Verbum et Ecclesia Volume 26 Issue 2 (2005)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/7616

Verbum et Ecclesia is fulltext available on Open Journals Publishing.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 16 of 16

Verbum, Theologia et Ecclesia. Some hermeneutical reflections and methodological considerations towards an integrated interpretation of the Bible
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Weber, Beat, 1955-
This article endeavours to evaluate an integrated understanding and interpretation of the Bible, which simultaneously takes cognisance of the "self-understanding" of the Bible, complies with academic standards, and is helpful to the church in its service to bring the Word of God to the (post)modern world. Therefore a "3-circles-model" has been developed, tested in the classroom and is here presented for discussion and further refinement. In this model the task of biblical exegesis is, in accordance with the three dimensions found in the Bible itself, explained as interpretation of the literary, historical and theological dimensions of the text(s). The three dimensions are hermeneutically and methodologically investigated. Some final considerations are given to the integration of the three dimensions into the whole process of interpreting the Bible.
Verseëling met die Heilige Gees as element in die kerklike kategese : basisteoretiese perspektiewe
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Venter, C.J.H. (Casper Jan Hendrik); Van der Merwe, C.N.
Too often the emphasis in catechetic instruction falls on objective cognitive content. This aspect of instruction should rather be complemented by ascertaining whether young catechumens subjectively internalise God's salvation and grace and make it their own by living out their confessed faith in concrete deeds of faith. The point of departure in catechetic instruction should be that the sealing of the Spirit is primarily an act of God, guaranteeing catechumens that the Spirit's indwelling presence is a guarantee of an ultimate and final inheritance. This promise and guarantee should be repeatedly communicated in catechetic instruction by inter alia highlighting the embedded and related meanings of the concept "sealing". In addition related concepts complementary to "sealing" should be discussed. The process of instruction should also concentrate on explaining these concepts by applying concrete language and images on the cognitive level of children and young adults.
Still "because of the weakness of" some? A descriptive exploration of the Lord's Supper in South Africa, 1948-2002
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Wepener, Cas
This article is a preliminary descriptive exploration of the celebration of the Lord's Supper in selected Reformed churches in South Africa over a period of 54 years. Methodologically, it employs a broad anthropological approach towards liturgy, thereby trying to reconstruct parts of the enacted ritual of the Lord's Supper from its historical debris. By making use of the comparative method, significant differences have been highlighted and interpreted. Throughout the article it becomes apparent how this Christian ritual was used to serve various political agendas, how cult and culture influence(d) one another. Finally, some tendencies have been extracted to be used in developing a criterion for the liturgical inculturation of the Lord's Supper as a ritual of reconciliation within the South African context.
Understanding "sin" in the Johannine epistles
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Van der Merwe, D.J.
The author of the Johannine Epistles has a good deal to say about sin. He abhors sin, seeing it as incompatible with God's character (oJ qeo;" fw`" ejstin, 1:5; [oJ qeo;"] divkaiov" ejstin, 2:29; and oJ qeo;" ajgavph ejstivn, 4:8) and with the status of believers as God's children. In this article attention is given to the following relevant aspects for understanding 'hamartiology' in the Johannine epistles from a 'family perspective': (1) the 'family of God' metaphor is used as the setting in which the author describes his symbolic narrative; (2) a differentiation is made between sin inside and sin outside the family; (3) sin outside the family is also described in terms of reciprocals to emphasize its condemnation; (4) finally, he focuses on the 'forgiveness of sin'. This investigation is done against the socio-religious circumstances of the Johannine community in order to understand the Elder's ethical and doctrinal definitions of sin.
Oudste boodskap via die nuutste massamedium : evaluering van 'n e-pos dagstukkiediens
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Lombaard, Christoffel Johannes Stephanus; Rabe, Marlize E.
This study focuses on daily devotionals from the Old Testament that are sent to subscribers by means of email. A questionnaire was circulated among subscribers to this free service, to ascertain their experience of these devotionals. High levels of satisfaction and a positive orientation were found with regards to both the content and the medium of dissemination. Recommendations for the further expansion of this electronic service are offered.
Symbolic inversion in death : some examples from the Old Testament and the ancient Near Eastern world
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Kruger, Paul Albertus
Symbolic inversion is a widespread cultural phenomenon, the earliest examples of which can be traced back to the cultures of the ancient Near East. Symbolic inversion (mundus inversus) relates to those forms of expressive behaviour which invert commonly accepted social codes. One such area in the ancient Near Eastern and Old Testament world where this phenomenon manifested itself prominently is in the conception of life after death: life after death is often conceived as the direct inverse of what is customary in ordinary life.
The land as a "Leitmotiv" in the book of Amos
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Snyman, S.D. (Stephanus Daniel), 1954-; Snyman, Fanie, 1954-
The hypothesis argued is that the theme of the land serves as a leitmotiv in the book of Amos. The focus of this investigation will be on the occurrence of the words normally used in connection with the land, that is eretz (#rao) and adama (hmra), in the book of Amos. The land is promised and granted (2:9-10; 3:2, 9) to the people to live in and enjoy the produce the land yields but their stay in the land is not unconditional. Unfortunately, only a small part of the population shared in the wealth of the land. People that also ought to have shared in the bounty of the land, were exploited only to make the rich even richer and the poor even poorer. Consequently, the land would turn against the people living in and of it (1:2; 4:4-12; 8:4, 8-9, 11). Ultimately the land would be lost in exile (3:11, 15; 4:1-3; 7:10-17). At the end of the book it is foreseen that the land will once again be restored to the people (9:11-15). In light of the importance of the land in the book and the looming threat of a coming exile due to the conditions in the land, it is suggested that the reference to the earthquake in 1:2 may take on an additional metaphorical meaning. The reference to the earthquake is perhaps a premonition of what may be expected: turmoil and upheaval in the land and even expulsion from the land instead of peace and stability. Mentioning the earthquake right at the beginning may be a subtle reminder that the land is at stake in the prophecies that will follow in the rest of the book.
Word volgelinge van sommige hedendaagse "profete" mislei en van hulle regte ontneem onder die dekmantel van profesie?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Pretorius, Stephanus Petrus
Prophets and their prophecies seem to form an integral part of the spirituality of some believers. A small group of believers in Hertzogville are clinging wholeheartedly to the prediction uttered by their 'prophet', a certain David Francis. According to Francis, God gave him a message on 1 July 2004 that the deceased, Paul Meintjies, should not be buried because he would rise from the dead. Francis gave no specific date for the resurrection - God will speak to him when the time is right. Although Francis could give no specific date, rumours amongst the people in Hertzogville had it that the resurrection would take place on 29 July 2004. This date was later changed to 5 and then to 8 August 2004. Nothing happened on any of these dates. In spite of everything, the followers of Francis still believe that Meintjies will rise from the dead. In this article the claim of modern day 'prophet' and their so-called godly messages are evaluated. This is done in light of the Biblical prophets. Judging by the actions of his followers, it seems that Francis has gained some sort of control over them, affecting their whole lives. The prophecy appears to be instrumental in the control he has over his followers. How this 'control' over his followers affect their whole lives and in particular their rights is also investigated The conclusion is that modern 'prophets' of the like of Francis gain an unethical control over their followers' lives through so-called 'prophecy'. Prophecy interpreted by his followers as 'God's Word' acts as a powerful instrument in achieving this control. In the process the followers are also denied certain rights according to the country's Constitution under the banner of freedom of religion.
Publieke pastorale leiers 2 : roeping, werwing, keuring, opleiding, ordening
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Nel, Malan
In the first article it was attempted to provide insight into the corporate nature of being called to ministry. The article also tried to discern what the specifics of the ministry of the public pastoral leader were. Equally important what I call in this article the teleological core of theological education. I want to build upon the concepts established in the first article. I explore the contributions of a number of well-known scholars who devoted much of their research to this field: Schner, Farley, Wood, Hough and Cobb, Heitink, Van der Ven and others. The ultimate issue is that there is some consensus about the telos of theological education. It is phrased differently and the different dimensions are indeed complementary. Concepts like 'vision and discernment', 'critical reflection' 'reflective practitioner', 'hermeneutical-communicative competence' and others are being discussed as it relate to the core research problem as described in article number 1. In this article I also explore the implications of the departure points for the praxis of recruiting, screening and training of future public pastoral leaders. The article points towards necessary changes that need to take place to get the local church involved in recruitment and screening - taking it serious that 'we' are all in the ministry. It also describes how a few churches are managing the process. In doing this, the place of the denominational community of churches is also emphasized and described.
AGS-pastore se belewenis van hulle teologiese opleiding
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Mare, Leonard P.
Theological training is in a crisis worldwide. Although the role that Theological Seminaries have fulfilled is acknowledged, there is a growing concern about the ability of these institutions to serve the upcoming generations of Christian leaders. Some warn they may not be well tailored for our post-modern age. Many people feel that the Seminary as an institution is in danger of extinction due to irrelevancy. Seminaries, in general, are perceived as not connecting to the needs of today's church. The Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS), whose training is the subject of this research, is not excluded from this concern of the Church for relevant theological training. Many pastors of the AFM of SA are of the opinion that the training offered at the ATS does not effectively train pastors for the ministry. The purpose of this article is to investigate and describe how pastors who studied at the ATS experienced their theological training, as well as to offer guidelines to the Church and the ATS to develop a more effective model for theological training.
Intertextuality and historical approaches to the use of Scripture in the New Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Moyise, Steve
In a previous article in this journal (2002:418-31), I offered a taxonomy of five ways that the term "intertextuality" is being used in biblical studies. In this article, I wish to clarify the relationship between intertextuality and historical approaches to the use of Scripture in the New Testament. I take as a case study the use of Isaiah 8:12-13 in 1 Peter 3:14-15 and conclude that historical and literary approaches both have an important role to play in elucidating the meaning of this text. I also take the opportunity of responding to some of the arguments put forward by critics of intertextuality.
The obedience of the church as a prelude to the "Parousia" : ecclesial and temporal factors in New Testament eschatology
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Hartwig, Paul Bruce
The thesis investigates the possibility, nature and implications of a pre-parousial ecclesiastical maturity within the context of New Testament eschatology. It is a biblical presentation of the hope for the completion of the church's internal and external mission prior to the Parousia, arguing that the obedience of the church in its accomplishment of its mission both expedites and precipitates the terminal apocalyptic events. It is argues that the New Testament motif of the expectation of a latter-day glory of the church is an epochal event that is a primary factor in understanding the timing of the apocalyptic events of the terminal generation.
Reconciliation priorities for the church : some German remarks
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Graf, Friedrich Wilhelm
Reconciliation has been a topic of major importance in both the German and South-African theological and political contexts. Political events involving the Christian Churches in these countries have prompted a renewed consideration of what is understood by the concept. This article examines some aspects of reconciliation in the contexts of Christian ethics and argues that, from a theological and historical perspective, the nature and practice of what was called reconciliation is thoroughly religious, although what exactly is involved has been perceived differently over the course of Church history. Reference is also made to the New Testament understanding of the concept and in an attempt to actualise the biblical kerugma, several propositions regarding the significance of a religious view of reconciliation in an eschatological context are provided as a conclusion.
Doodstraf : 'n teologiese standpunt
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Du Rand, J.A.
The recent process of structural transformation on all levels of society in South Africa urges theological reflection to participate. In this instance the crucial issue of capital punishment is at stake. After a brief survey of viewpoints and arguments concerning the issue, prominent and mostly debated Biblical texts are analysed. Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 21:24, for example are read within their cultural frameworks and theological contexts. The same is done with Matthew 5:21-22; 15:4; 26:52; John 7:53-8:11 and Romans 13:1-7. The conclusion is that Old Testament references to capital punishment are to be understood contextually. A final theological decision rests on the meaning of the incarnation of Jesus Christ which put man in a new relationship with God but also to each other. That does not mean that punishment has to be is abolished as such, but any punishment has to be executed through the new God given ethos of love, demonstrated in the meaning of the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
The church and society in South Africa celebrating first ten years of democracy (1994-2004)
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Dolamo, R.T.H.
In this article, colonialism, slavery, racism and apartheid are singled out as scourges that have afflicted South Africans for over three-and-half centuries in respect of the first four scourge, and for four-and-half decades in respect of apartheid. Against this backdrop, the struggles of the people of South Africa against these scourges are portrayed and analysed. With the attainment of freedom and democracy in 1994, the ANC led government enacted pieces of legislation whose aim was to deepen and broaden democracy, thereby transforming the society beyond recognition of how it was before 1994. Celebrating the first ten years of freedom and democracy, the people of South Africa are taking stock of what has been achieved and not achieved and bracing themselves for the challenges that are facing them into the second decade.
Christianity in Africa : a historical appraisal
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2005) Fatokun, Samson A.
In this article, the author challenges the popular public conception that Christianity in Africa is a latecomer introduced only with the advent of colonialism. By tracing the origins of the Christian faith in both North and sub-Saharan Africa (including, North-Central and West Africa), this paper seeks to show that Christianity has been in Africa virtually since its inception and that the continent's own adherents to this faith played an important role in the formation and advance of Christianity elsewhere. Moreover, Christianity in Africa can be found almost everywhere on the continent and indigenous varieties of the tradition developed which allowed it to become as part of Africa as African traditional religions.

Browse

Recent Submissions