HTS Volume 60, Number 1&2 (2004)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11839

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Bang waarvoor? Die betekenis van mhv pw" eij" keno ; n trevcw h] e[dramon in Galasiërs 2:2
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Tolmie, D.F. (D. Francois)
The phrase mhv pw" eij" keno;n trevcw h] e[dramon in Galatians 2:2 represents an exegetical dilemma. It seems as if Paul expresses his fear that the leaders of the congregation in Jerusalem had the final say as far as his apostleship and missionary work were concerned, but this does not seem to be consistent with his rhetorical strategy in Galatians 1:1-2:10. In this article Paul’s use of mhv pw"-phrases is investigated whereafter Galatians 2:2 is explained against the background of his rhetorical strategy in this part of the letter. It is suggested that Paul’s use of the phrase mhv pw" eij" keno;n trevcw h] e[dramon in Galatians 2:2 should be viewed as a weak point in his argumentative strategy.
Whose Bible, mine or yours? Contested ownership and Bible translation in Southern Africa
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Punt, Jeremy
An important but often neglected aspect of the use of the Bible in Africa is its ownership and issues related thereto. Ownership of the Bible obviously concerns its personal possession and all that that entails, but goes beyond the commodification of the Bible in modern consumerist culture to refer, ultimately, to the control of the biblical texts. The limited attention to the ownership of the Bible is mostly restricted to hermeneutics, often identified as a site of struggle in Africa. However, claims to ownership are becoming increasingly visible and up-front in the area of vernacular translations, where such claims and other conditions imposed on Bible translations illustrate the affinity people have with the Book, how their sense of identity and worldviews are moulded by it and how a Bible translation acts as an important player in issues of power at various levels.
Reconsidering prepositions and Case assignment in the text of Revelation 4 and 5
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Riekert, S.J.P.K. (Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger)
In order to describe the government by prepositions in the book of Revelation in terms of the Government and Binding Theory, it is imperative that the sub-theory of Case assignment be considered. With the latter as point of departure one may describe, i) the shifts from autothematic and structural Case to oblique Case, ii) the use of prepositions with oblique Case instead of the structural genitive Case, and iii) the peculiarities of the Case and case assignment of the preposition evpi, as found in Revelation 4 and 5.
"Om nie te dink bó wat in die Skrif geskrywe staan nie" - konsistensie en ontwikkeling in die teologie van Piet Geyser
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Geyser, Piet A.; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This article reflects a conversation between Andries G van Aarde and Piet A Geyser. P A Geyser was professor of Biblical and Religious Studies at the University of Pretoria. He retired in January 2004. The following issues are discussed: critique against the Calvinist doctrine of predestination from the perspective of Karl Barth’s theology; the unity of the church; theology for lay people; the authority of Scripture; the relevance of historical Jesus studies; Biblical testimony on homosexuality and the pastoral care of gays. The article aims to demonstrate the growth and development in Geyser’s hermeneutics while he remains within the parameters of Scripture.
Reading the Bible again with Marcus Borg
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Schutte, P.J.W. (Philippus Jacobus Wilhelmus)
This article focuses on Marcus J Borg’s book “Reading the Bible again for the first time” with the all important subtitle “Taking the Bible seriously but not literally.” He offers a new understanding of Scripture that respects both tradition and reality, blending biblical scholarship with a concern for authentic faith. This article presents a synopsis of the contents of Borg’s book, together with remarks, additions and even includes contradictory viewpoints from other contemporary scholars, which are being included not with the purpose of taking sides, but to stimulate conversation on Bible reading, a burning issue of our times.
Salvation in the Johannine Epistles
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van der Merwe, D.G. (Dirk Gysbert)
This article attempts to compile a soteriology in the Johannine Epistles. Circumstances and false teachings that might have influenced the theological doctrine and ethical behaviour of the community are constructed. The article argues that aspects which led to the reported schism, determine the structure and content of the soteriology. In the Johannine Epistles the “elder” teaches only basic aspects of soteriology. They are presented from theocentric and christocentric perspectives that are closely interwoven with different themes. The article demonstrates that soteriology is metaphorically presented from the perspective of the conduct of God the Father, reflecting a paternalistic Old Testament image of a household. The elder refers to three of God's characteristics: light (1:5), justice (2:29), and love (4:8). Believers have to direct their lives according to these characteristics once they have been born as children into the family of God and have experienced “eternal life.”
The Banyamulenge of the Democratic Republic of Congo : a cultural community in the making
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Rukundwa, L.S. (Lazare Sebitereko)
In recent years the name Banyamulenge has become associated with a warrior group in Eastern Congo because of the role some of its community members played in the war against the Mobutu regime. Researchers have been intrigued by the political motivations which unfortunately do not cover the cultural aspects of this community. This article attempts to document the cultural heritage of the Banyamulenge community. Many of the practices and traditions have become obsolete. The article explains the Banyamulenge cultural way of living, and how the divine was traditionally revealed to them in the form of human deities. Burnt sacrifice was part of community worship. The article documents what has been learnt from elders about the oral tradition, the cultural and religious realities of the community.
The rich, the poor, and the law
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Reinstorf, Dieter Heinrich
This article explores the social and religious dynamics of parables of Jesus in which “rich” and “poor” are juxtaposed. It focuses on Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus) and on Luke 18:9-14 (the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector). The core of the exploration relates to questions concerning “wealth” and “poverty” in a limited-good society such as first-century Palestine. The article aims to expose the legitimisation provided by the Israelite elite to ensure the collection of taxes placed on the peasant population by the Roman Empire.
“Historiese kritiek” as “teologiese eksegese” en die belang daarvan vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk se Skrifbeskouing
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Malan, Gert Jacobus
Presently the use of Scripture is under debate in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Pastors have been theologically trained in the historical critical paradigm. However, the reality is that of a rather fundamentalist approach of many ministers and members of the church. This article argues that the historical critical approach to Scripture should be more effectively communicated. Ministers are challenged to communicate the historical context and problems surrounding the understanding of texts, rather than to use texts as basic propositions to be adhered to. The article argues that this aim can be enhanced when Rudolf Bultmann’s concept of theological exegesis is applied. Not only should the exegete ask what a text meant, but should also ask to what reality and new self-understanding such an exegesis leads.
Ad fontes – terug na die Skrif, of na Jesus, of na die belydenis?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van Wyk, D.J.C. (Daniel Johannes Cornelius) (jr)
A critical approach to the New Testament, its origins, and the development of theological trajectories in the early Jesus movements have caused historians to look for the foundational authority beyond the biblical canon as the decisive authority of Christianity. Some have indicated Jesus as the primary authority for the earliest followers of Jesus. Others have identified doctrinal traditions as authoritative before the canon was finally established. This study challenges the church as institution to consider a foundational authority beyond the written and canonised Scripture as a normative source for Christian faith and life.
Constitualised space in Daniel 9
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
The prayer in Daniel 9 theologically paved the way for prayers in the later synagogue. In this chapter the Daniel tradents linked a traditional penitential prayer to an apocalyptic narrative. Through this combination their view that man has to wait upon God to change history, is extended into a life of sanctification, teaching, fasting and the offering of penitence. As these tradents were estranged from the temple, they had to find somewhere else to conduct their liturgical services. Their apocalyptic mythological view of the temple enabled them to constitualise holy space away from the material temple. In this way they paved the way for the synagogue as house of prayer in later times.
The Jerusalem Temple in Luke-Acts
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Taylor, N.H.
Luke-Acts was written during the period after the destruction of the second temple, when, for most Jews, hopes for future restoration were conceived largely in terms of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and resuming the cultic life associated therewith. Against this background Luke poses an alternative vision, in which the divine presence associated previously with the nao/j is seen no longer as localised but as dispersed. The Holy Spirit manifested in the life and expansion of the Church transcends and supersedes the notion of sacred space associated with the Zion traditions.
Soul and psyche : the Bible in psychological perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Smith, Willem Jacobus
During the last third of the twentieth century a discipline that applies psychological and psychoanalytic insight to the study of the Bible, has resurfaced within biblical studies. In his book, Soul and Psyche, Wayne Rollins offers a psychological biblical approach as one of the new approaches to Scripture since the 1960’s. This approach tends to bring a renewed appreciation for the role of the human psyche or soul in the history of the Bible and its interpretation.
Eenheid van die Filippensebrief : oorwegings vanuit die gedagtestruktuur van die brief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Jordaan, G.J.C. (Gert Johannes Cornelis), 1951-
During the last two decades a new interest has emerged in the structure of the letter to the Philippians, leading to a variety of text oriented studies, which have more or less confirmed the unity of the letter. This article contributes to these studies by making a thought-structure analysis of the text of Philippians. This analysis, which takes the grammatical relations within the text as point of departure, but proceeds to a study of the more implicit markers of structure, such as repetition and figures of speech, reveals that the thoughts in the letter body of Philippians are arranged in a letter body . In this pattern Philippians 1:27-30 serves as a “table of contents”, which is expanded upon in the rest of the letter body (2:1-3:21). In a subtle way the main elements of the “table of contents” are echoed in Philippians 4:1-9, resulting in an “inclusio”-pattern. These patterns of thought structure of Philippians provide further support for theories in favour of the unity of the letter.
The dead in Christ : recovering Paul's understanding of the after-life
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Cromhout, Markus
The study of the so-called “intermediate state” of the dead is conducted under the technical designation necrology. The evidence suggests that Paul’s necrology did not remain constant and its development was influenced by personal circumstances. Paul’s necrology consisted of two phases. Phase one: The dead were considered as “the others”. They were the ones to be raised. Phase two: Paul realised that he could be one of “the others” and the theological content of his necrology demanded further clarification. Drawing on his being-in-Christ mysticism, Paul stated that the dead would experience fellowship “with Christ”. It is also explicitly stated that Christians would retain their resurrection status in death and objectively experience the resurrection body that is under construction. This transformation process will be completed at the parousia.
Skuld, genade en lof in die liturgie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
This article argues that guilt, mercy and praise do not always receive the attention they merit in the liturgy. The article aims to enhance the liturgical meaning of the confession of sin and the absolution. The liturgical meaning of these acts is determined by the theological function of the confession of sin and the absolution. A place in the liturgy is assigned to the Kyrie eleison, the Gloria and the Agnus Dei. This article demonstrates that their proper place is as part of Holy Communion.
Sarah's submissiveness to Abraham : a socio-historic interpretation of the exhortation to wives in 1 Peter 3:5-6 to take Sarah as example of submissiveness
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Van Rensburg, Fika J. (Johan Jacob Janse)., 1951-; Janse van Rensburg, F.J.
In 1 Peter 3:5-6 the author of First Peter refers to the holy women of the past who were submissive to their own husbands, and then refers to Sarah who obeyed Abraham and called him master. A socio-historic interpretation of this exhortation to wives in 1 Peter 3:5-6, using Sarah's submissiveness to Abraham as example of submissiveness, is given. This is done in order to approximate the reception of this tradition in First Peter, and the way the letter’s first hearers/readers’ (specifically the women) understood the author’s exhortation, and to establish what the implications of this exhortation are for the role of women in churches today.
Alternatiewe formulier vir die bevestiging van dienaars van die Woord
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Beukes, M.J. du P. (Mattheus Johannes du Plessis)
This study aims to present an alternative formulary for the investiture of ministers in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. The new formulary reflects the author’s views that were initially outlined in part and verified by a number of church ministers and congregational members of the church. The article argues for the necessity of a rephrasing of existing formularies, given the current postmodern perceptions of the functions of the church over against the style of the current formulary. Current perceptions of the functions of ministers also necessitate an alternative formulary for the investiture of church ministers.
The social class of the Baptist : dissident retainer or peasant millennialist?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Strijdom, Johan (Johannes Matthys)
In this article the Baptist is compared with the upper-class/literate millennialists behind the Psalms of Solomon, the Testament of Moses, the Similitudes of 1 Enoch, and the Qumran scrolls on the one hand, and with the lower-class/illiterate millennialist movements in Josephus on the other hand. The argument is developed in constant dialogue with the analyses of John Dominic Crossan. After an initial statement of historical facts about the Baptist, these are compared with the named groups in terms of each one’s (1) criticism of the social-political and religious status quo, (2) depiction of the imagined mediator through whom God was expected to intervene, (3) portrayal of the violent/non-violent intervention of God and the group respectively, and (4) social ethics. It is concluded that John shows closer resemblance to the literate than illiterate millennialists, and should therefore rather be considered as a dissident retainer.
Rebel soldiers as good Samaritans : New Testament parables in an African context
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2004) Jackson, Glenna S.
This article aims to critique western understanding of New Testament times. Most of the historical reconstructions done in the West are based on what biblical scholars have learned through primary and secondary written sources, occasionally from archaeological findings. The article recounts the author’s experiences at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Students who themselves live in agrarian, technologically undeveloped rural areas, convinced her to return to Africa in order to travel with them and learn for herself how they relate to an economically poor lifestyle of two thousand years ago. As a result, the article argues that the ordinary in Africa should be seen as extraordinary from a western worldview and completes a full circle by being in the context of New Testament times.

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