HTS Volume 59, Number 3 (2003)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11837

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War narratives in the book of Chronicles : a new proposal in respect of their function
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Beentjes, P.C. (Pancratius Cornelis)
Research has shown that the majority of the narratives on war in the book of Chronicles have been created by the Chronicler himself. This article offers a fresh proposal that war narratives in the book of Chronicles are to be read and explained as a reflection of the factual military impotence of Yehud during the Persian period. This military weakness has been transformed into a theological concept in which it is God who wages war in favour of the people seeking God. The outcome of these divine actions depends on the people of Judah’s attitude, whether they “seek the Lord” or “abandon the Lord”. Therefore, these war narratives should not be traced back to the concept of holy war.
Intertekstuele aanduidings van die wêreld van die boek Jubileë
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
An intertextual analysis of sections containing trends of retributive justice in Jubilees 14:1-28, 24:14-17, 30:1-25 and texts including apocalyptic trends in 1:7-29, 23:11-32, gives some indication of the time and world in which the author lived. The article argues that the author reconceptualized ideas of retribution in a unique apocalyptic system. The revealed truth was given in an historical revelation to Moses and is aimed at the collective entity of the people of God who are to stay pure for God. They are to abstain from marriages with members of other nations and keep the law and the religious festivals according to the heptadictical calendar. The author belonged to a tradition running parallel to the Danielic and Enochic stream. He was neither an apocalyptic nor an official priest, but was very much influenced by both groups.
Deuteronomy between Pentateuch and the Deuteronomistic history
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Van Seters, John
The problem of how Deuteronomy relates to the Pentateuch and to the book of Joshua came to the fore with Noth’s thesis of a Deuteronomistic History, which was in conflict with the earlier support for a Hexateuch in the Documentary Hypothesis. With the current decline of the Documentary Hypothesis, one approach is to give greater emphasis to Pentateuchal and Hexateuchal redactors, often in place of the J and P sources, which either use Deuteronomy to conclude the The problem of how Deuteronomy relates to the Pentateuch and to the book of Joshua came to the fore with Noth’s thesis of a Deuteronomistic History, which was in conflict with the earlier support for a Hexateuch in the Documentary Hypothesis. With the current decline of the Documentary Hypothesis, one approach is to give greater emphasis to Pentateuchal and Hexateuchal redactors, often in place of the J and P sources, which either use Deuteronomy to conclude the Pentateuch or to build a bridge to the Deuteronomistic History. An alternative view, expressed in this paper, rejects the notion of such redactors and sees J and P as later than, and supplementary to, the Deuteronomistic History. To support this view, the article will examine Eckart Otto’s Pentateuchal redactor in Deuteronomy 4, at parallel texts in Numbers and Deuteronomy, and at Pentateuchal and Hexateuchal redactors in Deuteronomy 34 and Joshua 24.or to build a bridge to the Deuteronomistic History. An alternative view, expressed in this paper, rejects the notion of such redactors and sees J and P as later than, and supplementary to, the Deuteronomistic History. To support this view, the article will examine Eckart Otto’s Pentateuchal redactor in Deuteronomy 4, at parallel texts in Numbers and Deuteronomy, and at Pentateuchal and Hexateuchal redactors in Deuteronomy 34 and Joshua 24.
Bybel : teks en ondermyning
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Nel, Philip J.
This article explores both the subversive dimension of the biblical text, in particular the Old Testament, as the ramifications thereof for the concept of a religious text. It argues that interpretation has been historically and fundamentally part and parcel of the genesis and reception history of the biblical text. The texts of Job and Jonah have been chosen for their explicit subversive strategies. The article shows that if the biblical text exploits strategies of subversion, it also contravenes the traditional opinion subscribing to a referential meaning of texts. A subversive text cannot simultaneously deny and confirm a constant (fixed) and an immutable reality. The article argues that biblical scholars should reconsider other perceptions of the religious text to avoid the destructive criticism of referential meaning in postmodern studies. One option to be considered is the view of a text as performative communication.
Honour and shame as key concepts in Chrysostom’s exegesis of the Gospel of John
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
Recently, studies have illustrated that honour and shame were core values in the Mediterranean world in general and in the Bible too. These studies usually resort to classical sources to support the claims being made. Modern scholars, who take the historical-critical approach seriously, have come to realize the importance of reading the Bible according to its appropriate cultural context, which of necessity includes an appreciation of honour and shame as social core values. However, the article shows that patristic sources have been neglected by many scholars who study the social values of the ancient world. This article illustrates the importance of these values for patristic authors. John Chrysostom’s homilies on the Gospel of John are used as an example to prove how he employed values such as honour and shame as exegetical keys to unlock the meaning of John’s gospel.
“Son of man” and exegetical myths
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Loba-Mkole, Jean-Claude
This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars “a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical scholarship.” This view is substantiated in two ways: the first deals with an exegesis of the expression "son of man", while the second highlights some exegetical myths about "son of man". The first part includes sections on the linguistic origin of "son of man", "son of man" in the history of religions, and "son of man" as a historical figure according to Mark and Q. The second part comprises the sections dealing with the understanding of myth, and the myth of the "son of man" as a messianic title adopted by Jesus and by the early Church.
The Psalter in the Canon
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Jeppesen, Knud
The Psalter, read as a coherent book instead of being read as 150 independent poems, reveals some patterns and a continuum of ideas, which might not express the editors’ original intention, but support the readers’ understanding of this canonical book. The article suggests that, even if the majority of texts are laments, the Psalter is a book of praise, underlined for instance by the endings of the Psalter’s five books. The five books relate the Psalter to the Pentateuch, and a form of competition between David and Moses is found (see esp Book 4), of which David was the winner. This is one of the reasons why the Christians were able to read the Psalter as a Christian book.
Enemies of Israel : Ruth and the Canaanite Woman
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) ; Jackson, Glenna S.
This article elaborates on the author’s monograph “Have mercy on me”: The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.21-28 (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002). According to the monograph, Matthew uses the Psalms, the story of Ruth and rabbinic tradition to turn Mark’s story of the Syrophoenician woman (7:24-30) into a conversion formula for entrance into the Jewish community. This article employs an intertextuality approach to enhance the theory of proselytism in Matthew’s gospel. The Canaanite woman passes three-time rejection, one-time acceptance test that the first-century rabbis delineated from the story of Ruth for converting to Judaism.
Conflict as context for defining identity : a study of apostleship in the Galatian and Corinthian letters
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Taylor, N.H.
This article examines ways in which Paul defined the notion of apostleship in the course of conflict with rival authority claimants in the early Church. In Galatians Paul defines and asserts his apostolic self-identity in order to regain the oversight of the Galatian churches which he had previously exercised as an apostle of the church of Antioch. In 2 Corinthians Paul asserts his authority as church founder against rivals who recognise no territorial jurisdiction. No common agenda, theological position, or conception of apostleship can be identified. Rather, rival authority claimants based their legitimacy on different criteria in different situations.
Who are the “servants” (Psalm 69:36c-37b)? A contribution to the history of the literature of the Old Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Groenewald, Alphonso, 1969-
Psalm 69:37a refers to the "servants" in the composite "the offspring of his servants". This composite takes up a concept which already appeared as a self-indication of the supplicant of this Psalm, namely in its singular form "servant" (69:18a). The article aims to identify these "servants" (69:37a) who articulated themselves in the voice of the other "person" in Psalm 69. It is postulated that the connections which exist between the servants in Isaiah and the servants in the Psalter are far too distinct to simply regard them as a mere matter of coincidence. The article focuses on the book of Isaiah, as conclusions drawn from Isaiah can shed light on the identity of the "servants" in Psalm 69. Secondly, the focus shifts to the term "servants" in the Psalter, and specifically in book I and II. It shows that the term "servants" not only denotes the pious, but indicates a special group of people who played an active role in shaping the literary heritage of ancient Israel in post-exilic times.
Erschließung der Erfahrung von Frauen und die Entdeckung neuer theologischer Kategegorien
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Klein, Stephanie
One of the most central issues in a feminist practical theology is that of the experience of women. This issue raises the questions of how this experience can be accessed and in what manner ways or methods can be found by means of which women’s experience can be adequately articulated. Without such articulation, reflection on women’s experience would not be possible. This article indicates the theological meaning of an adequate recollection and articulation of women’s experiences. It discusses the work of the North-American theologian, Nelle Morton whose method of hearing to speech has opened up a safe space for women in which to recall and recount their experiences. The article concludes that hearing to speech as a method for unlocking women’s experience can be useful to the feminist theological discussion. It also indicates how reflection on the specific experiences of women can contribute to theological insight and theories. Another version of this article was published in Meyer-Wilmes, H, Troch, L & Bons-Storm, R (eds) 1998, Feminist perspectives in Pastoral Theology, 47-71. Mainz: Grünewald, Leuven: Peeters (Yearbook of the European Society of Women in Theological Research 6.)
Beyond psychology : spirituality in Henri Nouwen’s pastoral care
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Dreyer, Yolanda
This article aims to explain Henri Nouwen’s reflection on the relationship between psychology and practical theology and especially on the commensurability/incommensurability of psychological techniques and spirituality, both of which are relevant to pastoral care. It demonstrates Nouwen's understanding of pastoral care, what the underlying epistemology is and how spirituality is the focal point of his model. In this context he discusses aspects such as pain, anger, greed, grief and solitude. In the discussion his knowledge and use of psychological perspectives become apparent. He sees the suffering person as a spiritual being, someone who lives in the presence of God. Therefore he finds it imperative to move beyond psychology. Spirituality is about the way in which someone experiences God’s presence. To explain and enhance spirituality, Nouwen proposes a theory for pastoral care which aims at healing, sustaining and guiding the suffering person. To elucidate the underlying epistemology of Nouwen’s model and to understand his critical stance with regard to psychology, the article follows the pattern of the focal points “healing”, “sustaining” and “guiding”.
Schrift, het dogma en de dogmatiek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Muis, Jan
In this article it is argued that in actual systematic reflection on the Christian faith we cannot a priori assume that the dogma has the same content as Scripture, because it is strongly determined by its cultural-philosophical, its theological and its ecclesiastical-political contexts. Secondly, it is argued that the dogma is not a rule of faith or a hermeneutical rule for the interpretation of Scripture, but a grammatical rule for the use of the vocabulary of faith. Thirdly, Lindbeck’s concept of truth is discussed. Lindbeck rightly maintains a notion of ontological truth as correspondence, but wrongly reduces this correspondence to correspondence between the life of the believer and God and unnecessarily restricts ontological truth to the first order propositions of faith. Doctrinal propositions can claim ontological truth too (though they don’t need to do so). This criticism, however, does not affect Lindbeck’s clarifying analysis of the rule-character of doctrinal propositions.
History and religious experience in biblical research
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) De Villiers, P.G.R. (Pieter Gideon Retief)
This essay firstly investigates the role of history and religious experience in the research of biblical texts generally and on the Book of Revelation in particular. It delineates limitations of some established historical interpretations and new developments in historical work on the Bible. The second part illustrates these trends by comparing earlier historical readings of Revelation with recent work in which the experiential plays a decisive role. The article argues that where historical scholarship distorts, neglects or excludes the religious dimensions of a text, it fails to understand the true nature of the biblical text and interpretation is skew.
Virgin mother or bastard child?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Crossan, John Dominic
Virginal conception presumes divine intervention, but divine intervention does not necessarily presume virginal conception. In the case of Mary, two phenomena, both unusual in Jewish tradition, are found, namely divine and virginal conception. This article argues that the virginity claim by Christian Jews preceded and generated the accusation by non-Christian Jews. It does so by stating three points. Firstly, that the earliest dated text containing the accusation of Jesus’ bastardy is dependent on the redactional text of Matthew. Secondly, that the general structure of Matthew 1-2 and especially its dyad of Divorce and Remarriage is dependent on the popular traditions about Moses’ conception and birth. Thirdly, that the pre-Matthean tradition of divine and virginal conception is rather a reaction against Roman tradition than coming from Jewish tradition. However, this argument does not take Jesus out of Jewish tradition but, places the Judaism of Jesus’ time firmly within the Roman Empire. It is a Judaism which opposed Rome’s ideological ascendancy and theological eschatology. This article will also be published in A Feminist Companion to (Mariology) or (the Jesus Movement), edited by Amy-Jill Levine, Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press.
Pseudepigraphic Paulines in the New Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Verhoef, Eduard
In order to verify the presence of pseudepigraphic epistles in the New Testament, scholars have often argued that followers of a famous philosopher, such as Pythagoras or Plato, wrote pseudepigraphic documents. This argument presumes that pseudepigraphy was an accepted phenomenon in antiquity and that the writing of epistles under someone else's name was socially not offensive. In this article, this presumption is questioned. The article shows that writers could be banished or put to death if it was the intention of their writings to deceive their audience as far as the identity of the author thereof. As epistles are distinguished from short stories or poems, writings which were written with the intention of deceiving their readers should be set apart from those without such an intention. In view of this distinction the article establishes categories of “Pauline” epistles in the New Testament. The aim is to argue that there are indeed epistles which intended to deceive their readers with regard to “Pauline” authorship. The legitimacy of these epistles would have been rejected on account of their pseudepigraphic nature.
Science, religion and the need for a world-view
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Haikola, Lars
This article maintains that humankind is in need of a world-view and that traditionally, this need was fulfilled by myth and religion. The mechanistic world-view was created as a result of the breakthrough in science in the 17th century. Early Christianity reacted to science by including the new scientific knowledge as part of religious knowledge. This reaction was formulated within Natural Theology and the Design Argument. After Darwin, when the Design Argument became implausible, science and religion were defined as two different realms or jurisdictions. Today, the new physics has created new scientific knowledge which undermines the mechanistic world-view. Despite this fact, a new world-view has not emerged and this can be attributed to the status of science having changed, rather than to a new content in science.
Beyond Schweitzer and the psychiatrists : Jesus as fictive personality
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Capps, D.E. (Donald Eric)
Albert Schweitzer and the psychiatric studies of Jesus that he critiqued in 1913 shared the belief that Jesus identified himself as the coming Messiah. Unlike the psychiatrists, however, Schweitzer did not therefore judge Jesus to have been delusional. This article concurs with Schweitzer on the grounds that “ideas of reference” were a common feature of the religious milieu in which Jesus lived. It introduces the psychoanalytic concept of the “fictive personality” as relevant to Jesus’ identification of himself as the coming Messiah. In contrast to delusional theories, this concept emphasizes the positive uses of such identifications, especially as a means of self-empowerment.
Evocative allusions in Matthew : Matthew 5:5 as a test case
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Brawley, Robert L. (Robert Lawson)
Combining theories of intertextuality and abductive reasoning, this article demonstrates the figurative nature of scriptural allusions in Matthew. Allusions form figurations that open new perspectives for readers inasmuch as the source text and the new text stand in a tensive relationship in which each modifies the other and in which together they evoke meaning beyond the mere sum of the two independent texts. Allusions also form figurations inasmuch as arguments that are analogous to logic. Surprising, original, uncanny correlations between the source text and the new text involve what Charles Peirce called abductive reasoning which also challenges constructs of reality. This article interprets Matthew 5:5 as an allusion to the Abrahamic promise of the inheritance of the land and the blessing of all the families of the earth mediated through Psalm 36 (LXX) and describes the figurative nature of the allusion using Harold Bloom’s revisionary ratios. Another version of the article will also be published in Kim, P & Ringe, S (eds), Literary encounters with the reign of God: Essays in honor of Robert C Tannehill, Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International (Forthcoming).
Plek en funksie van topologie as teologiese belangeruimte in die struktuur van die Matteus-evangelie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Volschenk, G.J. (Gert Jacobus)
This article focuses on the place and function of topology within the structure of Matthew. An overview of the different models on the structure of Matthew shows the dominance of the chiastic model. The author uses the topological-chiastic model to illustrate the significance of the landscape and topology in the Gospel of Matthew. The aim of the article is to emphasize the significance of house, land and topology in Matthew’s Gospel from a theological perspective. The conclusion is that there is a relationship between the chiastic structure of Matthew and the topological movement in the plot of Matthew.

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