HTS Volume 56, Number 2&3 (2000)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/15299

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Is daar 'n Afrikaanse filosofiese tradisie?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Duvenage, Pieter
This article asks whether there is an Afrikaans philosophical tradition. The answer to this question is a qualified no, but it is nevertheless argued that there is something like an Afrikaans philosophical approach. In the first part a reading is provided of A H Murray's idealistic interpretation of Afrikaans philosophy (1947) and more specifically his discussion of the theological, educational and political traditions that influenced Afrikaans philosophy. Murray's idealistic approach is criticized via a dialectical, material and historical reconstruction of the institutionalization of philosophy as a field of study in the context of colonialism (part 2). Against this background it is argued that British Idealism was a major influence on the philosophers who started philosophy as an academic subject at the four founding residential universities in South Africa (Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Wits and Pretoria). In section three the reaction of Afrikaans philosophers against British Idealism is discussed. In the final part of the paper some questions are posed regarding the possible role of Afrikaans philosophy in the post-1994 public sphere of South Africa.
Relevansie van die historiese Jesus-ondersoek vir kerklike teologie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The aim of this article is to reflect on the implications of historical Jesus research for the theology of the church. It focuses on the relation between the pre-Easter Jesus and the post-Easter kerygmatic tradition. First, it discusses the reason why historical Jesus research is regarded as necessary. Second, a profile of Jesus is described. Third, the article demonstrates the discontinuity and material relation between Jesus' teaching and the theology of the church. It focuses on the kerygma that the death and resurrection of Jesus creates atonement.
Dualistiese antropologie by Paulus?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Pelser, G.M.M. (Gerhardus Marthinus Maritz)
The question as to whether Paul's anthropology can be qualified as dualistic is, with a few exceptions, usually answered in the negative. However, although the vast majority of scholars favour the negative answer, it cannot be denied that there are instances in the Pauline correspondence which are suspect, to say the least. It is for this reason that the debate has not come to a rest yet, and that the issue is still raised from time to time. The present study was prompted by recent contributions to the debate, especially those of Boyarin (1994) and Crossan (1998), in which it is claimed that Paul's anthropology can indeed be qualified as dualistic. The outcome of the study is that one has every reason to believe that in a number of passages Paul not only made use of dualistic terminology and concepts, but that he actually also conceived of human existence in a dualistic manner.
Belydenisvorming as kanonisering van geloofsoortuigings
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
This article deals with aspects of the process which underlies the shaping of formal creeds. Two stages are investigated: A preliminary stage in which a community of faith reacts in a polemic way to contextual questions or threats, and a secondary stage in which earlier confessions are canonised. Some of the implications of the canonisation of confessions of faith are scrutinised. The final conclusion is that the canonisation of one systematised understanding of faith runs afoul of the diversity of theologies and metaphoric language in the Old and New Testament.
The institutionalization of Jesus' charismatic authority, Part 1: indirect Christology - direct Christology
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Dreyer, Yolanda; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This study concerns an investigation of the evolution of the Jesus tradition. Christological titles are studied in terms of the social theory of the institutionalization of charismatic authority. It makes use of Anthony Thiselton's and Bengt Holmberg's application of Max Weber's social theory. It is argued that the followers of Jesus acknowledged and expressed his authority by means of naming. These "names" developed into "titles" when the post-Easter followers of Jesus allocated power to him. The process of the institutionalization of Jesus' charismatic authority relates to the transmission from the oral tradition of Jesus' sayings and deeds to the written evidence. The article emphasizes the work done by the Jesus Seminar. The following "rules of written evidence" are considered: clustering and contexting; revision and commentary; false attribution; difficult sayings and the process of christianising. In Part 2 of the study, Weber's social theory is applied to the Christological title "Son of Man".
Vrou as beeld van God, Deel 1 : 'n historiese ondersoek - vanaf Genesis tot die Middeleeue
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Dreyer, Yolanda
This study indicates that the traditions in the Pentateuch, especially the creation traditions, implied the egalitarian status of man and woman as image of God. The context of this traditions, however, was patriarchal and thus opened the possibility of the exploitation of women. Though Genesis 1:27 does not specifically attest to the asymmetry between man and woman in patriarchal society, the fate of women in general was bound up with the presentation of God as a male creator. The implicationsof this presentation can be clearly seen in texts of the intertestamental period. The study points out the degree to which Philo's view of a hierarchy concerning man and woman as immanent to God's order of creation, strongly influenced Christian thought on the place of women. Since the "fall of woman" necessitates a "soteriology", women in general are portrayed negatively in patristic texts. Mary is seen as the positive counterpart of Eve. The image of women then becomes that of submission on account of their alienation from God. The article concludes with the view of Thomas Aquinas that the subservience of slaves is less than that of women, because in their case it is not an order of creation.
Hermeneutiese uitgangspunte in historiese-Jesus navorsing, Deel1 : sosiaal-wetenskaplike vooronderstellings
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Geyser, Piet A.
The aim of this article is to reflect on social-scientific theories, models and methods in historical Jesus research. The discussion focuses on five epistemological aspects. The first aspect is the social conditioning of the epistemological process. All knowledge is socially conditioned and perspectival in nature. The second aspect is the situational discourse of the interpreter and the object of investigation. The third aspect concerns the process of knowing where theories and models are discussed. Distinctions are drawn between paradigms, theories, models and methods. Heuristics is the fourth matter to be discussed. Three approaches are evaluated critically: deduction, induction and abduction. Fifthly, the world of the Bible will be considered as a pre-industrial and advanced agrarian society.
Twee versoenbare konstrukte in resente historiese Jesus-navorsing, Deel I: John Dominic Crossan
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Wyk, D.J.C. (Daniel Johannes Cornelius) (jr); Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Current historical Jesus research produces a variety of profiles of Jesus. In a series of articles two compatible constracts of Jesus (those of John Dominic Crossan and Andries van Aarde) will first be discussed and, second, two ireconcilible constructs (those of Robert F Funk and Walter Schmithals). The profiles of Jesus are depicted from the perspective of the researcher's view on the continuity and discontinuity between Jesus and early Christianity and the relevance of historical Jesus research for church and theology. This article focuses on John Dominic Crossan's view on Jesus the peasant.
Doop as die deur tot die nagmaal : 'n perspektief op kinderdeelname aan die nagmaal
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Otto, Johan
This article investigates the relationship between Baptism and the Eucharist and argues that baptism forms the gateway to meaningfully participating in the Eucharist. Children are excluded from participation in the Eucharist because the act of being baptised passes children's comprehension. It is argued that the baptism of a person has to be appropriated for the person to be able to meaningfully participate in the Lord's supper. Confession of faith in public is such an act of appropriation.
The relationship between the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika in the new South Afrika : co-existence or merger?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Manala, Matsobane J.
The article points out that the debate on church unity cannot be confined to either a spiritual or structural perspective.It is argued that the church, visible or invisible, is a given reality. Racially based beliefs are identified as the cause of the seperate existence of the NHKA and HKSA. It is indicated that the true and tenable foundation for the church's mission work and ecclesiastical organisation is the love of God, which makes possible true Christian fellowship, service and witness. After pointing to developments in the cooperation between the two churches, on which structural unity can be built, the article makes a strong call for a merger of the two churches in the new South Africa, for the sake of positive witness to Christ's mission in the world.
Kerklike eenheid tussen die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika en die Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
Church unity between the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) and the Hervormde Kerk in Suidelike Afrika (HKSA) was a theme that was not even discussed in the past. The reason: the mission policy of the NHKA was that the HKSA should become an independent and separate church as quickly as possible. During the last years many things changed. Article III in the Polity of the NHKA was scrapped. The NHKA is now an open church. The ideology of apartheid, that the NHKA supported in many ways, has crumbled. The time has therefore arrived to start discussing the important theological theme of church unity between these two churches. In this article the view is represented that church unity is not primarily unity in organisation, but unity in faith, confession, teaching and theology. This unity in faith, however, must be made visible. Various forms of ecumenical unity are therefore proposed.
Gabriel Marcel se lewe en werk as agtergrond vir sy benadering tot God, Deel I
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Wolff, Ernst
This essay gives an introduction to Gabriel Marcel that focuses on his approach to God. The biography of Marcel's life is sketched as the contingent origin and setting of his work. It is indicated where and how his life led him to practise philosophy the way he did. In the second half of the essay the unique nature of Marcel's philosophical style is sketched. Insight into Marcel's life and the nature of his work is inseparable from the continuous development of the contents of his thought.
Enkele opmerkings oor die godsdienstig-teologiese insigte wat na vore kom in die Gelofte van 1838 en daarna by die onderhouding daarvan
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Pont, A.D. (Adriaan Drost), 1927-
In this study it is noted that after the Battle of Colenso on 15 December 1899 and the Battle of Nooitgedacht on 13 December 1900, the Boer commandos held special meetings to commemorate the Voortrekker Vow of 1838 and the victory at Blood River. The question is asked what the theological background can be. When the Voortrekker Vow of 1838 is studied it becomes clear that the taking of the Vow was possible in the context of the Calvinist orthodoxy, influenced by the Nadere Reformatie of the 17th Century. This was more or less the accepted theology of the Voortrekkers sustained by the Statenbijbel and the books of the Nadere Reformatie theologians.
Evolutionary biology as a link between religion and knowledge
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Du Toit, Cornel W. (Cornelius Willem), 1953-
It would appear that the epistemological tradition of the West is culminating in the present science-religion debate. The evolutionary model is being used increasingly in different disciplines as a guideline to understand humans and their action in the world. The struggle for explaining the action of God has shifted from the world of history and texts to the invisible level of quantum physics and molecular biology. It seems that levels of indeterminacy in quantum mechanics and autopoietic systems offer space to explain the action of God. On the human level integrity is sought by linking the highest level of consciousness and rationality to the very basic level of molecular and genetic structures. These issues are dealt with and specific attention is given to autopoietic systems and the biological roots of rationality.
Calvyn se leer oor die kerk
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
A few aspects of Calvin's teachings on the church are pointed out to encourage the two churches involved in the Hervormde Theological Training to reconsider what Calvin himself has to say. This should not be done only in the ligth of his role in the past, but also within the context of the tremendous challenges and responsibilities that these two churches will have to face in the next millennium. Calvin's doctrine on the church can still provide instruction and guidance to the church today.
Haus Elis und das Haus Davids : wie Gott sein Wort zurucknehmen kann
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Loader, J.A. (James Alfred), 1945-
The interpretation of the rejection of Abiathar in terms of the Eli tradition offers an important indication of the intention of the Succession Narrative. The work does not only have a positive as well as a negative tendency as far as the Davidic dynasty is concerned, but the relationship between these two sides is one of conditionality. Therefore the critical aspect of the Succession Narrative contains both acceptance and warning. A sketch of the broader theological framework is given in which the interplay of God's love and his demand of obedience is understood in its historical context, including the redactional perspective.
Twee versoenbare konstrukte in resente historiese Jesus-navorsing, Deel II: Andries van Aarde
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Wyk, D.J.C. (Daniel Johannes Cornelius) (jr); Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
In Part I, John Dominic Crossan's profile of the historical Jesus was discussed. This article focuses on Andries van Aarde's view. According to Van Aarde, Joseph the father of Jesus should historically be seen as a legendary figure and that Jesus grew up fatherless. The stories of Jesus' virginal conception are myths. However, they reflected an historical context of the separation between the postEaster synogogical movement and the Jesus movement. The article also discusses Van Aarde's view on the resurrection narratives, the contininuity and discontininuity between Jesus, and earliest Christianity and his view on canon and dogma. It concludes with a comparison between Corssan's and Van Aarde's perspectives.
Healing the wounds of the nations : towards a common mission of the Churches
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Muller-Fahrenholz, Geiko
In what ways can the Churches be - or become - healing agents for their people? The article argues that churches are communities of remembering. And as remembering centers around the Crucified, the "wounded" (H Nouwen), it becomes a re-membering energy, i.e. an energy that unites what has been dismembered. It is argued that one of the most destructive aspects of contemporary societies is the "winner-syndrome". By regarding human beings as "winners" and "losers" it sets in motion merciless struggles for the "top-position" which turn out to be processes of denial and exclusion and create a downward spiral of violence. The churches' ecumenical healing ministries should begin by dismantling the matrix of denial and violence in order to create a "matrix of connectedness" that is grounded in the basic woundedness of all human beings. The author participated in the Harare Assembly of the World Council of Churches (1998) and sees his reflections as a contribution to the "Decade to Overcome Violence" which is to begin 2001.
Quid est veritas? Augustinus oor waarheid en leuen - en latere ontwikkelings
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Wyk, J.H. (Amie)
In this article the author investigates the (very difficult) issue of truth and lying. What does it mean to speak the truth and when does a person tell a lie? The Augustinian as well as post-Augustinian views are enumerated and some of the main truth theories evaluated. In conclusion the author tries to make a final assessment and to open new ways of thinking the truth. Truth is a multidimensional category which should never be over-simplified.
Onaanvaarbare verskeidenheid in Galasiers : ekklesia en sunagoge
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botma, M.A. (Michael Andries); Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This article proceeds from the thesis that the formula 'ekklesia' forms the basis of Pauline ecclesiology. To be "in Christ" means to participate in the "Sache Jesu". Participation also means that the believer becomes part of the church. From this thesis the problem of unity and diversity in Galatians is argued. According tot Galatians 2:1-14 it is clear that the "Sache Jesu" was interpreted in diverse ways. The diverse interpretations gave way to conflict between Christian parties. The Christians in Antioch did not follow the Jewish law. Their opponents however felt that it was imperative to hold to circumcision and the Jewish law. It is argued that the term 'ekklesia' was chosen against the term 'sunagoge' because of the latter term's affiliation with Christians who held to the Jewish law.

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