HTS Volume 62, Number 2 (2006)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11863

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Transformation in South Africa and the Kingdom of God
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Vorster, Nico
The concept of transformation is currently ill defined and often abused for political and ideological ends. This article attempts to provide a sound value base for the concept of transformation from the perspective of the Kingdom of God and to evaluate the current process from this perspective. The task of Christians is to obey the cosmic reign of Christ by disarming the oppressive powers of this world, and by serving the interests of the poor. In the South African context, this means that Christians must engage in the transformation process in order to establish a more just society. However, Christians can only fulfil their calling if they are spiritually transformed themselves. White Christians must realize that the Apartheid system was unjust and that transformation is necessary because the social and economic inequalities in South Africa are systemic in nature. Black Christians must refrain from abusing the transformation process for personal gain. Christians should participate in the transformation process in a critical manner, knowing that old ideologies can easily be replaced by new ideologies, and knowing that the only true Kingdom of Justice will be established by Godself in the coming dispensation.
The final judgment in African perspectives
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
African churches show little interest in the notion of the final judgment. Various reasons for the lack of interest in this important aspect of biblical faith are discussed. Special attention is given to the problems of time and history as they manifest in African thinking. The idea of punishment as it is perceived in Africa also receives attention. The article looks at the biblical texts on the final judgment from an African perspective. African philosophy and spirituality facilitate a rediscovery of the joyful dimensions of this notion. One of the main arguments is that Africa should not experience insurmountable problems in embracing this aspect of the gospel. On the contrary: Africa can assist the ecumenical world to discover aspects of this message not yet disclosed. The article concludes with a discussion on the fate of the African ancestors.
The principle of Reformed intertextual interpretation
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Song, Young Mog
There has been a growing interest in intertextuality as a hermeneutical category in contemporary current biblical studies. The texture of a particular text is thickened and its meaning extended by its interplay with other texts, especially when the reader recognizes that the repetition of similar phrases and subject matter form part of an integral whole. The concept of intertextuality in this article firstly challenges the traditional approach that assumes that there is one meaning in a text that can be deduced when the author's intention is determined. Secondly, it disagrees with the New Criticism in which only the autonomous text plays the dominant interpretive role. The reader is considered to be merely a passive consumer of the text. Thirdly, it differs from the post-structural/deconstructional way which declares “the death of the author”.
Semiotiese ontleding van Daniël 1
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Nel, Marius Johannes
In this article the method of semiotic analysis is used in interpreting Daniel 1. At first, a short summary is given of the procedure before it is applied in a discussion of Daniel 1. Semiotics allows the researcher to analyze the functions and qualifications in the narrative in order to define pertinent transformations. In the process the role-players and plot are analyzed, leading to presentation of semiotic squares and the way the writer transfers values and convictions. The narrative programs are described, and the themes and characters identified. The important themes are the sovereignty of Israel’s God and responsibility of believers.
The word is life : African theology as biblical and contextual theology
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Van Eck, Ernest
This article reflects on the development of African theology from its beginning up to the end of the twentieth century. A critical assessment of this development and the current state of African theology is given. The future and possible shortcomings of African theology are also discussed. It is argued that for African theology to make a difference in a multi-cultural and multi-contextual Africa, it should consider being contextual and Biblical. For Christians the Word means life, is life, and promises life in its fullness. If African theology purports to be Christian, this should also be one of its premises.
Encountering Jesus in African Christianity : a Ghanaian evangelical / pentecostal thought on faith, experience, and hope in Christ
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Asamoah-Gyadu, J. Kwabena (Johnson Kwabena)
This article constitutes a preliminary attempt at reflecting upon Ghana's journey with a particular tradition within the Christian faith. The author discusses the relevance of Jesus in the contemporary Evangelical / Pentecostal Churches by taking a closer look at how the person of Christ and other elements of evangelical spirituality are appropriated within the indigenous cultural matrix of the country.
At the foot of Mount Olympus : a theory on myth
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Schutte, P.J.W. (Philippus Jacobus Wilhelmus)
A cult normally develops around myths and rituals. In this article myth as phenomenon will be investigated. Different types and categories of myths will be listed, while research done in the past on myths will also be dealt with. Furthermore, the issue of ritual accompanying the myth will be briefly discussed. This article wants to promote the notion that one does not need any particular worldview, be it mythological, orthodox, fundamentalistic, or biblisistic, to use, understand, and appreciate myths. Even in a postmodern world the value of myths can be appreciated.
Pseudepigraphy and the Petrine school : spirit and tradition in 1 and 2 Peter and Jude
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Chatelion Counet, Patrick, 1954-
This article identifies four "patterns of religion" (E P Sanders) in the pseudepigraphic letters of Peter and Jude in order to support the hypothesis of a "Petrine school" (J H Elliott). The first pattern that connects the letters is a Geisttradition (K Aland), guaranteeing continuity of tradition. The second is the interrelationship between faith and ethics (fides quae and fides qua). The combination of sanctification and eschatology is a third pattern connecting the three documents. Finally, two florilegia can be identified (one from the Old Testament and apocrypha, and one from the chokmatic tradition), suggesting a fourth pattern: a warning against ungodliness and infidelity. The existence of a Petrine group could represent a preliminary stage of subsequent Early Catholicism.
Leadership in Africa and in the Old Testament : a transcendental perspective
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Usue, Emmanuel Ordue
This article discusses the challenges of leadership as reflected in the Old Testament and in African contexts. The author notes certain strengths and weaknesses with regard to some of the approaches to leadership both in the Old Testament and Africa. As Alternative the article proposes a transcendental perspective on leadership in response to the African situation.
Reading Matthew 28:16-20 with others : how it deconstructs our Western concept of mission
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Patte, Daniel
Matthew 28:16-20 is readily read as providing a key teaching about "mission." Its teaching about mission - going, making disciples of all the nations, baptizing them, teaching them to obey Jesus' commands - seems simple and clear enough. Yet, this article aims to deconstruct a Western reading of Mt 28:16-20. This is not in order to denounce the legitimacy of such an interpretation. Deconstructing the Western reading is important in order to help us to recognize that there are other equally legitimate and plausible interpretations, and therefore alternate understandings of its teaching about "mission." In response to the cries of those who suffered from imperialist practices of mission, the article argues that we might want to choose one of the other practices of the mission, one characterized by a respect of the "others" and by a commitment to bringing them a news which will be really good for them.
Heteronormatiwiteit, homofobie en homoseksualiteit - 'n roetekaart vir 'n inklusiewe kerk
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Dreyer, Yolanda
The aim of the article is to indicate that heteronormativity has prevailed from pre-modern times to the modern world. The article argues that heteronormativity, embedded in a patriarchal mind-set, is central to the dynamics of belief patterns which determine, among others, gender roles, heterosexual marriage and sexual ethics which manifest in insider-outsider love-hate relationships. Aversion to sexual minorities (those who are not heterosexual) is a consequence. The article explores the following: the interconnection of sexuality, marriage and religion; the connection between homophobia and heteronormativity, and how these influence the sexual ethics of the church. In light of the above, the article focuses on the hatred of gays as a consequence of heteronormativity. It explains how an approach to Scripture which uncritically accepts patriarchy, could lead to the justification of homophobia. The article proposes biblical theological perspectives for a postmodern church which is inclusive and loyal to the spirit of the Christian gospel.
Hermeneutics as cross-cultural encounter : obstacles to understanding
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Rohrbaugh, Richard L., 1936-
It is a curious fact that while most people intuitively understand the potential for misunderstanding in face-to-face cross-cultural conversations, no such difficulty is anticipated when reading cross-culturally. Thus Westerners automatically assume they can read the Bible without taking account of its origins in an ancient Mediterranean culture that was sharply different to anything in the modern West. This article will describe the problem and then explore six major obstacles to cross-cultural communication (written as well as oral) that play a role in Western attempts to read a Mediterranean Bible. While a number of other significant obstacles could be cited, those addressed will suffice to make the point that it is time for Western scholars to acknowledge that the peculiarities of our cognitive style, language and mode of communication create disconnects with biblical texts of which we have simply not been aware.
"Nuwe wyn in nuwe sakke en die behoud van altwee" : 'n herbedinking van die Hervormde Kerk se identiteit aan die begin van die 21e eeu in Suid-Afrika
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Buitendag, Johan
This contribution consists of three sections. The first represents a homiletic speech that served as the inauguration address of the "National Colloquium" of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church in April 2006. The second is a memorandum aimed at describing the church's identity, ethos and relevance in the present-day South African context. This memorandum was initially compiled by the author, sanctioned by the church's executive council and endorsed at the "National Colloquium". The third section represents the Colloquium's final declaration of intent based upon the memorandum.
Genre en plot georiënteerde narratief-kritiese eksegese van Evangeliemateriaal : inleiding tot narratiewe kritiek
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This contribution to methodology and hermeneutics, consisting of two articles, aim to argue for combining historical criticism and narrative criticism. The first article shows how genre orientation can provide hermeneutical cues for determining an appropriate exegetical model and method. The article aims to apply Gérard Genette's narratology as a narrative-critical model for the exegesis of Gospel material. The article focuses on the role plot analysis fulfills in narrative criticism. This discussion is illustrated with examples from the Gospels of Mark, Luke, Matthew and John. The article concludes with a preface to the second article in which aspects such as point of view and focalization, time and space, and characterization will be discussed, also applied to Gospel material.
1 & 2 Kronieke as 'n magsteks
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Geyser, Anna Barbara; Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
This study compares Chronicles with its source documents. It is obvious that the authors of Chronicles omitted certain parts of the source documents on the other hand on the other emphasized certain aspects with a specific purpose. The result is that the Southern kingdom receives a positive evaluation, while the Northern kingdom is described in a negative light. David is presented as the ideal king and in contrast to Exodus is credited as the founder of the religious cult. The cult in Jerusalem is legitimized and proclaimed as the only true religion. In so doing the books of Chronicles without a doubt secured and legitimized the position and actions of the temple personnel. As long as the temple existed it functioned as a discourse of power within this community. As a discourse of power, it set boundaries and excluded different groups that were traditionally part of the people of YHWH. The destruction of the temple though, disempowered this text and opened up the way for it to become part of the Hebrew canon.
Jesus - prophetic emissary of God
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Dannhauser, Estelle Henrietta; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.); Wright, N.T. (Nicholas Thomas)
The present study examines three models of research, all reaching the same conclusion, namely that Jesus was a prophet. The aim is to determine what their point of origin in research was, to determine on what basis they have grounded their research and conclusions, and to draw a comparison between both the routes they have chosen and their destinations at the end of these routes. This study likewise detects similarities between Jesus and the prophets of the Old Testament and considers the possibility that the cadre of classical prophecy may be one that describes the ministry of Jesus, if not fully, then at least to a large extent. Lastly the phenomenon of prophecy is examined to test their conclusions and to try to determine whether any research gaps that may have been left, need to be filled.

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