HTS Volume 60, Number 3 (2004)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11840

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Opstanding van Jesus Christus as historiese gebeure
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van Eck, Ernest
In this article the understanding of the resurrection of Jesus by William Lane Craig, Gerd Lüdemann and John Dominic Crossan are used as starting point to discuss two issues with regard to the study of the resurrection of Jesus: the relationship between presuppositions and results in a theological enterprise, and the nature of the texts in the New Testament as either theology or as history. Attention is also given to the notion history as such. Finally, a thesis of the resurrection of Jesus as being historically probable, is postulated.
Nuwe Psalmomdigting : die Messias weggelaat?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van Rooy, Harry F.
In 2001 a new Afrikaans metrical Psalter was published. Although being severely criticised in some circles, it is being used by a number of churches. One of the major criticisms is that it omitted the Messiah from the Psalter, the implication being the way in which the so-called Messianic Psalms were treated in this Psalter, is cause for concern. This article discusses this criticism, provides a framework for dealing with the Messianic Psalms and evaluates the criticism. This criticism can not be regarded as valid. This Psalter tried to reflect the original context of the individual Psalms, refraining from using the New Testament’s use of the Psalms as a decisive factor for determining the original meaning.
Ontferming “beyond” vergeving als weg naar heling en heelheid : een theoretisch model voor narratief pastoraat
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van der Schaaf, Tiny; Schaaf, Tiny van der; Dreyer, Yolanda
The article explores the model of Christie Neuger with regard to pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context. This model is complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. The article focuses on the following questions: What are the conditions for forgiveness? How can the abused woman find forgiveness in her heart? What is the role of the pastor? What happens if the woman cannot forgive? What are the theological implications of forgiveness? How can pastor and counselee together reframe the story of violence? The article argues that Ricoeur’s notions of prefiguration, configuration and refiguration complement Neuger’s theoretical model. This modified model presents a possible way to healing and wholeness.
A woman praised by women is better than a woman praised by seven men
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Loader, J.A. (James Alfred), 1945-
The title, a parody on Ruth 4:15bb and Proverbs 31:28, counterposes the motif of praise in the final scene of what is probably the opus classicum for the foregrounding of women in the Old Testament with the same motif in a text notorious for praising women into subservience. After a short presentation of the text of Ruth 4:13-17, its main ideas and compositional relationships with the rest of the Book, the focus falls on the praise of the women of Bethlehem, its presuppositions, logic, use of terms and the role of its speakers in the story. It is concluded that a non-feminist, intentional reading highlights the critical perspective of women in the narrative, which means that the gist of mainstream feminist readings of the Ruth story is corroborated even from a perspective independent of feminist hermeneutic.
Jac van Belkum (1851-1933) : ’n middelkonfessionele predikant van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Pretorius, Christo
In this article the theological accents of Reverend Jac van Belkum (1851-1933), minister of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika from 1891 until his retirement, are evaluated. By means of a comparison between central themes of the theological mainstreams in the 19th century Netherlands and Van Belkum’s theological accents, the article argues that Van Belkum cannot be regarded as an adherent of the mainstream theological traditions, that is the “ethical” or the “confessional”, but must be regarded as an intermediary figure.
Hoe akkuraat kan ’n Bybelvertaling wees? Gennavw in 1 Johannes 5:1-4 as voorbeeld
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van der Watt, J.G. (Jan Gabriel), 1952-
An analysis is made of different translations of gennavw in 1 John 5:1-4. The inconsistencies in and among translations are noted. The influence of the socio-cultural ecology as well as the literary and grammatical aspects that play a role in the process of translation, are then illustrated. The complex nature of translation is underlined and it is suggested that the focus should fall on the purpose of a particular translation. This will lead to the purposeful use of different translating techniques in any particular translation.
Reviewing history in apocalyptic literature as ideological strategy
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
Reviews of history are ideological constructions. This article investigates historical reviews in the apocalyptic literature of Daniel and Ethiopic Enoch. In Daniel 2 a fourfold scheme of successive kingdoms/empires/eras is used to persuade the hearers that their political trials will come to an end. In Daniel 7 a theology of history is formulated in terms of animal symbols and four consecutive eras. This review is used to proclaim God’s total sovereignty over kings and kingdoms. The faithful can only wait with patience for God to bring history to its finalisation. In Enoch’s Apocalypse of the Weeks a historical review of humanity’s history is used to advocate the eschatological hope of the annihilation of sin and eternal vindication of righteousness. Summaries of history in the form of the traditional biblical history (1 Enoch 85-89) and an Animal Vision (1 Enoch 89-90) of seventy periods is used to appraise contemporary political-military events and advocate the reader’s participation in these actions as eschatological liberating events.
The Vorlage of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Steyn, Gert Jacobus
The origin and text form of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9 are investigated. On a tradition-historical level it is established that Psalm 45:1-2b was quoted in 4Q171 in early Judaism, but in early Christianity, prior to Hebrews, no evidence of quoting Psalm 45 has been found. Messianic connections might have prompted the author to use it. On a text-critical level, new manuscript evidence is assessed and variant readings are discussed. It is concluded that the author himself made minor changes to his text without following another Vorlage. Insofar as Jesus is being called “God” by God himself, Psalm 45 confirmed to the author of Hebrews the divinity of Jesus. The royal imagery, righteous rule and eternal throne are christologically applied.
Verby objektivisme en relativisme : op weg na nuwe fondamente vir historiese Jesus-studies
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Ingram, Riaan
In light of the contemporary epistemological discussion with regard to historical Jesus-studies and historiography in general, recent scholarship proposes that historical criticism and creativity should be combined to form a contemporary relevant picture of Jesus as historical figure. Some philosophical insights produced during the last century also suggest that western civilisation has become preoccupied with the essence of things and has forgotten that people are essentially ethical beings in need of wisdom. This tendency is also revealed in the recent preoccupation with the “truth” regarding Jesus’ life. In this article these issues are elaborated upon in discussion with especially Heidegger, Bernstein and Gadamer. Eventually the insights gained by this discussion are illustrated with regard to historical Jesus studies.
Aggression, anger and violence in South Africa
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Masango, Maake J.S.
This article traces the roots of aggression, anger and violence in South Africa and the rest of the world. The paper is divided into four parts: Aggression, Anger, Catharsis and Violence. As a result of violence against other human beings, especially women and children, a profound respect for human dignity has been lost. People have become extremely aggressive. The last few decades have created a culture of violence because of the suppression or oppression of feelings. The article argues that frustration yields anger that leads to violent acts. The root cause of violence is frustration, which finally (if not attended to) produces anger, anxiety, conflict and the eruption of violence. Suicide bombers in Palestine and other parts of the world demonstrate this type of aggression, anger and violence. Anger, on the one hand, is a good defense mechanism. It helps people cope with frustration. Violence, on the other hand, is used as a means of dominance, especially against women and children. In a political situation it is used as a means of changing social structures.
Psalms as himnes in ’n liturgiese konteks
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
In many ways the psalms fulfill a bridging function between divergent denominations that previously avoided each other. In the Hebrew text of the Psalter most of the psalms bear clear titles. None of the titles of the psalms originated together with the actual psalms. Instead, they offer instruction to the reader about the process that led to the compilation of the psalms into collection. The psalms are more than liturgy and liturgy comprises more than merely psalms. Therefore, the psalms cannot simply be clothed in liturgical vestments. Hymns that occur in the Book of Psalms form the focus of this article. It is clear that the praise in the hymns follows different patterns. The article aims to explore the liturgical function of the hymns in the psalms.
Bybel in die geding : teks versus dogma
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Spies, Lina
This article concentrates on one of the great achievements of postmodernism regarding theology: the highlighting of the inseparable relation between religion and poetry. The article argues that, as we are unable to fashion a dependable representation of our world and of God, we have to return to the text and to the language of belief as sole way of expressing our thoughts about God and about belief. The language of belief is not the language of dogma, but that of poetry, and the language of poetry is figurative language. In illustration of this, the text of Samson is reread not as factually-true history, but as the tragic story of a person whose God-given calling and talents are in conflict with his natural drives and gifts, but whose heroic death nevertheless ultimately serves to glorify God. In conclusion the article pleads for the liberation of the Bible from the Greek-Roman construction of it, so that it may again begin to tell stories through which the reader may learn to comprehend something of God. So, too, the Jewishness of Jesus, which has been eroded by dogma and preaching, may be rediscovered.
Coercive agency in mission education at Lovedale Missionary Institution
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Duncan, Graham A.
Any society and its institutions are coercive. While acknowledging the invaluable contribution made by mission education towards the development of black South Africans, Lovedale Missionary Institution exemplifies the concept of a “total institution” susceptible to the problems of power relations. Those who studied there internalized its ethos. Coercive agency encouraged adaptation to missionary ideology. However, many Lovedale students rejected the mores of the religion and education they received as they challenged and resisted the effects of the coercive agency of internalization. Institutionalisation is, by nature, resistant to change as can be seen in the policies of the respective Principals of the Institution. Consequently, black people were alienated by a process of “exclusion”. The values of justice, love and peace are appropriate tools for a new model of education in South Africa.
Postmoderne epistemologie en postkoloniale hermeneutiek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Postcolonial hermeneutics is concerned with linguistic, cultural and geographical transfer. Within the framework of biblical studies it explores strategies of interpreting texts from the situation of previously colonised people who are accommodated in a new liberated context, but find themselves both included and excluded. Biblical texts are historically considered to be both the products of people who were subjected to the exploitation of Middle-Eastern and Graeco-Roman super powers and interpreted today in the third world by people who also were subjects of modern colonial powers. Postcolonial studies represent a postmodern epistemology which implies a deconstructive approach to hermeneutics. The article consists of five “preludes”, introducing postmodern epistemology, postcolonial hermeneutics, postcolonial biblical studies, and unlocking potential biblical research in South Africa.
A public practical theological theory for religious education of secularised youth
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Dreyer, Yolanda
In the postmodern world young people no longer accept the values advocated by the institutionalised church as unquestionably relevant to their lives, one of the reasons for this being that the supremacy of the Christian faith has given way to a secularised society. Public practical theology includes the public as one of its audiences. In this paper the point of departure is a reflection-theory and not the praxis as such. This theory focuses on everyday concerns and issues in order to facilitate a dialogue between theology and the social sciences. The article aims to reflect on the enhancement of the experience of transcendence in the everydayness of the present-day youth. It argues that the agency theories of Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu can provide a theoretical basis and method for public religious education.
Durf ons nog preek dat werk ’n roeping van God is?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) De Villiers, D.E. (Dawid Etienne)
According to the view of the Reformers Luther and Calvin work is a vocation of God. This article attemps to establish whether this view is still valid today. A number of factors that contribute to presentday Christians experiencing this view as problematical, are discussed. As a result of this experience the theologian Miroslav Volf argues that the Reformed view of work as a vocation of God should be relinquished. Contrary to Volf, the author of the article argues that the view of the Reformers can and should be retained. A more dynamic interpretation of work as vocation of God should, however, be given and the comprehensive theological framework within which the Bible views work, should be respected.
Teenswoordige geskiedenis : Michel Foucault in gesprek met die teologie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Beukes, C.J. (Cornelius Johannes); Beukes, Johann
Philosopher Michel Foucault’s work has become a major strand of what is often referred to as “postmodern theology”. The wider relevance of his work for theology nevertheless still remains unexamined. This contribution serves as a review article of the book Michel Foucault and theology: The politics of religious experience (2004), edited by James Bernauer and Jeremy Carrette. It deals with “present history” as a leitmotiv in Foucault’s work, before presenting a summary of this collection of essays by a group of leading Foucault scholars on a variety of themes within the history, thought and practice of theology. The book is described as a fascinating contribution to Foucault scholarship, which demonstrates, for the first time, the influence and growing importance of Foucault’s work for contemporary theology.
The ongoing Canon debate
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Schutte, P.J.W. (Philippus Jacobus Wilhelmus)
The aim of this review article is to participate in the current “canon debate” among biblical scholars. The collection of essays, The Canon Debate, edited by Lee Martin McDonald and James A Sanders and published in November 2002 serves as point of departure. The thirty-two essays in this volume provide a summary of the most recent research, and as such it provides the necessary background for meaningful participation in the current debate. “The Canon debate” by McDonald & Sanders is probably the most comprehensive collection of essays ever published on canon formation in Judaism and Christianity. This 662-page volume includes essays on both the First Testament and the Second Testament, as well as the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha. The essays provide translations of most of the ancient primary sources, as well as meaningful summaries of scholarly debates, in addition to providing a useful guide to the extensive scholarly literature on the subject. The article argues that once you have discovered the canon, you can experience it anywhere, not only in canonical texts.
“God, die Allerhoogste, woon nie in mensgemaakte konstruksies nie”
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
This article is a homiletic reflection on the words of Stephen in Acts 7:48f that “the most High dwelled not in temples made with hands; as said the prophet, ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? said the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?’” The explication and application of these words are theologically contextualised with respect to current debates among theologians in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. The perspective represented in this reflection is based on the belief that faith affirmations had developed from a fundamental religious experience. When shared by others in a particular time and cultural context, the expressed faith experience became articulated in metaphorical language. From here on it could be transformed into a dogmatic creed, distanced from its origins. Putting one’s trust in dogma as metaphorical language without participation in the fundamental religious experience expressed by creedal language, amounts to confining God to human made constructs. The article focuses on several faith affirmations, such as God’s creation, Jesus’ virginal conception and his resurrection, and the expiation of sins.
Günter Altner se jukstaponering van die denksisteme van Schweitzer en Darwin as resiproke korreksies
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Buitendag, Johan
The article provides an exposition of the theology of Günter Altner, well-known German scholar in both biology and theology. The article argues that, in Altner’s mind, the designs of Schweitzer and Darwin are applied as reciprocal corrections to one another. A juxtaposition is given of the “reverence for life” and “natural selection”, which apparently represent the subjective and objective dimensions respectively of Altner’s theological design. In order to avoid a naturalistic fallacy, one has to accept that the telos of creation is not an intrinsic value of nature itself, but an eschatological value added to nature. Therefore, appreciation for Altner’s handling of the matter is raised, albeit with some reservation with regard to the perhaps overemphasised role ascribed to the human mind.

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