HTS Volume 56, Number 4 (2000)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/15294

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Is the woman in the Song of Songs really that free?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Viviers, Hendrik; Ndoga, Sampson S.
The Song of Songs has often been treated as a platform for feminist liberationist causes. This study aims to re-examine some feminist ideological readings of the Song of Songs. Although feminist scholars insist that the female "voice" is very conspicuous in the Song, the male voice is also constantly "there" and equally strong. Thus, the Song does not celebrate the supremacy of either gender, but praises mutuality and equality. As analysis of a sample text, 1:2-4, is carried out, using a "newcomer" approach (at least to Old Testament studies), namely sociorhetorical criticism. This approach allows an integrated scientific approach to the reading and rereading of texts from various angles. Ideological questions come into focus, such as: What exactly does an ideology involve or imply? Whose ideological reading is the best reading of the text? Is there such a thing as a best reading of a text? Does the Song of Songs itself prescribe a particular ideological reading? Finally, applications and principles as derived from the exegetical findings are summarised to encourage a wider readership and use for the Song of Songs.
Forgiving is a way of healing : theological approximations
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Muller-Fahrenholz, Geiko
By interpreting a contemporary forgiveness story this article seeks to provide a fresh understanding of the classical penitential theology in "non-religious" terms (D Bonhoeffer). The "exegesis" of the story shows that forgiveness is a process of truthful encounter with the burdens of the past and of mutual liberation both for the perpetrator and for the victim in as much as it enables both sides to move beyond the bondage of past guilt and traumatization. Restitution and compensation are seen as an indispensable element in such a process, with the emphasis being not so much on "repairing" the past than on "preparing" a more just and harmonious way forward.
Rol van die Ou Testament in die ordening van die samelewing by A.A.van Ruler
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Hertzog, Colin; Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
This study considers A A van Ruler's position with regard to theological themes like eschatology, theocracy, torah and volkskerk. It endeavours to grasp Van Ruler's understanding of the Old Testament as the norm for establishing a theocratic social order. The following two conclusions are reached: the context of the Old Testament must be taken into account when interpreting it or when drawing support from it, and the Old Testament should not be used to back up preconceived notions about theocracy and the arrangement of society. The influence Van Ruler exercised on the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk compels this church to reconsider its position with regard to his points of view.
A Sitz for the Gospel of Mark? A critical reaction to Bauckham's theory on the universality of the Gospels
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Eck, Ernest
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the article by Richard Bauckham, in which he challenges the current consensus in New Testament scholarship that the gospels were written for and addressed to specific believing communities. The thesis that Bauckham puts forward is that the gospels were written with the intention of being circulated as widely as possible - it was written for every Christian community of the late first century where the gospels might circulate. First, a Wirkungsgeschichte of Mark's gospel in terms of the possible localities of origin and the possible theological intentions for writing the Gospel, that is, of the results of the current consensus in New Testament scholarship, is given. Bauckham's theory is then put on the table and evaluated.
Twee onversoenbare konstrukte in resente historiese Jesus-navorsing : R W Funk en W Schmithals
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Wyk, D.J.C. (Daniel Johannes Cornelius) (jr)
The article discusses the similarities and differences between the work of Robert Funk and Walter Schmithals with regard to the discontinuity between the pre-Easter Jesus of history and the post-Easter Jesus of faith. The article focuses on the 1994 publication of Schmithals, Theologiegeschichte des Urchristentums, and the 1996 publication of Funic, Honest to Jesus. According to Schmithals, Jesus was embedded in apocalypticism, while his post-Easter followers projected wisdom teaching into his message. According to Funic, the pre-Easter Jesus was a subversive wisdom teacher, while his post-Easter followers interpreted his vision on the Kingdom of God from an apocalyptic perspective. Funk's emphasis criticizes the kerygma as an alienation from Jesus. Schmithals' emphasis is a critical endorsement of the kerygma.
Vrou as beeld van God : vanaf die Reformasie tot die twintigste eeu
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Dreyer, Yolanda
The purpose of this article is to trace how woman has been represented in the history of theology, in the period stretching from the Renaissance to the feminist movement of the twentieth century, as the image of God. The focus is on the views of Luther, Calvin, Schleiermacher, Bonhoefer, Brunner and Barth. As far as the feminist movement is concerned, attention is paid in particular to the views of Daly, Coli and Ruether. The discussion proceeds from the presupposition that, apart from the master narrative (the patriarchal-hierarchical perspective), a counter-narrative (a more egalitarian perspective) is also present in the Bible. These two perspectives form the criterion according to which woman as image of God has been traced in the history of theology. The article has been written with a view to pastoral interaction with women.
Are the "nations" present in Matthew?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Jackson, Glenna S.
Traditionally, Matthew 28:16-20 has been placed in the context of a mandate to Christianize the world. This study attempts to ascertain if the gentile women in the geneology and the Canaanite woman near the center of Matthew's gospel constitute a precedent and a model for the mandate to bring the enemy tubes into the fold of Israel.
Wanneer klop jy jou pyp op jou velskoen uit? Oor stories en kultuurkritiek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Wolff, Ernst
This essay proposes a frame of reference in which the culture critical introspection of a community can be understood. A critical exposition of elements of the philosophies of Jeismann, Kuhn, Gadamer and Lyotard is developed with reference to their value for a narratological perspective. The author proposes a narrative understanding of a community and its members, their documents and the relation between community, members and documents. Two elements in relation to which stoms of any community in South Africa could be read - racism and nationalism - are also examined.
Besinning oor die interpretasie van die geloof wat in die belydenis van die maagdelike verwekking van Jesus geleer word
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The aim of this article is to reflect on the hermeneutical premises related to doctrinal criticism. The dogma of the virginal conception of Jesus as recorded in the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession serves as case study. The article argues that the same historical critical exegetical principles applied to Scripture should guide the interpretation of creeds. Christian doctrine should be seen as a social demarcator, grounded in the foundational narrative of Jesus of Nazareth. This foundational narrative is interpreted by means of doctrinal criticism when doctrine is seen as the interpretation of the experience of belief and as the articulation of truth.
Kerke in Rwanda : skandes en uitdagings - en lesse vir Suid-Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Meiring, Piet (Pieter Gerhard Jacobus), 1941-
The author, one of a team of South Africans invited to Rwanda to advise the newly appointed Unity and Reconciliation Commission, gives an overview of the political developments that led to the bloody genocide (February-April 1994) during which more than a million Rwandans died at the hands of their compatriots. The role that the churches played during the crisis was a disappoiniment to many; the conduct of many of the clergy - who not only condoned what was happening but actively took part in the events ... -is nothing less than shameful in view of the Gospel. If the churches want to regain their integrity, five challenges should be taken seriously: the churches should lead the country in a sincere confession of guilt; the churches should regain their prophetic witness in the country; they should contribute to leadership development and training; the churches should play their part in ministering to the poor and needy, to the traumatized in Rwanda; and, lastly, the churches should act as servants of reconciliation.
Proponentsondertekeningsformule van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
This article presents research on the way the tradition of the Reformed Churches according to which candidate ministers have to sign a formula, found its way into the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church, and on the degree to which this tradition was upheld in the Church. Although the Church recently accepted a totally rewritten Church Order, the existing formula was maintained with only minor and non-essential changes.
Hermeneutiese uitgangspunte in historiese Jesus navorsing : metodologiese vooronderstellings
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Geyser, Piet A.
The focus of this article is the presuppositions concerning the interpretation of the New Testament with reference to historical Jesus studies. Regarding the rhetorics of a text, communication conventions are discussed and applied to the concept "Kingdom of God". The concepts "situation" and "strategy" are investigated. "Situation" refers to the circumstances and aims of a writing. "Strategy" refers to the writer's persuasive techniques to bring the audience to appropriate action. The following social institutions of the audience should be taken into consideration: kinship, economy, politics and religion. Social-scientifIC criticism presupposes that both the social and historical disciplines are necessary for an adequate interpretation of ancient texts and their social contexts. The socio-historical approach investigates the intended meaning of texts, their Wirkungsgeschichte and relevance for the present-day reader.
Gabriel Marcel se lewe en werk as agtergrond van sy nadering tot God, Deel 2
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Wolff, Ernst
Having described Marcel's biography and the character of his thought, Part 2 of this essay continues by expounding the main themes of his philosophy. Firstly the nature and limits of human thought in relation to existence and being are explained. Secondly, closer attention is paid to participation. In the third section elements of Marcel's approach to God are sketched. The essay concludes with some critical comments.
Mark 14:62 : substantial compendium of New Testament christology
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Loba-Mkole, Jean-Claude
The confession in Mark 14:62 seems to be the most ,comprehensive Christological compendium of a very early Christian community. This passage reveals Jesus' identity as the Christ, Son of God and Son of man. It has a performative meaning that operates not only for Jesus' earthly life and death, but also for his resurrection and parousia: "You will see" (Mark 14:62b). Some theologians portray Jesus Christ as Ancestor or African King. The purpose of this study is to show how far the African concepts of "ancestor" and "king" can be relevant and legitimate in the light of the Christology of Mark 14:62.
Historiese agtergrond en ontwikkeling van die Proponentsondertekeningsformule in die Reformatoriese tradisie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
The origin and the development of the tradition in the Reformed churches of binding all candidates for the ministry to the confession of faith as it is expressed in both the ecumenical and reformed confessions, by expecting them to sign a specific formula, and how this tradition was kept up in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church, is researched.
Bultmann se ontmitologiseringsprogram herwaardeer
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Malan, Gert Jacobus
The kerygma of the New Testament is depicted in the mythological language of a bygone mythological world-view. Bultmann suggested that demythologisation is necessary in order to explore the true Existenzverstandniss contained in the mythological concepts. Reaction to his program of demythologising was mostly negative, especially in South Africa. This article focuses on the necessity for demythologisation as well as Bultmann's definition of myth, in order to reevaluate his program of demythologisation. Bultmann's demythologising program is considered as a responsible method for interpreting the texts of the New Testament.
Filosofiese vraagstelling na Anderswees in die kerk
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Beukes, C.J. (Cornelius Johannes)
Employing the critical perspectives of philosophers Theodor Adorno and Michel Foucault, this article explores some consequences of the philosophical problem of Otherness within the social realm of the church. The author focuses on the marginalizing effect that instrumental rationality (described as the preferential discourse of modernity) has on the church as an institution of power, with reference to ecumenicity, interfaith discourse and the socio-subjective disposition of women, children and homosexuals in the life and work of the church.
The institutionalization of Jesus' charismatic authority: "Son of Man" as case study
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Dreyer, Yolanda
This article argues that Jesus used the expression "son of man" not in a titular way, but generically, meaning "humankind". This use of "son of man" developed into a titular usage in which Jesus is identified with "Son of Man". The study shows that Jesus' use of the expression "son of man" should be understood in the context of the "little tradition" which was reinterpreted in terms of the "great tradition" in a titular way. It is argued that this transition from "little tradition" to "great tradition" can be seen as "false attribution". After Jesus' death when his followers reorganized themselves into a cultic community, they gave Jesus the position "founder of the cult". They did this by making use of honorary titles. The use of the title "Son of Man" for Jesus is interpreted in terms of the social theory of the institutionalization of charismatic authority. The focus is on the title "Son of Man" as it appears in legal sayings or church rules, wisdom sayings and prophetic and apocalyptic sayings.
The complete gospel : Jesus and women via the Jesus Seminar
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Jackson, Glenna S.
Playing on the title of the Jesus Seminar's first major publication, The Complete Gospels, this study uses the database of the Jesus Seminar to stitch together the story of Jesus as it appears in the gospel narratives that include women as major characters.

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