HTS Volume 54, Number 1&2 (1998)

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    Martin Luther se leer oor die doop volgens sy De Captivitate Babylonica Ecclesiae praeludium van 1520
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Pont, A.D. (Adriaan Drost), 1927-
    In this study Luther's doctrine on baptism, as found in his 'De captivitate Babylonica ecclesiae praeludium' of 1520 is studied. This is not an exhaustive study of Luther's complete doctrine on baptism. It only explores his views on this sacrament which, according to his thesis, is held in captivity by the Roman doctrine on baptism. It is found that Luther, in this work, shifts the existing emphasis on the sacramental elements to the primacy of the Word and faith in that redemptive Word.
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    Woord van God by Luther
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
    This paper attempts to show that Martin Luther is much more than a great personality from the past. He is in fact an important theological father of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Our theology must be understood from the perspective of Luther's theology. A call is also made that theologians from the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk not turn their backs on Luther. This paper concentrates on Luther's understanding of the Word of God. It gives perspectives on historical developments in Luther's theology. It also discusses the following themes: the Bible as the Word of God, the relationship between Old and New Testament, the relationship between law and gospel, the position of the pope and the role of experience in understanding the Word of God.
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    Future tasks of the international Calvin research
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Neuser, W.H.
    With the word international, we think specifically of the worldwide research on Calvin. The term international also points to the international Calvin Congresses, of which, until now, six have been held. At the Congresses we try to combine the international research as well as to give a fresh impetus for research. The lectures of all the previous Congresses have been printed, with exception of the last Congress in Edinburgh, 1994, which is now being printed. The results of these Congresses are therefore easy to obtain - everyone can read them. The task leads to a double question: 1. Which topics of Calvin research have been analysed and discussed succesfully until now? 2. Which topics should urgently be researched in future? The first answer includes both a review of the previous six Congresses as well as a glance at recent Calvin literature; the second answer will be developed in the overview which follows, titled The future tasks of Calvin research.
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    Sosiale kruisigingsteks(te) van 11Q Tempel 64.6-13: 'n ondersoek na intertekstualiteit
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Geyser, Anna Barbara; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
    This article asks certain questions about the assumption that Israelites did not use crucifixion as a penalty. It more specifically looks at the post-exilic era to 100 CE and focuses on two crucifixion texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls (llQ 64.6-13 and 4 QpNahum) by means of the method of intertextuality. In other words, it compares the Qumran texts with the crucifying habits and traditions of neighbouring cultures. These habits and traditions are called the social text(s). This article assumes that a text is not only a written but also a happened text. In other words, context is also taken to be a text.
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    Significance of Calvin' s anthropology for preaching on ethical themes
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Lategan, Laetus O.K., 1965-
    In this article the author highlights Calvin's anthropology. A main feature of this anthropology is his dualistic view on man. Calvin was very much influenced by the ancient Greek philosophy, which argued that man had two parts: a superior soul and an inferior body. The author argues that this perception is at odds with a Biblical image of man. According to the Bible no part of man is inferior or superior to any other part of his person-hood. The article indicates that a Biblical perspective on anthropology will draw different conclusions in ethics compared to a dualistic perception of the nature of man. A correct appreciation of the anthropology of man is therefore needed to guide decisions in ethics, where the focus is constantly anthropological.
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    Report on the seminar: an investigation of Calvin' s principles of Biblical interpretation
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Armstrong, B.G.
    This article serves as a report on the seminar on 'Calvin the Preacher', held at the University of Pretoria during the Fifth South-African Congress of Calvin Research. In the seminar, where various examples of Calvin 's interpretation were discussed, the basic principles of Calvin's method were enumerated. Although the discussions ranged far and wide, a valuable insight was gained in Calvin's methods. At the same time it became clear that Calvin's principles of Biblical interpretation had to receive more attention.
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    Faithful and the rulers : Calvin's two sermons of 1554 on 1 Timothy 2: 1-2
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Pont, A.D. (Adriaan Drost), 1927-
    In this study Calvin's two sermons on 1 Timothy 2:1-2 are examined and the contents briefly analysed. The conclusion is drawn that Calvin is not giving a treatise on the biblical doctrine on princes and rulers, but is addressing the faithful. In doing so, he explains to the congregation their position vis-a-vis the rulers and what Paul's injunctions mean in their situation. It is true preaching as Calvin only expounds the Biblical message as it is found in this text.
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    Koers(e) van die Afrikaner in die geskiedenis
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Dreyer, Petrus Secundus
    When speaking of the direction of a people, the term direction has the meaning of a relatively stable trend or course over a relatively long period of the history of the majority of that people. The problem discussed in this paper is the question whether such a direction(s) can be discerned in the history of the Afrikaans people. Such a direction can only be the result of values obtaining in a stable order of preference, forming a set of norms expressed in the views and actions of the people over a relatively long period of time. In a compact overview, eight of the most important areas of the history of the Afrikaans people are considered. The conclusion is that a definite trend is discernible. The most important aspects of this trend are a sharp awareness of self-identity; a desire for freedom, implying a negative reaction to British political and cultural imperialism; a fierce love of the Afrikaans language; and an aversion to mixing with people of non-Western descent.
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    Teodiseevraag: 'n antwoord vanuit 'n pastorale perspektief
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) De Kock, Petri; Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-
    A fundamental aspect of the problem of theodicy is the experience of God's action as at times unfair, a perception at home especially in a situation of human suffering. God's redemptive action in and through his Son Jesus Christ, however, opens a new perspective on this problem. In faith, God is not a distant God any more. He entered into the problematic situation of human suffering, bringing redemption to man.
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    Calvin's preaching on the church in the letter to the Ephesians
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
    Dealing with Calvin as preacher inevitably involves attention to his preaching on the church. With this purpose in mind, three sermons from the letter to the Ephesians are analysed. In this paper the results are discussed under three main headings, namely the origin and the essence of the church, the unity of the church and the offices of the church.
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    Betekenis van kerkgeskiedenis vir vandag
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
    The topic is discussed on the basis of three questions: What is Church history? Does Church history have any meaning? and, Is it really necessary for the present generation to communicate with the past?
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    Appendix: The Dutch translation of Calvin' s sermon on predestination on 18 December 1551 (CO 8, 89-119.)
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Neuser, W.H.
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    Calvin the preacher: his explanation of the doctrine of predestination in the sermon of 1551 and in the Institutes of 1559
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Neuser, W.H.
    In this study, Calvin 's famous sermon on eternal election of 1551 is discussed and compared to his treatment of the doctrine in his Institutes, 1559. This is a necessary study, never undertaken before, of the correlation between Calvin's pastoral treatment of the Biblical doctrine of predestination and his more didactic-apologetic approach in the Institutes. Here the main argument in the sermon is summarised and, at every point, the corresponding passage in the Institutes is also discussed and the difference in approach and argument evaluated. In this way a more complete knowledge of Calvin's understanding of this doctrine is gained. To assist the reader, the text of the sermon of 1551 is also published. The final conclusion is that the sermon is a valuable addition to the Institutes. Without it, Calvin's pastoral treatment of the doctrine is ignored when evaluating his exposition on eternal election.
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    Kerkgeskiedskrywing: hoe skryf ons kerkgeskiedenis?
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Pont, A.D. (Adriaan Drost), 1927-
    Every generation writes its own history of the Church. As the past is continually evaluated from different points of view and as every generation asks new questions, so the understanding of the past changes and history is rewritten. In discussing this situation, three issues are treated: the understanding of the past and what history is, the requirements for writing history and the question whether history has a vision for the future. These matters continually appear in discussions on history and the requirements for writing history.
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    Ds. C. Spoelstra en die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Du Bruin, C.J.; Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
    The interrelationship between 'Rev C Spoelstra and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk' is studied from three different perspectives: Spoelstra with or as part of the church (a positive relationship). Secondly, there is the increasing tension between Spoelstra and Rev M J Goddefroy (Goddefroy eventually became to Spoelstra the representation of the whole Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk). Thirdly, Spoelstra opposed the whole Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk and not only Goddefroy.
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    Wortels en agtergronde van Hervormde teologie en kerkwees in Suid-Afrika
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Van Wyk, D.J.C. (Daniel Johannes Cornelius) (sr)
    After investigating researches and publications on the ethical direction taken by Dutch theology in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, J A Loader came to the conclusion that this direction is an important - if not the most important - background to the theology of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. and of its theological training at the University of Pretoria, especially during the earlier years and at the time of its inception. In this article the outcome of the research undertaken by Loader is critically reviewed and seriously questioned. It is maintained that his evaluation of ethical theology is too rigid and its influence on the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk overemphasised. It seems that the prominent influence of Hoedemaker and confessional theology is overlooked by Loader.
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    Calvin on preaching
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Schulze, L.F.
    After introducing the congregation of Geneva to whom Calvin preached, the topic of this paper is discussed under the headings of three questions namely: Why did he preach? How did he preach? and, What did he preach? By answering these questions Calvin's view on preaching is elucidated.
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    Perspectives on the doctrine of providence in some of Calvin' s sermons on Job
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Potgieter, Pieter C.
    It is quite remarkable that Calvin addresses himself to the providence of God not only in his 'theological' works (eg Institutes), but particularly also in his more 'popular' works, for instance his correspondence and sermons. This is where the doctrine of providence is significantly contextualized. It is obvious that he takes up his topic in a most responsible manner, by which the 'providentia Dei' should not only comfort those who believe in Christ, but should also call for a responsible life before the countenance of God. Furthermore, for Calvin providence is not so much an issue to be 'explained', but rather a 'confession' related to the very heart of faith.
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    God's servant working for your own good: notes from modern South Africa on Calvin's commentary on Romans 13: 1-7 and the state
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Strauss, P.J.
    This article aims at demonstrating that Calvin's grasp of the message of Romans 13 in its reference to the state is highly relevant for the present South Africa. This includes the belief that the authority of rulers is ordained by God, be it that of a just or an unjust government, and that their right to govern should therefore be respected; that government should maintain a public order of justice and peace within which people can serve God in all spheres of life; that state authorities should use the sword and even the death penalty when needed, and not shy away from this God-given responsibility; that a society in which crime threatens to create chaos needs stronger measures of punishment; and that rebellion against the government or disruption of public life should be resorted to only as an ultimate means and when carefully considered as in the general interest.
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    J.S. Semler (1725-1791) se beskouing van geskiedenis, kerkgeskiedenis en heilsgeskiedenis - 'n verkenning
    (Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Pretorius, Christo; Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
    Johan Solomon Semler introduced a new understanding of Scripture through his view of history. This article tries to indicate that the scheme according to which he viewed history is one based on the distination between content and form. By means of this scheme, Semler endeavoured to reconcile faith and revelation with ideas from the Renaissance, Enlightenment and English Deism. Semler's premises were not just influenced by scholars like Leibnitz and Baumgarten, but his association with Pietism and Orthodoxy further contributed to the formation of his view of history. However, as a result of his premises, Semler surrendered church history and salvation history to the Enlightenment view of history. Church history and salvation history were consequently interpreted in terms of progress in the perfection of morality. Unaware of his own historical position, Semler subjected the contents of church history and salvation history to his own premises.