HTS Volume 54, Number 3&4 (1998)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/17394

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Historical Jesus and the search for God
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Patterson, Stephen J.
Since the advent of the first quest for the historical Jesus in the nineteenth century, theologians have felt compelled to accept as normative either the Jesus of history (so Liberal Theology) or the Christ of faith (so Kerygmaltic Theology). This choice is a false one, for the structure of early Christian faith involves both historical and confessional elements in the creation of meaningful theological discourse. We can recover the poetics of that discourse if we clearly distinguish between the historical and ccnfessional elements in the gospels, and place them once again in a dialectical relationship. In this way, the quest for the historical Jesus may retain its character as an historical discipline, and yet still prove fruitful for critical theological reflection.
Wat beteken 'kanon' vandag?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
The notion of canon has become quite complicated. In textual criticism it is no longer possible to identify the canon with only one form of the textual tradition. Canonical texts originate and function in communities of faith. Childs' canonical approach does not accommodate this aspect properly. Sanders' canon criticism invites social scientific criticism like Gottwald's to enable one to understand the canon within a much larger framework. Even traditional studies of the history of the canon have to pay attention to a series of socio-cultural factors. In postmodern society the canon of the Bible works on a multidimensional level, confronting people with the living God who empowers them to live in God's presence.
Grieks vir Nuwe Testament: 'n nuwe paradigma aan Suid-Afrikaanse universiteite vir die onderrig van Grieks met die oog op teologie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Van Rensburg, Fika J. (Johan Jacob Janse)., 1951-; Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
The faculty members of the departments of Greek and New Testament of a number of South African Universities have since 1995 been involved in discussions on the teaching of Greek to students who want to study Theology. This article is an updated version of the memorandum the two authors tabled for the discussion. The memorandum was discussed in 1996, and during the 1997 meeting it was finalised. The article gives an overview of the consensus achieved. First an analysis of the present situation is given, on the grounds of which the need for a change in approach is motivated. Then the outcomes for the teaching of Greek are discussed. Appropriate methods of learning and teaching are proposed as well as methods of evaluation. It is also argued that the Universities have the obligation to provide Greek scholars for the future. The article closes with a plea for closer co-operation between Greek and New Testament departments at South African.
Feministiese hermeneutiek as kritiese teorie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Dreyer, Yolanda
The aim of this study is to describe the main characteristics of some approaches within feminist hermeneutics. The following approaches have been identified by Carolyn Osiek: 'rejectionist', 'revisionist', 'sublimationist' and 'liberationist'. To these approaches an epistemology of participation is added. Feminist hermeneutics is seen through the lense of the critical theory of Jürgen Habermas. The result poses an alternative to a positivistic approach to Scripture. Some contributions of feminist hermeneutics to church and society are identified.
Jesus: Geloofsgeneser?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Ayres, Johan; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
How are we in a modern age to understand the healing wonders of Jesus in the gospel? How must exorcism be understood? The intention of this paper is to indicate that Jesus' exorcisms are to be understood against the background of the stress factors in the first-century Mediterranean world. The propaganda motive, as well as the competitive milieu in which the texts originated, must be kept in mind when interpreting the healings of Jesus. Jesus' exorcisms are embedded in the structure and institutions of his time. The various institutions in the first-century Mediterranean world must not be understood as separate from one another: they are in fact embedded in each other. The healings of Jesus should be understood as healings of empowerment. Jesus empowers people to cope. He gives authentic meaning to peoples' lives on account of their experience of God's presence.
Nietzsche se uitspraak God-is-dood en die interpretasievoorstelle van Hans Kung en Jurgen Moltmann
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Groenewald, Andre Johannes; Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-
In this article the meaning and significance of Nietzsche's theorem 'God is dead' is examined. Through the reading models of Hans Küng and Jürgen Moltmann, an attempt is made to indicate that Nietzsche did not per se acknowledge or deny the existence of God. These reading models, although different, eliminate various theological misunderstandings and misinterpretations. This is important for the current theological debate.
Matteus 28: 19-20: Enkele tekskritiese en eksegetiese opmerkings aan die hand van Nestle-Aland se 27e uitgawe van die Griekse Nuwe Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Ras, J.M.
In this study a few text-critical and exegetical remarks on Matthew 28: 19-20 are made, based on the recent publication of the 27th edition of Nestle-Aland's Greek New Testament. These remarks are made in the light of the immediate context of Matthew 28:19-20 and in the light of the included textual variants that exist in this edition. An attempt has been made to make these exegetical information relevant to readers living in the twentieth century.
Soeke na menslikheid en Goddelikheid by Jesus: Chalcedon in die twintigste eeu verwoord
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Otto, Johan
This article investigates the possibility of rephrasing the Chalcedon formula in such a manner that it will still be acceptable in the postmodern era, while at the same time not departing from its theological essence. Different views on humanity are compared. This is followed by a comparison of different views on divinity. The point is made that the perspective of the interpreter influences the results. This means that each new generation will view matters from a different perspective. The results indicate that a more dynamic way of rephrasing Chalcedon can contribute greatly to its acceptance today. The rephrasing is done here within the frame of reference of Wolfhart Pannenberg's understanding of history.
Samaria as belangeruimte in Lukas-Handelinge
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Thomas, Andre; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The aim of this article is to investigate the importance of the place Samaria in Luke-Acts. The method of investigation consists of a combination of historical critical exegesis with narrative criticism. The historical critical focus is on the so-called Antiochean source used by the author of Acts to indicate the importance of Samaria in the missionary activity of the early church. The narratological perspective focuses on the way in which Samaria as 'focal space' contributes to constituting the plot of Luke-Acts as a tragic narrative.
Satanisme gesien vanuit 'n pastorale perspektief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Bevolo-Manders, J.M.; Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
Based on observations of Satanism and exorcism, the article suggests that pastors are confronted with two world views which are in conflict with one another: the mythological world view of the New Testament and the modern world view. The article explores the consequences of these conflicting world views for ministers counselling individuals caught up in the practices of satanism.
Kommunikasiekrag van liturgiese simbole met spesifieke verwysing na die toga
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Roets, P.J.; Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
Recently, in the name of renewal, full churches and the satisfaction of church members, the hunting season was opened on many of the church's traditional symbols. Renewal is necessary, but before a well-trusted custom is thrown overboard, the value of such a custom must first be established. A well-tried practice usually is worth more than what can be seen on the surface at first glance. Liturgical symbols, amongst others the robe, are being put under suspicion by many church members as well as theologians. Do these liturgical symbols impede the communication of the word of God or does the robe, inter alia, contribute to the communication of the Gospel, which is the nucleus of protestant public worship? By means of empirical research, this article aims to establish the theological meaning and function of the robe as a liturgical symbol.
Rudolf Bultmann se benadering tot die dag van die Here in 2 Petrus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Malan, Gert Jacobus; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
In order to grasp the meaning of the concept of the day of the Lord in 2 Peter for today 2 Peter is interpreted in terms of a specific historical phase of eschatological development in the early church. Once this is done, the search for the meaning of such a concept for modern people is done by means of demythologization and existential interpretation.
Jesus' kingdom parables as metaphorical stories: Challenge to a conventional worldview
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Reinstorf, Dieter Heinrich; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Jesus' parables are to be read as metaphorical stories. Parable as metaphor demands that the parable remains open-ended and polyvalent, with the reader always involved in a participatory role. This article aims at showing that Jesus' kingdom parables are of a diaphoric nature, challenging the conventional worldview. It focuses on the parable 'A Man Had Two Sons' (Lk 15:11-22). This parable is interpreted from the Lucan perspective. It shows how the mytheme of the 'two-sons stories' is used as a tensive symbol in order to establish the Lucan notion of the all-inclusiveness of God's kingdom.
Historical Jesus hallucinating during his initial spirit-possession experience: Response to Stevan Davies' interpretation of Jesus' baptism by John
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Strijdom, Johan (Johannes Matthys)
Taking Albert Schweitzer's threefold criticism of psychological readings of the historical Jesus as point of departure, Davies' analysis of Jesus' baptism is critically assessed in terms of (1) his database of sources, (2) his arguments for authenticity, and (3) his psychological explanation of this crucial event in Jesus' life. The article insists, in conclusion, that Davies' psychological analysis should be supplemented with a consideration of social values if we wish to understand the historical Jesus better.
Are the least included in the kingdom of heaven?: the meaning of Matthew 5: 19
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Sim, David C.
According to the normative interpretation of Matthew 5:19, this logion specifies that a strict hierarchy will exist in the consummated kingdom of God based upon observance of the Jewish law. The highest place in the kingdom is reserved for those Christians who uphold the law, while those who break or relax the law will find themselves at a lower level. Matthew 5:19 therefore makes the important point that even law-free or Pauline Christians would not be rejected from the kingdom. This study challenges this interpretation of Matthew 5:19 by arguing that it is appropriate neither for the Christian Jews who created it nor for the evangelist. Both Matthew and his Christian Jewish predecessors were highly critical of Paul and his gospel, and they expected law-free Christians to face eternal punishment. In the light of this, Matthew 5:19 must be taken as a reference to the exclusion of these Christians from the kingdom.
Pastorale interaksie met vroue - gesien vanuit die beelde wat vir God gebruik word
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Dreyer, Yolanda
The focus of this article is on women in the pastoral care situation. Rather than the revolutionary approach of liberation theology, a choice is made here for a process of conscientisation. Consciousness should be raised concerning the harm that has come to women on account of the dominant male perspective. A correlation is drawn between a conception of Scripture, God-images (King/Lord, Father, Friend, Mother) and the identity of women. The article concludes with an orientation of church and society within a postmodern paradigm toward an authentic life for women before God.
Kennissosiologiese benadering tot die dag van die Here in 2 Petrus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Malan, Gert Jacobus; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The concept the day of the Lord in 2 Peter is, as a mythological expression, an example of analogical language. However, the meaning of this mytheme is not clear to modem people who do not share the mythological world-view of the author of 2 Peter. Although the historical roots of the day of the Lord has been thoroughly researched, the aspect of analogical language has not received much attention. The meaning of the day of the Lord needs to be explored with the aid of a method which has the capacity to probe the meaning of analogical language. The sociology of knowledge offers such a method, especially with its potential to analyse symbolic universes. This article is an attempt at applying the sociology of knowledge to the day of the Lord in 2 Peter in order to render its meaning for modern readers.

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