bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retaining and Exploring Digital Traces
Authors: Akoumianakis Demosthenes , Milolidakis Giannis , Vlachakis George , Karadimitriou Nikolas , Ktistakis Giorgos
Published: November 2012

The present work rests and elaborates on the assumption that social technologies are increasingly turned into computer-mediated virtual settlements, thereby allowing the excavation of a variety of enacted cyber-phenomena such as ad hoc online ensembles, informal social networks and virtual communities, on the grounds of ‘digital’ traces or remains. In this vein, the authors motivate and present a method for virtual excavations that is tightly coupled to a transformational technology such as knowledge visualization. The analytical and explanatory value of the method is assessed using two case studies addressing representative genres of social technologies, namely web sites augmented with social plug-ins and social networking services. Analysis reveals intrinsic aspects of ‘digital’ traces and remains, the form they take in today’s social web and the means through which they can be excavated and transformed to useful information. It turns out that such virtual excavations, when organized and conducted carefully, can be of benefit to enterprises, service organizations and public sector institutions. In addition, their tight coupling with knowledge visualization eliminates extensive data analysis as much of this work can be done using the visualization. On the other hand, and depending on the size of digital trace data, the choice of visualizations and the underlying toolkit are of paramount importance.
Home range and activity of African goshawks Accipiter tachiro in relation to their predation on bats
Authors: Rautenbach I.L. , Fenton M.B. , Kemp A.C. , Van Jaarsveld S.J.
Published: November 2012

Winter radio-tracking of three African goshawks Accipiter tachiro showed that they each occupied well-wooded home ranges of at least 28 hectares. They perched and roosted mainly within densely foliaged trees and an adult female changed perches on average 4,7 times per hour. No crepuscular predation of bats was recorded, in contrast to regular summer predation on colonies of little free-tailed bats, Tadarida pumila, but winter emergence rates of these bats at dusk had dropped to < 5 of the previous summer. We predict that many accipiters will be regular predators of bats and that skewed sex ratios and high fecundity may be two means by which bats counter this predation.
Berit in Psalm 74
Authors: Human D.J.
Published: November 2012

This article is an attempt to understand the concept berit in Psalm 74:20. Several possibilities regarding its significance and content were discussed by various biblical scholars. The vague reference to berit makes a convincing solution in this regard very difficult. A combination of allusions and motives in the Psalm which coincide with aspects of the Yahweh-David berit, strengthens the assumption that [foreign fornt omitted] (v 20) alludes to the loyalty and faithfulness of Yahweh which he promised in the berit with his servant David.
LXX-Sitate in die Petrus- en Paulusredes van Handelinge
Authors: Steyn G.J.
Published: November 2012

LXX quotations in the Petrine and Pauline speeches in Acts. This article is an attempt to summarize the results of the author's doctoral thesis. Three aspects of the problem under investigation are discussed, i e the texthistorical, methodological and henneneutical aspects. The following became clear after analyzing the citations in the Petrine and Pauline speeches: (a) the reconstructed LXX Textvorlage which Luke has used, reflects a strong Semitic style; (b) some quotations were already used in pre-Lukan times, but seem to be checked and reinterpreted by Luke; (c) his use of Scripture functions on two levels: infonnative, focusing on the past with a strong christological trend, and nonnative, focusing on the present and future with an appealing nature for the current listeners/readers; and (d) Luke's understanding of Scripture fits in within his salvation history, presented from a Theo-centric perspective, pneumatological-prophetically mediated, and with emphasis on the eschatology, christology and soteriology.
Die apologetiek van C S Lewis: 'n Gereformeerdteologiese besinning
Authors: Brand G.v.W.
Published: November 2012

The apologetics of C S Lewis: A Reformed theological reflection In this, the first part of a two part study in which the validity of C S Lewis's apologetics is evaluated from a Refonned perspective, the author considers various theological and philosophical criticisms that have been raised against the discipline of apologetics as such, and concludes that apologetics cannot be declared illegitimate in principle. Using insights gained from this discussion, he then goes on 10 delineate certain theological and philosophical prerequisites for any legitimately Refonned apologetic enterprise, and to develop a model for apologetics that can be sho'r'/Il to correspond 10 these prerequisites.
Skrif en Kerkorde
Authors: Coertzen P.C.
Published: November 2012

Scripture and church orderThis article attempts to contribute to the clarification of the relationship between Scripture and church order. The concept church order is not considered to refer to rules and regulations only, but to encompass the entire nature of the church. In attempting to answer the question about the relationship between Scripture" and church order, the author first sets out the views of a number of theologians on the issue and thereafter presents his perspective Oil the issue.
'n Greep uit die Ou-Testamentiese wetenskap in Nederland en Suid-Afrika
Authors: Prinsloo W.S.
Published: November 2012

A perspective on Old Testament studies in the Netherlands and South AfricaThis article contains a summary of the papers delivered during the first congress of Afrikaans-speaking and Dutch-speaking Old Testament scholars held in Leiden from 11 to 12 July 1995. The papers present an overview of tllhat is currently being done in the field of the Old Testament in each of the countries.
Die vryheid van die teologie in die nuwere RoomsKatolieke denke
Authors: Wethmar C.J.
Published: November 2012

The freedom of theology according to recent Roman Catholic thought In this article the notion of the freedom of theology in recent Roman Catholic thought is discussed with special reference to the Vatican Instruction "Donum Veritatis", which outlines the current views in this church on the ecclesial vocation of the theologian. The factors which prompted the publication of this document are described as well as the tradition within which it is situated. A careful analysis of the structure and contents of the Instruction is made and the basic presuppositions of its notion of theology are indicated. The article concludes with a Refonned response to the central argument of the document.
Die rol van die ouers van Simson in die Simsonsage (Rigters 13-16))
Authors: Coetzee J.H.
Published: November 2012

The role of  the parents of Samson in the Samson saga (Judges 13-16) The  parents  of Samson,  Manoah  and his  wife,  play  an  important  literary and  theological  role  not  only  in  Judges  13  where  they  act  as  main characters,  but  also  in  the  rest  of  the  saga  where  they  occur  in  a diminishing  role.  By means  of  the  interaction  between  the  characters and the  underlying  motifs  originating  from  them  (especially  the  parents), Samson's  conduct  in  relationship  with  his parents  becomes an  illustration of  the  tension found  in  the  life of  the people of  Israel,  viz.  that between the orderly social  institutions  on  the  one  hand and the  natural non-traditional forces  in a developing society on the other hand.
Politieke mag, die Ou Testament en kerkeenheid
Authors: Le Roux J.H.
Published: November 2012

Political power, the Old Testament and church unity The  family  of Dutch  Reformed  Churches  in  South  Africa  are  involved  in tense  discussions  on  church  unity.  One  aspect  which  must  be  discussed thoroughly  is  the  legitimation  of  political  "power.  Not  only  in  the past but also  the present Mandela government  is  religiously supported.  It  is argued that  this a dangerous  venture.  Some  examples from  the Old Testament are used to  illustrate  this point.  It  is  stated that Israel became disillusioned  in political power and therefore reformulated royal theology.
Wat het Athene met Jerusalem te doen? Enkele histories-sistematies gesigspunte in verband met die vraag of die teologie aan die universiteit tuishoort
Authors: Wethmar C.J.
Published: November 2012

Jerusalem and Athens:  A  few  historical  and systematic considerations regarding the position of  theology at state universities This  article  investigates  the  question  whether  theology  as  an  academic discipline  should  be  accommodated  at  state  universities.  This  question proves  to  be  determined  by  a  complex  constellation  of  historical, philosophical,  theological  and  political  ~ssues.  In  an  attempt  to  give  a systematic  analysis  and  evaluation  of  these  issues  a  brief  historical description of  the  relationship between theology and university  is given and the  basic  characteristics  of a  university  and  theology  identified.  Such  an approach  seems  to  provide  adequate  considerations  for  motivating  an affirmative answer to  the question at stake.
Die kanoniese benadering van ChiIds: 'n Paradigmaskuif?
Authors: Claasen C.F.
Published: November 2012

The canonical approach of Childs: A paradigm shift? It is said that the canonical approach by Childs represents a paradigm shift. Accordingly it is stated that Chi/ds operates a-historically. This article hypothesised that the canonical approach still finds itself in the mainstream of historical criticism. Chi/ds depends on the result of the historical critical method for the implementation of his approach. Chi/ds still finds himself in the same cadre as his mentors Karl Barth and Gerhard von Rad. He can therefore not be labelled as a-historical.
Die retoriek van godsdienstige pllitiek in Psalm 2
Authors: Coetzee J.H.
Published: November 2012

The rhetorical argumentation strategies of Psalm 2 as a political-cultic poem are explored in order to highlight the function of these strategies, the exigency and the audience of the initial rhetorical situation. During the creation process of the psalm, the rhetor must have been influenced by the royal court or the king himself, reflecting aspects of the evolutionary process which the Zion theology went through. The rhetor's creation was to be implemented lively during the inauguration ceremony of the Judean king as rhetorical action during which the king (as new rhetor), the world rulers and nations (as universal audience), the Judean audience present at the political-cultic ceremony, as well as Yahweh were engaged in collaborative rhetorical action.
Sendingwetenskap vir die derde millennium - Deel 1
Authors: Meiring P.G.J.
Published: November 2012

Missiology for the third millennium Not only missions, but also the study of the Science of Mission, Missiology, continually finds itself under close scrutiny. Reacting to the many questions in this regard, the author reflects on three main themes: 1) What place - if any - should be awarded to Missiology within a Theological curriculum?; 2) What constitutes Missiology's unique nature and content?; 3) Which are the challenges facing missiologists on the eve of the Third Millennium? Referring to the last theme, five specific issues to be published as Part Il of the article in a next edition of this magazine, are tabled: Missiology's theological point of departure, its relationship with the church, its context (in this case, Africa), the quest for a relevant agenda, and the methods it chooses to apply.
Simboliek in die Evangelie van Johannes
Authors: Van der Watt J.G.
Published: November 2012

Symbolism in the Gospel according to John The use of terminology like symbol, metaphor and figurative speech is very confusing, since these terms are defined in a variety of ways. A definition of symbol is formulated, and applied to the imagery of shepherding in John 10. A few other symbols are also treated briefly to confirm the results of the symbolic analysis of shepherding in John 10.
Die doel van gemeentebou
Authors: Nel M.
Published: November 2012

Building up the local church is driven by different motives. More often than not, these motives concern the survival of a specific church and/or denomination. Even Church Growth may be considered to be a motive of maintenance. It happens that, while churches grow in a given area Christianity declines in that same area. The purpose of Building up the Local Church has everything to do with the understanding of the church, with ecclesiology. On the other hand any preoccupation with ecclesiology may be a sign of decline in itself (Hoekendijk). The objective of this article is to focus or refocus the current discussions on ecclesiology and on Building up the Local Church on the purpose of this ministry as such. My contention is that this purpose is to be understood as missiological in essence.
Die one weier om te verdwyn
Authors: Le Roux J.H.
Published: November 2012

The old refuses to disappear This article deals with some aspects of presentday Pentateuchal research. It is stated that although the basic elements of nineteenth century Pentateuch criticism still prevail, the study of the Pentateuch has also changed in many ways. Pentateuchal studies did not, however, escape the hermeneutical insights of the twentieth century. This opened up new ways of understanding and evaluating reseach results. More emphasis is also being laid on the final text and the forces which shaped the final form of the Pentateuch. One important paradigm shift is the rejection of the Davidic-Solomonic era as the earliest context of the Pentateuch in favour of the neo-Assyrian time. During this period the Pentateuch originated, and was meant as resistence against the neo-Assyrian powers.
Ezekiel 18 and Human rights
Authors: Van Rooy H.F.
Published: November 2012

In South Africa the debate on Human Rights gained new impetus after the implementation of the interim constitution in 1994, followed by the new constitution in 1996, containing a charter of fundamental Human Rights. The question to be answered by this paper is whether Ezekiel 18 can contribute to this debate. This paper firstly discusses the question whether the Old Testament can be used in the debate on Human Rights. This is followed by a discussion of Ezekiel 18, with emphasis on the transgressions listed in this chapter in their Israelite context. Many of these injunctions are related to the laws of Deuteronomy, the Book of the Covenant and the Holiness Code. These injunctions are studied against the background of Israelite law in general and the three codes mentioned above in particular. Finally, the implications of Ezekiel 18 for the issue of Human Rights are discussed. The violation of rights of people guaranteed by divine law is seen as one of the major causes of divine punishment. God's law was meant to create a society found on justice. An unjust society is in contradiction to the will of God, according to Ezekiel 18. The implications of this view for the debate on Human Rights in South Africa need to be taken into consideration.
Gebed: 'n Proses wat verandering bemiddel
Authors: Desk D.J. Human
Published: November 2012

Prayer is an integral part of the believer's communion with God. It reflects different dimensions and functions in the faith-relationship between God and man. Worship, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, petition, confession and trust are only a few to be mentioned. A neglected aspected of the prayer experience is the lament. Prayer is, in this sense, an exposure of the self and the circumstances of the petitioner before God. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the theological meaning of the lament as prayer for the individual and the faith community. Prayer is also understood within the broader scope of different expressive human deeds. It is a process which mediates perspective and essential change in the life of the believer and faith community. In a final application it is argued that the lament-prayer can contribute to change and renewal in a transitional and disturbed South African church and society.
Teologiekroniek: Die relevansie van teologie in millennium drie
Authors: Joubert S.J.
Published: November 2012

The ever growing emphasis on specialization in theological circles, coupled with constant pressure on theological researchers to come up with new theories, have, in many cases, turned theological study into an esoteric undertaking with no direct or indirect relevance to the church or society at large. In order to avoid the "museum of endangered species" that looms around the corner for a self-sufficient, highly specialized theology, theological research must, once again, take the church seriously as an eventual participant in the theological discourse. Theologians must learn to popularise their findings and to open new windows on God for people of the third millennium.
Morality, Imagination and Human decision making
Authors: Human L.H. , Liebenberg J. , M J.C.
Published: November 2012

The authors of this article explore the possibility of using imagination instead of so-called objective truths in human decision making. They argue that imagination plays a role even if one operates with the objectivist view of morality. What now is needed is to elaborate on the role that imagination plays when humans have to make moral decisions, especially when they experience that they are lost, that they are in a state of aporia. In the approach suggested, one is forced to come to grips with the full complexity of one's situation. No easy, ultimately correct decision is presupposed. Instead, one is forced to take full responsibility both for the construction of alternative stories (and therefore alternative moralities) and also for choosing the preferred story and its desired and undesired moral consequences.
Von Harnack, Marcion en die Ou Testament
Authors: Le Roux J H
Published: November 2012

This article focusses on Adolf Von Harnack’s profound study of Marcion, a theologian of the second century. He was amongst other things fascinated by Marcion’s view of the Old Testament.  Marcion rejected  the  Old Testament because it depicted the creator-god as a mean figure who humiliated human beings. Jesus was in no way related to  this  god. He  came from the good God who is described in the New Testament. Marcion compiled his own Bible which had no Old Testa-ment and only a few books from the New Testament which he  purged from all Jewish or Old Testament influence. According to Marcion the newness of the Christ event made the Old Testament superflous.
A Social-constructionist, narrative understanding of the Church’s morality on sex
Authors: M J C , Pienaar H E
Published: November 2012

This  article can be described as  a social constructionist, narrative understanding of a group of selected South African white Christians’ experience and perceptions regarding sexual morality in the context of heterosexual couples. In this article we will encounter alternative descriptions of sex, sexuality and marriage. The assertion is made that sexual morality should be understood within a relational contextual view of human interaction. This entails a shift away from act-centred, universally right or wrong sexually moral behaviour. These contentions are grounded in a thickened description of sex, sexuality and marriage,through which the thin, act-centred discourse of sex as coitus and marriage as ceremonial consent is deconstructed. A few guidelines are also being made in view of the church and parents. The authors use the metaphor of the board game “snakes and ladders” to enlighten the underlying worldview  and findings, thereby situating sexual morality within the sphere of human social interaction and reality.
Leiers wat dien en bédien. ‘n Pauliniese beskrywing van kerkleiers en hulle funksies in 1 & 2 Korintiërs
Authors: Vermeulen J
Published: November 2012

What constitutes the functions and the essence of Pauline church leadership? How functional, relevant and useful is the huge amount of secular and religious  literature  published annually regarding leadership, for the church of Jesus Christ? In an effort to answer these and other questions, this essay studies portions of First and Second Corinthians, and comes to two conclusions. Firstly,  that  Pauline church leaders were characterised by service and  servanthood, and  secondly, that they also functioned as the mediators of pneumatological realities. Both of these dimentions function wholly within the paradigm of humility and dependance upon God, who is shown by Paul to be the source, as well as the focus of the superlative glory that characterises the ministry of the new covenant. The effects of the Pauline ministry functions simultaneously as the fruits, as well as the criteria of Pauline ministry in the new covenant.
Micah 7:8-20: An apt conclusion to the book of Micah
Authors: Wessels W J
Published: November 2012

It is argued in this article that Micah 7:8-20 forms an apt conclusion to the book of Micah. As was the case with Micah 1, the concluding section also focusses on Yahweh and his dealings with the people of the earth. There is a universal tendency to be detected in this section as well. An important aspect to notice  is  the liturgical nature of chapters six and seven, especially 7:8-20. There is a vagueness, almost a timelessness, imbuing this section. This could be intended allowing later generations of believers to apply these words to  their  own  circumstances. With Micah 7:8-20 as the concluding section of the book, one is left with a sense of well-roundedness, of completeness. The collection of oracles attributed  to Micah in general has a sombre tone. For this very reason Micah  7:8-20  seems  to  change  the mood. It breathes hope into a negative atmosphere of judgment. It ends with a strong emphasis on the power of Yahweh, the power of forgiveness.
The ethos of the Book of Revelation
Authors: Du Rand J A , Song Y M
Published: November 2012

Recently,  scholars consensus concerning the biblical hermeneutics seems to have become a holistic and integrated perception. Therefore, for the sake of probing the well-balanced and controlled ethos of Revelation, the argument here is that several pertinent methods should be used in an interactive fashion and with a view to achieving the desired result. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to investigate the  ethos  of  the  Book of Revelation based on integrated interpretation of the literary, the historical, and the theological. The ethos of Revelation distinguished through this study is that of the eschatological coming of the Kingdom of God which can be accomplished by identifying Christians identity (as kings, prophets and priests) with Christ. The Christ event is the ground of the eschatological hope for John’s audiences who live in the New Covenant.
Some observations about the Vorlage of Ps 8:5-7 in Heb 2:6-8
Authors: Steyn G J
Published: November 2012

The  following observations relate only to one of the approximately 30 explicit quotations  to  be  found in Hebrews and is part of a broader project on the nature of the Vorlage of these quotations. The focus in this investigation is more of a text critical than a ermeneutical nature.  It  is rather on establishing the origin and text form of the  text used by the unknown author of Hebrews than on the interpretation of the quotation itself within the broader context. Regarding the origin of the quotation from Ps 8:5-7 in Heb  2:6-8, it is clear  from the investigation that the author of Hebrews probably knew the quotation already via the tradition, but that he quoted a longer section and that some conscious changes were made during the process of his application and re-interpretation of the quotation in its new context. The link with Ps 110(109):1 was  already made prior to Hebrews. The author did not share a testimony book with Paul for this combination, but knew the combination either via Paul or independently from Paul via the tradition. Regarding the text form of the quotation, it becomes clear that it closely resembles the reading of our reconstructed LXX.
Healing the nations
Authors: Dortzbach Karl
Published: November 2012

This article gives the motivations, methodology and some results of a study done in Christian healing interventions in African contexts of  stress and violence. Healing in community has been viewed through the prism of “shalom”. Shalom occurs when people who are in a  right  relationship with God  and  each other enjoy and share together the resources of the earth  in ways  that  show Christ  is Lord of all creation. Charts are given showing  the various kinds of community needs, ways to intervene, and some indications of ways to evaluate the interventions.
Ancestor worship in Korea and Africa: Social function or religious phenomenon?
Authors: Bae Choon Sup
Published: November 2012

Ancestor worship is a dilemma for Christian communities  in Korea and Africa, who have difficulty adapting Western theology to their Third World cultures. Allan Culpepper calls  ancestor worship a cultural phenomenon, not a hindrance to the Gospel message, which this article refutes. Ancestor worship is religious rather  than social in function. Common features of ancestor worship in Africa and Korea are 1) conventional  superstition (shamanism in Korea, animism in Africa), 2) belief in immortality, and  3) ancestor veneration/filial piety. Theological assessment reveals the incompatibility of ancestor worship with Christianity. 1)  Fear of ancestors is replaced by liberation  in Christ. 2) The dead exist in a mode completely different to earthly existence and have no power in the world. 3) Ancestors cannot fulfil the intermediary role reserved for the Holy Spirit. Ancestor worship should  be viewed as idol worship. Contextualisation of kerygma becomes distorted when religious pluralism is tolerated.
Reconciliation through Church Union in post-Apartheid South Africa: The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
Authors: Duncan G A
Published: November 2012

This paper will argue that the union which brought the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa into being was based on an inadequate view of reconciliation in a Christian context. While lip service may have been paid to the authentic concept, flawed views have led to many misunderstandings concerning the mission and vision of the new church, and despite attempts at reformation and renewal, reconciliation as justice restored still evades the ethos of the young denomination.
God accepts a broken spirit and a contrite heart - Thoughts on penitence, forgiveness and reconciliation in Psalm 51
Authors: Human D J
Published: November 2012

A concern with reconciliation amidst broken relationships permeates the religious discourse of human spirituality. In addition, in the history of Christian spirituality in particular, the role of penitence has been considered to be an integral part  of authentic faith in a fallen world blighted by sin. With this as background, the present article discusses the biblical text of Psalm 51, a poignant and dramatic rendering of a sinner’s penitence in his quest for forgiveness and reconciliation. Acutely aware of his transgressions, the psalmist confesses his own sinfulness whilst acknowledging the divine requirement of genuine repentance and complete dependence on God’s grace. With these thoughts, Psalm 51 also allows the reader to discover for him/ herself the process of repentance – penitence – forgiveness – renewal and, ultimately, reconciliation.
Versoening in Joodse apokaliptiese literatuur
Authors: Nel M
Published: November 2012

Before the discussion of the subject of reconciliation in apocalyptic literature can be researched it is necessary to answer preliminary questions: What is apocalyptic literature? Where, how and why did it originate? Is it in continuity with the other genres represented in the Old Testament? Were there apocalyptic movements, and what was their function? Apocalyptic writers did not discuss reconciliation as such because in their socio-historical circumstances the issue was not raised. In the different writings allusions are found. Reconciliation with God is interpreted as a property of the chosen righteous, the maskilim or chasidim, the particular apocalyptic group. Reconciliation between people and groups are interpreted within the larger context of the regulations of the Mosaic Torah.
Reconciliation as the functional integration of complex systems
Authors: Van Niekerk A S
Published: November 2012

Reconciliation is usually seen in  connection with the relationships between God and his people, and the mutual relationships between people, especially believers in Christ. In Col 1, however, Paul relates reconciliation to all things in heaven and on earth. The implications of this statement for the life and work of the church and her members need further reflection. In this article, attention is given to the dysfunctional interactions between socio-cultural, ecological, economical, political and other systems in the Southern African context. These dysfunctional interactions cause widespread poverty, ecological degradation and social disruption. Church members can see it as their calling to work for the functional integration of these systems, in their own lifestyles as well as in society in general, in order to promote the wellbeing of society.
Reconciliation in Deuteronomy
Authors: Van Rooy H F
Published: November 2012

The Book of Deuteronomy holds a central position in the Old Testament, and indeed in the Bible as a whole. It provides a summary of what the faith of Israel in the Old Testament is all about. It speaks about the covenant God made between himself and his people, about faithfulness to that covenant and of  the implications of breaking the covenant. This covenant had implications not only for the way the people of Israel had to live as God’s people in God’s land, but also for the relationship among the members of the covenant. This article discusses the structure of the book of Deuteronomy, and then the way in which reconciliation appears in each of the different parts. The theme of reconciliation is not dealt with explicitly in all the passages discussed, but it does form a part of the subtext of the book of Deuteronomy. The people could only experience the Lord’s blessings in the promised land after He had brought about reconciliation between Himself and them. To keep on experiencing the Lord’s blessings, they had to remain faithfull to Him, obey his commandments and live within the boundaries He prescribed.
Die oudste boodskap via die nuutste massamedium: evaluering van ‘n e-pos dagstukkiediens
Authors: Lombaard Christo , Rabe Marlize
Published: November 2012

This study focuses on daily devotionals from the Old Testament that are sent to subscribers by means of email.  A questionnaire was circulated among subscribers to this free service, to ascertain their experience of these devotionals. High levels of satisfaction and a positive orientation were found with regards to both the content and the medium of dissemination. Recommendations for the further expansion of this electronic service are offered.
The controversial universality of individual human rights
Authors: Graf Friedrich
Published: November 2012

Human rights is currently a very relevant but also very controversial issue in international politics in the aftermath of some of the events that occurred during the twentieth century. In this article, the author puts the present issues in perspective by initiating the discussion with a look at aspects of the historical development of the concept of human rights. He then moves on to take a closer look at how the concept of human rights feature  and function in the Christian religion and follows that up with an overview of how human rights are perceived and are operative in the religion of Islam. The article concludes with a focus on inter-cultural discourse.
Called into the Freedom of Christ in a Postmodern Age and the Moral Debate
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: November 2012

Within Postmodernity we are facing tremendous ethical challenges while upholding a strong sense of freedom. In this essay I argue that this freedom is often still interpreted within a modern paradigm as an essential freedom of presence which has its roots in Neo-Platonic thinking. In Paul’ s letter to the Galatians there are insights to a different interpretation of the freedom we have in Christ as an eschatological freedom of calling and promise.  This freedom can only be grasped in faith and is never the possession of any one individual or community, but rather a continuous challenge. It is a freedom that creates space for the other (for that, that seemed impossible) to become present (possible) and therefore it finds itself between justice (dike) and mercy – justice, as that which creates space for those who do not have space (presence), the unheard voices and the marginalised voices; and mercy which brings these unheard voices (the non-present) into being. This is the freedom to which the Cross beckons and the Resurrection inspires.
Huwelik of nie – wat van Hooglied?
Authors: Viviers H
Published: November 2012

The traditional heterosexual, monogamous marriage can be questioned, not only on the grounds of modern deviating practices in regard to permanent love relationships but on discrepancies within the Bible itself. It is a myth that the “Bible says…” and then voicing only one viewpoint, when there are more than what fundamentalists have Bible readers to believe. The Song of Songs represents such an alternative voice, subverting the mainstream mores of its time. It not only subverts what was then deemed “proper”, patriarchy, class and religion but markedly also the typical Mediterranean marriage. The two lovers dream of a traditional marriage some time in the future but at the moment they focus predominantly on the intimate enjoyment of each other. “Sex before marriage”, however, is never promiscuous but adheres to a deapseated ethic of fidelity. The Song interestingly opens up morally defendable permanent relationships other than the traditional marriage. Utilizing Body Criticism the Song is appreciated in its own right in this article.
14 Predigerporträts und 26 Predigtkonzepte? Überlegungen zur homiletischen Retrospektive in den Göttinger Predigtmeditationen
Authors: Gr E
Published: November 2012

Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird die „homiletische Retrospektive“ der Göttinger Predigtmeditationen auf ihre impliziten Schwerpunkte hin untersucht. Ziel der Untersuchung ist auch, nach den aktuellen homiletischen Konsequenzen zu fragen, die sich aus der Darstellung der ausgewählten Prediger ergeben könnten. Der Aufsatz siedelt sich im Kontext der von Wilhelm Dilthey initiierten und von Hans Jörg Gadamer in seinem Buch „Wahrheit und Methode“ weiterentwickel-ten Methode der geisteswissenschaftlichen Hermeneutik an. Gadamers  Ansatz wurde in der deutschsprachigen  Theologie breit diskutiert und ist dort von prägender Wirkung. Der Aufsatz verfährt nach der oben erwähnten hermeneutischen  Textanalyse, um das Profil der homiletischen Retrospektive und deren aktuelle Relevanz ausleuchten zu können.
Opstanding
Authors: Muller J.
Published: November 2012

Julian Müller is voltydse dosent in Praktiese  Teologie aan die Universiteit van Pretoria. Hy is bekend veral binne Nederduits Gereformeerde geledere. Die situasie waarbinne hierdie boek sy onstaan gehad het is belangrik vir die verstaan en begrip van die skrywe hiervan. Dit is die gevolg van Müller se deelname aan ‘n Oop-gesprek-program wat gedurende 2005 op RSG uitgesaai is waar hy gekonfronteer is met die vraag: Glo jy in die histories-fisiese opstanding van Christus? Sy reaksie hierop het mense vrae laat vra oor Müller se beskouing oor die opstanding (bl 7-11). In hierdie boek verantwoord hy hom pragmaties oor hierdie onderwerp.
“We are Judean”! The Sayings Gospel Q’s redactional approach to the Law
Authors: Cromhout M
Published: November 2012

This article is focussed on Q’ s treatment of the Law and what it can tell us about the Q community’ s Judean ethnic identity. It is argued that part of the reason for the incorporation of the main redaction in Q (here Kloppenborg’ s Q2 + Q3) was to defend the Judean ethnic identity of the Q people.  This becomes evident in its conservative approach to the Law as opposed to that of the formative stratum where the Law was freely reconstructed. Q’ s approach to the Law is also informed by its Moses/New Exodus typology encountered in the various strata.
Erkennen und Scham: Sigmund Freuds biblisches Menschenbild
Authors: Heine S
Published: November 2012

Sigmund Freud is exposed to two main misunderstandings he himself contributed to. One stands in connection with human beings as Id-driven creatures, particularly with regard to the sexual drive. The other pertains to his view of religion as neurosis. Both overlook the importance Freud attaches to conscience and reason. A closer look at his anthropology shows that there are no contradictions at work, but traits of a biblical image of men.
The marks of the church in South Africa today - In dialogue with Jürgen Moltmann on his 80th birthday
Authors: Naude PJ
Published: November 2012

In this celebration of Moltmann’ s 80th birthday, an ecclesiological reading of his well known trilogy, Theology of hope, The crucified God, and The church in the power of the Spirit is attempted. It is asserted that Moltmann’ s discussion of the marks of the church is a high point and summary of his early theological development. These insights are then applied to the situation of the church in South Africa today. The article closes with four contextual questions which are then “answered” in terms of the marks of the church.
Eschatology in the first epistle of John: koinwnia in the familia Dei
Authors: Van der Merwe D G
Published: November 2012

The schism that occurred in the Johannine community has been reinterpreted by the author of the first Epistle of John. In his opinion, the incident involving the schismatics could be interpreted as the coming of the antichrist(s), which marks the ‘final hour’  and describes an eschatological moment. This eschatological moment heightens the community’ s awareness of the fact that they live in an eschatological time, which will, at some time in the future, have an eschatological consummation, regardless of the form it takes. This present eschatological life is described by the author as continuous koinwniva within the family of God, the familia Dei, and as long as this family abides in the light, they will progressively experience divine life and fellowship. The consummation of this new existence will be experienced in the future, when the Son of God ‘is revealed’. In this context one can label  the eschatology of 1 John a progressively realizing eschato-logy that embraces a future eschatological consummation.  A transitional eschatological event, which will end the present eschatological time and start a new one, is referred to by the author as ‘when he (the Son of God) is revealed’  (ejan fanerwqh`/, 2:28; 3:2), ‘his parousia’  (parousia/ aujtou), 2:28), and ‘the day of judgment’  (th`/ hmevra/ th"krivsew", 4:17). Both present and future eschatology have to be interpreted and understood from the perspective of koinwnia in the familia Dei.
Psalmberyming in Afrikaans
Authors: Van Rensburg F I J
Published: November 2012

The article maps the process by means of which the versification of the Hebrew Psalms in Afrikaans, with its goal of acceptance by the relevant clerical bodies and their ecclesiastical community as a whole, ran its course. The process is illustrated by the history of the two versifications officially commissioned and approved by the mainstream Afrikaans churches, namely those of Totius (professor J D du Toit) and professor  T T Cloete, more than half a century separated in time and trend (1937 and 2001 respectively). In view of the fact that both versifiers, as well as professor Lina Spies and dr. Antjie Krog  who additionally contributed versifications of a few Psalms, are high profile poets, the evaluation of their work does not only take into account the factor of veracity (compliance with the Hebrew original), but also that of linguistic and stylistic excellence, the Psalms being regarded as poetry.
Christian attitude in business
Authors: Vorster J M
Published: November 2012

The beginning of the twenty-first century faces new challenges in the field of business ethics.  Totally new macro-ethical challenges have arisen and they have already inspired constant ethical reflection. Two major developments in the field of economics paved the way for this new interest in business ethics: the total dominance of the market driven economy and economic globalization. This article investigates the ethical challenges posed by this new environment from a Christian ethical perspective. Firstly norms are formulated flowing from the paradigm of Christian attitude as a manifestation of the attitude of Christ. These are love, stewardship, self-denial and obedience to God. These norms are then applied to the following modern-day issues in the field of business ethics: the challenge of globalization, respect for basic human rights, remuneration, the corporation as a moral model, the need for self-evaluation, political responsibility and environmental concern. In conclusion I attempt to define the role of Christians and Christian churches in transforming corporations into moral agents.
Historiographical issues related to the writing of contemporary history of Christianity
Authors: Duncan G A
Published: November 2012

Contemporary history is a fluid concept. Its writing implies commitment and self awareness.  The former canons of objectivity, subjectivity and progress as they have traditionally been understood are anachro-nistic. Some of our most valued historical sources were, in their own time, products of contemporary history. Consequently, it may be argued that all history is interpretation and that conclusions reached are, at best, provisional. They are determined by the context, vision and values of the historian which can locate him in terms of the subject under research. Sources are also subject to bias. Church History is goal oriented towards the kingdom of God. The material and outcome of Church History and secular history are the same.
1 Korintiërs 9:24-27 – Kerklike leierskap vra ‘n besondere vorm van selfbeheersing
Authors: Bredenkamp DSM
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this article is to describe Paul’s self-control in 1 Corinthians 9 as an example to contemporary church leaders. After ascertaining the framework of 1 Corinthians 8:1 to 11:1 as following Christ in loving servitude, Paul’s introducing of his apostleship is described as a  combination of an example and a defense. He utilizes the agon motif to make his point regarding his own sacrifices. To him self-control enkrateia) has a finite meaning: to relinquish certain liberties and rights for the sake of his mission in Christ, the identity of the church and the perseverance of his fellow believers. Church leaders can take heed of this necessity for restriction of personal liberty in response to the views of others.
Die atmosfeer in die erediens deur die loop van die geskiedenis
Authors: De Klerk BJ , Leuschner FW
Published: November 2012

The worship service occupies a central position in the life of the believer and therefore the atmosphere in the worship service is vital. The variations through history are studied in this article.  The viewpoints of the first four centuries, the Middle Ages, Reformation, post-Reformation and twentieth century came under discussion. Lessons from history are stated. The atmosphere in the worship service should be such that the worshipper meets God with the necessary awe and respect.  The service must also create an atmosphere of love, warmth, friendliness, and joy. All present must be invited and made welcome by the service. The atmosphere must further encourage and create room for everybody to participate and use their specific gifts. It can therefore change from service to service and within a single service. Important instruments in the atmosphere are the liturgical space, symbols, rituals, physical movement, gestures, music, song and the senses.
‘n Pneumatologiese benadering tot die teologie
Authors: Brand SJP
Published: November 2012

This article investigates the relationship between the subjective experiential side of faith and the objective rational side thereof. The two Theologians, Karl Rahner and John Calvin both propose, from different perspectives, a unity between rationality and experience. A Pneumatological approach emphasizes a theology of accountability and responsibility (teologie van verantwoording).  This theology acknowledges the importance of man’ s experience and man’ s search for purpose and meaning. Furthermore, from a criptural point of view, God places man in various relational contexts. God expects responsibility/accountability towards Him, towards one’ s fellow man and the whole of creation. Man’ s response is initiated in prayer guided by the Holy Spirit. In fulfilment of his/her personal responsibility/accountability a sense of meaning and purpose is achieved.
Stollen, kristalliseren of verdampen? De collectieve identiteit van christelijke geloofsgemeenschappen in een tijd van individuali-sering en pluralisering
Authors: De Roest H
Published: November 2012

This article addresses the complex issue of the collective identity of Christian communities in a time of individualisation and pluralisation. The emphasis in the 1980’ s was very much on organising, building and managing strategies; however, since then the religious ‘market’  has been offering a wide range of spiritual ‘products’  to serve every need. Yet the core question remains: what is it that unites members of a particular faith community and encourages commitment and involvement in church matters?  Two opposite examples illustrate recent practices. The Saddleback congregation, in Mission  Viejo California is an evangelistic orientated church that aims to involve members completely. The Church is a support-system, an answer to questions, a base for talents to flourish, a circle for friendship, sharing and caring. At the other extreme is the Remonstrante Broederskap in the Netherlands with a complete liberal approach, a very low degree of organisation, leaving members free to ‘shop’. The mediating mechanism that holds everything and everyone together is a common creed.  Within a highly secularised and individualised society a fear exisists that faith and religion might disintegrate.  Yet that does not seem to be the case. Communication of a particular identity, the ‘spiritual inside’  of a faith community raises the possibility of renewed crystallisation of many varied forms of belief and worship, thus saving communities of faith from complete evaporation.
Psalms 69:33-34 in the light of the poor in the Psalter as a whole
Authors: Groenewald A
Published: November 2012

The Psalter has very often been regarded as the prayer book of the poor. In the Psalms God is portrayed as the saviour of the poor, their hope, their stronghold and liberator – whether these are prayers of an individual or prayers of the community. The high concentration of the term(s) for the “poor” in the Psalter, in relation to the rest of the books of the Old  Testament (OT), indeed indicates a profound affinity for the “poor” in the Psalter , which is an indication that the Psalter underwent a redaction of the “theology of the poor”. In this article the focus will be on Psalm 69, as it seems to have undergone a “redaction of the poor”. The main focus will be on the verses 33 and 34, as they, specifically, contain terminology of the “poor”. Special attention will also be given to the different terms used for the poor in this text.