bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eensaam in die Voortrekkergemeenskap: Askese en geloofsbelewing in die teologie van die Voortrekkervrou Susanna Smit (1799-1863)
Authors: Raath A.W.G.
Published: August 2012

Solitary in the Voortrekker community: Ascesis and religious experience in the theology of the Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit (1799-1863)An evaluation of Susanna Smit’s commitment to introspection, meditation and solitary contemplation necessarily has to be undertaken in the light of the major impact of the theological pietism of the Dutch Second Reformation on the Voortrekker community. Although the theological literature of the Dutch Second Reformation fundamentally influenced her views on these matters, the economic, political and ecclesiastical position in which she found herself also substantially contributed to her tendency towards solitary contemplation. The tendency to experiential ascesis is, however, not limited to the Dutch Second Reformation, and the impact of current economic and political factors on the church makes it essential, from an ecclesiastical point of view, to take note of the factors which contributed to the emphasis on mystical experiential theology. For this reason the diaries of the Voortrekker woman Susanna Smit are most illuminating and relevant.
The Old Testament in Christian spirituality: Perspectives on the undervaluation of the Old Testament in Christian spirituality
Authors: Lombaard Christo
Published: August 2012

Christian spirituality draws strongly on the Bible. Yet, it is the New Testament that almost without exception features most prominently. Ten possible reasons are offered why the Old Testament takes on such a disproportionately diminutive role in the practice and study of spirituality: Textual complexity/critical scholarship/theological educa-tion; Modern popular pieties; The cultural gaps between the Old Testament worlds and our worlds; Theological difficulties/Christian sensibilities; Fear of “boundary-less” interpretations; The reference to Scripture by writers on spirituality; The notion of progressive revelation; Theological diversity within the Old Testament; OT : NT = law : grace; The long and the short of textual units.
’n Teoretiese inleiding tot narratiewe hermeneutiek in die teologie
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

A theoretical introduction to narrative hermeneutics in theologyThe premise of this article is that narrative hermeneutics as a method of research in theology departs from a dialectical relationship between hermeneutics and the method of interpretation. The article aims to describe and explain narrative as a “way of knowing”. It focuses on the form, content, function and context of myth. Myth is foundational to the lifestories of people and groups. The discussion on narrative theory applies Paul Ricoeur’s concept of the “hermeneutical arch” in narrative hermeneutics. The article concludes with the idea that narrative as a way of knowing is ideological critical and deconstructs dominant socio-cultural narratives. The story of Jesus of Nazareth as the foundational myth of the Christian faith community can function as a contra narrative in order to give meaning to people’s lives in the presence of God in a postmodern world.
Evocative allusions in Matthew: Matthew 5:5 as a test case
Authors: Brawley Robert L.
Published: August 2012

Combining theories of intertextuality and abductive reasoning, this article demonstrates the figurative nature of scriptural allusions in Matthew. Allusions form figurations that open new perspectives for readers inasmuch as the source text and the new text stand in a tensive relationship in which each modifies the other and in which together they evoke meaning beyond the mere sum of the two independent texts. Allusions also form figurations inasmuch as arguments that are analogous to logic. Surprising, original, uncanny correlations between the source text and the new text involve what Charles Peirce called abductive reasoning which also challenges constructs of reality. This article interprets Matthew 5:5 as an allusion to the Abrahamic promise of the inheritance of the land and the blessing of all the families of the earth mediated through Psalm 36 (LXX) and describes the figurative nature of the allusion using Harold Bloom’s revisionary ratios. Another version of the article will also be published in Kim, P & Ringe, S (eds), Literary encounters with the reign of God: Essays in honor of Robert C Tannehill, Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International (Forthcoming).
Enemies of Israel: Ruth and the Canaanite Woman
Authors: Jackson Glenna S.
Published: August 2012

This article elaborates on the author’s monograph “Have mercy on me”: The story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15.21-28 (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2002). According to the monograph, Matthew uses the Psalms, the story of Ruth and rabbinic tradition to turn Mark’s story of the Syrophoenician woman (7:24-30) into a conversion formula for entrance into the Jewish community. This article employs an intertextuality approach to enhance the theory of proselytism in Matthew’s gospel. The Canaanite woman passes three-time rejection, one-time acceptance test that the first-century rabbis delineated from the story of Ruth for converting to Judaism.
“Son of man” and exegetical myths
Authors: Loba-Mkole Jean-Claude
Published: August 2012

This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars “a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical scholarship.” This view is substantiated in two ways: the first deals with an exegesis of the expression "son of man", while the second highlights some exegetical myths about "son of man". The first part includes sections on the linguistic origin of "son of man", "son of man" in the history of religions, and "son of man" as a historical figure according to Mark and Q. The second part comprises the sections dealing with the understanding of myth, and the myth of the "son of man" as a messianic title adopted by Jesus and by the early Church.
Statistieke vertel ’n storie: ’n Visie vir die Hervormde Kerk op pad na 2010
Authors: Dreyer T.F.J.
Published: August 2012

Statistics tell a story: A vision for the Hervormde Kerk on its way to 2010The aim of this article is to draw the outline of the “story” of the Hervormde Kerk by means of empirical research. Results drawn from statistics, both worldwide and local, combined with responses to a questionnaire survey within the Hervormde Kerk, point to certain characteristics and trends within the church. The article concludes with a vision for the church, on account of empirical and theological considerations.
Skrifbeskouing in die lig van postmoderniteit
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Perspective on Scripture in light of postmodernityThe aim of the article is to focus on the Reformers’ so-called “Scripture Principle” in light of the paradigm shifts from pre-modern, to modern and to postmodern theology. The “Scripture Principle” relates mainly to two notions: the Bible is God’s word in human speech and Scripture is handed to all believers who are encouraged to interpret it for themselves. In light of the perspectives on Scripture by Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, and Rudolf Bultmann, the article discusses the “Scripture Principle” according to three positions: the Bible as book of the church; the Bible as book of believers; the Bible as book of theologians. The article advocates tolerance for users of the Bible to regard the authority of Scripture in concurrence with anyone of these positions without the hegemony of the one over the other. Yet, an overlap is an indication of postmodern theology.
The social class of the Baptist: Dissident retainer or peasant millennialist?
Authors: Strijdom Johan
Published: August 2012

In this article the Baptist is compared with the upper-class/literate millennialists behind the Psalms of Solomon, the Testament of Moses, the Similitudes of 1 Enoch, and the Qumran scrolls on the one hand, and with the lower-class/illiterate millennialist movements in Josephus on the other hand. The argument is developed in constant dialogue with the analyses of John Dominic Crossan. After an initial statement of historical facts about the Baptist, these are compared with the named groups in terms of each one’s (1) criticism of the social-political and religious status quo, (2) depiction of the imagined mediator through whom God was expected to intervene, (3) portrayal of the violent/non-violent intervention of God and the group respectively, and (4) social ethics. It is concluded that John shows closer resemblance to the literate than illiterate millennialists, and should therefore rather be considered as a dissident retainer.
The role of composition in the interpretation of the Rider on the white horse and the seven seals in Revelation
Authors: De Villiers Pieter G.R.
Published: August 2012

The article investigates the way in which the author of Revelation composed the seven seals: Formal elements group the seals in smaller patterns. It then explains how this reading of the composition contributes to the process of interpretation by analysing the Rider on the white horse as first seal. Other aspects of the author’s compositional skills are brought into discussion in a last part of the article where the meaning of the Rider on the white horse and the ambiguity of the symbols are discussed.
Oor die betekenis van die maagdelike geboortetradisie: ’n Debat in die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk
Authors: Boshoff P.B.
Published: August 2012

The meaning of the tradition of the virgin birth: A discussion in the Nederduitsch Hervormde KerkThis essay explains the meaning attached to the tradition of the virgin birth according to conservative, liberal and balanced readings. Topics that feature in the course of the argument are fundamentalism, liberalism, kerygma and the experience and verbalisation of the kerygma. Fundamentalism is defined as the inability to discern between gospel and theology. Liberalism is the willingness to renounce the concept of revelation. The gospel is proclaimed by performative language. Dogma is the explanation of belief which precedes it. In conclusion an explanation of the meaning of the tradition of the virgin birth based on proposed hermeneutical principles, is given.
Jac van Belkum (1851-1933): ’n Middelkonfessionele predikant van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika
Authors: Pretorius Christo
Published: August 2012

Jac van Belkum (1851-1933): An “intermediary” theologian of the Dutch Reformed ChurchIn this article the theological accents of Reverend Jac van Belkum (1851-1933), minister of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika from 1891 until his retirement, are evaluated. By means of an comparison between central themes of the theological mainstreams in the 19th century Netherlands and Van Belkum’s theological accents, the article argues that Van Belkum cannot be regarded as an adherent of the mainstream theological traditions, that is the “ethical” or the “confessional”, but must be regarded as an intermediary figure.
Aggression, anger and violence in South Africa
Authors: Masango M.J.
Published: August 2012

This article traces the roots of aggression, anger and violence in South Africa and the rest of the world. The paper is divided into four parts: Aggression, Anger, Catharsis and Violence. As a result of violence against other human beings, especially women and children, a profound respect for human dignity has been lost. People have become extremely aggressive. The last few decades have created a culture of violence because of the suppression or oppression of feelings. The article argues that frustration yields anger that leads to violent acts. The root cause of violence is frustration, which finally (if not attended to) produces anger, anxiety, conflict and the eruption of violence. Suicide bombers in Palestine and other parts of the world demonstrate this type of aggression, anger and violence. Anger, on the one hand, is a good defense mechanism. It helps people cope with frustration. Violence, on the other hand, is used as a means of dominance, especially against women and children. In a political situation it is used as a means of changing social structures.
Verby objektivisme en relativisme: Op weg na nuwe fondamente vir historiese Jesus-studies
Authors: Ingram Riaan
Published: August 2012

Beyond objectivism and relativism: Towards new foundations for historical Jesus studiesIn light of the contemporary epistemological discussion with regard to historical Jesus-studies and historiography in general, recent scholarship proposes that historical criticism and creativity should be combined to form a contemporary relevant picture of Jesus as historical figure. Some philosophical insights produced during the last century also suggest that western civilisation has become preoccupied with the essence of things and has forgotten that people are essentially ethical beings in need of wisdom. This tendency is also revealed in the recent preoccupation with the “truth” regarding Jesus’ life. In this article these issues are elaborated upon in discussion with especially Heidegger, Bernstein and Gadamer. Eventually the insights gained by this discussion are illustrated with regard to historical Jesus studies.
Teenswoordige geskiedenis: Michel Foucault in gesprek met die teologie
Authors: Beukes Johann
Published: August 2012

Present History: Michel Foucault in conversation with theologyPhilosopher Michel Foucault’s work has become a major strand of what is often referred to as “postmodern theology”. The wider relevance of his work for theology nevertheless still remains unexamined. This contribution serves as a review article of the book Michel Foucault and theology: The politics of religious experience (2004), edited by James Bernauer and Jeremy Carrette. It deals with “present history” as a leitmotiv in Foucault’s work, before presenting a summary of this collection of essays by a group of leading Foucault scholars on a variety of themes within the history, thought and practice of theology. The book is described as a fascinating contribution to Foucault scholarship, which demonstrates, for the first time, the influence and growing importance of Foucault’s work for contemporary theology.
Truth and reconciliation in South Africa: Hindu experiences and concerns
Authors: Meiring P.G.J.
Published: August 2012

The author who served on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), focuses on the Hindu experience in South Africa during the apartheid years. At a special TRC Hearing for Faith Communities (East London, 17-19 November 1997) two submissions by local Hindu leaders were tabled. Taking his cues from those submissions, the author discusses four issues: the way the Hindu community suffered during these years, the way in which some members of the Hindu community supported the system of apartheid, the role of Hindus in the struggle against apartheid, and finally the contribution of the Hindu community towards reconciliation in South Africa. In conclusion some notes on how Hindus and Christians may work together in th
Post-independent mainline churches in Africa (1975-2000)
Authors: Hofmeyr J.W.
Published: August 2012

The Second World War was in many ways a watershed in African social and political development. Drafted by their colonial rulers into fighting for world democracy and freedom, Africans were inspired with determination to achieve this same goal for them. The ensuing struggle against colonialism eventually led to the independence of most sub-Saharan African countries in the 1960’s. Following on the heels of the Second World War came the collapse of the whole colonial system. The only remaining factor in the liberation process was South Africa, which withdrew from the British Commonwealth in 1961 because of criticism of its apartheid policy and only became a full democracy in 1994. Because of the fact that the former colonial world was located in the southern hemisphere, the confrontation took on a north-south character. Mainline churches in post independent Africa responded in different ways to this changing configuration of the world, and in spite of secularizing trends and the resurgence of rival religions they remained as major players in the world stage.
“Nader Mij niet”: De betekenis van [foreign font omitted] in Johannes 20:17
Authors: Bieringer Reimund
Published: August 2012

“Do not hold me”: The meaning of [foreign font omitted] in John 20:17 The article demonstrates that the diverse iconographic interpretations of the resurrected Jesus’ demeanour to Mary Magdalene could be the result of ambiguity in Jesus’ words “Do not hold me” (in Latin: noli me tangere) in John 20:17. The article aims to investigate the original Greek of this expression by focusing on its philological and contextual meaning. It gives attention to the role that Mary Magdalene plays in the New Testament, the appearances of the resurrected Jesus in the New Testament, chapter 20 in John’s gospel as the context in which the words appear, and the meaning of these words.
Preaching and culture
Authors: Dreyer T.F.J.
Published: August 2012

Before the new political dispensation in South Africa (1994), the Dutch Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) referred to the church as a “peoples church” (volkskerk). Owing to political changes the qualification “volkskerk” has created a certain degree of disturbance in the ranks of the church. The relationship between “church and culture” became a topical issue. Since 1994 the focus of the homiletical debate shifted to the question of the role of the church within a changing environment and again the answer to the question of “church and culture” was of utmost importance. Nowadays the reality of a multicultural society becomes a new challenge to the church. This article is an attempt to define the relation between culture and preaching from different hermeneutic perspectives, namely the cultural embedding of the biblical kerygma; the interwovenness of language and culture; and the necessity for contextuality in preaching.
Van wie zegt de profeet dit? Een een-voudige vraag en een meervoudig antwoord
Authors: Bos Rein
Published: August 2012

Of whom does the prophet say this? A single question and a multifaceted answerTheologians seeking to preach Old Testament texts meaningful way in Christian congregations face a great challenge. On the one hand, very little has been written in homiletical textbooks about hermeneutical problems facing those who wish to read the Old Testament from the perspective of Christ’s life and death. On the other hand, advances in biblical criticism seemed to have made any such attempt problematic to begin with. In this article, the author attempts to provide a practical-theological contribution to this hermeneutical challenge by reconsidering the heuristic value of mediaeval fourfold interpretation of scriptural passages. By focussing on the servant song of deutero-Isaiah (53) in light of its reinterpretation in Acts 8, this paper aims to provide some suggestions on how Christological interpretation of the Old Testament can be done in a way that takes the original context seriously and is able to read the text from a Christian perspective without the one reading infringing on the other.
’n Prakties-teologiese ondersoek na die kerklike jaar in die prediking van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk
Authors: Bothma G.
Published: August 2012

A practical-theological investigation into the role of the church year in the liturgy and preaching of the Dutch Reformed ChurchThe aim of this article is to discuss the valuable role the church year can play in liturgy and preaching and the service and activities of the church. The article demonstrates that the rediscovery of the church year is one of the most remarkable aspects of the twentiethcentury reform and renewal of Christian worship. Within a context of poverty and continuing change, the church year – if valued positively and if accentuated in the preaching – could lead to the celebration of God.
David’s flight from Jerusalem according to Josephus
Authors: Begg C. T.
Published: August 2012

2 Samuel 15:13-16:14 tells of David’s flight from Jerusalem to the Jordan in the face of his son Absalom’s rebellion and of the five encounters that occur during that journey. This article focuses on Josephus’ retelling of the episode in his Ant 7.198-210. The article’s detailed comparison between the Samuel passage and its Josephan version aims to find answers to such questions as: Which of 2 Samuel 15:13-16:14 text-forms(s) did Josephus utilize? What rewriting techniques has he applied to the data of his source and what is distinctive about his own resultant rendering? Finally, how does Josephus’ handling of the Scriptural data in this case compare with how the data is treated elsewhere in early Jewish and Christian tradition?
The theological centre of Pauline theology as it relates to the Holy Spirit
Authors: Pretorius Mark
Published: August 2012

The issue as to what constitutes the “heart of Pauline theology” is a contentious one in academic debates. The traditional view is the one fostered by the Reformers and perpetuated by generations of Protestants namely that “justification by faith” is the key to Paul’s theology. Unfortunately, upon careful reading of Paul’s letters, the inadequacy of such a view becomes apparent as such a focus would fail to cast the net broadly enough to capture all of Paul’s theological concerns. In saying this and without denying the presence of other determining factors, especially Christology and eschatology, shape the framework of Paul’s pneumatology. There is no doubt that in their eschatological significance, the death and resurrection of Christ control Paul’s teaching on the work of the Spirit within the lives of believers. It could then be argued that as part of the fundamental core of Paul’s understanding of the Gospel, the Spirit is rather close to the centre of things.
’n Semiotiese ontleding van Daniël 1
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: August 2012

A Semiotic analysis of Daniel 1In this article the method of semiotic analysis is used in interpreting Daniel 1. At first, a short summary is given of the procedure before it is applied in a discussion of Daniel 1. Semiotics allows the researcher to analyze the functions and qualifications in the narrative in order to define pertinent transformations. In the process the role-players and plot are analyzed, leading to presentation of semiotic squares and the way the writer transfers values and convictions. The narrative programs are described, and the themes and characters identified. The important themes are the sovereignty of Israel’s God and responsibility of believers.
Vertellersperspektiefanalise van Nuwe-Testamentiese tekste
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Narrative point analysis of New Testament textsThe article forms the second part of an essay that aims to introduce narratological codes applicable for the exegesis of New Testament texts. In the first article generic elements that constitute a narrative discourse were discussed. The focus was on aspects of intercommunicative nature. The aim of the present article is to explain how interactive relationships in a narrative discourse reveal the perspective from which a narrator presents a narration. This perspective pertains to what technically is referred to as “narrative point of view”. The relatedness of this concept to the notion “focalization” is explained by ilustrating the narrator’s situation with regard to the role time, space, and characterization play in the poetics of a narrative. The article is concluded with a discussion of the concept the “narrator’s ideological perspective”. In a following article that forms the third part, the theoretical explanation will be demonstrated by an analysis of John 4:43-54.
Using the Bible in post-apartheid South Africa: Its influence and impact amidst the gay debate
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: August 2012

The Bible has generated a significant reception history in the first decade of democratic, post-apartheid South Africa. Its reception history testifies to how the Bible was considered to be important across a broad spectrum of society, also contributing to believers’ lives and sense of self amidst the enormous changes in the country. Recent documents and decisions of the Dutch Reformed Church on homosexuality and the ensuing debates, highlight the influence and impact of Bible use in South Africa today. Examining different hermeneutical approaches to the Bible and using insights from reception theory, a number of interesting trends in the ongoing use and influence of the Bible are highlighted and discussed.
Die verhale van kinders wat seksuele misbruik oorleef het: ’n Pastoraal-narratiewe ondersoek
Authors: Malan C.N.
Published: August 2012

The stories of children who survived sexual abuse: A pastoral-narrative inquiryThis article presents the stories of two survivors. These stories show how the survivors were invited to capture “sparkling events” and developed them into preferred stories, and how by living in these stories, they could experience themselves in preferred and satisfactory ways. This article introduces various ways by which the news of empowerment and transformation can be circulated. The stories of these survivors were re-written and transformed by a community of shared experience, and it was through this experience that they could start dreaming about the transformation of their communities realizing how their stories and their journey had the ability to touch and transform the lives of numerous other survivors.
Metaphorical and literal readings of aphorisms in the Book of Proverbs
Authors: Loader James A.
Published: August 2012

Starting with a recently proposed thesis that the key to recognizing the coherence of Proverbs’ discourse of wealth and poverty should be seen in an appreciation of the text’s figurative interpretive possibilities, it is here argued that criticism of an “overly literal” interpretation of the Book of Proverbs is not well served by an “overly figurative” reading. A detailed analysis of the book’s proemium is offered to substantiate the argument that even as hermeneutical key to the anthology as a whole, it does not warrant a tendency to the figurative reading of aphorisms. It is further contended by means of illustrations from aphorisms within the poems and independent sayings that difficulties arise when such a reading is attempted on any appreciable scale. As a corollary, illustrations of the many instances where literal readings are necessary, so that such an overriding hermeneutical perspective cannot be convincing. Interpreting a metaphor is one thing, reading metaphorically is another, notably a creative act independent of whether its “correctness” can be demonstrated by arguments from the redactional frame or the possible relationship of the collected aphorisms to folk sayings.
Is strukturele eenheid tussen die Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ en die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika moontlik?
Authors: Groenewald André J. , Buitendag Johan
Published: August 2012

Is structural unity between the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika possible?This article investigates the possibility of union between the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. It is the result of a letter from the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ urging the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika to describe the nature and content of the relationship between them. It is within this context that union between the two churches is investigated.
Hegemony and the internalisation of homophobia caused by heteronormativity
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

The aim of the article is to focus on hegemony as it relates to the issue of sexuality and the trauma imposed on sexual minorities. A point of departure is that social identity theories can shed light on homophobia. The article argues that an empathic approach to those traumatised by internalised homophobia calls for a gay-friendly psychotherapy/analysis. The article reflects particularly on how heteronormativity maintains homophobia. It also illustrates the relationship between homophobia and social scientific insights regarding personality types and gender. The concepts homophobia and the internalisation of homophobia are discussed by focusing on aspects such as personality types and violence. The article finds that blind submission to heteronormativity, an outdated social construct, traumatises those who do not conform to the hetero norm, in two ways: hegemony is one consequence, and internalised homophobia is another.
The work of Daphne Hampson: The God talk of one feminist theologian
Authors: Jacobs Maretha M.
Published: August 2012

For almost all of human history both in ancient times and in modern contexts, talk about God has been mainly a male preserve. So closely has male God talk been associated by many with God’s own voice, that it is still not commonly realized and acknowledged. With the rise of feminism, especially during recent decades, it has changed. In this article the work of Daphne Hampson, a British feminist theologian, is considered: Her definition and critique of Christianity, her view of the relation between the present and our Christian past, specifically with regard to God talk, her dealing with prominent aspects of the Christian belief system and her emphasis on taking seriously all available knowledge and our contemporary context in doing theology. In line with some current trends in God talk, such as a movement away from anthropomorphism, and in dialogue with Friedrich Schleiermacher, she formulates what she calls a “future theism”.
Psychological method and the historical Jesus: The contribution of psychobiography
Authors: Van Os Bas
Published: August 2012

This article reviews a number of psychologically informed studies of Jesus in view of the criteria pertaining to psychobiography. It argues that the studies have produced divergent interpretations of Jesus because of a lack of data and the nature of the sources. This is especially true of these studies as they used psychological approaches based on childhood experiences. The framework for psychobiography also allows for the use of other methods that are more concerned with religious adults in coping situations. These may be applied to explore theories about the psychological development of the adult Jesus. The article shows also that the use of the New Testament sources also implies assumptions with regard to the nature of these sources and the people who had produced those sources.
Matthew’s Messianic Shepherd-king: In search of “the lost sheep of the house of Israel”
Authors: Willitts Joel
Published: August 2012

The article intends to grasp the meaning of the phrase “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” in the Matthean logia of 10:5b-6 (and 15:24). It shows that in recent Matthean research the phrase has become an abstract salvation-historical category disconnected from narrative and historical particularity. However, generally seen, scholars have neglected a thorough treatment of the phrase within both Matthew’s own presentation of the story of Jesus and a firstcentury Jewish schatological context. In this article the context of the phrase is investigated at several levels. It argues that it should be read against the backdrop of the political-national framework of the Messianic Shepherd-King expectation with its attending expectations for territorial restoration.
Vergeving in het “Onze Vader”: Een bijbels-theologische pastorale benadering
Authors: Van der Schaaf Tiny
Published: August 2012

The petition for forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer from a biblical theological pastoral perspective

The Lord’s Prayer has a prominent place in the lives and liturgies of Christian faith communities. The petition for forgiveness in the prayer is accompanied by what seems to be a condition: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sinned against us”. This “condition” can be a stumbling block for victims of violence perpetrated by people “who sinned against” them. The aim of the article is to provide a liberating perspective on the Lord’s Prayer so that it can contribute to the healing of women who have been sexually violated. Firstly, the concept “forgiveness” in the Old and New Testament is investigated. This leads to an investigation of the ethics of forgiveness in light of Levinas’ criticism of the Christian ethics of forgiveness. Narrative insights point to the possibility of reinterpreting the “us” in “forgive us our sins”. This liberates “victims” of violence to feel included in God’s grace and forgiveness, even though they may find it difficult or impossible to forgive the perpetrator.
Schellings Wesensbestimmung des Christentums in den Vorlesungen über die Methode des akademischen Studiums
Authors: Danz Christian
Published: August 2012

Schelling’s notion of the essence of Christianity according to his lectures on scientific methodology

This article focuses on Schelling’s lectures on scientific method-ology, published in 1802. In these Vorlesungen Schelling developed his theory about the essence of Christianity against the background of a “philosopy of identity”. The article consists of three sections which investigate Schelling’s understanding of Christianity’s historical position in the academia. Theology as the science of Christian religion constitutes the essence of Christianity. The article aims to argue that Schelling’s understanding of theology as the object matter of philosophy should be seen in light of his view on Christianity’s historical position.
Telling time in the Fourth Gospel
Authors: Neyrey Jerome H. , Rowe Eric
Published: August 2012

When we begin the task of telling time in the Fourth Gospel, we bring something not found in any previous study, namely, a model of time articulated by cross- ultural anthropologists (Bordieu, in Pitt-Rivers 1963:55-72, Ayoade, in Wright 1984:71-89). As much as we admire Davies’ study, she has no notes to her chapter on time nor any citations in her bibliography to indicate that she has any conversation partners, much less cultural experts, a deficit to be filled in this study. Learning to tell time entails three theoretical considerations: a definition of time, key classifications of it, and special attention to what the ancients meant by past, present and future. With these lenses we are prepared to do as thorough a study as we can on telling time in the Fourth Gospel. As we consider each classification, we will suggest a brief meaning of it from the experts on time, then present a body of Greco-Roman materials illustrative of the classification, and finally use it to gather and interpret data in John. Proving the native existence of these classifications for telling time in antiquity is essential for readers to have a background against which to compare their usage with that of the Fourth Gospel.
Waren Judas en Thomas gnostici? Het evangelie naar Johannes met gnostische ogen gelezen
Authors: Van de Beek A.
Published: August 2012

Jude and Thomas, were they Gnostics? Reading the Gospel according to John from a Gnostic perspective

The discoveries of Gnostic texts since the mid of the twentieth century challenge biblical scholarship to read New Testament texts from new points of view. It is remarkable that Jesus’ disciples who are prominently present in Gnostic texts, especially Jude, Thomas and Philip are also more conspicuous characters in the Gospel of John than in the Synoptics. This challenges scholars to read these sections in relation to Gnosticism. The article aims at reading the scenes dealing with Jude and Thomas in John’s gospel with a Gnostic framework in mind. These texts gain more profile than by a traditional reading which is often based on a psychological understanding of Jude and Thomas. The article demonstrates that the author of John’s gospel uses these passages in an anti-Gnostic discourse. Thomas is a Gnostic who could fully understand Jesus’ words in a Gnostic way until he encounters the bodily risen Lord. Jude does not make such a conversion and disappears in the night. These are the option for Gnostics: either convert to the type of Christianity the Gospel of John teaches or being lost in darkness.
The contribution of the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NHKA) to theological training at the Transvaal University College
Authors: Van der Merwe P.J.
Published: August 2012

The ideal of theological training of candidates for the ministry of the Dutch Reformed Church (NHK) found its first (formal) expression in 1884. Difficult ecclesiastical, social and economic circumstances (including the consequences of the First and Second Anglo-Boer Wars) prevented dreams and plans from being realised. The opening of a Pretoria division of the Transvaal University College (TUC) in 1908 created new opportunities, but it would take another eight years before planning for theological training at the TUC could start. The NHK and the Presbyterian Church were involved as denominational partners in this undertaking. This phase lasted from 1917 to 1933. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for the theological training of ministers at university level – a paradigm which is still applicable in South Africa today.
Voices carry: An archaeology of the Hervormd approach
Authors: Beukes Johann
Published: August 2012

From the investigative premise of a Foucauldian archaeology of knowledge, this article attempts to unearth the layers of ideas which constituted the Hervormd approach to doing theology over the past century. Digging into seemingly disassociated bodies of theological precedents, the article anatomizes four layers of ideas in a series of diverse orientations towards theology, namely the (1) ethical, (2) confessional and (3) dialectical orientations, and stemming from a Kantian orientation in particular, (4) the validity of ‘the philosopher’s voice’ in the often tense relationship between theology and philosophy. Respecting the inexplicit nature of this multifarious kind of theology, the author calls for an ongoing estimation of the diversity of voices within the Hervormd approach, rejecting any attempt to integrate these different layers of thought into a monolithic enterprise of knowledge about God and the world.
A pastoral response to the unhealed wound of gays exacerbated by indecision and inarticulacy
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

The dodekapropheton: Twelve minor prophets or a larger unit? The Book of the Twelve or the twelve minor prophets received scholarly attention through the ages. Historical criticism pointed out that these prophets lived in different times, in different historical situations and articulated the “word of the Lord” for different circumstances. However, recent scholarship tends to read the corpus of the minor prophets as a structured whole. Such a reading raises a number of problems: the Twelve do not follow one another chronologically and the order of the Masoretic Text does not agree with that of the Septuagint, whilst Qumran follows yet another order. This article probes – albeit cursory – some of these questions from different perspectives. Eventually it appears that a continuous process of “Fortschreibug” shaped and reshaped prophetic messages to keep them alive for following generations. A unity is created by maintaining the tensions and differences amongst the Twelve, thereby reflecting the creative articulation and rearticulation of prophecy in the different times of the history of Judah and Israel.
Nagid: A re-examination in the light of the royal ideology in the ancient near east
Authors: Bong Kim Jeong , Human D. J.
Published: August 2012

This article argues that nagid indicates divinely sanctioned leader of Israel in 1 Samuel 9:1-10:16 and 11:1-11. The use of nagid is intricately interplayed with that of melek in the context of 1 Samuel 8-12. In the Saul tradition (1 Sm 9:1-10:16; 11:1-11) nagid signifies the leadership of Saul as a divinely sanctioned kingship, unlike in the context of the Deuteronomistic History (DH). The royal ideology of the ancient Near East (ANE) provides an ideological background of the kingship of Saul.
Rise of intercultural Biblical exegesis in Africa
Authors: Loba-Mkole Jean-Claude
Published: August 2012

This article traces the rise and development of intercultural Biblical exegesis in Africa, especially with regard to New Testament interpretations. Different trends of Biblical exegesis practiced in Africa are explored, whereafter the different phases of intercultural exegesis are discussed. The focus falls on inculturation hermeneutic as an important method of interpreting the Bible in an African context. The different proponents of this method are discussed and differences in approach are noted and appraised as a healthy tension.
Konteks(te) waarbinne apokaliptiese geskrifte gedurende die intertestamentere periode floreer het
Authors: Nel Marius
Published: August 2012

Socio-economic context(s) within which apocalyptic texts flourished during the inter-testamentary period

Social contexts form the perspective or symbolic framework of interpretation in which texts are to be read and understood because these texts originated within these contexts. An important question in the research into Jewish apocalyptic texts which originated in the period from 200 BCE to 100 CE is: What were the socio-economic context or contexts within which these texts originated and functioned? Various answers have been given: Apocalyptic has been viewed as the result of the wisdom tradition, of a pessimistic view of history, as a continuation and discontinuation with prophecy, as a reinstitution of myth in Hebrew thinking, as a result of orientation to a symbolic universe oriented to a supernatural world, and as a sociological matrix of alienation. Today many researchers agree that the origins of apocalyptic can only be described in terms of each apocalypse itself, in the light of Jewish experience during the Seleucid and Hasmonean periods.
Eros as godsdiens (of die religieuse viering van seks)
Authors: Scheffler Eben
Published: August 2012

Eros as religion (or the religious celebration of sex)

This article unashamedly argues for the positive value of sexuality and its profound religious dimensions. A stance is taken that goes beyond moralizing and ethicizing. The relationship in the Bible between eros and religion is explored by referring to the sexual image of God in Genesis 1:26-27, the religious dimension of the book of Song of Songs and Jesus’ stance in contrast with that of Paul. Through religion humans’ sexual experience should be enhanced in stead of being suppressed. Society should be sexualized.
Religie, Bijbel en geweld
Authors: Van Henten J. W.
Published: August 2012

Religion, Bible and violence

This contribution is the slightly adapted introductory lecture given at the conference on the New Testament and Violence held in Stellenbosch from 21-23 January 2008. The lecture offers a personal survey of some of the recent contributions with regard to the nexus of religion and violence and their relevance for New Testament studies. The work of René Girard, Regina Schwartz, Mark Juergensmeyer and J Howard Ellens is discussed in particular.
Boekbesprekings/Book reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Seeking the favor of God, Vol 2: The development of penitential prayer in second temple Judaism

Salvation and the cross

Dimensions of evil: Contemporary perspectives

The new perspective on Paul

Viewed from the shoulders of God: Themes in science and theology

Do you not remember? Scripture, story and exegesis in the rewritten Bible of Pseudo-Philo (Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha Supplement Series (37)

Judaism of the second temple period (Vol 1: Qumran and Apocalypticism)

Galatians and the imperial cult

Divorce and remarriage in the Bible: The social and literacy context

Consuming Jesus: Beyond race and class divisions in a consumer church

God en geweld in het Oude Testament

The compassionate leader: Leading like Jesus did. How treating people properly can give you the corporate edge
What makes men and women identify with Judith? A Jungian mythological perspective on the feminist value of Judith today
Authors: Efthimiadis-Keith Helen
Published: August 2012

Inspired by her student’s overwhelmingly positive interpretation of Judith as a model for women’s liberation in diverse African contexts – despite the debate around the feminist value of Judith-Judith – the author deals with what could possibly allow men and women, particularly the latter, to interpret Judith positively today. Given her interest in Jungian individuation theory and Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) mythology, the author investigates the subject matter by exploring Judith’s relation to male and female individuation patterns, the myths of the hero’s quest and Demeter-Kore, and ANE warrior-goddess myths.
The Christian gospel as a basis for escape from poverty in Africa
Authors: Van Rooy J.A.
Published: August 2012

Economically sub-Saharan Africa seems to be in a hopeless state. There are many reasons for this situation. The thesis of this article is that one important factor contributing to this state of affairs is the basic philosophical presuppositions of the traditional African world view. This world view includes inter alia the following aspects: the idea of the limited good (which discourages initiative because those who prosper expose themselves to suspicions of having appropriated more than their due portion of the good), belief in magic (which makes it difficult for people to see the real connection between input and result), ancestor veneration (which perpetuates traditionalism and resistance to family planning), and the remoteness of God (which gives rise to a humanistic ethic). This article indicates how in every case the Gospel provides an avenue of escape from the chains which bind Africa to this fate, especially where it can inculcate a Puritan work ethic. The conclusion is that, even apart from considerations of eternal salvation, it is very important that there will be a genuine revival of biblical Christian faith in Africa, if in the short term this continent is to make economic progress.
Die betekenis van die konsep land in die slot van die boek Amos
Authors: Helberg J.L.
Published: August 2012

The meaning of the concept of land in the epilogue of the book of Amos During the exilic and post-exilic eras the concept of land underwent a shift of meaning: land also acquired the meaning of city (and temple). If the epilogue of Amos is regarded as exilic or post-exilic, as most scholars think, one can expect that city rather than land shall be emphasized in the epilogue. The opposite, however, is true. This article tries to ascertain whether the concept “land” has a different place, value or meaning in the epilogue of Amos than in the rest of the book and whether this assumption casts any light on the relation between the different parts. The conclusion arrived at implies that the term used for land in the epilogue has a broader meaning than the traditional one attached to it by Israel. The epilogue makes a breakthrough to a universal approach pictured in eschatological colours but rooted in history. A correction is made to a “Zion-theology” and emphasis is laid on the land of the promise which is linked with the (true) covenantal relation with Yahweh implied in the terms “my people” and “your God”. Whether dated as pre-exilic, exilix or post-exilic, the epilogue is in harmony with the essence of the rest of the book.