil, verlossing van sonde en MIV en VIGS in Suider-Afrika : gedagtes uit die Gereformeerde tradisie
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Murray, Montagu
The article reflects on the relation between standard of living and forgiveness of sins by examining a few significant perspectives from the Reformed tradition. The contemplation results in the invention of a B&S-SCHEME (beggar-and-sinner scheme) recommended by the author as an aid to a more nuanced reflection on theological propositions concerning the relationship between standard of living and the forgiveness of sins. In conclusion, theological propositions on the relationship between a person or group’s HIV-status and guilt and/or innocence before God are examined as an illustration of the application possibility of the B&S-SCHEME.
Grieks-Romeinse apokaliptiek en die Christelike kerugma
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Boshoff, H.J.; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This study aims to show that the idea of the kingdom of God can be viewed as an apocalyptic alternative to the Pax Romana. The apocalyptic thinking of the Roman Empire had a profound influence on the kerygma of Jesus and his followers. Therefore, the kingdom of God came to replace the Pax Romana and this replacement took form in the kerygma of Jesus Christ. It is the view expressed in this study that the Christian view of the kingdom as a present-day reality derived from the apocalyptic idea of the Roman Empire as an existing utopia.
The canon as text for a biblical theology
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Loader, J.A. (James Alfred), 1945-
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 (“Überbietungsbewußtsein”). 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.
Christus en die roos
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Ingram, Riaan
Philo of Alexandria once stated the following truth: “Do you not see that to the prophet who truly desires to know and who asks what answer he is to give to those who question him concerning His name He says, ‘I am what I am,’ which is equivalent to saying, ‘It is My nature to be, not to be described by name’” (Philo Mut Nom 11-12). How does the theologian who hears God’s answer in this regard speak when others ask him or her about God? Through a discussion with Heidegger, Bultmann and Meister Eckhart, the article explores a possible answer to this question.
Cremation a problem to African people
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Masango, Maake J.S.
This article focuses on the issue of cremation the church is increasingly faced with and with which it 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.
Psalm 136 : 'n liturgie as herinnering en herbelewenis van God se krag in die skepping en in die geskiedenis
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Human, Dirk J.
Psalm 136 is a litany in which elements of the Israelite thanksgiving hymn give expression to the celebration of the character and deeds of Yahweh. In the cult of ancient Israel this poem has probably functioned as liturgy to express God’s power over and against all other powers in creation and in history. In a polemic manner it serves as a remembrance and re-enactment of the incomparable God’s power as the “God of gods” and the “Lord of lords”. The psalm has a unique composition and structure in the Psalter. It also reflects a variety of poetic features that serve as literary vehicles to enhance the psalm’s theological content. For the cultic Sitz im Leben a variety of possibilities exists where Psalm 136 could have functioned. Although it is difficult to exactly date the text, there are indications in the psalm that it could be dated back to the end of the fifth or to the beginning of the fourth century BCE.
Handelinge se uitbeelding van die rol van vroue in die vroeë kerk
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Howes, Llewellyn
The aim of this article is to determine what the role of women in the church of the first century was according to Acts. Amongst other things it pertains to the situation of women within the community of believers on a daily basis. It not only includes their contribution to faith services and the faith community as a whole, but also how the faith community perceived them. What part did they play and what positions of leadership did they hold? Did their gender exclude them from exercising certain leadership roles? What was the gender-specific view of Christians? Establishing the historicity of every pericope in Acts is not the main aim. However, the article subscribe to the historicity of the overall picture of the role women played in the early church.
Prakties-teologiese ondersoek na die kerklike jaar in die prediking van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Bothma, Gerhardus
The aim of this article is to discuss the valuable role the church year can play in liturgy and preaching and the service and activities of the church. The article demonstrates that the rediscovery of the church year is one of the most remarkable aspects of the twentieth-century reform and renewal of Christian worship. Within a context of poverty and continuing change, the church year – if valued positively and if accentuated in the preaching – could lead to the celebration of God.
For God did not so love the whole world - only Israel! John 3:16 revised
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Botha, J. Eugene; Rousseau, P.A.
John 3:16 is probably the most popular and widely proclaimed proof-text for God’s love for all of humankind – the “world”. This interpretation of the verse is based on a meaning for which the Greek word cosmos can be used, but the word is used to denote many other meanings as well. The one interpretation of cosmos as “world” is then read into all instances where cosmos appears, including John 3:16. This position is held and defended by some in an almost fanatical manner by some. However, if this verse is exegetically considered in its primary context, the Fourth Gospel, it becomes clear that John 3:16 does not speak of God’s universal love of all of human kind. Far from it. The verse indeed has a completely different meaning.

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