bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Godsbeelde in die konteks van die rouproses
Authors: Smith Willem J.
Published: August 2012

Images of God in the context of loss grievingHuman beings express their experiences of God by means of language and images. Language not only represents or reflects experience, but also shapes it. The same holds true for religious language. Believers who experience loss, seek to find God and the role of God in their changed circumstances. During their experience of loss and grief, people can either image God in a negative or a positive way. This article investigates different imagery of God, such as the king-judge image, the family image, the friend image and the lover image. These images are explored in order to indicate their possible contribution towards nurturing hope within the context of loss grieving. The article does not express a preference for any one image of God, but rather emphasizes the importance of utilizing God images in such a way that God’s presence can be experienced as moments filled with hope. The article concludes that this is achieved when the God images which people hold on to in their time of need and suffering reflect God’s love and presence as mirrored by the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
’n Gemeenskapsgerigte model vir die geloofsvorming van tieners in die verbondsgesin deur middel van simbole en rituele
Authors: De Wet D.C.
Published: August 2012

A community-directed model for the faith development of teenagers in the covenantal family by means of sym-bols and ritualsThe covenantal family is the most important building system in the church and the society. Almost all families live in a community where interactions of faith take place. Teenagers leave the church because this community does not offer enough exciting activities for them to be part of a transformation process for a better life. For this reason we need an event-driven and a community-directed teenage and family ministry that accentuates processes, people and relations. Better relationships within the congregation and community needs better communication through symbols and rituals. This paradigm needs an exegesis of the Bible, the culture, the self and the community. Strengthening the inner life of churches and their relation with their immediate communities should be the first priority of church leaders.
Skuld, genade en lof in die liturgie
Authors: Vos C.J.A.
Published: August 2012

Guilt, mercy and praise in the liturgyThis article argues that guilt, mercy and praise do not always receive the attention they merit in the liturgy. The article aims to enhance the liturgical meaning of the confession of sin and the absolution. The liturgical meaning of these acts is determined by the theological function of the confession of sin and the absolution. A place in the liturgy is assigned to the Kyrie eleison, the Gloria and the Agnus Dei. This article demonstrates that their proper place is as part of Holy Communion.
Die opstanding in die Jodedom, die Grieks-Romeinse wêreld en die Nuwe Testament
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: August 2012

Resurrection in Judaism, the Greek-Roman world and the New TestamentThe article shows that in the Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds’ belief in the afterlife underwent a progressive development. It focuses on a “belief” in no life after death in pre-exilic Judaism, which developed into the belief that the dead did not cease to exist in the afterlife. This view again developed into a belief that the dead still lived, but only as a shadow of the living existence. In post-exilic Judaism the belief in a general eschatological resurrection was held, a conviction that was the result of the understanding of martyrdom in especially the Maccabean period. In the Greco-Roman world the conviction initially was that there was no life after death (Homer), and later a belief in the immortality of the soul (Plato) set in. The mystery cults also upheld a belief in the resurrection of the dead. Interpreted from a Jewish perspective on afterlife in the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus was seen as an individual resurrection before the general eschatological resurrection that inaugurates “the age to come”.
Salvation in the Johannine Epistles
Authors: Van der Merwe Dirk G.
Published: August 2012

This article attempts to compile a soteriology in the Johannine Epistles. Circumstances and false teachings that might have influenced the theological doctrine and ethical behaviour of the community are constructed. The article argues that aspects which led to the reported schism, determine the structure and content of the soteriology. In the Johannine Epistles the “elder” teaches only basic aspects of soteriology. They are presented from theocentric and christocentric perspectives that are closely interwoven with different themes. The article demonstrates that soteriology is metaphorically presented from the perspective of the conduct of God the Father, reflecting a paternalistic Old Testament image of a household. The elder refers to three of God's characteristics: light (1:5), justice (2:29), and love (4:8). Believers have to direct their lives according to these characteristics once they have been born as children into the family of God and have experienced “eternal life.”
Bang waarvoor? Die betekenis van [vreemde taal weggelaat] in Galasiërs 2:2
Authors: Tolmie D.F.
Published: August 2012

Afraid of what? The meaning of [foreign font omitted] in Galatians 2:2The phrase [foreign font omitted] in Galatians 2:2 represents an exegetical dilemma. It seems as if Paul expresses his fear that the leaders of the congregation in Jerusalem had the final say as far as his apostleship and missionary work were concerned, but this does not seem to be consistent with his rhetorical strategy in Galatians 1:1-2:10. In this article Paul's use of [foreign font omitted]-phrases is investigated whereafter Galatians 2:2 is explained against the background of his rhetorical strategy in this part of the letter. It is suggested that Paul's use of the phrase [foreign font omitted] in Galatians 2:2 should be viewed as a weak point in his argumentative strategy. [We apologise for the bad quality of the foreign fonts]
Soul and psyche: The Bible in psychological perspective
Authors: Smith Willem J.
Published: August 2012

During the last third of the twentieth century a discipline that applies psychological and psychoanalytic insight to the study of the Bible, has resurfaced within biblical studies. In his book, Soul and Psyche, Wayne Rollins offers a psychological biblical approach as one of the new approaches to Scripture since the 1960’s. This approach tends to bring a renewed appreciation for the role of the human psyche or soul in the history of the Bible and its interpretation.
The Banyamulenge of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A cultural community in the making
Authors: Rukundwa S.L.
Published: August 2012

In recent years the name Banyamulenge has become associated with a warrior group in Eastern Congo because of the role some of its community members played in the war against the Mobutu regime. Researchers have been intrigued by the political motivations which unfortunately do not cover the cultural aspects of this community. This article attempts to document the cultural heritage of the Banyamulenge community. Many of the practices and traditions have become obsolete. The article explains the Banyamulenge cultural way of living, and how the divine was traditionally revealed to them in the form of human deities. Burnt sacrifice was part of community worship. The article documents what has been learnt from elders about the oral tradition, the cultural and religious realities of the community.
The rich, the poor, and the law
Authors: Reinstorf Dieter H.
Published: August 2012

This article explores the social and religious dynamics of parables of Jesus in which “rich” and “poor” are juxtaposed. It focuses on Luke 16:19-31 (the parable of the rich man and the poor beggar Lazarus) and on Luke 18:9-14 (the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector). The core of the exploration relates to questions concerning “wealth” and “poverty” in a limited-good society such as first-century Palestine. The article aims to expose the legitimisation provided by the Israelite elite to ensure the collection of taxes placed on the peasant population by the Roman Empire.
Whose Bible, mine or yours? Contested ownership and Bible translation in Southern Africa
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: August 2012

An important but often neglected aspect of the use of the Bible in Africa is its ownership and issues related thereto. Ownership of the Bible obviously concerns its personal possession and all that that entails, but goes beyond the commodification of the Bible in modern consumerist culture to refer, ultimately, to the control of the biblical texts. The limited attention to the ownership of the Bible is mostly restricted to hermeneutics, often identified as a site of struggle in Africa. However, claims to ownership are becoming increasingly visible and up-front in the area of vernacular translations, where such claims and other conditions imposed on Bible translations illustrate the affinity people have with the Book, how their sense of identity and worldviews are moulded by it and how a Bible translation acts as an important player in issues of power at various levels.
“Historiese kritiek” as “teologiese eksegese” en die belang daarvan vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk se Skrifbeskouing
Authors: Malan Gert J.
Published: August 2012

“Historical criticism” as “theological exegesis”, and its importance for the view of Scripture in the Nederduitsch Hervormde KerkPresently the use of Scripture is under debate in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Pastors have been theologically trained in the historical critical paradigm. However, the reality is that of a rather fundamentalist approach of many ministers and members of the church. This article argues that the historical critical approach to Scripture should be more effectively communicated. Ministers are challenged to communicate the historical context and problems surrounding the understanding of texts, rather than to use texts as basic propositions to be adhered to. The article argues that this aim can be enhanced when Rudolf Bultmann’s concept of theological exegesis is applied. Not only should the exegete ask what a text meant, but should also ask to what reality and new self-understanding such an exegesis leads.
Jona se “opstanding uit die dood”: Perspektiewe op die “opstandings-geloof” vanuit die Ou Testament Dirk
Authors: Human Dirk J.
Published: August 2012

Jonah’s “resurrection from death”: Perspectives on “resurrection faith” in the Old TestamentThe Jonah novelette tends to be one of the First Testament’s primary witnesses on the resurrection faith. This faith portrays the omnipotent power of God over all other threatening powers of death and chaos, be they human or divine. Only God can raise the dead from death. Jonah’s resurrection from death illustrates how Yahweh alone is responsible for this endeavour. This article focuses on Jonah’s prayer (2:3-10). It argues that the reader is persuaded to see Jonah’s flight from Yahweh and his commission ultimately leading to his ending up behind the bars of death (2:7b). Embedded in fictitious and mythological descriptions is Yahweh who delivered Jonah from the pit of death, namely Sheol (2:7c). Resurrection faith narratives in the Second Testament confirm these perspectives in the First Testament.
Religion, theology and the social sciences in a society in transition
Authors: De Villiers Etienne
Published: August 2012

The societal changes introduced with the advent of the new political dispensation in South Africa in 1994 brought with them serious consequences for the different religions and for the academic disciplines devoted to the study of religion. This includes disciplines such as theology and religious studies, as well as those social sciences with an academic interest in religion as influential societal factor. The second part of the article presents a brief survey of the impact of these societal changes on religion, particularly the Christian religion, and the academic disciplines of theology, religious studies and the social sciences. An outline of the position and role of religion and the academic disciplines of theology, religious studies and the social sciences in the apartheid society from which South Africa is evolving, is used as point of departure in the first part of the article. The third part of the article ventures beyond mere description of the position and role of religion and the different academic disciplines involved with the study of religion. It aims to make out a case that in the New South Africa religion and academic disciplines exclusively devoted to the study of religion, such as theology, need the social sciences.
Het diskoersanalise ’n toekoms?
Authors: Du Toit Andrie
Published: August 2012

Does discourse analysis have a future?After a promising start, enthusiasm for the use of discourse analysis in the study of biblical texts seems to be waning. Several reasons for this state of affairs are identified: lack of focus, consensus and results, fragmentation and isolation, methodological imperialism, excessive formalisation and schematisation, idiosyncratic tendencies, discrepan-cies between input and output, inability to break out of the mould of the sentence and competition from other disciplines. However, discourse analysis has proven itself as such a useful exegetical instrument that everything should be done to rehabilitate it. Suggestions to this effect are made. South African discourse analysis can make an important contribution towards any future development of discourse analysis.
Homoseksualiteit: Die kerk, die tradisie en die Bybel – homofobie en sarkofobie en die evangelie
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

Homosexuality: Church, tradition, and the Bible – homophobia, sarcophobia, and the gospelThe article demonstrates a trend in the current debate on the church’s attitude towards homosexuality, namely that exegetical results supersede authentic faith experiences of gays. It shows that this trend causes an untenable tension between the dialectical notions sola fidei and sola Scriptura. Such an unacceptable tension contributes to the social psychological phenomena of homophobia and sarcophobia. The article investigates this empirical approach (theoretical reason) to homo-sexuality from the dialectical perspective of a theological approach (practical reason). The latter includes an investigation of the epistemological processes behind exegetes’ diverse use of Scripture. The article aims to show that homophobia in society and church, and the sarcophobia of homosexuals can be challenged and healed if the church holds on to the dialectic between sola fidei and sola Scriptura and the dialectic between pastoral concerns and the engagement with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
’n Eko-billike beoordeling van Psalm 148
Authors: Viviers H.
Published: August 2012

An eco-just evaluation of Psalm 148Eco-justness determines whether the earth and her inhabitants are treated in their own right as subjects, and not only as objects to be acted upon. At first glance it seems as if Psalm 148 is eco-just. The poet encompasses all of creation in this hymn of praise to Yahweh. However, it does not pass the test of eco-justness. Many (older) commentators go along with the male ideological thrust of the psalm, without questioning the maleness of Yahweh. The construct of Yahweh as the “super” male, symbolising Israel’s success as a nation, is not good news for eco-sensitivity and eco-responsibility. Female earth becomes very vulnerable within this shaping of society always aimed at serving male hegemony, values and interests. To uncritically reinscribe Psalm 148’s androcentric, ideological stance will simultaneously lead to an impoverishment and a one dimensional view of life in general.
Ontferming “beyond” vergeving als weg naar heling en heelheid: Een theoretisch model voor narratief pastoraat
Authors: Van der Schaaf Tiny
Published: August 2012

Mercy beyond forgiveness as way to healing and wholeness: A theoretical model for narrative pastoral counsellingThe article explores the model of Christie Neuger with regard to pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context. This model is complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. The article focuses on the following questions: What are the conditions for forgiveness? How can the abused woman find forgiveness in her heart? What is the role of the pastor? What happens if the woman cannot forgive? What are the theological implications of forgiveness? How can pastor and counselee together reframe the story of violence? The article argues that Ricoeur’s notions of prefiguration, configuration and refiguration complement Neuger’s theoretical model. This modified model presents a possible way to healing and wholeness.
Postmoderne epistemologie en postkoloniale hermeneutiek
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Postmodern epistemology and postcolonial hermeneuticsPostcolonial hermeneutics is concerned with linguistic, cultural and geographical transfer. Within the framework of biblical studies it explores strategies of interpreting texts from the situation of previously colonised people who are accommodated in a new liberated context, but find themselves both included and excluded. Biblical texts are historically considered to be both the products of people who were subjected to the exploitation of Middle-Eastern and Graeco-Roman super powers and interpreted today in the third world by people who also were subjects of modern colonial powers. Postcolonial studies represent a postmodern epistemology which implies a deconstructive approach to hermeneutics. The article consists of five “preludes”, introducing postmodern epistemology, postcolonial hermeneutics, postcolonial biblical studies, and unlocking potential biblical research in South Africa.
Die nuwe Psalmomdigting: Die Messias weggelaat?
Authors: Van Rooy H.F.
Published: August 2012

The new Psalter in Afrikaans: Was the Messiah omitted?In 2001 a new Afrikaans metrical Psalter was published. Although beging severely criticised in som circles, it is being used by a number of churches. One of the major criticisms is that it omitted the Messiah from the Psalter, the implication being the way in which the so-called Messianic Psalms were treated in this Psalter, is cause for concern. This article discusses this criticism, provides a framework for dealing with the Messianic Psalms and evaluates the criticism. This criticism can not be regarded as valid. This Psalter tried to reflect the original context of the individual Psalms, refraining from using the New Testament’s use of the Psalms as a decisive factor for determining the original meaning.
The Vorlage of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9
Authors: Steyn Gert J.
Published: August 2012

The origin and text form of Psalm 45:6-7 (44:7-8) in Hebrews 1:8-9 are investigated. On a tradition-historical level it is established that Psalm 45:1-2b was quoted in 4Q171 in early Judaism, but in early Christianity, prior to Hebrews, no evidence of quoting Psalm 45 has been found. Messianic connections might have prompted the author to use it. On a text-critical level, new manuscript evidence is assessed and variant readings are discussed. It is concluded that the author himself made minor changes to his text without following another Vorlage. Insofar as Jesus is being called “God” by God himself, Psalm 45 confirmed to the author of Hebrews the divinity of Jesus. The royal imagery, righteous rule and eternal throne are christologically applied.
Samgar ben Anat onder die Rigters
Authors: Snyman S.D.
Published: August 2012

Samgar ben Anat among the JudgesShamgar ben Anath could be regarded as both isolated and ignored. He finds himself isolated between the two major judges, Ehud and Deborah, and for this reason is easily overlooked and ignored. Shamgar, although not an Israelite, should be considered as a judge in his own right. Shamgar is seen as the successor to Ehud. He has, as is the case with other judges, the responsibility of delivering the people and he makes use of whatever capabilities and skills he might possess. Theologically seen, one should rather regard it as Yahweh and the judges being simultaneously at work with Yahweh taking the most unlikely candidates with the most awkward weapons into his service to deliver his people time and again from the hardships of oppression.
Die mag van religieuse idees
Authors: Le Roux Jurie
Published: August 2012

The power of religious ideasThis article focuses on Max Weber’s views on the power of religious ideas. Ideas shape the world by creating groups following their own interests. Weber also illustrates how one idea (the covenant) shaped Israel into a nation and how one group (the priests) formed the Israelite society by imposing their views (which can be found in the laws) on the believing community. Closely related to ideas is a rationality by means of which Israel defined their religious identity. The article concludes with the challenge to take Weber seriously in all our Old Testament endeavours.
A public practical theological theory for religious education of secularised youth
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

In the postmodern world young people no longer accept the values advocated by the institutionalised church as unquestionably relevant to their lives, one of the reasons for this being that the supremacy of the Christian faith has given way to a secularised society. Public practical theology includes the public as one of its audiences. In this paper the point of departure is a reflection-theory and not the praxis as such. This theory focuses on everyday concerns and issues in order to facilitate a dialogue between theology and the social sciences. The article aims to reflect on the enhancement of the experience of transcendence in the everydayness of the present-day youth. It argues that the agency theories of Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu can provide a theoretical basis and method for public religious education.
Durf ons nog preek dat werk ’n roeping van God is?
Authors: De Villiers Etienne
Published: August 2012

Is the preaching that work is a vocation of God still relevant?According to the view of the Reformers Luther and Calvin work is a vocation of God. This article attemps to establish whether this view is still valid today. A number of factors that contribute to presentday Christians experiencing this view as problematical, are discussed. As a result of this experience the theologian Miroslav Volf argues that the Reformed view of work as a vocation of God should be relinquished. Contrary to Volf, the author of the article argues that the view of the Reformers can and should be retained. A more dynamic interpretation of work as vocation of God should, however, be given and the comprehensive theological framework within which the Bible views work, should be respected.
Günter Altner se jukstaponering van die denksisteme van Schweitzer en Darwin as resiproke korreksies
Authors: Buitendag Johan
Published: August 2012

Günter Altner’s juxtaposition of the philosophies of Schweitzer and Darwin as reciprocal correctionsThe article provides an exposition of the theology of Günter Altner, well-known German scholar in both biology and theology. The article argues that, in Altner’s mind, the designs of Schweitzer and Darwin are applied as reciprocal corrections to one another. A juxtaposition is given of the “reverence for life” and “natural selection”, which apparently represent the subjective and objective dimensions respectively of Altner’s theological design. In order to avoid a naturalistic fallacy, one has to accept that the telos of creation is not an intrinsic value of nature itself, but an eschatological value added to nature. Therefore, appreciation for Altner’s handling of the matter is raised, albeit with some reservation with regard to the perhaps overemphasised role ascribed to the human mind.
Psalm 101: Inaugural address or social code of conduct?
Authors: Botha Phil J.
Published: August 2012

The article presents a literary and social-scientific analysis of the text of Psalm 101. The ideological purpose of the text seems to have been more than a mere declaration of intent made by someone about to ascend the throne. It also seems to have provided a code of conduct for an in-group of Yahweh worshippers, perhaps particularly so at a later stage of its usage. It uses royal and divine authority to demarcate the boundaries of that group and to establish a religious and social ethos for its members. Moral wholeness and social and religious integrity seem to have been the ideal characteristics of a member of this group of people whose existence is vindicated through this psalm.
Ontferming “beyond” vergeving als weg naar heling en heelheid: “Reframing” als narratief-pastorale bemachtiging
Authors: Van der Schaaf Tiny , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

Mercy beyond forgiveness as a way to healing and wholeness: Reframing as narrative pastoral empowermentThe theme of this article is pastoral counselling with women who have been sexually violated in an ecclesial context. The article focuses on the exegesis of those passages on guilt and forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew frequently used by theologians and pastors in this regard. The article points to the implications for counselling. The aim is to empower women who have been violated and who struggle with the Christian imperative to forgive. Donald Capps’ notion of “reframing” with regard to “first order” and “second order” change is complemented by the narrative philosophy of Paul Ricoeur on prefiguartion, configuration and refiguartion. The article is concluded by indicating a possibility for the abused woman to be liberated from the lingering power of the abuser. There is no direct link between them any longer. To become whole is the acceptance of forgiveness and to empower others to heal.
Sonder verhale vaar niemand wel
Authors: Spangenberg I.J.J.
Published: August 2012

Without stories the lifeboat sinksThe article addresses the issue of religious education for small children. These days the South African religious book market is flooded with publications from the USA. Some of these have been translated into Afrikaans. A large number of the publications meant for small children are written from a fundamentalistic viewpoint. In this article it is argued that parents should play a more prominent role in the education of their children. They need to tell their children stories so as to help them to become well-balanced adults. A child who grows up without stories – including religious stories – is all the poorer for it.
Die “voorwetenskaplike” geskiedsbewussyn en “vroeë wetenskaplike” geskiedskrywing in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk
Authors: Schoeman P.R.
Published: August 2012

The “prescientific” historical awareness and “early scientific” historical writing in the Nederduitsch Hervormde KerkThe scientific practice of Church History within the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika commenced in 1920 with the submission of S P Engelbrecht’s doctoral thesis. The preliminary era can be typified as the “prescientific” historical awareness that started with an official “Pastoral Writing” by the Synod in 1855 and developed into the “early scientific” historical writing with the writing of Van Warmelo in 1881. This “early scientific” historical writing continued to develop until the early twentieth century. The aim of this article is to explore this era within the “Hervormde” church against the background of a reflection on the scientific nature of ecclesiastically historical research.
Virtuositeit en grootsheid: Aspekte van Hannah Arendt se “buite-morele” etiek van deugdelikheid
Authors: Schoeman Marinus
Published: August 2012

Virtuosity and greatness: Aspects of Hannah Arendt’s “extra-moral” ethic of virtueThis article focuses on the “extra-moral” character of Arendt’s view of action and virtuousness. Particular attention is given to her a-teleological, performative (dramaturgical) view of action, which was inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans, as well as certain aspects of Renaissance humanism, especially Machiavelli’s idea of virtue. According to this view, virtue relates to the virtuosity and “greatness” of the actor’s words and deeds, which in turn presupposes an agonistic ethos where different actors constantly try to surpass one another and to achieve exemplary status. This implies that virtue, or a truly ethical existence, has nothing to do with one’s inner feelings and intentions. Neither can it be measured against some transcendent norm or set of norms. Rather, it manifests itself in the performing of great and virtuosic actions in the presence of others. These actions thus depend on the existence of a vigorous public sphere, while at the same time being co-constitutive of the public sphere, helping to sustain it and keeping it alive. I
Was Jezus’ optreden in de tempel een reiniging?
Authors: Vledder E-J
Published: August 2012

Was Jesus’ action in the temple (Mk 11:12-8) indeed a cleansing?In the time of Jesus, the temple was of great importance to the Jewish people. Jesus also used to go to the temple for the Passover. There he however clashed with the temple authorities (Mk 11:12-15; Mt 21:12-13; Lk 19:45-46 and Jn 2:14-22). What was the nature of this clash? Contrary Edward P Sanders, who regards Jesus’ action in the temple as a symbolic act of the destruction of the temple, this article concurs with Craig Evans and Hans Betz that the corruption in the temple as a result of the commercialisation and the cooperation between the ruling Roman and temple authorities, affected worship as the temple’s prime purpose. It is this purpose Jesus wanted to restore and for this reason Jesus’ action should be regarded as a form of cleansing.
The translation of Psalm 89:13 and its implications
Authors: Venter Pieter M.
Published: August 2012

Psalm 89:13a can be translated: “You created north and south.” However, it can also be translated as “Zaphon and Yemin you created,” In the former case the phrase is seen as an indication of the extensiveness of the earth. In the latter the translation points to the mythological form of the hymn section (Ps 89:2-19) in which it appears. This article chooses for the mythological alternative and substantiates this position from the northern toponyms used in the hymn and the hymn’s obvious mythological structure.
How many Jews became Christians in the first century? The failure of the Christian mission to the Jews
Authors: Sim David C.
Published: August 2012

This study examines the early Christian mission(s) to the Jews, and attempts to determine, albeit speculatively, the number of Jews in the Christian movement in the first century. It is argued that the combined Christian mission was marked by a distinct lack of success. Neither the Law-observant gospel of the Jerusalem church nor the Law-free gospel of the Hellenists and Paul made much impression upon the people of Israel. Throughout the first century the total number of Jews in the Christian movement probably never exceeded 1 000 and by the end of the century the Christian church was largely Gentile.
Liturgie as fontein van die lewe: ’n Oorsigartikel oor die kosmiese kartering van Gordon W Lathrop se boek, Holy ground: A liturgical cosmology
Authors: Buitendag Johan
Published: August 2012

Liturgy as the fountain of life: A review article on the cosmic mapping of Gordon W Lathrop’s book, Holy ground: A liturgical cosmologyAn interpretative review is given of the recently published book by Lathrop, which completed his trilogy on liturgy. Lathrop succeeded in bringing two previously disparate themes, that is faith and cosmos, together in a cosmological liturgy. This review interprets Lathrop’s exposition within a postliberal theological framework and seeks to add value to liturgy and our understanding of reality. A believer grows up under a “sacred canopy” of faith and values. Liturgy now plays the role of providing congregants with co-ordinates to map their position on this earth and under the sky. A Christian liturgy depends on the Biblical understanding of creation, which in turn, is both derived from ancient myths and the inverse thereof. This gives us not only place and time in this cosmos, but a global responsibility towards nature as well. The Christian sacraments therefore lead to an ecological engagement.
The church of Philippi in the first six centuries of our era
Authors: Verhoef Eduard
Published: August 2012

From the commentaries on Paul's epistle to the Philippians, much can be gleaned about the circumstances of that period. But what happened in the time after the Philippians received Paul's letter? From the fourth to the sixth centuries, at least five churches were built. Were these churches necessary due to large numbers of churchgoers, or did one or more of these churches belong to heretical groups? This article attempts to provide a plausible overview of the development of the church in Philippi in the period following Paul's preaching there and the end of the sixth century. The famous studies by Collart and Lemerle cannot be ignored, but far more information than what those scholars had access to is now available to us. The recent works by Peter Pilhofer, in particular, are highly instructive. Using new evidence, we can now provide a more detailed history of this church's history than ever before.
The origin, function and disappearance of the “Twelve”: Continuity from Jesus to the post-Easter community?
Authors: Koch Dietrich-Alex
Published: August 2012

The group of the Twelve is mentioned 28 times in the Synoptic Gospels. However, the Evangelists were not familiar with the historical role of the Twelve. Even the pre-Easter origin of Matthew 19:28/Luke 22:30 is debatable. On the other hand 1 Corinth 15:3b-5 provides a solid basis for the assumption of a pre-Easter origin of the Twelve. They functioned as a group representing the twelve tribes of Israel as the eschatological people of God. Reaffirmed in this role by the risen Lord they had for a short time a leading role in the early Christian community in Jerusalem. But their importance soon declined because after a short time the twelve former disciples from Galilee could no longer be representative of a rapidly expanding community. In the last decades of the first century the Twelve got a new importance on the literary level of the Gospels.
Handelinge in die erediens: Die verryking van die liturgie deur musiek
Authors: Kloppers Elsabé
Published: August 2012

Actions in the worship service: Enriching liturgy through musicThe worship service in the Reformed Churches in South Africa has of late come under pressure. On the one hand it is experienced as too rigid and “traditional”. On the other hand superficial forms of renewal create tension. In this article the worship service and the meaning of the liturgical actions in the worship service of the Afrikaans Reformed Churches are discussed, and related to world-wide ecumenical tendencies. It is argued that certain liturgical actions are a necessary part of the ritual of the worship service. The structure needs inner logic, although there should also be some degree of flexibility. Hymns and music offer the means for a more creative presentation of liturgical actions and traditional forms. Suggestions to enrich the liturgy through the use of hymns and liturgical forms in the Liedboek van die Kerk (2001) are offered.
Post-exilic conflict as “possible” historical background to Psalm 69:10ab
Authors: Groenewald Alphonso
Published: August 2012

As is the case with Psalm 8a, Psalm 69:10a, also commences with the emphatic particle kî. 10a and 10b are syndetically bound together by means of the conjunction “and”. What has already been stated in cola 8ab, is repeated and even expressed in clearer terms in these cola (10ab). The supplicant does not believe that he deserves his present distress. Actually, the distress and insult he is enduring come as a direct result of his devotion to God and God’s service. Even his fasting and mourning contribute to his suffering (11a-12b). What becomes increasingly evident is the fact this inner-group conflict is caused by the temple, or rather the debate about the significance of the temple. The question that does indeed arise, is whether it is possible to situate these statements historically. This article will pursue a possible dating for this conflict that can form a possible background against which the reader of this text could interpret the statements contained in these cola (Ps 69:10ab).
Die Griekse manuskrip van die Kindheidsevangelie van Tomas in Kodeks Sinaïtikus (Gr 453) vertaal in Afrikaans
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

The Greek manuscript of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas in Codex Sinaiticus (Gr 453) translated into AfrikaansFourteen Greek manuscripts and early translations exist of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. The Greek version in Codex Sinaiticus (Gr 453) represents the most authentic version. The article shows that the reproduction of this Greek manuscript was made possible because of Constantin von Tischendorf’s collection of Greek manuscripts and a Latin translation. The aim of this article is to provide an Afrikaans translation of the Greek manuscript in Codex Sinaiticus (Gr 453) in order to purport further investigation into the redactional tendencies found in the manuscript. These tendencies are oriented by motifs in the Ebionite Gospels rather than in Gnosticism.
Jews and Christians
Authors: Venter Pieter M.
Published: August 2012

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
Authors: Rukundwa Lazare S. , Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

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 a 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.
The forgotten children of Africa: Voicing HIV and Aids orphans’ stories of bereavement: a narrative approach
Authors: Richter Amanda , Müller Julian
Published: August 2012

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.
The church’s responsibility towards the social order: An Old Testament hermeneutic problem
Authors: Breytenbach A.P.B.
Published: August 2012

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 historicalcritical research in Biblical studies.
Implications of a technoscientific culture on personhood in Africa and in the West
Authors: Du Toit Cornel
Published: August 2012

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.
Sexuality and shifting paradigms – setting the scene
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

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.
Deeltydse predikante in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
Authors: Van Wyk B.J. , Botha S.J.
Published: August 2012

Part-time ministers in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church in AfricaThis article points out that the Polity of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church’s has a definite background which can be described as Biblical Reformative Theology. It finds its typification in the Presbyterial-synodal church order. With special reference to the Presbyterial-synodal church order, the office of the pastor is seen as a full-time, functional ministry, based on the calling of God. Pastors dedicates themselves to their full-time ministry. The article refers also to the clause with regard to the appointment of part-time ministers. It concludes that practical considerations were decisive and not the principles of the Biblical Reformative Theology and its Presbyterial-synodal background.
Handelinge se uitbeelding van die rol van vroue in die vroeë kerk
Authors: Howes Llewellyn
Published: August 2012

Acts and the role of women in the early churchThe aim of this article is to determine what the role of women in the church of the first century was according to Acts. Amongst other things it pertains to the situation of women within the community of believers on a daily basis. It not only includes their contribution to faith services and the faith community as a whole, but also how the faith community perceived them. What part did they play and what positions of leadership did they hold? Did their gender exclude them from exercising certain leadership roles? What was the gender-specific view of Christians? Establishing the historicity of every pericope in Acts is not the main aim. However, the article subscribe to the historicity of the overall picture of the role women played in the early church.
Matthew’s and Paul’s inclusive tendencies: A comparison
Authors: Shin In-Cheol , Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

This article compares the inclusive tendencies of Matthew and Paul by evaluating the inclusive structure of their respective communities. The article mainly investigates two issues: Matthew’s and Paul’s practice of the Law and their perspectives on the Gentiles. The community that strictly keeps the Law is a more exclusive community. The Law is used to reject unclean and lower class people from the Israelite community. Secondly, Matthew’s perspective on the Gentiles and that of Paul are investigated to determine tendencies of inclusivity in their respective thinking. It is observed that the Law-free Gentile community is more inclusive than the Law-observant Gentile community. The approach adopted by this article is one of cross-cultural interpretation.
Pentateugtradisies en -temas in Daniël
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: August 2012

Pentateuch traditions and themes in DanielIn this article a survey is done of traditions and themes from the Pentateuch traditions in the book of Daniel. The results reveal only two types of references: to Jewish observance of the Mosaic law leading to Antiochic persecution and those to the Torah and the covenant in Daniel 9. The article indicates that the references in Daniel 9 are probably secondary interpolations. This leads to the question: Why are those traditions and themes that are important to the Pentateuch not important to the writer of the book of Daniel. A theory that would explain the lack of Pentateuch traditions is suggested.
Die juridiese problematiek van grondbesit in die boek Rut
Authors: Stanton Milda , Venter Pieter
Published: August 2012

The juridical problem of land ownership in the book of RuthJuridical matters play an important role in the book of Ruth. There appears to be a contradiction between Ruth 1:21 and Ruth 4:3. In the former, Naomi is depicted as a desperately poor (“empty”) widow. In the latter, Naomi is unexpectedly presented as the owner of land. This contradiction can be solved by understanding Naomi’s right in respect of her late husband’s land as a right other than ownership. A study of female ownership of land, the right of a wife to inherit from her husband, analysis of the literary elements in the book of Ruth, the rural backdrop, the theme of survival and the vocabulary in the narrative, lead to the conclusion that we are here dealing with what would today be recognised as a usufruct.
The gospel myth of Christian origins
Authors: Schutte Flip
Published: August 2012

In Burton Mack’s latest book, entitled “The Christian myth. Origins, logic, and legacy”, he raises challenging arguments with regard to those issues of the Christian myth mentioned in the title. The aim of this review article is to by means of this book introduce the reader to his research. In the first part of the article, Mack’s viewpoint and argument are summarized and in the second part, it discusses the research of the literarkritische formgeschichtlichen German researchers who paved the way.