HTS Volume 61, Number 3 (2005)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11843

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The African concept of caring for life
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Masango, Maake J.S.
This article analyses the village concept of caring among African people. The old pattern of caring was based on the concept of ubuntu (humanity) which respects people, because they are created in the imago Dei. Then the article compares the western concept of caring, which is based on individualism and people's privacy. Finally, economy, globalisation and this western concept are analysed. The impact of the above concepts affects Africans in urban areas, who are caught up in the two worlds, namely the African and western worlds.
Church and government in Reformed perspective
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim)
The new political dispensation since 1994 requires the Reformed churches in South Africa to redefine their role in society and their relationship with the government. This short journey through history helps us to understand the complexity of the relationship between the Church and the government. This article focuses on the concepts formulated by the Reformers in the 16th century, presenting the view that the revolutionary and radical way in which the Reformed concepts changed society and the government is still relevant to South Africa and opens up meaningful dialogue.
Implications of a technoscientific culture on personhood in Africa and in the West
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Du Toit, Cornel W. (Cornelius Willem), 1953-
This paper endeavours to converge on present-day experiences of self. This is done against the backdrop of the interdependence between person (organism) and environment (physical and cultural). The rich history of development of personhood in the West is discussed with reference to the metaphor of mask for personhood. Cultural epochs are described as phonocentric (in front of the mask), logocentric (behind the mask) and virtuocentric (between non-present masks). The history of modernism led to the experience of the end of personhood in the West. The restoration of personhood (subjectivity) seems possible through the restoration of some form of communitarianism. This brings Africa in focus. In an enigmatic way Africa knows science and utilises technology, but simultaneously relativises it in favour of traditional customs which the Western mind may judge to be mythological and primitive. African personhood is discussed with reference to African science in the format of Indigenous knowledge systems, to African community life as ubuntu, and to the place of seriti in African metaphysics.
Ex Africa semper aliquid novi?
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Duncan, Graham A.
Elizabeth Isichei follows in a grand tradition of single-author one-volume histories of Christianity in Africa. It is written in the current ecumenical tradition from “an African perspective” and follows the canons of the “new historiography”. In terms of periodisation and regional divisions, she follows generally accepted categories with some local variations. What is distinctive and innovative is the selectivity of some of the themes she chooses to discuss. In the absence of similar works emanating from black historians, she expresses her concern about being a “white” interpreter and interlocutor. Nevertheless, she offers a history of considerable distinction.
Preaching and culture
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
Before the new political dispensation in South Africa (1994), the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) referred to the church as a “peoples church” (volkskerk). Owing to political changes the qualification “volkskerk” has created a certain degree of disturbance in the ranks of the church. The relationship between “church and culture” became a topical issue. Since 1994 the focus of the homiletical debate shifted to the question of the role of the church within a changing environment and again the answer to the question of “church and culture” was of utmost importance. Nowadays the reality of a multicultural society becomes a new challenge to the church. This article is an attempt to define the relation between culture and preaching from different hermeneutic perspectives, namely the cultural embedding of the biblical kerygma; the interwovenness of language and culture; and the necessity for contextuality in preaching.
The church's responsibility towards the social order : an Old Testament hermeneutic problem
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
There is a widespread conviction among conservative groups in the Afrikaans speaking mainline churches in South Africa that the church has a responsibility towards the structuring of society. This conviction is based on a reading of the Old Testament which can be traced back to Calvin. The article hypothesises that such a hermeneutic cannot be maintained in the aftermath of historical-critical research in Biblical studies.
Church and culture : a religio-theological perspective
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Van der Merwe, P.J.
The ethnic church (“volkskerk”) is central to the ecclesiology and Church Order of the Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk). This article questions notions of culture, ethnicity, ethnic people (“volk”) and ethnic identity as backdrop for answering the question on the responsibility of the church towards cultural and ethnic identity. It is conceded that civil religion remains an insidious threat to the church, as is also civil ideology. Lastly, it is contended that the main responsibility of the church towards culture, ethnic people, ethnic and social identity is one of apostolic prophetic presence and outreach.
The Human Genome Project as a case study in the debate about the relationship between theology and natural science
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Buitendag, Johan
The author presents a review article on the book, Brave new world? Theology, ethics and the human genome, edited by Celia Deane-Drummond and published in 2003 by T&T Clark International in London. After a rather elaborate exposition, he appraises the collection of essays in terms of the dialogue between theology and the natural sciences. As an acid test, he assesses the challenge Kant, however, dealt with, namely to combine and to separate the right things. Kant pushed this to extremes and ended up with both solipsism and dualism. This article tackles the challenge differently and concludes that theology is a posteriori science and that by means of différance, knowledge of the noumenon is indeed possible. The author therefore appreciates the different contributions in the book in this light. Deane-Drummond’s proposal that a virtue ethic should be complemented by certain biblical values is therefore viewed rather sceptically. This remains a transcendental enterprise where epistemology precedes ontology.
An Afro-Christian ministry to people living with HIV/Aids in South Africa
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Manala, Matsobane J.
The HIV/Aids pandemic is cause for great frustration to the developing countries in their attempts to improve the quality of life of their citizens. HIV/Aids in South Africa demands a specific approach to the Christian ministry in which the African world-view is acknowledged. In order for the church to play a relevant and meaningful role in combating the HIV/Aids pandemic, it is necessary that the church should be informed of the existential situation of persons living with HIV/Aids. This information is vital for raising awareness and engendering sensitivity among Christians. In the context of such awareness of and sensitivity to human pain and suffering, the community of the faithful should be moved to heed Christ’s call to show neighbourly love. The possible role of the church in caring for those who are already infected with HIV is defined.
Sexuality and shifting paradigms - setting the scene
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Dreyer, Yolanda
The social environment of the Biblical world can be distinguished in the Eastern Mediterranean (Semitic) and the Western Mediterranean (Greco-Roman) contexts. From a historical chronological perspective these contexts first functioned separately and then later merged because of Hellenisation. In both these Mediterranean contexts sexuality, religion and marriage were intertwined, but the values attributed to them, were different. The Old Testament mostly mirrors the Eastern Mediterranean world, whereas the New Testament represents a syncretism of the values of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean worlds. In order to understand the changes in the values attributed to sexuality, religion and marriage over time – from premodern, to modern, to postmodern times – it is necessary to investigate the social dynamics in the different eras. The aim of the article is to explore the nature of the interconnections and the values attributed to sexuality, religion and marriage in Biblical times.
Theology and psychology - the interdisciplinary work of Fraser Watts
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Smith, Willem Jacobus
In the preface to his book, Theology and Psychology, Fraser Watts, a lecturer in Theology and Natural Science at the University of Cambridge, states that he approaches “… the interface between theology and psychology by looking at each discipline from the perspective of the other. This includes a religious perspective on several current hot topics in psychology, such as evolution, neuroscience, and computer intelligence. I also consider theological topics like divine action, salvation history and eschatology, in each case using the psychological perspective in a different way”. By taking an interdisciplinary approach, Watts aims at proposing a psychology of religious experience. He considers theology to be the rational reflection on the Christian tradition. When exponents of this tradition are in dialogue with exponents of psychology, the focus falls on human nature. Watts admits that a certain lack of competence in one of the two disciplines can be a problem when working in an interdisciplinary way. However, he is willing to take the risk. Watts worked in psychology for 25 years and was also involved with a medical research council, before taking up a position at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge.
The relation between church and world/culture in view of the Pauline "as if not"
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Pelser, G.M.M. (Gerhardus Marthinus Maritz)
In this study, the question is posed whether Paul was of the opinion that, apart from proclaiming the gospel, the church should be involved in cultural matters and even take responsibility for furthering cultural causes. The study focuses on to Paul’s advice to his readers in 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, and especially 7:29-3I. Concerning the latter passage, the possibility of Stoic influence on Paul is weighed and, although such influence is not ruled out altogether, it is argued that Paul’s advice should rather be seen against the background of his expectation of the imminent end of the world, as well as his conviction that the believer’s union with Christ makes any other relationship or involvement a matter of no consequence. The final conclusion of the study is that although Paul did not advocate asceticism or forbid Christians to take part in worldly matters and institutions, he did not expect them to play an active role in these things or to promote culture either. On this basis, it is concluded that Paul may not be used in support of any argument in favour of a cultural involvement or responsibility on the part of the church.
Spirituality and health : a narrative-pastoral approach
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Truter, C.J.; Kotze, D.J.
Health is much more than the absence of illness; it is rather a “high level wellness” and a life with “meaningful life-possibilities”. This article indicates how meaningful life-possibilities and a high level of wellness can be socially constructed within a process of narrative-pastoral therapy for a patient who is chronically ill and therefore cannot be cured. Pastoral care as a spiritual and religious act can play an important role in giving sense and meaning to people’s lives, and can play a preventive role in living with illness. This article furthermore shows how patients’ stories of illness can be centralised by means of narrative therapy and how a pastoral and ethical attitude of love and respect can create a climate conducive to better health and well being. We share how patients’ richer descriptions of their illness can produce a spiritual climate which can contribute to their better health.
Jews and Christians
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
This review article of the collection of essays edited by M Van Campen and G C den Hertog deals with the question of the relationship between Jews and Christians. The publication, Israël, volk, land en staat, by the Centre for Israel Studies in the Netherlands is discussed. This article also summarises and comments on the views in the publication regarding the need for a dialogue between Christians and Jews, the election of Israel, its identity and alienation, the role of history and the meaning of the land and the State of Israel.
Revisiting justice in the first four Beatitudes in Matthew (5:3-6) and the story of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28) : a postcolonial reading
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Rukundwa, L.S. (Lazare Sebitereko); Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Reading the Gospel of Matthew from the perspective of postcolonial theory means taking the context of the Gospel seriously. The political and religious circumstances of Palestine under Roman colonization influenced Matthean redaction. From this perspective, it can be argued that Matthew presents Jesus as a revolutionary leader whose divine mission was to challenge and overthrow the Roman empire and its local collaborators on behalf of the poor, the powerless, the afflicted, the hungry and the outcasts. His mission was to replace existing power structures with the universal, just and powerful kingdom of heaven on earth. The article argues that the story of the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28) falls into this reality. She negotiates justice and righteousness on behalf of her demon-possessed daughter. Seen from the perspective of Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew (5:3-6), her encounter with Jesus helps him discover the wider scope of his healing mission, beyond geopolitical and cultural boundaries.
Cultural criticism as an imperative for Christians
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
In this article cultural criticism is approached from an epistemological perspective, in other words from the viewpoint of a theory of knowledge that includes matters such as the nature of knowledge, its sources, criteria, possibilities, and limits. Seen from this perspective, cultural criticism represents a critical position towards those culturally oriented studies, which advocate a positivist schema in epistemology. A cultural-critical disposition in Christian theology is to question whether meaningful life depends on a Christian’s acceptance and conformity to the so-called “orders of creation” as divine imperatives. Since such compliance was biblically legitimated as God’s will and wisdom, cultural criticism seeks for another theological validation that can create space for an “alternative wisdom” within a postmodern paradigm. The article aims at showing that dialectical thinking paved the way for applying critical theory in the humanities, theology and biblical exegesis. In the article different critical theories in firstcontinental (Euro-centric) philosophy and Christian theology are discussed. It argues that cultural criticism should be seen as an imperative for Christians because they ought to build their lives on the “cultural wisdom” of Jesus of Nazareth, which pertains to a “cultural-critical” position in his time.
The political responsibility of the church : on the necessity and boundaries of the theory of the two kingdoms
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
The voice of the church has fallen silent in the new political dispensation in South Africa. Many people in the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Church) argue that the church should keep its distance from politics. They are of the opinion that they could defend this position with the “Lutheran two-kingdoms theory”. This article shows that the theory of the two kingdoms is not a uniquely Lutheran, but also a Calvinistic interest. It furthermore shows that this theory is not only interested in separating the two kingdoms, but also in bringing these kingdoms in relationship with one another. A plea is made for loyalty to both the Lutheran and Calvinistic traditions. The article also calls for a concentration on the three new challenges in South Africa, namely democracy, pluralism and Africanisation.
The forgotten children of Africa : voicing HIV and Aids orphans' stories of bereavement : a narrative approach
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005-09) Richter, Amanda; Muller, Julian C.; amanda.richter@up.ac.za
This article looks at the bereavement of children left orphaned by the HIV and Aids pandemic that is crippling the continent of Africa. Their bereavement is examined by means of the narrative approach and by integrating this approach with the traditional African art of storytelling. By listening to the stories of three Zulu children, the article gives them the opportunity to express their own unique stories of bereavement: stories that would otherwise have been silenced by the wave of bereavement in the wake of countless deaths worldwide as a result of HIV and Aids infection. It looks at the losses these children have suffered, their greatest fears and how their Zulu culture and customs influence their emotional experience of losing their parents. The article shows how they can - by means of storytelling - reformulate the story of their lives and find the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

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