Verbum et Ecclesia Volume 24 Issue 2 (2003)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/9771

Verbum et Ecclesia is fulltext available on Open Journals Publishing.

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Wetenskaplike onderbou van DieBybel@kinders.co.za
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
One of the latest translations of the Bible in Afrikaans is DieBybel- @kinders.co.za. The target group of this Bible is kids. Since this is a children's Bible, the scientific basis of this project is often overlooked. In this article the translational and semantic principles underlying this Bible are discussed. Valuable experience is being shared with other scholars. It is done in order to equip people who want to undertake similar projects in the future. The need for similar projects in the other official languages of South Africa is also emphasized.
Franciscus van Assisi : sy teologie van barmhartige diens
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Van Aarde, R.B. (Botha)
One of the most remarkable men in church history was Giovanni Bernardone (1182-1226), nicknamed Franciscus of Assisi. After his conversion he took Jesus' instruction to his disciples in Mark 6:8 to hart and made poverty his "bride". The historical background of church and society in the 13th century had a major impact on his theology. He objected against the negative effects of the crusades, economy of prosperity and growing humanism of the time. His bondage to God, mankind and nature later became the major characteristic of the mendicant order of the Franciscans. St. Franciscus' theology of compassionate ministry was also a reaction to the scholasticism with its focus on reason. Scholasticism "believed in order to understand". It was a theology (philosophy) of the intellectuals at the universities in Europe and focussed mainly on the mind/reason. In St. Franciscus' theology the mistic (as a reaction against the scholasticism) and the mediaeval piety flowed into one. This mistical piety focussed on the emotions of man and touched lay people.
Waarom en waartoe van rabbi Akiba se allegoriese verstaan van Hooglied
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Viviers, Hendrik
The allegorical understanding of the Song of Songs by Rabbi Akiba and contemporaries immediately evokes the question why? As Jews they were not ascetics, but they unhesitatingly embrace this "child of ascesis" (Moore 2000:336) to understand the Song. It seems that more than just a spiritual need hides behind this choice, they have a political agenda. A bodycritical appreciation of the early rabbinic body stereotype, the latter which informed their choice, points to a mild dualism where women are associated with the lower body (nature, animal) and men with the upper body (mind). The forward woman of the Song sabotaged the " fibre" of the early Jewish patriarchal society. What better way to silence her (and securing her essential "place") and the Song than through allegory. The threat of the uncontrollable "lower body" now disappears. At the same time their privileged positions as "heads" (Torah specialists) and as "wives of God" (Eilberg-Schwartz 1994:163-196) in the intimate divine:human relationship are safeguarded.
Does Historical Jesus research have a future?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The aim of this article is to reflect on the work of historical Jesus scholars who represent the three facets in the research, referred to as the "New Quest", the "Third Quest", and the "Renewed New Quest". This is followed by a description of a plausible profile of Jesus in order to demonstrate the author's distinctive position. In the concluding section of the article the question is addressed whether the investigation of the historical Jesus is still significant today. The answer ensues from both the debate with scholars and the described Jesus profile. The article ends with the vision that, although the question as to the relationship between the historical Jesus and the faith assertions of Christians will never be adequately and finally answered, the search for Jesus should continue. Both the church and society at large are benefiting from the quest.
A word with the rich (James 5:1-6) - Part II
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Alana, O.E.
This second and concluding part of this essay on "A word with the rich", focuses on the social and historical milieu of the Letter of James with a view to appreciating the cultural context giving rise to the apostrophe handed down on the rich by the author of the letter. The texts containing the apostrophe are examined and the challenges they pose to the rich are explored for recommendation to today's rich.
Oor die inspirasie van die Bybel - 'n perspektief van 'n Ou Testamentikus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Snyman, S.D. (Stephanus Daniel), 1954-; Snyman, Fanie, 1954-
This article is an attempt to engage in a conversation between biblical scholars and their dogmatic colleagues on the issue of the inspiration of the Bible. It is argued that current theories on the inspiration of the Bible can no longer be maintained in the light of our knowledge of the origin and growth of especially the Old Testament. Because of the fact that the Old Testament came into being over a considerable period of time, the idea of inspiration should be broadened to include the whole process of canonization. The idea of inspiration should be broadened even further to include the translation and preaching of the Bible. In the end it is stated that the inspiration of the Bible is something that cannot be captured in a theory, it can only be confessed as part of the faith of believers.
A homiletical reflection on religious tendencies in empirical research among South African youth
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Pieterse, Hendrik J.C. (Hennie)
The results of an empirical research amongst high school learners in Grade 11 show that there is a plurality of images of Jesus amongst them. The homiletical question is: How does one preach an authentic sermon to people with a plurality of understandings on crucial faith issues? The article seeks the answer in authentic preaching that is open for discussion that is directed at responsible renewal of our beliefs.
Teologiekroniek : die "Nuwe Hervorming" en die Ortodoksie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Wethmar, Conrad Johannes
A recent movement which became known as the New Reformation identifies itself, inter alia, by taking a very negative stance towards several aspects of traditional Christian orthodoxy while also finding the idea of orthodoxy as a way of giving expression to Christianity equally unacceptable. This attitude seems to be based on the perception that orthdoxy is legalistic, modernistic, metaphysical and ideological in nature. This article argues that the perception just mentioned renders an inadequate analysis of the phenomenon and substance of orthodoxy by not sufficiently taking into account its doxological character and the fundamental theological consequences thereof.
Paulus se retoriese strategie in Galasiers 3:15-25
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Tolmie, D.F. (D. Francois)
The aim of this article is to demonstrate an approach to the rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to the Galatians that differs from the typical approach followed by researchers, namely the forcing of ancient rhetorical categories on the letter. Instead it is proposed that Paul's rhetorical strategy should be analysed in terms of a grounded theoretical approach. This is demonstrated by a systematic analysis of Paul's basic rhetorical strategy, as well as of all the supportive persuasive techniques in Galatians 3:15-25 (subdivided as Galatians 3:15-18 and 3:19-25).
Psalm 1 as liedteks - 'n literere en teologiese evaluering
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
The publishing of the Liedboek (2001) emphasises the importance of the psalms for liturgy and hymnology. All 150 psalms in the Liedboek were versified by T T Cloete. In this article the structure and form of Psalm 1 is analysed. This leads to a literary and theological evaluation of its versification by Cloete.
Historical review in the Damascus Document
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
This study investigates five historical reviews in the Damascus Document. It analyses the way in which traditional schemas and historical patterns are integrated in the Document. As history reflects the ideology of its narrator, these historical reviews are investigated with regard to the ideology of the Damascus movement indicated in them. The ideology is described in terms of the self reflection of the group, its idea of a chosen remnant and the role of obedience to the laws of God in their life.
The authority of Scripture and the "incomprehensibilitas" of God
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Van de Beek, A.; Beek, Abraham van de, 1946-
In this article the author provides a new perspective on the Reformed notion of the authority of Scripture. Following the lead of the Belgic Confession he indicates that this authority does not imply that the Bible should be regarded as a collection of fixed truths but that it communicates the Truth as a relationship to Christ to those who experience the presence of God through reading the Bible in communion with believers throughout the ages. Because the Bible is the living Word of God and the living God himself meets us in it, the Scriptures are pre-eminently – more so than nature – the medium through which we know God in his unfathomable liberty.
Some observations about the "Vorlage" of Ps 8:5-7 in Heb 2:6-8
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Steyn, Gert Jacobus
The following observations relate only to one of the approximately 30 explicit quotations to be found in Hebrews and is part of a broader project on the nature of the Vorlage of these quotations. The focus in this investigation is more of a text critical than a hermeneutical nature. It is rather on establishing the origin and text form of the text used by the unknown author of Hebrews than on the interpretation of the quotation itself within the broader context. Regarding the origin of the quotation from Ps 8:5-7 in Heb 2:6-8, it is clear from the investigation that the author of Hebrews probably knew the quotation already via the tradition, but that he quoted a longer section and that some conscious changes were made during the process of his application and re-interpretation of the quotation in its new context. The link with Ps 110(109):1 was already made prior to Hebrews. The author did not share a testimony book with Paul for this combination, but knew the combination either via Paul or independently from Paul via the tradition. Regarding the text form of the quotation, it becomes clear that it closely resembles the reading of our reconstructed LXX.
Aristotle's philosophical influence on Western civilization, history and theology placed women in inferior positions
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Masango, Maake J.S.
This paper examines the influence of Aristotle on western civilization, and it explores how this line of thinking influenced religion from the point of view of its subordination of women. Then I examine how women were excluded from historical accounts and by this omission, were treated generally and regarded as inferior beings. Next I analyze the critical feminist reaction to this male patriarchal authorship, and then examined the research methods that patriarchal writers used with patriarchal reference to the "traditional model" (i e, male as a norm in society). I will finally examine certain oppressive scriptural passages, which oppress women and help men to regard them as property. The above concept helped feminist to research a new methodology of liberation, not only to liberate women but men as well.
Psalms and liturgy : their reception and contextualisation
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Braulik, Georg
In the interpretation of texts in modern Old Testament studies, a double change in perspective, which has important consequences for the liturgical use of the Psalms, is currently taking place. In the first reorientation, the movement is "from the hypothetically reconstructed 'original' text to the text written down in bookform and then to the canonical text"; in the second, the attention moves "from the text to the recipient". On the one hand, the whole Psalter and its connections with the totality of Holy Scripture are thus increasingly becoming the focus of attention. On the other hand, reception aesthetical, reader-oriented exegesis is overcoming the cleft caused by a purely historical view, in favour of a situational perspective. The article delineates this change and applies especially the first approach to the Psalms. The Psalter then appears neither as a mere lectionary nor primarily as a prayer text, but as a text for meditation. Its technique of the juxtaposition of certain Psalms (iuxtapositio) and of the chainage or concatenation of keywords (concatenatio) opens up new and diverse dimensions of meaning. This is illustrated according to Psalm 103. Its connections to its immediate context are first explained, upon which a few lines of canonical intertextuality within the whole Bible are traced. We are thus lead to recognise a certain multi-perspectivity, reaching from the Sinai pericope to the Lord's prayer.
The ethos of the Book of Revelation
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Du Rand, J.A.; Song, Young Mog
Recently, scholars consensus concerning the biblical hermeneutics seems to have become a holistic and integrated perception. Therefore, for the sake of probing the well-balanced and controlled ethos of Revelation, the argument here is that several pertinent methods should be used in an interactive fashion and with a view to achieving the desired result. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the ethos of the Book of Revelation based on integrated interpretation of the literary, the historical, and the theological. The ethos of Revelation distinguished through this study is that of the eschatological coming of the Kingdom of God which can be accomplished by identifying Christians identity (as kings, prophets and priests) with Christ. The Christ event is the ground of the eschatological hope for John's audiences who live in the New Covenant.
Back to the future
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Duncan, Graham A.
The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa was formed on 26th September 1999 as the result of the union of the black Reformed Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa and the white-dominated Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. Various unsuccessful attempts had been made since the latter part of the nineteenth century to effect union. In the spirit of national euphoria which surrounded the first democratic elections in South Africa in1994, the Reformed Presbyterian Church initiated union discussions with the Presbyterian Church. The subsequent union was based on what are now considered to be inadequate preparations and many unresolved problems have emerged to test the witness of the new denomination, not the least of which is racism. At its 2002 General Assembly, as the result of what appeared to be a financial crisis, the Uniting Presbyterian Church appointed a Special Committee on Reformation was established to investigate the problems in the denomination and to bring proposals for dealing with these issues.
The rhetorics of finding a new identity in a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society : the case of the book of Chronicles
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Jonker, Louis C.
Scholars generally agree that the Books of Chronicles are the products of certain Israelite (Levitical) groups in the Persian province of Jehud who struggled with the dissonance between their older historical and theological traditions on the one hand, and their present reality on the other hand. Within the totally different conditions under Persian rule (a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society) they had to find a new identity. The primary focus of this article is to examine the rhetorics of the intense struggle for a new identity presented to the reader in the Books of Chronicles. It is argued that this new identity represented a shift from a historically-defined identity that lasted from the monarchical period to the early postexilic phase, to a cultic identity during the Persian era. The article also endeavours to relate the identity forming discourse of these biblical books to the present processes in post-apartheid South African society. The question is asked whether a similar shift can be observed in this modern situation.
Morele verantwoordelikheid van internetdiensverskaffers : 'n Christelik etiese perspektief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2003) Britz, Johannes J.; De Villiers, D.E. (Dawid Etienne)
The article deals with the moral responsibility of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) concerning the distribution of information in the virtual world, seen from the perspective of Christian Ethics. A number of case studies are discussed to illustrate some of the typical problems of responsibility experienced in this regard and the inadequacy of international legislation regulating internet services is pointed out. To adequately deal with specifically the moral responsibility of ISPs contemporary shifts in the concept of responsibility as a result of the process of modernisation are discussed. It is argued that the moral responsibility of ISPs is at least equivalent to that of other distributors of information. Nonetheless the moral responsibility ascribed to ISPs on the basis of liberal values would be different from that ascribed on the basis of Christian values. Liberals would tend to underplay the moral responsibility of ISPs to control the flow of information on the internet, while Christians would tend to emphasise their prospective responsibility to bar harmful information from the internet. However, in contemporary liberal democracies only ISPs serving Christians can be expected to exercise the moral responsibility that is regarded as ideal from a Christian perspective. From all ISPs the exercise of an optimal moral responsibility can nonetheless be expected.

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