bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Prophets, Faust, and First-Years: Bonhoeffer and the language of charismatic experience”
Authors: Dunn Patrick J
Published: February 2020

Across the Global South, contemporary Christian theology is grappling with the best way to understand and respond to the rise of neo-Pentecostalism and the associated emphasis on charismatic experience. Speaking from a vastly different contest, the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer nonetheless offers a way to critique the self-serving excesses of this phenomenon while engaging it seriously and graciously, on its own terms, in a productive ecumenical conversation. Bonhoeffer’s understanding of discipleship as the condition in which it is possible to speak truthfully challenges our normal expectations for theological discourse. It redirects our attention from speech that is merely semantically correct and towards the conformation of the act of our speaking with the intention of Christ.
Church and South African realities today:Towards a relevant missiology of radical discipleship
Authors: Kgatla ST
Published: February 2020

South Africa is one of the last African states to attain liberation from colonial rule. It was ushered into democratic order after one of the most prolonged and painful racial struggles. In 1994 it was heralded as an example of peaceful transition with one of the best constitutions in the world. It was called the “Rainbow Nation” and Madiba Magic. At that stage, the world looked at the new state as the shining example for the rest of Africa. But today, the country has the greatest gap between the rich and the poor in the world. Extreme poverty, inequality, and unemployment are at the centre of the economic ills of the country. In fact, South Africa is reckoned to have one of the largest gaps between rich and poor in the world. The important question is: How did the country decline to the position where it finds itself today? This paper attempts to analyse the trajectory the country took after 1994’s first democratic election to where it is today. Extreme poverty, violence, corruption, greed, bitterness, entitlement mentality and political opportunism are the constituent elements that are plaguing the country.
Nabye aftrede: Predikante se belewing van hul gemeente, persoonlike welstand en finansies
Authors: Alsemgeest Liezel , Schoeman Kobus , Swart Theo
Published: February 2020

Imminent retirement: Pastors’ experience of their congregation, personal well-being and financesThe provisions of pastors to congregations is of great importance to the Dutch Reformed Church and its congregation. To retire is a complex process of transition affecting various aspects – among others psychological, spiritual and financial aspects. According to current estimates, more than half of the full-time pastors in the Dutch Reformed Church could retire within the next fifteen years. A quantitative online survey was conducted amongst pastors who will retire in the near future, their experience of their congregation, personal well-being and financial prospects before and during retirement was taken into account. For the first time research provides insight into what will happen in churches when a pastor retires. The information should provide valid conclusions and recommendations can be made regarding the demand for pastors (and students?) in order to plan for effective ministry within churches.
’n Ondersoek na ’n gemeente se aanbiddingsvoorkeure om lidmaatdeelname ten opsigte van sang en musiek te bevorder binne die raamwerk van ses aanbiddingsmodelle
Authors: Brits Hans J
Published: February 2020

Examining the worship preference of a congregation in order to enhance worshippers’ participation in song and music within the framework of six worship modelsThe important role of music and singing within the dialogue of the liturgy should never be underestimated. It is imperative for any congregation to understand its members’ preference to liturgical song and music. Knowledge gained from this understanding can assist congregations to make informed decisions with regard to the different forms and genres of church music and hymns which may enhance worshippers’ participation. This article reflects on a study that was conducted at a Dutch Reformed congregation to investigate the worship preferences with specific reference to church music and hymns, based on six worship models. The study is performed from a reformed perspective and can be used as a conceptual framework by congregations that have a similar need to ensure improved worship participation.
Strategies for dealing with sin in relation to poverty
Authors: Kakwata Frederick N
Published: February 2020

This article attempts to analyse and evaluate strategies for overcoming sin in relation to poverty in the African context. However, to address sin in this context means eliminating the very causes that give rise to the social malady. It is argued that the classical strategies (regeneration, reform and revolution) used thus far to address the issue of social sin, seem unable to deal with all its causes. This article proposes an alternative strategy based on the three offices of Christ, namely prophetic, priestly and royal, for a relevant approach to the issue of sin in poverty-related contexts within an African environment.
Subordination vs. agency/resistance in South Africa: Virgins bargaining their way through higher education
Authors: Stander Sunelle
Published: February 2020

Oppression manifests itself in various ways, such that intersections between different forms of oppression can be identified. This is also true for women living in South Africa, a country that has for years been plagued by many forms of oppression (racism, sexism, classism, etc.). Women are, amidst various forms of oppression, often left with few alternative options but to bargain with various forms of gender relations as a means to obtain basic human rights (like education). Recent student protests have highlighted the discriminating ways in which black students are kept from obtaining higher education. The so called “maidens bursary”, awarded to underprivileged girls who vow to stay virgins throughout their studies, will be used as a case study that examines an alternative route to which underprivileged women may resort in order to obtain a quality education. The notion of patriarchal bargaining will then be used to illumine the often unrecognized, complex and interwoven relationship between subordination and agency/resistance that operates within the South African context.
Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk en die Afrikanervolk kerkordelik verwoord
Authors: Strauss Piet
Published: February 2020

The Dutch Reformed Church and the Afrikaner – in its church orderThe Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) and the Afrikaner people had close ties in the 1960’s. This was intensified by the apartheid system in South Africa. The policy of apartheid was supported by the DRC, most of the Afrikaners and the National Party in government. In 1962 the DRC determined in its church order that it will protect and build the Christian-Protestant character of the Afrikaner people. This group was singled out by a church that was to be for believers of all nations. It also gave the DRC an active part in the development of this group. The documents Church and Society-1986 and Church and Society-1990 changed all this. The close links between the DRC and Afrikaans cultural institutions ended and the DRC declared that it caters to any believer. The church order article about the Afrikaner was omitted.
From Christianising Africa to Africanising Christianity: Some hermeneutical principles
Authors: Van der Merwe Dirk
Published: February 2020

During the early church’s initial expansion phase where congregations were established in Syria, Asia Minor, Achaia, Italy and Africa there were strong leadership structures in Alexandria, Carthage, Hippo Regius and Ethiopia. Over a period of two millennia the Christian church with a westernised character has spread all over Africa. Today there is a strong African consciousness and critical approach to Africanise Christianity, to decolonise it and to de-Westernise it. This research endeavours to contribute to the dialectic and critical debate and reasoning surrounding the Africanising of Christianity. There is the attempt, from a holistic perspective, to set some hermeneutical principles in place within this approach. This article approaches this topic from three perspectives. Firstly, it gives a brief overview of the spread and growth of Christianity into Africa with reference to six epochs to contextualise the reasoning in the following sections. Secondly, it points out some difficulties that were experienced during the rapid growth of Christianity and changes in its theology. During the past few decades Africa has not only endeavoured to regain its political and cultural identity, but also to claim an own Christian identity by Africanising Christianity. Thirdly, the article discusses some proposed hermeneutical principles that should be considered during the formation of a new Christian identity.
Conflicting models for mission and reconciliation: Future perspectives
Authors: Verster P
Published: February 2020

The debate between proponents of the ecumenical movement on the one hand and the evangelical movements on the other, often led to different models of reconciliation. On the one hand, social upliftment was regarded as essential in any view on reconciliation. Without a deeply entrenched “social gospel” no reconciliation was deemed possible. Evangelicals, on the other hand, were of the opinion that no reconciliation is possible without conversion and acceptance of the atonement in Christ. This debate has since waned, because both groups have in some instances accepted views from the other side, as stated by David Bosch. However, differences remain in the models for reconciliation, even in the South African church communities. Emphases on social justice and restitution viewed from a specific theological point are often contrary to the view that true reconciliation is only possible if the church proclaims conversion to God and the acceptance of the atonement in Jesus, who is the only Saviour. Evaluating the essence of reconciliation, as put forward by Paul in the Letter to the Romans, might give an acceptable view for future reconciliation.
Responding to the challenge of father absence and fatherlessness in the South African context: A case study involving concerned fathers from the North West Province
Authors: Freeks Fazel
Published: February 2020

This article is about the challenge of father absence and fatherlessness in the South African context, and the involving of concerned fathers. To address this challenge, an intervention was crucial as well as the training and equipping of fathers. This intervention consists of different fathers from the North West Province who responded to the challenge of father absence and fatherlessness after workshops presented in a narrative form. The workshops were based on research on fatherhood as this is conceptualized from a Biblical perspective. The research is necessary because South Africa experiences a challenge of absent fathers and fatherlessness. This research showed that the greatest problem with regard to fatherhood is centred on a man’s failure to resolve an identity crisis in the 21st century, but men are generally afraid to admit it. This problem has consequences for families and communities. Furthermore, this article reports on the responses and feedback of fathers and the supporting of literature in the research.
Karl Barth’s interpretative construal of the anhypostasis and enhypostasis of Christ’s human nature in relation to historical Protestant Orthodoxy
Authors: Haley James P
Published: February 2020

While it is generally agreed that the anhypostasis and enhypostasis of Christ’s human nature have a place in Karl Barth’s Christology, there is little agreement over Barth’s interpretative construal of these concepts, particularly in relation to historical Protestant Orthodoxy. In this article I argue that Karl Barth adopts both anhypostasis and enhypostasis as a dual formula to explain how the human nature of Christ exists in union with the Logos. In this way Barth moves beyond Protestant orthodox tradition wherein the patristic Fathers, Lutheran and Reformed Scholastics, and the post-Scholastic dogmatics of Heinrich Schmid (Lutheran) and Heinrich Heppe (Reformed) consistently interpret anhypostasis and enhypostasis as autonomous concepts to explain how the human nature of Christ exists in union with the Logos. What Protestant orthodoxy understood as mutually exclusive concepts to explain the human nature of Christ, Karl Barth uniquely adopts as an ontological formula to explain how the human nature of Christ exists in union with the Logos.
Discipleship misconceptions: A social scientific reading of James and John’s request for seats of honour (Mark 10:35-42)
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon
Published: February 2020

This article is a social scientific reading of James and John’s request for seats of honour in Mark 10:35–42. It argues that when James and John made such a request they misunderstood the meaning of discipleship. The argument is established by looking at the literature review on Mark 10:35–42. Discipleship as presented in Mark is described to understand the type of discipleship demanded by Jesus. The discipleship misconceptions are also outlined in detail. The purpose here is to demonstrate that the disciples of Jesus, James and John, in Mark 10:35–42 misunderstood the meaning of discipleship as presented in Mark. The article makes a contribution to the ongoing research on New Testament scholarship by studying Mark 10:35–42 through a social scientific criticism.
Die stil stem van die vroue in die vroeë sendingwerk van der Kaapsche Kerk in Njassaland (1896–1906)Deel I: Uitstuur- of opleidingskonteks
Authors: Murray Isabelle
Published: February 2020

Although by 1910 half of the staff of the “Kaapsche Kerk” in Nyasaland was female, their stories have scarcely been told. To give these women a voice, the author utilises two main sources: the newly retrieved personal diaries of Reverend Andrew George Murray who arrived in 1901 in Nyasaland. Albeit written from a male perspective, the detailed diary-descriptions of the missionary work give an interesting depiction of the role and contribution of the female missionaries. This source is substantiated by the letters of Bessie Horne, who married eerwaarde TCB Vlok in May 1894, travelled to and lived with him at Livlezi until her death in April 1896. Her letters reflect her ruminations during those few fever-ridden months. Corroborated by speeches, papers, letters, and “witnesses” written by various educators and female missionaries at the time, the story of preparation, hardship and challenge, barrenness and “wildness”, unfolds.
Preaching and performance: Theo-dramatic paradoxes in a South African sermon
Authors: Nell Ian A
Published: February 2020

Preaching and performance is a relatively recent development in homiletical discourses and preaching practices. There is much promise in approaching preaching in this creative way. Attention will be paid to different promises related to this homiletical approach. In a next round of reflection the attention shifts to the way in which a specific approach to performance, also known as theo-drama, can not only enhance the preaching act, but also helps to understand the paradoxical role of the preacher, the audience and even God in the preaching event. This will be illustrated by looking at one of the sermons of John de Gruchy, which he preached in a very specific time in the history of South Africa. Attention will also be given to the way in which he performed a prophetic and therefore paradoxical role in his opposition to the apartheid government.
A shy hope in the heart? Religious journalism in Australia and the Kuyperian legacy
Authors: Pass Bruce R
Published: February 2020

This article explores points of contact between Abraham Kuyper’s legacy in the field of religious journalism and the Centre for Public Christianity, an independent media company at the forefront of Australian religious journalism. While the cultural, political, and religious setting of twenty–first century Australia could not be further removed from that of late nineteenth century Netherlands, these two approaches to religious journalism hold much potential for mutual resourcement. The points of contact identified indicate the possibility that Kuyperian principle holds considerable explanatory power for the praxis of the Centre for Public Christianity, just as the praxis of the Centre for Public Christianity exposes underdeveloped elements of Kuyperian principle.
The Spirit of generosity: A new economic dispensation in the wake of Pentecost?
Authors: Wessels Johannes
Published: February 2020

The nature of the economic formation in the Early Church has been widely debated through the centuries. In his work, Das Kapital, Karl Marx quotes Acts 2:44–45, and even supplies these verses as his reason for hating God. As in the case of Marx and his compatriots, several current biblical scholars (especially those from poor communities) are still disillusioned by their view that the initial drive towards sharing money and property have soon been watered down by the Early Church.This article’s main focus is on the way in which reciprocity sheds new light on the economics of the Early Church. It concludes that economics in the Apostolic Era and the Early Church introduced a clear departure from the monetary policies exercised in the First Century Temple in Jerusalem, and in the Synagogues. Not only the main ‘economic’ events in Acts, but also the subsequent results in developing congregations, then and now, are discussed.
Beware the Evil Eye: The Evil Eye in the Bible and the Ancient World. Postbiblical Israel and Early Christianity through Late Antiquity. Volume 4
Authors: Waetjen Herman C
Published: February 2020

Beware the Evil Eye: The Evil Eye in the Bible and the Ancient World. Postbiblical Israel and Early Christianity through Late Antiquity. Volume 4 by Elliot, John H
2017, Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books.
Faith in Christ Today. Invitation to Systematic Theology. Volume 1 (Life in the Presence of God) & Volume II (Involved in God’s Project)
Authors: Smit Dirkie
Published: February 2020

Faith in Christ Today. Invitation to Systematic Theology. by Nürnberger, Klaus
2016, Pietermaritzburg: Cluster Publications
ISBN: 978-1514463086; 978-1514463130
Renewal, Renaissance, Reformation, or Revolution? Guiding concepts for social transformation in South Africa in the light of 16th century ecclesial reform and deform movements in Europe
Authors: Conradie Ernst M , Sakupapa Teddy C
Published: February 2020

This contribution is based on what may be called a pedagogical experiment in a postgraduate course on the 16th century European Reformations that was offered at the University of the Western Cape in the first semester of 2017. On the basis of a close reading of selected literature on the reformation, this contribution highlights the legacy of 16th century ecclesial movements for Southern Africa. The point of departure is located in the context of a discussion on a range of guiding concepts for social transformation in the contemporary (South) African context. It is argued that the deepest diagnosis of current (South) African discourse may well point to a view that none of the options for a category that may be regarded as more ultimate than justice (as a ‘remedy’) is attractive enough to muster sufficient moral energy without endless further contestations. Without necessarily suggesting what that ultimate maybe, it is suggested that a lack of an appealing notion of what is truly ultimate can undermine any attempts to address inequality (as our diagnosis) in current discourse. This necessarily calls attention to the relationship between the penultimate and the ultimate, and indeed between justification and justice.
Celebrating the Reformation as transformation to dignity
Authors: Katts Donald J
Published: February 2020

South Africa is on an urgent journey of transformation toward a life of dignity for all. Dignity is at the heart of the South African Constitution of 1996. Some essential building-blocks of dignity are reconciling justice, responsible freedom, equality as equality of worth and equality as aequitas, equity and equilibrium. This paper will discuss how the theology of Reformers like Luther and Calvin informs our thinking about these central features of dignity. Calvin informs our thinking about justice and equality, and Luther informs our thinking about freedom.
Liberating reformed theology, social-embedded economics, and the white Afrikaans Reformed Churches
Authors: Pieters Johan
Published: February 2020

In this article, the author used a social-embedded framework to analyse the current economic paradigms of the white Afrikaans Reformed Churches in South Africa. He concluded that the current conventional paradigm is problematic in the lack of engagement with both the poor and alternative economic paradigms. He suggested that the notions of covenant, sovereignty and providence could assist the churches to develop an economic paradigm that is informed by solidarity with the poor. For this to happen he concludes that the churches need to develop a liberating hermeneutic in which the Bible is read as a book for the poor, while the readers remain conscious of their privileged position.
The Catholic Church’s perspective of human dignity as the basis of dialogue with the secular world
Authors: Alva Reginald
Published: February 2020

The Catholic Church maintains that the Imago Dei is the ground for human dignity. The secular world, too, endorses human dignity as the foundation for human rights without referring to Imago Dei. The Catholic Church and the secular world both agree on the importance of human dignity, even though they differ on their views about the source of human dignity. In this paper, we shall examine if human dignity can be the basis of a fruitful dialogue between the Catholic Church and the secular world in order to make our world a better place to live. The primary resources for our study are the Church documents on human dignity, and the opinions of distinguished thinkers on the need to promote a culture of dialogue between religions and secular world.
The ecclesiological significance of the ‘African kraal’ metaphor in a context of urban poverty in Zimbabwe
Authors: Banda Collium , Van der Merwe IJ
Published: February 2020

The essay considers how the communal and empowering nature of the African kraal can be a metaphor of a liberating and empowering church in a context of urban poverty in Zimbabwe. Africans generally experience urban centres as foreign and hostile places where they ideally only live temporarily during seasons of urban employment. In Zimbabwe, poverty alleviation strategies that pay attention to the unique context of urban centres are few. This heightens the African experience of urban centres as foreign places. Urban churches often struggle to respond to urban poverty meaningfully. The African kraal, although a rural oriented metaphor, can direct the church in the city to meaningfully respond to urban poverty.
The letter to the Romans as Paul’s legacy to theology: Reception in exposition
Authors: Breytenbach Cilliers
Published: February 2020

‘The Romans Debate’ fills not only volumes, but nowadays a bookshelf. In this paper I will neither argue in favour nor against this verdict of Bornkamm on the setting of Romans. Approaching his idea of the letter to the Romans as Paul’s legacy from reception history, I want to argue that the letter to the Romans became Paul’s legacy to Christian theology. In fact, it is the legacy of Paul. What I mean is that the reception of Paul’s theology is intertwined with the ‘Wirkungsgeschichte’ of the letter to the Romans. Pauline theology had its impact through the letter to the Romans.
Die aard van wet in die Pentateug: ’n Krities-kanoniese perspektief met Nuwe-Testamentiese implikasie
Authors: De Koning Jacobus de Wit
Published: February 2020

The nature of law in the Pentateuch: A critical-canonical perspective with New Testament implicationIn this study, the question is asked whether the nature of law in the Pentateuch corresponds with the view of the nature of the law as expressed by the Westminster Confession of Faith. The article also explores whether Calvin’s view of the law, as sometimes emerged in his discussion of the guideline for the Christian’s life of gratitude, may not be more in line with it, especially when he sees Christ and the law as interchangeable when it comes to a guideline for Christian life. In the search for an answer to this question, the article looks at researchers’ critical investigation into the authority that legal material in the Pentateuch actually had in the practice of Israel and Judah, in conjunction with a canonical investigation into the nature of the legal material in the Pentateuch. After indication of an implication of this findings for the New Testament Christian, the article comes to the conclusion that Calvin was indeed at times closer to the nature of law in the Pentateuch than the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Reading Revelation from the top or the underside
Authors: De Villiers Pieter GR
Published: February 2020

I dedicate this article to Allan Boesak on the occasion of his 70th birthday in appreciation of his fearless struggle against racism, but also in gratitude for his many other writings in which he consistently promoted the cause of oppressed, vilified and abused groups in society in a truly compassionate and inspiring manner. This article also wishes to give recognition to his singular contribution to the study of Revelation, reflected in the many references to his commentary in scholarly works (cf. part 3 below).
Decolonizing theology
Authors: Ward Graham
Published: February 2020

In this essay, the author aims to deal with two questions, namely (1) how decolonized is South African theology? And if there is a sense that South African theology needs to decolonized, then the second question is (2) how should this be done? The first is raised as an interrogative starting-point, and is therefore not conclusive, since the author is admittedly, not fully versed in South African theology. Thus, the main body of the work is concerned with the second question, and thus proposes a three-stage method for decolonizing theology in South Africa. The first involves ‘provincializing’ the Western context as a background for doing theology in the Global South. The second concerns the ‘translation’ of concepts into the differing contexts where theology is produced, and the third is related to the question of ‘affirmation’, in the sense of positively acknowledging culture as being reflective of the diversity of people groups. The author closes with some reflections on theological task today, specifically as this relates to mission, the definition of tradition, and its connection to the academy.
Die samestelling en gebruik van vraelyste in kerklike opnames met verwysings na die Ned Geref Kerk se Kerkspieël-vraelyste
Authors: Zaaiman Johan
Published: February 2020

The construction and usage of questionnaires in church surveys with references to the Dutch Reformed church’s ‘Kerkspieël’ questionnairesThis article works from the premise that practical theology interprets the functioning of the church. Therefore, practical theologians should also be knowledgeable about empirical approaches to investigate these matters. Surveys are an important tool in empirical investigations and questionnaire construction forms an integral part of this process to ensure collection of quality information. However, questionnaire construction can be challenging since it involves human communication and interpretation that is fluid and unique by nature, but attempts to generate from it standardised and controlled responses. Therefore, the quality of each item in a questionnaire must be examined thoroughly. As an example, this article identifies certain flaws in the Dutch Reformed Church’s ‘Kerkspieël’ surveys. These entail the following: double barrelled, ambiguous, unclear, general, abstract and emotionally-related wording, timeframe in questions, leading questions, and assumed knowledge. In practical theological research, these deficiencies can serve as examples urging researchers to be more focused when aiming to develop quality surveys.
“My Way”: Charles Taylor on identity and recognition in a secular democracy
Authors: De Wit Theo WA
Published: February 2020

How should we evaluate Charles Taylor’s famous essay “The politics of recognition” (1992) and other related texts in a time where, at least in Europe, the ideal of a “multicultural society” has lost appeal? This article first tries to set out the way in which Taylor links the modern concepts of recognition, identity and authenticity, and how he argues why modernity not only demands a politics of equal dignity but also a politics of difference. We also discuss his more recent proposal, rethinking the whole idea of secularism and a “secular democracy” – again: to prepare a just and workable answer to societies marked by (not only religious) diversity. We conclude our contribution with three critical remarks on Taylor’s approach: about the recent politicization of culture in Europe and elsewhere, about the necessity of a new role of the public domain, and about the core concept of authenticity.
Is it ethical for a Christian to treat depression with anti-depressants?
Authors: Jooste Simon
Published: February 2020

In this essay I consider whether it is right for a Christian to use an anti-depressant to treat depression. All human beings are responsible to image God in a moral and dignified manner as mortal creatures living in a broken world. It is not easy to do so in our modern culture of narcissism and therapy, which encourages the abuse of medicine. The calling of the Christian, however, extends beyond the ethics of a common humanity. The disciple of Christ suffers by virtue of living in a fallen world, but also because of her baptism into the death of Christ. Like Jesus, believers suffer first and then find glory. Suffering and death are, paradoxically, God’s means of accomplishing and furthering salvation. In light of the body and soul components of depression, and in view of the Christian vocation of suffering, the use of anti-depressants invites careful reflection. In this essay I argue that in some cases it is appropriate to incorporate the likes of Prozac into a holistic approach to treating depression. I set forth my case in four parts. First, I show how depression is part of the plight of humanity broken in body and soul, but not without God’s mercy extended through health care and the cross. Secondly, consideration is given to the Christian’s call to and benefit from a life of cross-shaped suffering. Thirdly, I argue that the Christian mind must guard against a theology of glory clothed in the therapeutic narcissism of our age. Finally, I set forth a recovery programme grounded in the sacred means of the church and the God-given helps of modern medical science.
A pneumatological approach to transformational development: Implication for the church
Authors: Kakwata Frederick
Published: February 2020

This article seeks to articulate a biblical pneumatological approach to transformational development. The aim is to explore and examine the work of the Holy Spirit in Grudem’s perspective and how it relates to transformational development. It is argued that the work of the Holy Spirit and the integral human development it brought amongst the early Christian community can function as a paradigm for the contemporary church globally, and particularly in Africa engaging in developmental work as well as for subsequent generations of Christians dealing with issues of transformation development.
The impact of the Vuwani protests on teaching and learning: Practical theological reflection
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo Solomon
Published: February 2020

This article is a practical theological reflection on the impact of the Vuwani protests on teaching and learning. The protests were mainly caused by the refusal of the Vuwani residents for their area’s inclusion into the newly established local municipality in the Vhembe District. The protests had a huge impact on teaching and learning in the area because more than twenty schools were burnt because of the protests. Teaching and learning in schools were disrupted, as learners were unable to attend school for more than seventy schooling days. This article is a practical theological reflection on such an impact. In order to achieve this, the article first outlines the protests in full detail including the causes and nature of the protests. The article also studies the impact of the protests on teaching and learning. The main purpose of the article is a practical theological reflection on the impact of the Vuwani protests on teaching and learning.
Always reforming? Nurturing a church for human rights in South Africa
Authors: Palm Selina
Published: February 2020

This article explores the post-apartheid call to South African churches to play an ongoing theological role in the shared task of building a human rights culture for all. It seeks a counter-hegemonic human rights praxis that emphasises the lack of a human rights culture and turns to the early insights of German Reformed theologian Jürgen Moltmann on human rights realisation. This points to an important task for local congregations today. It places this in conversation with current South African empirical realities to argue for a theological disruption of the power-laden imagery underpinning much human rights abuse. It concludes that a liberating Trinitarian praxis for human rights can shape a transformational ecclesiology that speaks to concerns raised by South African church youth within a local church today with a history of struggle involvement. Their voices offer a challenge to churches to be “always reforming” on human rights concerns.
Reading Primo Levi on “hybridity” in the context of South Africa: Moving towards humanizing descriptions of the other
Authors: Rondaij Joyce
Published: February 2020

Primo Levi discovered his otherness – his Jewish identity – by experiencing discrimination: through the anti-Semitic laws enforced by the Fascist regime in the 1930’s and the year of imprisonment in Auschwitz. After his return to Italy, the notion of the “hybrid” helped Levi describe his own non-fixated identity and was presented by him as a protection against the fear of the stranger and the return of the concentration camps as its threatening result. In this article I explore Levi’s literary writings on hybridity and relate them to South African theologian Nico Koopman, who proposes a pedagogy of hybridity to support pluralistic societies in moving from alienation and oppression to human dignity and freedom. I propose that a dialogue between the post-Holocaust and post-apartheid context on hybridity can enrich our self-understanding as hybrid creatures and enable just relationships with others.
“Oorwin die kwaad deur die goeie” Romeine 12:21 deur die bril van ’n historikus
Authors: Scholtz Leopold
Published: February 2020

“Overcome evil with good” – Romans 12:21 through the eyes of an historianRomans 12:9-21, and especially verse 21, lies at the heart of Christian ethics. Paul’s idea that evil should be overcome with good, is often criticised as naïve. In this article, the author – not a theologian, but an historian – analyses five dates, namely 1871, 1919, 1940, 1945 and 1949. These involved especially Germany, France, Britain, America and the Soviet Union. A common feature of the first four is that they all contain evil done by one country to another. They are then followed by vengeance, which include even more severe evil. This escalation resulted in Europe by 1945 being transformed into a smoking ruin. In the period immediately afterwards, several statesmen – including Konrad Adenauer (Germany), Charles de Gaulle and Robert Schuman (France) and president Harry Truman (USA) – realised that the cycle of injustice and vengeance had to be stopped. This resulted in 1949 in (West) Germany being readmitted to the Western democratic international society. These examples prove that Paul was not so naïve when he counselled that vengeance belonged to God.
Discrimination? Protestantism and Jewish Christians in the State of Israel
Authors: Van Klinken Gert J
Published: February 2020

During the nineteenth and early twentieth century, Jewish mission became an established branch of Protestant mission in general. As the Jewish converts to Protestantism remained fairly few in numbers, these converts were expected to engage in missionary efforts too, among their fellow Jews. One of the results of the ensuing polarization was the exclusion of baptized Jews from the citizenship of the State of Israel, where they were considered traitors by a majority of society. This article argues that programmes for Jewish-Christian dialogue in the State of Israel came under pressure to bar the Jewish Christians from taking part, and explores the question whether the ensuing policies can be ranked as examples of discrimination against this group.
The challenge of hierarchical church polity in the Presbyterian Church in Malawi: A case of the CCAP Blantyre Synod
Authors: Zgambo Humphreys Frackson
Published: February 2020

Hierarchical church polity in the CCAP Blantyre Synod operates contrary to basic tenets of the Reformed tradition in Malawi. Hierarchical church government functions in the CCAP Blantyre Synod as a result of technical influences from European church government and method of evangelisation by the Scottish missionaries. The aim of the study is to investigate how the structures of the CCAP Blantyre Synod were established based on hierarchy, compromising the Reformed church tradition and how to restore this legitimate church polity in the synod. In Reformed church polity perspective, Christ is the Head who governs His church and the legitimate church polity must be rooted in the Scripture through the Spirit.
Still searching for the pineal gland? Reading the Ricoeur-Changeux debate in terms of Meillassoux’s critique of correlationism
Authors: Kruger Jaco
Published: February 2020

The spectacular advance in neurobiology and neuroscience in general ensures that the question of the relation between the brain and the mind remains actual. The dialogue between philosopher Paul Ricoeur and neuro-biologist Jean-Pierre Changeux that took place around 1998 remains an important contribution in this regard, primarily due to the interdisciplinary character of the conversation. This article attempts an interpretation of both Ricoeur’s and Changeux’s positions in their dialogue using the interpretive lens provided by Quentin Meillassoux’s notion of correlationism. It is argued that such an interpretation highlights the similarities between Ricoeur’s and Changeux’s positions that might not otherwise be apparent, and also calls for a broadening of the terms of reference of the dialogue beyond those accepted by both Ricoeur and Changeux. The article subsequently investigates what a broadening of the terms of reference of the approach to the mind-brain problem might entail in terms of Meillassoux’s anti-correlationism, but rejects this approach in favour of what might be called hyper-correlationism.
The anthropological function of the outcry “When God searches my heart” in Psalm 139:1 and 23 and its later use in Romans 8:27
Authors: Sutton Lodewyk
Published: February 2020

Psalm 139 is viewed as a possible ritual or individual (though representing a group) meditative confession after some possible trial. This is said due to the “sapiential language and a reflective mood that are the most salient features of most elements” in the psalm, and also the psalm’s perspective of YHWH as creator (Gerstenberger, 2001:406; Maré, 2010:697). Within Psalm 139 and throughout its creation imagery, the psalm makes use of multiple imageries relating to the human body. According to Psalm 139:1 and 23, God is searching the inmost being (the heart) of the one praying the psalm. Many scholars use these verses of Psalms 139 as in intertextual text for Romans 8:27. In this article an anthropological comparison between Psalm 139:1 and 23 on “when God searches our hearts” and its later use in Romans 8:27 is made to determine the relevance of the function of the outcry “when God searches my heart” and its intertextual importance or relevance.
Deuteronomic tithe laws and their humanitarian implications for Africa
Authors: Ajah Miracle
Published: February 2020

There has been no univocal position among scholars on the compatibility of the different codes for tithing, the number of tithe laws in the Old Testament, and the possibility of applying the Old Testament datum to contemporary Christianity. Driver, Wellhausen and Weinfeld see the tithe provisions in Deuteronomy as in “serious and indeed irreconcilable conflict” with other provisions in the Pentateuch, while McConville and Averbeck show that they are compatible. Although, the issue of compatibility of the number of tithe laws in the Old Testament may still be controversial, however, the theological significance of tithing at different times and places remains the same. The different contexts or traditions for the concept of tithing in the Old Testament, whether Priestly, Deuteronomic or Prophetic, present the greatest motivation for tithing as the worship of God. This paper re–examines selected verses from Deuteronomy 12, 14, and 26 that focus on theological themes such as covenant relationship, reverence for God, obedience and blessing, fellowship and welfare. It argues that a theological interpretation of tithe laws in Deuteronomy in the light of humanitarian understanding can facilitate a better administration of law and justice in Africa.
“Poverty and privilege”: Re-hearing sermons of Beyers Naudé on religion and justice
Authors: Cilliers Johan
Published: February 2020

This paper attempts to identify some ethical dimensions in the preaching of Beyers Naudé, as being representative of a structural-contextual-ethical mode of moral discourse. Cognisance is taken in particular of sermons preached shortly before the first general elections were held in South Africa, and sermons preached in the aftermath of this historical event. This is done to determine whether any fundamental changes took place in Naude’s thinking on justice during these times of transition. A brief discussion of different theological discourses on restorative justice in South Africa is given. The paper concludes with some observations on the continuous relevance of Naudé for the current debate on restorative justice in South Africa.
Allan Boesak, Black Theology and Apartheid: A theological-historical approach
Authors: Fortein Eugene
Published: February 2020

In this article I will give specific attention to the reciprocal relationship between Black Theology and Allan Boesak based on his lived experience of apartheid from a theological-historical perspective. It is my presupposition that Boesak’s experience of apartheid made him prone to the influence of Black Theology and that he in turn adapted American Black Theology so that it could be made applicable to the South African context. Black Theology unlocked an entire new theological paradigm for Boesak which enabled him to speak prophetically to the challenges and injustices that occurred under apartheid in South Africa. Attention will be given to the emergence of Black Theology in South Africa, how Boesak was challenged by it and how Black Theology, through Boesak, impacted the theological landscape.
A practical theology of bereavement care: Re-ritualization within a paradigm of “comforting presence”
Authors: Gibson L , Louw DJ
Published: February 2020

The investigation focuses on a concern for the marginalization of bereaved human beings in the context of cultural shifts now shaping twenty-first century pastoral care. The article advocates for a practical theology of bereavement to aid in nurturing care and eudaimonic well-being (including both vocational pastors and funeral directors) within the paradigmatic framework of a theopaschitic understanding of compassion (oiktirmos). The investigation examines the growing threat of deritualization – a public openness to revise, replace, minimize the significance of, and even eliminate or avoid long-held funerary rituals to assist in the adaptation of loss. The notion of re-ritualization is operationalized as an intentional act of restoring and re-engaging in creative and meaningful ritual forms that give symbolic expression to significant thoughts and feelings of the bereaved within a social ethos that is no longer committed to a conventional or fixed approach to ritualization. In order to facilitate a process of re-ritualization, bereavement care is linked to the notion of “comforting presence”.
Perichoretic interaction within the Trinity as a paradigm for fostering unity in the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) in Malawi
Authors: Fortein Eugene
Published: February 2020

The revival of the patristic doctrine of perichōrēsis in relation to the Trinitarian framework has received overwhelming support in modern theological discourse. From Anagorous to John of Damascus, and from reformation to the 21st century theological scholarship, the doctrine of perichōrēsis has been viewed by many as a palatable approach and a suitable paradigm in addressing various challenges affecting the church and society globally, because it is out of this patristic doctrine that the entire doctrine of the Trinity is sustained. If it was not for perichōrēsis neither nature, personal, or salvific doctrine of Trinity would have no value. If not for perichōrēsis, Arianism, encompassing all aspects of modalism with various assorted gods within Christianity, would be a global phenomenon. This article presents perichōrēsis as the paradigm in advancing a national unity agenda within the Church and State in conjunction with a case study of the Public Affairs Committee in Malawi, which is a representation of the voice of the faith community in addressing the national unity agenda and other governance issues. The main argument in the paper is that adoption and emulation of the immanent Trinitarian perichoretic life experienced within the Trinitarian community of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit is the best way forward in bringing meaningful unity in society today. This is because perichōrēsis, which flows within the Trinitarian framework, is the model and an example of what humans and society must emulate to enhance unity and togetherness.
Crossing boundaries: Social-scientific reading of the faith of a Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21–28)
Authors: Kgatle Mookgo S
Published: February 2020

Social-scientific criticism refers to an interpretation of the biblical text that takes into cognizance the social system that produced that text. This article presents a social scientific reading of the faith of a Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21–28. The article outlines models of social systems in Matthew 15:21–28 like landscape and spatiality, gender and sexuality, ethnicity, purity, and social status in order to achieve a social scientific reading. The purpose of this article is to firstly demonstrate that the models of social system in Matthew 15:21–28 served as boundaries to the faith of a Canaanite woman. Secondly, it is to demonstrate that the Canaanite woman crossed such boundaries in Matthew 15:21–28 for her daughter to receive healing. Lastly, the Canaanite woman serves as a model for South African women today who have to cross boundaries like landscape and spatiality, gender and sexuality, ethnicity, purity, and social status.
Being human in the shadow of racism
Authors: Kuvuna Joël Mbongi , Von Sinner Rudolf
Published: February 2020

This paper is inspired by the experience of a black student who underwent racist treatment in Brazil. Nowadays, racism may appear in any societal structure. Misuse of power is one of the causes of violence and racism. A person who finds him- or herself in a position of some power may, while acting in the name of “law”, turn into an incarnation of the law. This paper wishes to speak out on matters of violence, oppression and racism which are spreading in society. The faces of racism need to be shown, even where racism is institutionalized.