bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Met dankbaarheid en ook ’n bietjie trots bied ons hierdie derde uitgawe van In die Skriflig van 2007 aan. Ons is dankbaar dat ons ’n goeie standhoudende stroom van bydraes ontvang en is trots op die gehalte van ons blad. Weereens ’n woord van dank aan ons redaksie en administratiewe personeel wat hard gewerk het om hierdie uitgawe die lig te laat sien. Ook ons dank aan die drukkers, V&R in Pretoria, vir die netjiese en presiese drukwerk. Ons plaas weer artikels wat ’n verskeidenheid temas uit die hele spektrum van die teologiese ensiklopedie dek. Op die gebied van die praktiese teologie lewer Yvonne Campbell-Lane, George Lotter en Ben de Klerk bydraes. Hulle hanteer onderskeidelik die betekenis van innerlike verandering in die Corpus Paulinium en die implikasies daarvan vir die pastorale berading en die liturgiese betekenis van die seën in die erediens. Ons is dankbaar dat ons op die vlak van die praktiese bediening bydraes kan lewer aangesien liturgiese belewenis en pastorale effektiwitiet tans hoog in aanvraag is.
The metaphor of Yahweh as healer in the prophetic books of the Old Testament
Authors: O’Kennedy D. F.
Published: August 2012

Yahweh as healer is not a major metaphor in the Old Tes- tament, but it nevertheless plays a significant role in the proph- etic books.
Van vyandigheid na versoening: Kolossense as narratief van kosmologiese verhuising
Authors: Krüger J. J. Fritz
Published: August 2012

From animosity to reconciliation: Colossians as narrative of cosmologic migration Ethical discussion concerning the phenomenon of animosity can gain a lot in depth and effectiveness if a strategy is followed of uncovering the cosmological narratives on which worldviews are based. Each worldview generates its own ethical system on the basis of fundamental metaphysical matrices in the form of cosmological narratives. In this article, the letter to the Colos- sians is used to demonstrate how a cosmological narrative of cosmic estrangement results in an ethic of animosity, while a cosmological narrative of reconciliation in Christ results in an ethic of peace and reconciliation. Three cosmological narratives are compared for this purpose: a popular pagan, a Jewish apo- calyptic mystical and a Christ-centred cosmological narrative are read together. In this way it is demonstrated that a new ethic – which ends the common animosity of our world – is only possible if a cosmic migration occurs, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of the beloved Son, Jesus Christ. In the discussion, the church will play a prominent role as exem- plary community of the new creation, because it is in the church that the peace of Christ, the result of his victory over the powers, rules over and in people, in this way establishing new relationships of peace and justice.
The reformed confessions: embarrassment or blessing to a missionary church?
Authors: Krüger J. J.Fritz
Published: August 2012

The historic reformed confessions are sometimes blamed for the apparent lack of missionary zeal among churches of the RCSA, and called an embarrassment to the church. This article investigates these allegations and attempts a missionary read- ing of the confessions. Because of the specific focus of the con- fessions, they should not be expected to give guidance on the whole life of the church. However, careful reading of the creeds does offer a surprisingly abundant missionary harvest. They offer both the foundations and the limits for mission, and in defining the identity of Christians, also define the missionary identity of the church. As the community of fellowship with Christ, the church is both a unique instrument in the “missio Dei” and the end objective of mission (mission as church plant- ing). Creeds offer beautiful expositions of the loving, fellowship- seeking heart of God who has not given up on fallen humanity, but who continues to call people to fellowship with Him in his self-revelation in creation, Scripture and the incarnation of the Son. Surprisingly, it is the Canons of Dordt (2.5) which offers the only explicit call to mission in the three creeds!
Die beroepsbrief in die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika – ’n kontraktuele werksaanbod?
Authors: Smit J.
Published: August 2012

The letter of calling in the Reformed Churches in South Africa – a contractual labour proposal? In the Schreuder case the court found that the letter of calling should be considered a legally valid letter of service. Therefore the relationship between a congregation and a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church is regulated by a contract of employ- ment. Consequently Labour Law applies to the position of this church’s ministers. In the court’s verdict on the Church of the Province case, the court found that a priest/minister of the Anglican Church does not enter into a legal binding contract of employment with the church. According to the court the rela- tionship between the Anglican Church and a priest/minister cannot be described as a contractual relationship, but rather a spiritual or religious agreement that is regulated by the canons of the church. Therefore the question should be asked: Is the letter of calling to a minister in the RCSA a contractual labour proposal by a local church? In this article it is argued that a letter of calling in the RCSA should not be considered a letter of service. In the light of Scripture, the confession and the church order the aim of the letter of calling is merely to inform a minister of a religious calling by the Lord. It is therefore suggested that the draft form of the letter of calling currently in use, should be adapted to avoid misunderstandings regarding the position and service of a minister in the RCSA.
Die impak van selfmoord op dié wat agterbly
Authors: Breed G.
Published: August 2012

The impact of suicide on those who are left behind In order to offer pastoral guidance to someone who has lost a loved one to suicide, it is essential to be informed on the un- paralleled impact that suicide has on those who are left behind. Without this knowledge the pastoral intervention can be re- jected or counselling can fail entirely. In this article an attempt is made to firstly discover the nature of suicide and then to establish how many people are touched by suicide. After that the physical and emotional impact on the people who are left behind comes up for discussion. The processing of suicide in relation to its impact as well as its social and spiritual aspects is also investigated. It is important to determine who has been impacted on by the suicide in order to ensure that no one is overlooked during counselling. The trauma has a far-reaching impact on the spiritual lives of those who are left behind and for this reason the spiritual or religious impact of a suicide must be the counsellor’s main focus. Although all the other facets should also be thoroughly attended to, true healing cannot take place if an individual’s inner struggle and spiritual questions are not addressed.
Die Psalmboek van 2003 as bron van liturgiese verryking
Authors: Jankowitz H. , Kruger D.
Published: August 2012

The Psalmbook of 2003 as a source of liturgical enrichment The aim of this article is to bring to view some liturgical possi- bilities made available through the Psalmbook of 2003. One of the objectives of this intensively revised volume was to expand and enrich the liturgy through congregational singing. New psalm melodies, newly-versified Scriptures set to well-known tunes, as well as psalms set to favourite “Liederwysies”, will contribute to a newly-illuminated metalanguage of liturgical song.  All examples of songs for the different elements of the liturgy are mainly proposed to serve as a starting point for further creative development. Psalms and Scriptural versifications are suggested for suitable liturgical responses. Especially targeted are liturgical elements where the liturgist speaks on behalf of the congregation. In these instances a selection of songs is given which congregations could utilise as part of an active liturgical dialogue instead of being passive audiences.  This article could also serve as a reference document for or- ganists and liturgists when planning a church service. To en- hance user-friendly utilisation as well as creativity, a variety of liturgical possibilites are presented according to the commonly used liturgical order of reformed church services.
Editorial
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Ons is weer in die bevoorregte geleentheid om nog ’n uitgawe van In die Skriflig aan te bied. In hierdie uitgawe behandel C.F.C. Coetzee “Gnostiek, kerkeenheid en die belydenis van Nicea”. Die postmodernistiese paradigma het die aandag weereens op die Gnostiek gevestig en kenners meen dat daar ooreenkomste in die spiritualiteit van die Gnostiek en die hedendaagse ontwikkelende postmodernisme is. Hierdie artikel fokus weliswaar op ’n ander tema, maar moet tog gesien word as ’n bydrae om die post- modernisme en die invloed daarvan op kerk en teologie te begryp. Sou ’n verstaan van die Gnostiek ons nader bring aan ’n begrip van die soms moeilike verstaanbare uitdrukking in Nicea, naamlik “lig uit lig”, en andere? En sou die postmodernisme ons nader bring aan ’n beter verstaan van die Gnostiek? Hieroor sal nog baie nuwe navorsing die lig moet sien.
Gnosticism, church unity and the Nicene Creed
Authors: Coetzee C. F.C.
Published: August 2012

Gnosticism (derived from the Greek word “gnosis; knowledge”) is the well-known phenomenon or movement which dates from the first centuries of church history. The teaching of Gnosticism questioned and/or contradicted the teaching of the church on some of the fundamental truths of Scripture. Apart from Gnosticism, the Early Church also had to deal with the heresy of Arianism. In the Nicene Creed, formulated by the councils of Nicea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD) the universal or catholic church responded officially to the heresies of both Gnosticism and Arianism. In the final edition of the Nicene Creed we also find an article on the unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity of the church. Both Gnosticism and Arianism posed a serious threat to the unity of the church.   In our times we experience a revival of ancient Gnosticism, both pagan and “Christian”. This revival is also called the New Age or the Age of Aquarius. Within the framework of this new worldview, we are witnessing a rediscovery of gnosis. The discovery and publication of certain ancient gnostic texts like the Nag Hammadi Codices, play a significant role in this revival. Consequently the canon of Scripture is questioned or openly rejected and also the creeds based on that Scripture.   The Nicene Creed played a major and decisive role in preserving and maintaining the unity of the church on the basis of the truth of Scripture. This age-old creed is today just as relevant and important in proclaiming and confessing the true faith and preserving the true unity of the church.
Die liggaam-van-Christus-metafoor: instrument vir die effektiewe uitvoering van die missionale opdrag
Authors: Olwagen J. M.
Published: August 2012

The body-of-Christ-metaphor: instrument for the effective execution of the missional commission Practice suggests that many AFM pastors are possibly so busy with numerous tasks and responsibilities that they are unable to effectively mobilise their assembly members to actively partici- pate in voluntary acts of service (cf. Eph. 4:12). The conse- quence is that such assemblies are often unable to function effectively in the carrying out of the missional commission (according to Matt. 28:19). Pastors are unsuccessful in working more effectively through the mobilisation of their members as part-time voluntary workers in the carrying out of the missional commission, according to the advice Moses’ father-in-law gave him (cf. Ex. 18).   The mobilisation of members takes place through the empower- ing of members to discover and develop their gifts and allowing their involvement in voluntary acts of service. The emphasis of this article lies in what Hendriks (2004:11) calls “congregational theology”. According to Hendriks (2004:25) congregational theology is a theology being practised by body-of-Christ-meta- phor assemblies (cf. Eph. 4:11-16). The metaphor of assem- blies choosing to function as the body-of-Christ where the importance of the voluntary acts of service of members is emphasised enjoys further development in this article.
Editorial
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Die derde uitgawe van In die Skriflig vir 2008 bevat ’n verskei- denheid artikels wat leesstof in verskillende dissiplines van die gereformeerde teologiese ensiklopedie verskaf. C.J. Smit verskaf prikkelende gedagtes oor die verhouding van die kerkorde en die werk van die Heilige Gees. Dit is in ’n tyd waarin veral die charis- matiese teologie die gedagte wek dat enige vorm van ’n kerklike dokument, soos belydenisskrifte en ’n kerkorde, die werking van die Heilige Gees strem en die vryheid van gelowiges inperk. Die artikel van J.L. Helberg vra die aandag vir die relevansie van die bui- tengewone geboorte van Jesus vir die posisie van die vrou in die kerk. Hierdie artikel moet gesien word as ’n waardevolle bydrae in die debat oor die posisie van die vrou wat binnekort weer op die algemene sinode van die Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika aan die orde sal kom. Die boek van Fika Janse van Rensburg, Douw Breed en Jorrie Jordaan met die tema “Manlik en vroulik in die Bybel” wat onlangs verskyn het en by die spesiale algemene ver- gadering van die Gereformeerde Teologiese Vereniging bespreek is, het wye reaksie uitgelok en een van die reaksies, ’n reaksie deur P.N. Archbald, word in hierdie uitgawe as ’n fokusartikel geplaas. Die artikel van Helberg en hierdie boek, met die reaksies daarop, het vele nuwe insigte oopgemaak en kan dien as prikkelende stof vir verdere besinning.
“Skrifgetrouheid” in die erediens? Kantaantekeninge by ’n kernbelydenis
Authors: Cilliers J. H.
Published: August 2012

“Faithfulness to Scripture” in the worship service? Comments on a core confession In this article the fundamental question is posed as to what “faithfulness to Scripture” in the worship service entails. After giving attention to some possible answers, a plea is made for an enriched understanding and usage of the unique charac- teristics of Scripture in liturgy, including factors such as the fo- cus (theological framework), form (genre) and function (inten- tion) of Biblical texts. In closing, the article addresses the question whether a constructive interaction exists between our exegesis and liturgy, and what the implications thereof could be for our worship services.
Stamselnavorsing en -terapie: ’n oorsig oor die uitvoerbaarheid daarvan met meegaande etiese implikasies
Authors: Rheeder A. L.
Published: August 2012

Stem cell research and therapy: an overview of its feasibility with accompanying ethical implications Stem cell research is a breathtaking technology where man’s own cells are used to effect a cure for certain ailments. Stem cells are specially developed cells that contain the ability to develop into any cell in the body and to cure or replace defective cells. Researchers isolated stem cells from the human (and animal) embryo, foetus, umbilical cord, and adult body and developed them to stem cell lines for therapy. Astonishing results have already been shown. In some instances research- ers achieved full cure or at least huge improvement in animals (and in a few instances with human beings) with diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases and auto-immune diseases. The broken spinal marrow of rats has also been repaired through this technique. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the technical feasibility and advancement of this field of research. It will become apparent from these facts that there are a large number of general and technical problems with the accompanying ethical implications, that will have to be resolved before this therapy can be applied. Problems that have been identified include the necessary destruction of the human embryo, the consideration of therapeutic cloning, the placing of human embryonic cells in embryos of primates such as apes and a series of technical problems in the development of stem cell technology.
’n Teologies-etiese beoordeling van kinderarbeid in Suid-Afrika
Authors: De Beer E. J.
Published: August 2012

A theological-ethical judgement of child labour in South Africa Throughout the world child labour is a problem which has been under especially close scrutiny for the past three decades. Although child labour is not such a serious problem in South Africa as is the case in some other countries, unacceptable forms of child labour also occur here. Socio-economic circum- stances force most child labourers to work in order to survive. The result is that these children are deprived of a good edu- cation and training in order to occupy positions as adults in order to earn a living wage. In this article child labour is judged as it occurs in South Africa. Child labour is judged in the light of theological-ethical utteran- ces on children as well as on labour. Although the demand to labour is universal (and thus also applies to children), it is obvious that they cannot labour in the same way as adults. Children should rather be educated and equipped to develop their abilities in order to utilise it to the maximum as adult workers.
An assessment of the management skills required of ministers in the Reformed Churches of South Africa
Authors: Grobler A. B. , Van der Walt J. L.
Published: August 2012

A congregation is not a business, and to manage it as such would be inappropriated. Although the church is primarily invis- ible and spiritual by nature, in this world it is functioning as an institution which must be managed efficiently and effectively to ensure that everything is done successfully and in good order. A major part of the responsibility to ensure order and effective- ness rests on the shoulders of the minister. The training of as- piring ministers in the Reformed Churches of South Africa does not involve specific training in managing and leading an organi- sation. This fact might leave them vulnerable, especially in the earlier stages of their careers.  Although some people are blessed with natural skills and ta- lents regarding management and leadership, it has been pro- ven that management skills required to manage an organisation successfully can be acquired by means of study and training.  An empirical study was performed to determine whether training in management could assist ministers in the execution of their calling. A questionnaire was sent to all the ministers of the Re- formed Churches of South Africa regarding the scope of circum- stances in a congregation which can be compared with other organisations, as well as the minister’s role in managing the situations.  The research concludes with a recommendation that considera- tion should be given to include a course on management in the training syllabus of aspiring ministers. Furthermore, it is sugges- ted that this course be developed specifically taking into ac- count the background and circumstances of the Reformed Churches of South Africa, and should not be generic like the course which is included for Baccalaureus Commercii or Mas- ters of Business Administration (MBA) students.
God’s gifts to humankind: a legal- philosophical interpretation of Luther’s views on ownership and the natural right to property
Authors: Raath A. W.G.
Published: August 2012

The collapse of the medieval political and social order, the rise of the nation state and the emergent absolutism of civil rulers, meant that the early Reformers had to make a clearer demar- cation between the natural right to private property and the moral conditions giving rise to such a right, and a clearer de- lineation of the duties of civil authorities in dealing with private property in civil society. Luther’s view that natural right presup- poses the existence of moral duty and is intricately connected with the moral uprightness of the owner’s activities, produces a number of important perspectives still relevant for the debate concerning the natural rights of individuals to own property and to have the sphere of liberty attached to this right adequately protected.
Voortgesette akademiese ontwikkeling van die AGS-pastoor: uitdagings in die nuwe millennium
Authors: Putter A. P.J. , Lotter G. A. , Hattingh W. J.
Published: August 2012

Continual academic development of the AFM pastor: challenges in the new millennium This article entails a cursory investigation of the history of theological training of the Apostolic Faith Mission pastor (here- after AFM). Qualitative research done on a section of the broader membership of the AFM selected by the AFM head office has indicated the task and role expected of the pastor. The research pointed out that pastors should be continuously equipped to be able to successfully fulfil all their role expec- tations. A literature search was also undertaken in order to obtain a larger and representative picture of the ongoing train- ing of pastors. The literature research indicated that theological training worldwide is under investigation and that active steps are being taken to introduce appropriate effective training. The findings regarding the pastor’s theological training, the research and the literature control, have made it possible to propose guidelines for continued academic development. The purpose of this article is to show the present position of theological training in the AFM and to provide guidelines for role players that will keep them informed concerning continued academic development. This will enable pastors to stimulate congrega- tional growth and address different training needs.
Die implikasies van ’n pneumatologies- bepaalde teoretiese raamwerk vir navorsingsmetodologie in prakties- teologiese wetenskapsbeoefening
Authors: De Wet F. W.
Published: August 2012

The implications of a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for methodology in practical- theological scientific research Practical theological research operates from a unique vantage point on the research terrain of human actions. This particular research finds its main point of focus at the intersection be- tween God-initiated elements and human elements in under- standing, explaining and indicating criteria for change in the praxis of faith.  In the first part of this article an attempt is made to develop a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for practi- cal theological scientific research. The author reasons that this particular framework enables the researcher to comprehen- sively describe both human and God-initiated elements present in the field of research and that it provides critical anchors for keeping research results from falling into unscientific specu- lation and one-sidedness.   In the second part of this article a case is made out for an intra- disciplinary approach to utilisation of research methodology of human sciences in practical theological scientific study. The author argues that the pneumatologically determined theoretical framework necessitates re-orientation and adjustments in re- search methodology utilised in the descriptive, hermeneutical- normative and strategic phases of a practical theological study.
Spirituality: the new religion of our time?
Authors: Van der Walt J. L.
Published: August 2012

Mainstream religions and their institutions have since the 1960s been gradually bleeding to death because of their members leaving them in search of rather more inspirational experiences elsewhere. Christian educationists are concerned about this development, because it means that these churches have been losing their capacity for entering into meaningful tripartite pedagogical partnerships with family and school. A description of the problem of churches losing members is followed by a brief depiction of spirituality, something that can be experienced both within Christianity and elsewhere. The inability of main- stream churches to let their members experience true Christian spirituality compels the latter to go elsewhere in search of it. It is concluded that spirituality is no “new” religion after all as far as Christianity is concerned. It is in fact the quintessence of Christianity, but has through the ages become deeply buried in the mainstream religions and churches under thick layers of dogmatic and other superficialities.
Reason’s dead end in David Faure: why the Cape’s earliest liberal minister embraced spiritualism
Authors: Zuiddam B. A.
Published: August 2012

This article deals with nineteenth-century liberal thought in the Cape Colony. It argues that both orthodox rationalism and liberal reason failed to provide the liberal minister the Rev. D. Faure with a satisfactory source and standard for theological thinking. As a basis for this conclusion serves the correspon- dence between Faure, the first liberal minister who was born in the Cape, and the Rev. Peter Huet. The latter initially was an evangelical preacher and poet. Towards the end of their re- spective ministries, however, both Faure and Huet evidence high hopes regarding communications with the spirits of deceased. This article concludes that although Faure tried his best to base his theological thinking on human reason only, he arrived at a dead end and revelation was desperately needed. His theological framework collapsing, Faure looked to spi- ritualism for answers. The collapse of his theological thinking reflects unpromisingly on the present New Reformation (Nuwe Hervorming) movement in South Africa.
Strategies towards a reformation of the theology-based approach to Christian scholarship
Authors: Coletto R.
Published: August 2012

This article tries to offer an alternative to the theology-based approach to Christian scholarship, which I have critically presented in a previous contribution. A demarcation criterion between science and non-science is provided, then attention is drawn to a few other distinctions which are often missing or neglected in the theology-based approach. Furthermore, an alternative view of theology is sketched, and the role of the Bible in Christian scholarship is discussed. Finally, a few characteristics of the proposed approach to Christian scholar- ship are clarified and a few advantages of this model are highlighted.
Ethical decision-making: the doctrine of sin and grace
Authors: Giles S. P.
Published: August 2012

Ethical decision-making presupposes the possession of a free will. Central to a discussion on reformed ethics is the question of the bounds of freedom of the will. The reformed tradition, along with the wider Christian tradition, affirms that the will is not free in the Pelagian sense of being absolutely free, but is constrained by the effects of humanity’s fall from original righteousness. This ariticle considers the nature and extent to which the will is considered free, or no longer free at all. The question posed here, within the reformed theoretic ethical framework, is whether the will is so vitiated that a person is in- capable of any effective choice of action or inaction in the face of any moral dilemma, or does fallen humanity still possess some ability to make a free choice, albeit under conditions of impaired freedom of the will?
Taking responsibility for reconciliation: a Christian response to the legacy and challenges of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Authors: Barry S.
Published: August 2012

At the conclusion of the TRC, Desmond Tutu stated that the Commission’s task was to promote, not to achieve, reconci- liation. Reconciliation, he maintained, is the responsibility of all South Africans, and expressed the hope that the Christian churches would be in the forefront of this healing process.  This article explores how the Christian church can be in the forefront of binding up the wounds, facilitating the healing pro- cess, and living as a people and a sign of hope. The answers it seeks to offer fall under three interrelated themes, namely the church’s:  • spirituality of reconciliation; • ministry and mission of reconciliation; and • resources for its ministry and mission of reconciliation. Cultivating a spirituality of reconciliation would mean making reconciliation a lifestyle, rather than a series of strategies, pro- grammes or initiatives, yet remaining concrete, practical, mea- surable and accountable.   The church’s mission is primarily to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom that is already here, but not yet fully here and therefore still to come. This proclamation is the message of reconciliation between God, others and the self, and anticipates the unity of all creation in Jesus Christ.   The resources given to the church to fulfil this apostolic ministry include prophecy, evangelism, pastoral care and teaching, as well as its liturgical and sacramental life, its ministry of pre- sence, its people and its commitment to social justice.
Editorial
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Dit is vir ons as redaksie ’n voorreg om hierdie huldigingsbundel aan prof. Dries du Plooy aan te bied. Vir hierdie uitgawe is prof. Rikus Fick gevra om as gasredakteur op te tree. Ook dus aan hom ons dank vir die uitstekende werk wat hy in hierdie verband gedoen het. Ons gee daarom ook graag aan hom die geleentheid om die redaksioneel vir hierdie besondere uitgawe te skryf.
Grense tussen kerk en staat vir die reëling van die predikantsdiens: gesien vanuit twee kerkregtradisies
Authors: Smit J.
Published: August 2012

Boundaries for church and state regarding the regulation of the ministry of the Word: seen from two church polity traditions This article focuses on the boundaries for church and state with regard to the regulation of the ministry of the Word – seen from two independent church polity traditions. Until now the South African courts have not given an indication of how these boun- daries should be understood or how these apply within the South African context. The purpose of this article is not to make a judicial comparison. The purpose is to show that two indepen- dent church polity traditions, namely the German and the reformed, developed general principles for the boundaries of church and state with regard to the regulation of a minister’s position in law. In both traditions church polity is regarded sui generis, and recognises the church’s right to regulate a minister of religion’s position independently from the state. In conclusion it is found that the boundaries between church and state for the ministry of the Word are primarily determined by the principle that church and state should not in any way influence or interfere with one another's separate mandates or duties. The ministry of the Word is the responsibility of the church and not the state. Therefore the state does not have the competency to regulate the ministry of the Word.
Die korrespondensie van J.J. Venter met H.A.L. Hamelberg: ontleding van ’n sendingbeskouing
Authors: Fick P. H.
Published: August 2012

The correspondence of J.J. Venter with H.A.L. Hamelberg: an analysis of a view of mission The controversy regarding the view of missionary work has recurred in South African church history from time to time. This was also the case in the Reformed Church in the Orange Free State during the nineteenth century. It becomes apparent from the 1879 to 1881 correspondence of J.J. Venter with H.A.L. Hamelberg, the then Consul-General of the Free State in the Netherlands. Venter wrote to Hamelberg about his dis- appointment with the reverend Dirk Postma, the first minister of the Reformed Church in South Africa. According to Venter they had been misled: they had asked for a preacher and got a missionary instead. Venter’s view of mission is based on a peculiar view of the doctrine of predestination: he approved of missionary work only if the fruit of election becomes apparent in the lives of the objects of the missionary work. Venter wrote particularly to Hamelberg, a “fellow-tribesman” more than a religious think-alike. This fact, as well as the correspondence reveals Venter’s actual view on the doctrine of predestination and it is clearly shown in this article. Although Venter’s own writings speak of a Pietistic “Busskampf”, his view of mission is rather in line with orthodoxy’s insistence on a structural link between church and state. Cross-cultural mission was therefore unthinkable, unless there is proof of a change in the other culture.
Heretical baptism in debate
Authors: Van de Beek A.
Published: August 2012

It is generally stated that acceptance of heretics in the Catholic Church without baptism has always been normal use in the church and has been confirmed by general councils. The only exceptions would be some groups in North Africa in the third through the fifth century. This opinion is mainly based on Au- gustine’s “De baptismo”. The author of this article argues that Augustine is historically incorrect and systematically weak in this respect. Baptism of converted heretics was normal, except from Rome, and even the council of Nicea confirms that normal use. The bishop of Rome in the fifties of the third century, Stephan, had his own reasons for refusing to rebaptise heretics. Augustine’s view that the baptismal rite and its salutary effect by faith can be received separately is a break with early Christian ecclesiology and its impact on the Western Church has been enormous.
The trivial round, the common task: minutes of the Missionary Board of the Glasgow Missionary Society (1838-1843)
Authors: Ross J. S.
Published: August 2012

This article seeks to bring to attention a hitherto little-known account of missionary life among the Xhosa people in the Cape Colony during the period 1838-1843 as contained in “The minute book of the Missionary Board of the Glasgow Missionary Society, adhering to the principles of the Church of Scotland, in Caffraria, and in the neighbouring Colony” (MBGMS). The Missionary Board was responsible for providing adequate material infrastructure and logistical support to enable the accomplishment of the aspirations of the Society. The author argues that such mundane work is often neglected in modern missiological historiography, which focuses rather on the more “‘spiritual” aspects of mission work. The historiographic approach adopted in this article is that of modern narrative history. By focusing on some of the themes, trends and struc- tures presenting themselves in the record, the MBGMS is permitted to speak for itself with relatively little retrospective interpretation. It is demonstrated that the Board made an important contribution to the achievement of the goals of the Glasgow Missionary Society, as seen in the rise of a Xhosa middle class and the emergence of a significant group of black intellectuals, whose voice and influence are being recovered after years of enforced neglect.
Die Heilige Gees en gebed in die erediens
Authors: De Klerk B. J.
Published: August 2012

The Holy Spirit and prayer during the service Prayer in the worship service is pre-eminently a pneuma- tological reality: prayer is a gift from the Holy Spirit. The ques- tion that is addressed in this article is: Which decisive function does the Holy Spirit fulfil in the elements of the prayers in the worship service? Aspects that are discussed include the work of the Holy Spirit in the service events, especially in prayer and the essence of the service; the elements of the service prayer; the congregation’s participation in the service prayers; and the relationship between Scripture reading and preaching to service events. The Spirit works the most intimate relationship between the prayer believers and Christ, and so with God the Father, this is the trinitarian grounds for the service prayer. Prayer entails spiritually entering God’s holiness, directly addressing God, the confession of the believers and the most important part, their gratitude. In prayer it is above all about the honour of God. Elements of the worship service prayer include honour and awe for God (praise) and gratitude towards God (saying thanks), a realisation of sin and repentance (humiliation and confession of sin), invocation that can even be a lamentation, dependence and a Christian attitude of love (intercession). The relationship of Scripture reading, preaching, prayer, worked by the powerfull work of the Holy Spirit, is a causal relationship of community with God in Christ with his gathered congregation through revelation to confession and worship.
Die kerk en geregtigheid in die Matteusevangelie
Authors: Viljoen F. P.
Published: August 2012

The church and righteousness in the Matthean gospel In his academic and ecclesiastical work Prof. A. le R. du Plooy constantly urged that church polity should be executed in such a manner that the church is built intensively and extensively. As a tribute to this respected colleague I examine the teaching in Matthew’s Gospel (frequently called the ecclesiastical Gospel) on the nature and functioning of the church and how it should execute righteousness. I indicate how Du Plooy’s approach to church polity complies with the first Gospel’s teaching on the church and righteousness. I argue that a better understanding of Matthew’s teaching will enrich the current church in its practice of righteousness.
Philosophical theories of truth and the logical status of intra-Biblical fallacies of contextomy
Authors: Gericke J. W.
Published: August 2012

The relationship between the Old Testament and the New Tes- tament is a major problem in the discipline of Biblical theology. From a historical perspective the ways in which some New Testament authors have justified their truth-claims by appealing to the Old Testament clearly involve the fallacy of contextomy. A good example of this is the interpretation of texts from the Psalter in the letter to the Hebrews. As a result, the question of logical status arises, i.e., Is it true? With this article the author hopes to contribute to the ongoing discussion by suggesting that, given so many incommensurable philosophical theories on the nature of truth, a more nuanced manner of speaking may be in order. Whether and in what sense the text will be seen as “true” ultimately depends on what we mean when we affirm or deny that something is true in the first place.
Skrifberoep en die hantering daarvan in sending
Authors: Verster P.
Published: August 2012

Appealing to Scripture and its use in mission Appealing to Scripture in mission is very important as far as the essence of salvation is concerned. Different views on appealing to Scripture are in circulation, and one has to confront the question as to whether it is still possible to refer to sin, heaven, hell and salvation. Paul appealed to the Old Testament in a specific way, but he always tried to remain true to Scripture. Calvin emphasised appealing to Scripture as essential. Kuyper did not agree with higher criticism on Scripture, but also warned against a pietistic view of Scripture. Bultmann desired to rid Scripture of mythology, but also had to appeal directly to as- pects of Scripture. In mission, the essential aspects like sin, heaven, hell and salvation still need to be acknowledged though in an exegetically and hermeneutically sound way.
In die gastehuis van die prediking: preekvernuwing vanuit Bybelse en gereformeerde wortels
Authors: Nell I. A.
Published: August 2012

The images of the mirror and the window offer useful per- spectives when we consider renewal in public worship and preaching. This article focuses specifically on renewal in preaching. Are our sermons often simply a mirror reflecting what is happening in society? Shouldn’t our sermons rather be a window offering new views, new perspectives on God and the world, that is views that can help us to live creatively and imaginatively in a time of tremendous challenges for the church and believers. This article investigates the metaphor of hos- pitality as a possible mechanism for renewal in preaching and helping us to see through the window.
Die bron van lewensvreugde volgens Psalm 1 en wat dit vir gereformeerde prediking inhou
Authors: Helberg J. L.
Published: August 2012

The source of joy of living according to Psalm 1 and what it implies for reformed preaching The article explores the strong emphasis on joy of living and on the dominating meaning of the Torah, the written Word of God, in Psalm 1 and what it means for the proclamation of the Word in public worship today. For that purpose the relation of Psalm 1 to the rest of the psalms, to the Old Testament as a whole and the New Testament is explored. The finding is that the fulfilment of the New Testament implies Word-driven, Christ-driven and Holy Spirit-driven preaching, i.e. kingdom and covenant preach- ing. Public worship is God’s meeting with his covenant people. The preacher’s role is fully one of service and he must confine himself to the interpretation and application of Scripture.
Reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Hierdie boek is die eerste keer in 1972 in Amerika uitgegee en weer in 1994. Dit is duidelik dat al die sake wat toe in die brandpunt was en waaroor debat gevoer en navorsing gedoen is, nie meer vandag soveel aandag geniet nie. Ander aspekte (soos later bespreek sal word) bly steeds aktueel. Die skrywer, John Howard Yoder, was professor in Teologie aan die Universiteit van Notre Dame in Indiana. Hy was besonder goed op hoogte van die etiese sake wat brandend was in Amerika (en waarskynlik in die wêreld) in die tyd toe hy geskryf het. In die boek handel dit oor die benadering wat Jesus Christus sou gehad het oor die samelewing met betrekking tot geweld, die politiek en die sosiale- en magstrukture waarbinne mense beweeg. Die boek lees moeilik en vereis ’n mens se volle konsentrasie – dit kan nie vir ontspanningslektuur gelees word nie. Die skrywer maak gebruik van ander (toentertydse) relevante navorsing en bring die resultaat van sy eie eksegetiese en herme- neutiese arbeid na vore. Omdat Yoder verskillende aspekte van die rol van Jesus (’n mens sou wou dat hy eerder die volle titel Jesus Christus gebruik!) bespreek, is daar nie eintlik slegs een tema of “goue draad” wat deur die boek loop nie. Die boek dui wel op ’n vars, direkte manier aan hoe dit wat Jesus Christus tweeduisend jaar gelede geleer en geleef het, vandag nog in die samelewing toegepas kan en behoort te word. Baie dinge wat tradisioneel oor Hom geskryf is, is nie relevant nie. (Dit is waarskynlik waarom die uitgewers besluit het om die boek te laat vertaal en [weer] uit te gee!)
Flows of worship in the network society: liminality as heuristic concept in Practical Theology beyond action theory
Authors: Barnard M.
Published: August 2012

In this article it is demonstrated why and how liminality has developed into a key concept in Practical Theology, in particular in Liturgical Studies.  Liminality began its voyage at the beginning of the 20th century as indication of the phase “betwixt and between” distinguished social and spatial stages in rites of passage (Van Gennep, 1960). Among its defining qualities were autonomy and in-stability. In the sixties it developed into a more permanent state, in which “communitas” could come into being as a marginal form of human interrelatedness (Turner, 1995). In the network society of the 21st century liminality has accomplished its journey by moving to the centre of society, pushing structured human interrelatedness to the “margin”, or more precisely to the local, regional, national or categorical (religious, gender, sexual preference, etc.) domain (Castells, 2000a; 2004; 2000b). Hu-man society is built around a centre of the stability of the unstable.  This also holds for Christian faith and for liturgy. Christian ritual is performed across (worldwide) networks and in independent groups and churches by anyone who chooses to do so. There is no liturgical elite anymore; it is principally a popular move-ment characterised by “plural authority structures”. The acade-mic heuristic power of liminality is finally demonstrated in two liturgical cases.
Enkele aspekte met betrekking tot die gereformeerde erediens en kerklied in ’n multikulturele Suid-Afrika
Authors: Smit E.J.
Published: August 2012

A few aspects regarding the reformed worship service and liturgical song in a multicultural South Africa Worship originates within a specific culture. Because cultures are constantly changing and developing, the church also has to deal with change in its worship services. In postapartheid South Africa, with its variety of cultures, the reformed churches will increasingly have to take cognisance of the realities and issues brought about by its multicultural context. When focusing in this regard on one of the important acts in reformed worship, namely the liturgical song, some fascinating issues present themselves. It shows that the reformed churches in South Africa are indeed facing exceptional challenges. In the liturgical song God affords his church the perfect gift with which these challenges can be met. If handled in the Biblical way, the reality of a multicultural context becomes an opportunity to witness to the world the forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus Christ.
Die Belydenis van Belhar en die ekumene teen die agtergrond van die Drie Formuliere van Eenheid
Authors: Le R. du Plooy A.
Published: August 2012

The Confession of Belhar and ecumenism against the backdrop of the Three Forms of Unity This article focuses on the Confession of Belhar and in- vestigates from an ecclesiastical and theological perspective the question whether this confession should be accepted and added as a fourth confession to the existing Three Forms of Unity. The following aspects are addressed: the origin and content of the Confession of Belhar, the ecclesiastical and theological reaction within the family of Dutch Reformed Churches as well as in the reformed ecumenical world. A critical analysis of the content is made and evaluated, and in con- clusion attention is given to a few options with regard to the place of the Confession of Belhar in the reformed ecumenical world in the future. A comparison between the Three Forms of Unity and the Confession of Belhar shows a definite difference in quality. The Confession of Belhar is not of a similar standard with regard to the theological and doctrinal content and structure of the Three Forms of Unity, and does not add quality or neglected faith-related value to these existing creeds.
’n Prakties-teologiese perspektief op die handeling van kerklike besluitneming: praktykteorie
Authors: De Wet F.W , Kruger F.P.
Published: August 2012

A practical-theoretical perspective on the act of making ecclesiastical resolutions: theory for praxis In a preceding article the researchers unfolded the problematic praxis concerning ecclesiastical resolution-making by referring to insufficient accountability with respect to the way in which human prejudice and desire (anthroponomic elements) can (unconsciously) dominate the mind in calling upon Scripture and guidance of the Spirit (theonomic elements). In this follow- up article we try to propose a strategy for change by developing a praxis theory for ways in which the complexity of the relation- ship between divine and human elements in the resolution- making process (and especially with respect to the hermeneu- tical complexity involved in calling upon Scripture) can be visualised. Our purpose with this praxis theoretical exercise will then be to provide people involved in the resolution-making process with beacons with a view to discerning what may on the surface look like a theonomically determined resolution, but what might in fact be resolution that will eventually radicalise in polarisation due to dominating antroponomic elements. The researchers assess the heart of a strategy for reversing the dis- integrating factors in the attitudes and viewpoints of resolution makers into integration to lie in the reconciling power of the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ. Where people willingly place themselves under die guidance of the Spirit of Christ the pro- cess of resolution-making will be a balanced process without absolutising or relativising Scripture.