HTS Volume 63, Number 1 (2007)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11010

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A study of Luke 10 in context
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Busse, Ulrich, 1943-
Chapter 10 in the center of Luke's Gospel serves as a good example by which the author's compositorial work directed at the reader can be illustrated. At the end of the sermon on the plain, Luke formulates his theological-practical maxim (6:46f): to hear and to do the Word of God. This is again illustrated in chapter 10 especially in the parable of the Good Samaritan and in the episode of Mary and Martha, in which instances reference is made to Stoic philosophy and ethics in a special way.
"Kenotiese" prediking - die katalisator vir liturgiese verdieping in die huidige konteks?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
“Kenotic” preaching – a catalyst for liturgical revival within the present context In this article the urge towards a new liturgical approach is investigated from a systemic perspective. The interactive dynamics of the different liturgical elements cannot change if the dominant influence of preaching on liturgy as a whole is not taken into consideration. Within the framework of the theological tradition of the Reformation, preaching is considered as the liturgical core. In order to achieve maximum participation of the congregation, liturgical movements usually focus on the renewal of liturgical elements within worshipping, neglecting the decisive role of preaching. This research investigates the “kenotic” rhetorical approach of D J Lose (Confessing Jesus Christ: Preaching in a postmodern world) as a possible catalyst for liturgical revival.
The work of Daphne Hampson : the God talk of one feminist theologian
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007) Jacobs, Maretha M.
For almost all of human history both in ancient times and in modern contexts, talk about God has been mainly a male preserve. So closely has male God talk been associated by many with God’s own voice, that it is still not commonly realized and acknowledged. With the rise of feminism, especially during recent decades, it has changed. In this article the work of Daphne Hampson, a British feminist theologian, is considered. Her definition and critique of Christianity, her view of the relation between the present and our Christian past, specifically with regard to God talk, her dealing with prominent aspects of the Christian belief system and her emphasis on taking seriously all available knowledge and our contemporary context in doing theology. In line with some current trends in God talk, such as a movement away from anthropomorphism, and in dialogue with Friedrich Schleiermacher, she formulates what she calls a “future theism”.
Exploring issues around Biblical, Western and African social values
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007) Botha, J. Eugene
This article explores the differences and similarities between the social value systems of the New Testament, the West and Africa. While it is acknowledged that the categories “The New Testament”, the “West” and “Africa”, are very broad general categories, it is possible to distinguish between them at a certain level of abstraction. It is shown that Biblical social values and traditional African social values are much closer to each other than they are to Western social values. This has enormous implications for the practising of theology and for the interpreting and use of Biblical texts.
Todorov, Levinas and anti-totalitarian humanism : a perspective on contemporary utopian thought
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007) Terreblanche, Salomon Johannes
This article explores the significance of anti-totalitarian humanism for contemporary moral and social philosophy, with special reference to the thinking of Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995). Special use is made of Tzvetan Todorov’s (1939) work “Hope and memory” to clarify the framework within which anti-totalitarian humanism takes shape, and also to shed light on the relation, similarities and disagreements between the totalitarian utopianism that characterized twentieth century fascist regimes, and other versions and residues of the utopian tradition, such as we encounter in Levinas and the early generation of Neo-Marxist philosophers. Levinas’ attempt in his early works to develop a humanism that is founded in both everyday material existence and interpersonal relationships is then examined in closer detail. Interpretations of the utopian significance of his phenomenological notions such as death, time and sociality, Messianic hope, despair and moral repair are offered. It is emphasized that Levinas’ early notion of innerworldly bliss constitutes a utopian core in his thought that is to be separate from the notion of innerworldly bliss that characterizes totalitarian utopianism, and also undermines the philosophical foundations of totalitarian utopianism.
On social justice : comparing Paul with Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007) Strijdom, Johan (Johannes Matthys)
In “In search of Paul” (2004) Crossan and Reed argue that Paul’s vision and program were essentially in continuity with Jesus’: both opposed, be it in Galilean villages or Roman cities, an unjust imperial system by means of an alternative project of egalitarian, distributive justice. Although Crossan elsewhere demonstrates the deep roots of this concern in the Jewish tradition, he tends to downplay the importance of Greek contributions in this regard. The purpose of this essay will be to offer, in constant dialogue with Crossan (and Reed), a more refined comparison of social justice in Paul on the one hand and Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics on the other. If Paul tried to establish egalitarian and sharing Christian communities under the Roman empire, how do this vision and program compare and contrast with Plato's hierarchical but communal concept of justice, Aristotle’s distributive notion according to merit, and most importantly the Stoics’ argument of “oikeiosis” (i.e., other-concern by concentrical familiarization with the other)?
The expression logikovn ajvdolon gavla as the key to 1 Peter 2:1-3
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Du Toit, Marietjie
This article argues that the author of 1 Peter uses the expression logikovn ajvdolon gavla not as a reference to the word of God as is suggested by many modern scholars (Achtemeier; Boring), but rather to the whole doctrine of Christ resulting in a new way of life (Jobes). The article consists of an overview of First Peter, its authorship and audience and the characteristics of the letter. It discusses the texts of both 1 Peter 2:1-3 and its influence by LXX Psalm 33.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 : the Thessalonians should live a holy life
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretori, 2007-03) Verhoef, Eduard
The author argues that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 should be considered as one coherent pericope. It shows that the term "holiest" does not refer to the god "Kabeiros", neither that the Greek word "skeuos" means either "spouse" or referring to the male sexual organ. It rather means "body". The article aims to argue that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 is a passage in which Paul urges the Thessalonians to be always pure in body and mind. Thus explained, the pericope fits in with the preceding text about the Thessalonians' holiness at the parousia (3:13) and it prepares for the next paragraph in which the parousia of the Lord with the holy people (3:13) is discussed more thoroughly (1 Th 4:13-5:11).
Huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wêreld (II) : huwelik, egbreuk, egskeiding en hertrou
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Van Eck, Ernest
This article is the second in a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage as Biblical institution. The first-century Mediterranean world had a very specific understanding of what marriage, betrothal, adultery, divorce and remarriage entailed. A description thereof is given. The question whether this understanding of these concepts can still be applicable in our understanding of marriage as a postmodern institution, is posed. Although the question is answered in the negative, it does not, however, mean that the Bible does not have anything to offer as far as marriage in a postmodern society is concerned.
Matthew's Messianic Shepherd-king : in search of "the lost sheep of the house of Israel"
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Willitts, Joel
The article intends to grasp the meaning of the phrase "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" in the Matthean logia of 10:5b-6 (and 15:24). It shows that in recent Matthean research the phrase has become an abstract salvation-historical category disconnected from narrative and historical particularity. However, generally seen, scholars have neglected a thorough treatment of the phrase within both Matthew's own presentation of the story of Jesus and a first century Jewish eschatological context. In this article the context of the phrase is investigated at several levels. It argues that it should be read against the backdrop of the political-national framework of the Messianic Shepherd-King expectation with its attending expectations for territorial restoration.
Psychological method and the historical Jesus : the contribution of psychobiography
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Van Os, Bas
This article reviews a number of psychologically informed studies of Jesus in view of the criteria pertaining to psychobiography. It argues that the studies have produced divergent interpretations of Jesus because of a lack of data and the nature of the sources. This is especially true of these studies as they used psychological approaches based on childhood experiences. The framework for psychobiography also allows for the use of other methods that are more concerned with religious adults in coping situations. These may be applied to explore theories about the psychological development of the adult Jesus. The article shows also that the use of the New Testament sources also implies assumptions with regard to the nature of these sources and the people who had produced those sources.
The Gospel of Matthew, John the elder and the Papias tradition : a response to R H Gundry
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Sim, David C.
As far as the origin of the Gospel of Matthew is concerned, most modern scholars tend to discount the testimony of Papias. The major exception in this regard is R H Gundry, who argues that the tradition transmitted by Papias was delivered to him by John the disciple of Jesus. For Gundry the apostolic source of this tradition thereby guarantees its reliability, in which case we can be confident that Matthew, the disciple of Jesus, was the author of the Gospel that bears his name. Gundry's arguments are, however, not altogether convincing. It will be shown that not only is his reading of the Papian tradition questionable, but also that he overstates the reliability of Papias' source.
Religion and covenantal praxis in first century Judeanism
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Cromhout, Markus
This article indicates how the two cultural features of religion and covenantal praxis helped foster or shape Judean ethnic identity in the first century CE. It focuses on socialization into the three social domains of the Temple, the synagogue and the home. In these domains, Judean ethnic identity was dominated by the requirements of the Torah. At the same time the presence of Romans, the Herodians and the Gentiles within the ancestral land helped shape Judean identity as well.
The demise of Joshua according to Josephus
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Begg, Christopher T.
This article focuses on Josephus' account of the end of Joshua in his Ant. 5.115-119. It offers a detailed comparison between that account and its biblical source (Jos 23-24) on the one hand, and two other postbiblical narrations of Joshua's demise, that is those of Pseudo-Philo in Liber Antiquitatum Biblicarum 23-24 and the "Samaritan Chronicle No. II," on the other. As compared with Joshua 23-24, Josephus' version appears highly abbreviated, leaving aside, for example, the whole of Joshua 23 as well as 24:16- 28, 31-32, even while also introducing various new elements. Josephus shares his non-reproduction of Joshua 23 and 24:31-32 with Pseudo-Philo and the Chronicle, for example, but deviates from these other witnesses in his downplaying of the role / activities of the dying Joshua.
Glaube in der multireligiösen gesellschaft : zur bildungskompetenz evangelischen glaubensverständnisses
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Danz, Christian
The article argues that when different religions and cultures live together in modern societies, it will result in a great deal of conflict. It is also true of Systematic Theology driven by confessions if contact among the religious worlds of modern people is not to be lost or proof of the theoretical religious competence thereof is not to be compromised. This article discusses various theological models to include the reality of the pluralism of societies and attempts to take the existing discussions of the theology of religion further by promoting a certain model that possesses the basic grounds of Reformed Christianity. The thesis of the article reveals that with an evangelical understanding of religion, a certain encounter among religious and cultural differences can be reflected. An obvious religious understanding should not only be in mind, but also the establishment of sensible communication within religious and cultural pluralities.
Huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wêreld (I) : vroue in 'n man se wêreld
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Van Eck, Ernest; ernest.vaneck@up.ac.za
Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (I) : females in a male world This article is the first of a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage. Attention is given to four aspects of the cultural world of the Bible that are relevant for an understanding of the institution of marriage as presented in Biblical texts: marriage as embedded in the social institution of the family (kinship), the role of honor and shame, dyadic personality and the different marriage strategies that can be discerned throughout Biblical times. The article concludes with a few remarks on the effects the above "cultural scripts" had on the understanding of marriage as an institution and the position of women in marriage.
Inleiding tot die sosiaal-wetenskaplike kritiese eksegese van Nuwe-Testamentiese tekste: die metodologiese aanloop in die navorsingsgeskiedenis
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.); andries.vanaarde@up.ac.za
Introducing the social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts : methodological initiators in the research history The article is the first of a series of three that aim to introduce social scientific exegesis of New Testament texts. Aspects of the social background of these writings are analyzed in light of the perspectives which underlie the dynamics of first-century Mediterranean social world. The article shows that social-scientific criticism of the New Testament represents an exegetical approach by means of which the rhetoric of texts is interpreted in light of their cultural environment and the social interaction that determines this context and semeiotic codes. The first article focuses on the initiators in the field of historical-critical exegesis who paved the way to social scientific criticism and explain key facets of the "new" exegetical approach. The second article explains some models and methods of social-scientific criticism. The third article discusses some advantages of social scientific criticism and poses a critique of the approach by reflecting on the positivism that could underlie the epistemology behind some interpretation models used in social scientific criticism. It concludes with an emphasis on cultural criticism as a hermeneutical challenge.
Hegemony and the internalisation of homophobia caused by heteronormativity
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2007-03) Dreyer, Yolanda; yolanda.dreyer@up.ac.za
The aim of the article is to focus on hegemony as it relates to the issue of sexuality and the trauma imposed on sexual minorities. A point of departure is that social identity theories can shed light on homophobia. The article argues that an empathic approach to those traumatised by internalised homophobia calls for a gay-friendly psychotherapy / analysis. The article reflects particularly on how heteronormativity maintains homophobia. It also illustrates the relationship between homophobia and social scientific insights regarding personality types and gender. The concepts homophobia and the internalisation of homophobia are discussed by focusing on aspects such as personality types and violence. The article finds that blind submission to heteronormativity, an outdated social construct, traumatises those who do not conform to the hetero norm, in two ways: hegemony is one consequence, and internalised homophobia is another.

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