bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enkele opmerkings oor Johannes Calvyn se stellings oor die capita doctrina necessaria
Authors: Pont A.D.
Published: November 2012

Some remarks on John Calvin's statements on the capita doctrina necessariaCalvin mentions that there are capita doctrina necessaria in the whole of the church's doctrine. The meaning of the summa religionis is explored in relation to Calvin's concept of the church. It is shown that Calvin sees the church as a pneumatic organism and not, in the first place, as an institute or an organisational unit. This becomes clear when his letter of dedication to the Lutheran pastors in 1556 is also taken in account. Calvin's summa religionis is seen as an argument that needs to be taken in account in contemporary discussions on the doctrinal centre of the church and on church unity.
Responses to violence in some lament Psalms of the individual
Authors: Firth D.G.
Published: November 2012

Responses to violence in some lament Psalms of  the individual Lament psalms  of  the  individual  that  reflect a motif of violence  are  here examined so as  to determine whether or not the editors of  the Psalter had a pattern  of instruction  that  they  wished  to  inculcate  with  respect  to  the experience  of violence.  An  examination  of prayers  of the  accused  and prayers of  sickness as sub-groups within  the Gattung  indicates the presence of  such a pattern,  and suggests  that the  editors wished to model a pattern that rejects  the  right of  human  retribution.  This pattern  needs  to  be  tested further  through  an  examination  of a  third  sub-group,  the  prayers  for protection.
Psalm 47: Partikularisme en universalisme. Jahwe is ons ons koning én koning oor die hele aarde
Authors: Prinsloo W.S.
Published: November 2012

Psalm 47:  Particularism and universalism. Jahwe is  our king and king of all the earth In  this  article,  Psalm  47  is  considered from  a  text  immanent perspective and particular attention  is given  to  the morphological,  syntactical,  stylistic and  semantic  facets  of the  psalm.  Although  problems  of interpretation experienced in  respect of  Psalm 47 are  the  same as  those for the  so-called enthronement psalms,  this  article  concentrates  mainly  on  those  research problems that are peculiar to this psalm.  Psalm 47 is a hymn comprising of two parallel strophes  (w.  2-6 and 7-10).  The  reason  for the exhortations  to praise  is  the fact that in his deeds  of  salvation  towards  Israel,  Yahweh has also proved himself to  be  the  mighty,  universal  king.  Psalm  47 probably dates from the exilic or post-exilic period.
Moet ons die Belydenis van belhar (1986) as 'n nuwe Belydenisskrif aanvaar?
Authors: Van Niekerk A.C.J.
Published: November 2012

Can  we  accept  the  Confession  of Belhar  (1986)  as  a  new  doctrinal confession? The possibility exists that the Dutch Refonned Church  (DRC)  could stop the process of  church  unity  in  its  own family  due  to  its  refusal  to  accept The Confession 1986 (Confession of  Belhar) as afourth refonned confession.  In this  article  the  question  of  acceptance  is  examined from four perspectives and  it  is  concluded  that  it should be  accepted  if  the DRC wants  to  gain credibility.  First  the  nature,  characteristics  and  history  of confessions oblige the Church  in difficult situations  to adopt new confessions.  Secondly the history of  the DRC and its family makes  it  imperative  to  overcome  the gulf between  believers from  the  same  tradition  through  the  "language  of confession".  Thirdly  the main  contents of  the  confession  is biblically sound while absolutism  of  different kinds  is  avoided.  Lastly  it  is  argued  that  the confession  satisfies  the  requirement  for  both  contextual  relevance  and universal applicability.
Die Jerusalemse tempelkuItus se huweliksmaatreel versus Christelike waardes
Authors: Van Aarde A.G.
Published: November 2012

The marriage arrangements in the Jerusalem Temple cult in opposition to Christian values. Equal access for everyone to God's grace in an unmediated way is a central aspect of Jesus' presentation of the Kingdom of God. Inclusivity and egalitarity should be regarded as essential aspects of Christian selfunderstanding. This article aims to show how these values stood in opposition to the marriage arrangements in the Jerusalem Temple cult. Marriage strategies during the patriarchal and monarchical periods prior to the first-century Jerusalem Temple cult are also briefly touched upon. In a following up article the author will argue that Paul's use of the notion "adopted as children of God" should be seen as an expression of the Christian values advocated within an inclusive and egalitarian community.
Nie 'n kans vat of 'n kans vermy Die, maar alle kanse benut! 'n Sosio-retoriese waardering van Prediker 11:1- 6
Authors: Viviers H.
Published: November 2012

No taking or avoiding of chances, but utilising all chances! A sociorhetorical appreciation of Ecclesiastes 11:1-6. The book of Vemon K Robbins, Exploring the texture of texts: A guide to sodo-rhetorical interpretation (Valley Forge: Trinity Press, 1996), is used to analyse the short, but complicated text, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6. Sodorhetorical criticism provides for a sophisticated grasp on the complex phenomenon, "text". The analysis of the different textures of a text (inner, inter-, sodal and cultural, ideological and sacred) creates a rich environment of meaning, within which interpretation can take place. The conclusion reached on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 is that it adheres to the values of protest wisdom, but mnrkedly cynical and pessimistic. It advocates a "carpe diem" lifestyle, however, without escaping uncertainty. No interpretation is value-free and neither is this one. Hopefully it is sound within the created environment of meaning.
Godsdiens het die politiek nodig en die politiek is weerloos daarsonder
Authors: Le Roux J.H.
Published: November 2012

Religion needs politics and politics is powerless without it In 1996 Karel van der Toom published a very important book on family religion in Babylonia, Syria and Israel. He introduced us to the very exciting world of ancient man and his religion. This article stresses the importance of a history of religions approach. It furthermore focusses on the close link between religion and politics. Israel's religion was moulded and shaped by socio-economic powers; it was used by statesmen to support their political endeavours. Yahweh religion is thus the result of specific social powers which formed it in a specific era in Israel's history.
"...Die weet gehad heeft en geen weet gehad"
Authors: Schuman N.A.
Published: November 2012

"...Who was aware and not aware" This guest-lecture tells about the recent Dutch liturgical handbook De weg van de liturgie. It discusses some crucial problematic points, like that of the Jewish background of Christian liturgy. It pleas for an open mind in that question and above all for the notion of liturgical evocative imagination, in order to realize the way of the liturgy as a way from "exile" to Sion. That evocative imagination will make us "aware and yet not aware" of the promised land in the distance.
Teologiekroniek - 'n Kollega bekroon met die Andrew Murray-prys
Authors: Hofmeyr J.W.
Published: November 2012

Groot was die nuus in die Fakulteit Teologie (Afd B) van die NG Kerk toe dit bekend geword het dat prof C I A (Cas) Vos die 1999 Andrew Murrayprys vir teologiese vakliteratuur ontvang het. Die prys wat vanjaar vir die twintigste keer toegeken is, is die grootste prys in Afrikaans vir publikasies van die aard. By 'n dinee op Dinsdagaand 4 Mei 1999 in 'n restaurant by die Staatsteater in Pretoria is die prys aan professor Vos oorhandig. Naas 'n erepenning en 'n oorkonde is 'n kontantbedrag van RIO 000-00 ook aan hom oorhandig. By hierdie glansgeleentheid is 'n Commendatio deur een van die beoordelaars vir die prys, professor J W (Hoftie) Hofmeyr uitgespreek. Dit word in sy geheel hier opgeneem.
Die belang van Maleagi 1:2-5 vir die verstaan van die boek
Authors: Botha A.J.
Published: November 2012

The importance of Malachi 1 :2-5 towards understanding of the Book Malachi In the past years scholarly attention to the book of Malachi has been scant. The outstanding feature in most of the studies is the fact that only certain themes from the book are used. The reason for doing this is mostly to justify certain viewpoints on matters such as divorce and the giving of tithes. As James Fischer aptly remarks: "They dissect him cleanly enough but leave him a cadaver" (1973:1177). The purpose of this article is to show that a meaningful understanding of the book is only possible once it is treated as a work of unity. This inner cohesion is already found in the first pericope (Mal 1:2-5) and functions as a paradigm towards an understanding of the remainder of the book. The outline with which the paradigm works, which is copied throughout the other pericopes, is that of past (1:2b-3), present (1:2a) and future (1:4-5). Within this outline the message of the whole book can be determined.
Dealing with difference and dissensus within the church as organisation
Authors: Painter-Morland M.
Published: November 2012

This paper wants to propose a way of dealing with the reality of difference within churches that allows for unity amidst diversity. It argues for the adoption of institutional frameworks that function as guiding and unifying forces without becoming repressing, totalising structures. The presence of dissensus and difference does not necessarily have to result in the fragmentation of churches. In fact, when harnessed effectively, difference and dissensus can become a valuable resource for renewal and realignment within churches. The paper develops a framework for dealing with diversity that binds people to the church as organisation in a way that respects their individual value-configurations and input. In the first place, it argues for a holistic view of the relationship between bodiliness, nature, technology, language, and truth statements. In the second place, it insists that confessional, spiritual and moral guidelines should neither be totalising structures that repress difference, nor oppositional differences that exclude commonality. In the third place, it argues that ongoing connectedness between individual members of the church is necessary. Individuals must see themselves as part of an everchanging, ever-evolving web of relations. Guidelines for dialogue within the church therefore become essential.
Perspektiewe vanuit die psigologie en sosiale wetenskappe vir kerklike bediening aan die adolossent. Deel 2: Ondersoek na die leefwêreld van die adolessent
Authors: Erasmus J A , De Klerk B J
Published: November 2012

In this article meta-theoretical  perspectives for youth ministry are obtained specifically from the fields of psychology and sociology. In the first place, the various psychological development phases of the adolescent are determined, as well as how they have to be accounted for in youth ministry.  In the second place, the characteristics of the world in which the adolescent lives are indicated together with their influence on the adolescents.
Underlying influences on Ben Marais (1909-1999)
Authors: Maritz P J
Published: November 2012

This article considers various personal and academic influences on Ben Marais. The essence of these influences helped form his principles, was present in his early childhood, and is  founded  in his deep-rooted  faith  in God. Ben Marais was a child and a product of his times. The academic influences are approached through an analysis of a specific book  that he claimed had influenced his thought, his MA dissertations and Ph.D-thesis. These formative influences helped determine his questioning the  justification of policies in the NG Kerk.
Anders dink anders doen. Op soek na ‘n eko-teologiese perspektief op kloning
Authors: Buitendag J
Published: November 2012

The article’s departing point is the conviction that contemporary micro-biology and gene-technology have confronted Christian ethics with  a reality for which it is not  sufficiently equipped. The whole debate on human cloning and human stem cell research has raised the challenge of a fresh understanding of man and humanity as well as an ethic that takes the creation as a whole seriously. The question posed is whether the zygote or even the embryo in the Petri- dish, is already a human person. It is suggested that the organic and cultural environment is essential to our understanding of man. Seeing that man is the product of a bio- cultural background together with individual choices, it is by definition impossible to clone man. The responsibility of man towards the rest of creation has to be understood against the background of a socio-linguistic framework which constitutes our ethics, perhaps as virtue ethics. The implication is that morality is intrinsically connected to reality.
Kerkbegrip van Balthasar Hubmaier
Authors: Endres E T
Published: November 2012

Balthasar Hubmaier strives to restore the Urgemeinde as originally recorded in the book of Acts. He founded  a congregation which consisted only of believers. The sacrament of baptism is exclusively intended for  believers, as a confirmation of their belief in Jesus Christ. Believers are allowed to partake of Holy Communion as a supper/sacrament  symbolizing  remembrance and love. Hubmaier also introduced disciplinary measures to maintain  Christian standards. Hubmaier moved through various phases of development, both as a human being and as a  theologian. This  development  of Hubmaier  is studied with  particular reference to the  Cognitive Dissonance Theory of Leon Festinger.
Teologie kroniek/Theology Chronicle: The Politics of Salvation: Values, Ideology and the South African National Curriculum
Authors: Jansen J
Published: November 2012

The South African experience offers dramatic examples of how the curriculum remains a lightning rod for the values contestation in divided societies. Despite its overwhelming election mandate, the ruling party found that changing the curriculum required the consent of powerful and less powerful sections of society - whose opposition extended across racial lines. This essay reports on research into attempts  by the post- apartheid state to introduce values explicitly into the school curriculum, and how communities - mobilised  primarily on the common front of religious values - combined to decelerate if not reverse radical curriculum reforms. The most important finding from this work is that underestimating the power of faith-based communities is likely to undermine curriculum reforms that touch on matters of values, conscience and religious commitment.
Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa: Jewish Voices and Perspectives
Authors: Meiring P G J
Published: November 2012

The author who served on the South African  Truth  and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) focuses on the Jewish experience in South Africa  during  the apartheid years. At a special TRC Hearing for Faith Communities (East London, 17-19  November 1997) Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris submitted a statement on behalf of his community. Two earlier documents were also put at  the TRC’s disposal: a statement on Reconciliation  presented by Gesher (a Jewish movement for social action) as a well as a comprehensive volume containing 27 interviews with Jewish activists (Cutting Through the Mountain). Taking his cue from both the Chief Rabbi’s presentation and the earlier documents, the author discusses the role of the Jewish community in overtly and covertly supporting the apartheid regime, as well the experiences of many Jews in struggling against apartheid. Finally the contribution of the Jewish community towards healing and reconciliation in South Africa comes under the spotlight.
Understanding the role the Bible Society of South Africa played in the development of missions in South Africa
Authors: Sieberhagen F
Published: November 2012

This article argues that the development of Missions in South Africa could  be directly linked to the founding of Bible Society work in South Africa. The article focuses on the development of missions and how the availability of  Scriptures in the vernacular enhanced this work. The unique relationship between Mission development, the Church and the Bible Society will be discussed as to highlight and fully  understand this unique influence and partnership. This partnership is an ongoing relationship and with the new challenges arising this will have to be developed even further.
The earliest Jesus group in Jerusalem
Authors: Van Aarde Andries
Published: November 2012

Church formation in the history of early Christianity emanated from the kerygma about Jesus after his death. The kerygma was based on memories of Jesus which were used in the Christian cult as both explanation and apology for the encountering of God through the traditions about  the crucified, buried, resurrected, and ascended Jesus. The aim of the article is to argue that the term “the Twelve” served as a self-reference of the earliest Jesus group in Jerusalem. They regarded themselves as “apostles” and "prophets” of the “new Israel”, analogous to the twelve patriarchs in the Hebrew Scriptures. Reconstructing a trail from Jesus to the earliest group in Jerusalem to Paul, the article demonstrates a fundamental difference between Paul and the Jerusalem group. They understood the notion of “the Twelve” as exchangeable for “all of Israel”, represented by “all the apostles”. For Paul the concept “apostles” is an expansion of  “the Twelve” in Jerusalem.
Psalm 2 as lied teks – ‘n literêre en teologiese evaluering
Authors: Vos C J A
Published: November 2012

The publishing of the Liedboek (2001) emphasizes the importance of the psalms for liturgy  and hymnology. All 150  psalms in the Liedboek were versified by T T Cloete. In this article Psalm 2 is analysed from  different  perspectives. This leads to a literary and theological evaluation of its versification by Cloete.
H R Trevor-Roper vs. Arnold Toynbee: A post-Christian Religion and a new Messiah in an age of reconciliation?
Authors: Hale Frederick
Published: November 2012

That the twentieth century witnessed massive secularisation in Europe and certain other parts of the world is beyond dispute, as is the fact that the general phenomenon of religion and its role as a factor shaping history remain potent on a broad, international scale. There is no consensus, however, about the future place or status of Western Christian civilisation or “Christendom” in a shrinking and pluralistic world also struggling with the challenge of reconciliation. During the 1950s two controversial giants of  British historiography, Arnold Toynbee and HR Trevor-Roper clashed on this issue. Their severe differences of opinion were conditioned in part by the Cold War, general retreat of imperialism from Africa and Asia, and the growth of the economic, military, and political power of previously colonised or otherwise subjugated nations.
Reconciliation: A way of life for the world
Authors: Masango M
Published: November 2012

This article deals with the issue of reconciliation as a new way of life for the world. It focuses on scriptural passages that support the topic. It also examines the spiritual aspect of reconciliation which is forgotten by many writers. It seeks to restore harmony in relationships, especially where there are broken relationships. It challenges people to seek the truth as South Africans did, through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
Atonement through blood in Leviticus
Authors: Venter P M
Published: November 2012

In the book of Leviticus the notion of reconciliation is used in a cultic context. Sacrifice and blood are the main means in the cult for reconciling man with God. This study investigates reconciliation in Leviticus in terms of concepts like sacrifice, purity, atonement, apropiation, expiation and substitution. This is done against the background of the book’s contents, the ideas of its probable priestly authors and the ideology in these circles of the cult in Israel.
‘Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate...’ (Jl 2:13). A prophetic perspective on reconciliation and restoration
Authors: Wessels W J
Published: November 2012

In this article the Old Testament prophetic literature will be the focus of discussion with regard to the matter of restoring broken relationships, be it between God and humans or between humans as such. The relationship between Yahweh and his people was formally established by means of a covenant. The presentation of the prophetic material is done with a narrow focus on the issues of reconciliation and restoration. Prophets and prophetic  texts are selected with the mentioned focus in mind and presented as the results of research done on the chosen texts. It is therefore done with a real awareness of the complexity of the prophetic material and the historical embedding of prophetic material. A detailed discussion of introductory and theological issues are therefore not presented, but taken into account. What result in this paper is a focussed presentation on the mentioned topics in some of the prophetic material. Although the word reconciliation is not an Old Testament concept, it is clear that the idea of re-establishment and renewal of  the relationship between God and people was ever present. The prophets had the duty to address the reasons for damage to this covenant relationship and to warn the people of the consequences if they continue to disobey the stipulations and ethical demands of this relationship. The prophets not only served as witnesses of the efforts of Yahweh to reconcile with his people, but also as instruments to bring it about.
The obedience of the church as a prelude to the Parousia: Ecclesial and temporal factors in New Testament eschatology
Authors: Hartwig Paul
Published: November 2012

The thesis investigates the possibility, nature and implications of a pre-parousial ecclesiastical maturity within the context of New Testament eschatology. It is a biblical presentation of the hope for the completion of the church’ s internal and external mission prior to the Parousia, arguing that the obedience of the church in its accomplishment of its mission both expedites and precipitates the terminal apocalyptic events. It is argues that the New Testament motif of the expectation of a latter-day glory of the church is an epochal event that is a primary factor in understanding the timing of the apocalyptic events of the terminal generation.
Intertextuality and historical approaches to the use of Scripture in the New Testament
Authors: Moyise Steve
Published: November 2012

In a previous article in this journal (2002:418-31), I offered a taxonomy of five ways that the term “intertextuality” is being used in biblical studies. In this article, I wish to clarify the relationship between intertextuality and historical approaches to the use of Scripture in the New  Testament. I take as a case study the use of Isaiah 8:12-13 in 1 Peter 3:14-15 and conclude that historical and literary approaches both have an important role to play in elucidating the meaning of this text. I also take the opportunity of responding to some of the arguments put forward by critics of intertextuality.
Die Waarheids- en Versoeningskommissie as Simulacrum en die rol van belydenis, vergifnis en versoening
Authors: Slabbert Melodie N
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the relevance and validity of the  Truth and Reconciliation Commission’ s Christian leitmotiv in relation to the victim hearings. It is suggested that the Commission’ s emphasis on religious themes such as the search for truth, the confession of guilt, forgiveness by victims and in the final instance the promise of redemption, reconciliation and transformation may facilitate the emergence of “moral elitism” or lead to the erroneous belief that a consensus morality dictating the transformation discourse exists. In this role, it can be said that the Commission has become simulacrum for the only way through which the truth about apartheid and redemption could be found.  The religious “authority” assumed by the Commission provided the necessary legitimacy to dictate to perpetrators and victims on a very personal level. The author warns that the Commission’ s religiously inspired transformation rhetoric hides ambitious political motives that try to accomplish too much, too soon.
Similarities in Pentecostal and traditional African culture: a positive potential in a context of urbanization and modernization
Authors: Ingram R
Published: November 2012

This article reflects the findings of a study that was conducted by NOVA (a research organization for the alleviation of poverty) for CDE (the Centre of Development and Enterprise) in 2004 with regard to the potential contribution of Pentecostalism to the socio-economical well-being of people who  are effected by the forces of modernization and urbanisation in South Africa. The case study was conducted among Pentecostal congregations in Witbank with special focus on congregations who serve people who have recently moved from the rural areas to Witbank. We made the interesting discovery that Pentecostal congregations do not serve as a new spiritual and social home for these new-comers by accident, but because their are underlying cultural similarities between Pentecostalism and Traditional African Culture. These similarities pertain to cosmology, social structure, personhood, morality and the value of esthetical experience. Because of these similarities Pentecostal communities create a context in which people who move from the rural areas to the city may feel at home and in which they are protected from the strange and confusing environment that is the city.
Hooglied: Hedendaagse paradigma vir romantiese verhoudings
Authors: Lotter GA , Steyn Rian S
Published: November 2012

In this article it is argued that the Old Testament book Song of Songs can serve as a present-day paradigm for romantic relationships. Song of Songs is being viewed as a collection of love poems and songs where the romantic relationship between a man and a woman is in the focus. The authors discuss the so called “love triangle” which is to be found in Song of Songs. The challenge for correcting relationships with regards to reciprocity and equility in this relationship is also researched followed by the important (albeit absent in the text itself) acknowledgement of people’s own limitation and dependence on God. This article therefore deals with the roles of men and women in connection with love, the complexities of love and suggests nine consequences of Song of Songs for romantic relationships. The article ends with a short discussion on the adventure of love.
Oor doodloopstrate en omweë: kanttekeninge by die boek Doodloopstrate van die geloof — ’n Perspektief op die Nuwe Hervorming
Authors: Spangenberg IJJ
Published: November 2012

In 2002 a number of biblical scholars in South Africa published a book with the title Die Nuwe Hervorming (= The New Reformation). Since then reformed theologians and church councils in South Africa reacted vehemently and accused these scholars of heresy. The debate about a possible new reformation has not abated. Professor J J F Durand, theologian and former vice-principal of the University of Western Cape, recently published a book with the title Doodloopstrate van die geloof – ’n Perspektief op die Nuwe Hervorming (= Culs-de-sac of the Christian religion – a perspective on the New Reformation). He is of the opinion that the scholars who advocate a new reformation are merely followers of Rudolf Bultmann. The article argues that Durand and like minded reformed theologians in South Africa ignore the latest research in biblical studies and therefore adhere to fundamentalist opinions about the Bible and church doctrines.
Die saamspeel van hand, oog en passie: gedagtes oor erotiek en estetika
Authors: Veldsman DP
Published: November 2012

In critical dismissal on the one hand of the viewpoint of Augustine on original sin, and on the other hand of a proposed viewpoint with regard to a theology of God’s good creation, this article explores the intimate interwoveness of aesthetics, erotism and religious experience. The basic communication structure of sender-message-receiver is taken as vantage point and translated into questions regarding the artist, the medium and  the enjoyer of art / art critic. Against a historical-terminological background of aesthetics and erotism from Plato and Aristotle to contemporary views, a theological viewpoint is developed  in playful metaphoric utilization of the concepts hand, eye and passion. Passion is acquitted in this viewpoint in which hamartological short-sightedness is replaced by loving far-sightedness.
Psalm 74: myth as the source of hope in times of devastation
Authors: Baumann G
Published: November 2012

The reference to mythical traditions in Psalm 74 is not just an allusion to a common set of motifs. It is an essential strategy to gain hope in desperate times, when the country is completely destroyed. The article shows this mainly by working on the structure and the metaphors of the psalm. The authors of Psalm 74 created hope in a hopeless situation by referring to a dimension beyond the visible sphere. The deeds of YHWH/Elohim in the mythical traditions cannot be reached by the enemies: the God-established orders of time and  space cannot be destroyed by their violence.
Rehabilitating Judas Iscariot in French literature
Authors: Hale F
Published: November 2012

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, numerous French literary artists, like their counterparts in several other countries, attempted to probe the personality and motives of Iscariot. Among the most prominent were Ernest Renan, François Mauriac, Paul Raynal, and Marcel Pagnol. They evinced noteworthy literary imagination but failed to answer adequately the questions they had posed in their efforts to rehabilitate their long-despised subject. Invariably, such factors as the sparsity of information about Judas in the gospels and inadequate authorial research militated against the success of their experiments. Moreover, the varying portrayals of Judas and the multiplicity of incompatible theories which were advanced to explain his underlying motive underscores the extreme difficulty of discovering what kind of man Judas was and what prompted him to betray Jesus.
Menslike behoeftes as sistematies-teologiese kernbegrip
Authors: Pauw CJ
Published: November 2012

Human needs is not part of the traditional themes of systematic theology or even of theological anthropology.  This article argues that human needs is a core concept in systematic theology even though it has not been an explicit theme of systematic theology. The concept of human needs is essentially related to the content of systematic theology. Any articulation of the doctrine of creation, covenant or salvation is underpinned by a view of what human needs are. This article shows that the question of human needs is normally related to systematic theology by referring to the task of systematic theology and the different modes of discourse found in which systematic theology gives expression to this task. This article also suggest a method by which an implicit concept of human needs may be discovered and engaged critically. This is demonstrated by analysis of two designs of theological anthropology: Karl Barth’ s second part of the third volume of his Church Dogmatics and the fundamental-theological anthropology of Wolfhart Pannenberg.
Bonhoeffer in South Africa: Role model and prophet
Authors: Meiring PGJ
Published: November 2012

Dietrich Bonhoeffer , arguably more than any other European theologian, influenced the way in which South African Christians, clergy and laity alike, have come to see their role in the struggle against apartheid. In his article the author describes the manner in which the German theologian was accepted as a role model by many, and evaluates his influence  in the theological and ethical debates in the country. The aim of the article is to determine whether Bonhoeffer – who was born a hundred years ago, in 1906 – still has a message for us today, in a different time and under different circumstances.  The author’ s conclusion is in the affirmative: Bonhoeffer’ s message is as powerful as ever . The basic principles in his teaching are as important to us today and tomorrow as they have been in the past.  The author refers to five principles: 'Confessing Christ here and now’, ‘Putting a spoke in the wheel’, ‘Learning to see things from below’, ‘Acknowledging our guilt’, and ‘Becoming a church for others beyond privilege’.
The conqueror motif in chapters 12-13: a heavenly and an earthly perspective in the Book of Revelation
Authors: Shin EC
Published: November 2012

The theme of the conqueror motif in the book of Revelation is one of the prominent themes. The theme of the conqueror motif provides various symbolical messages from an exegetical and theological perspective. An alternative symbolic perspective provides a heavenly perspective and the symbolic transformation. Various images such as salvation for the conquerors and judgment of the evil ones, or victory of the Lamb and defeat of Satan, transform our earthly perspective into the heavenly perspective, and give us a new understanding as to how the conquerors should see the world. To provide the conquerors with a new understanding is to give them a reversed effect as a marginalized group and to reveal deep spiritual conflict between God and Satan. Who  is in control in history? With the result of the heavenly war between Michael and the dragon in 12:7-9, John proclaims the victory of God, who is the real conqueror, and provides the heavenly perspective that God is in control of the cosmos, as well as of history.
Sinkretisme as missiologiese uitdaging
Authors: Kritzinger JJ , Niemand SJJ
Published: November 2012

Religious syncretism is usually seen as the intermingling of two religious systems to the extent that the uniqueness of a specific religion is compromised. It is thus understood as missiologically negative. This article attemps to view this from another – and more positive – angle. Here we show how the process of inculturation, the “incarnation” of the gospel within a culture is not much different from the process we term “positive syncretism”. It is also possible that the process could veer off in a negative direction. This process therefore remains a formidable challenge to mission in the sense that while there are always new cultural worlds to be penetrated by the gospel, the process cannot be controlled by any “outsiders”. This theory is applied and tested by looking at the phenomenon of African Independent Churches, and a simple two-dimensional model is developed as illustration of a typology.
Jesus, Judas en ’n stukkie brood. Die betekenis van ’n gebaar in Johannes 13:26
Authors: Tolmie DF
Published: November 2012

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus identifies Judas as the traitor in a highly dramatic fashion  by handing him a morsel. Although Johannine scholars do not often comment on this gesture, in cases where they do, one finds a surprisingly wide range of interpretations, for example, it is interpreted as a gesture denoting Judas as an outsider, a gesture of friendship, a gesture indicating baptism or the eucharist, even a gesture indicating that Judas shares eucharist with the Satan. In this article the interpretation of this gesture is considered. After a discussion of the characterisation of Judas in the Gospel according to John, the gesture itself is considered. Its possible background in antiquity is discussed, which is then followed by an interpretation of the gesture as a gesture of friendship. It is also suggested that the gesture could also be viewed as (another) example of Johannine irony.
Bricolageliturgie: Liturgical Studies Revisited
Authors: Barnard Marcel
Published: November 2012

This article examines a fifth trend, complementary to the four identified in a previous article, in contemporary liturgy visible in churches in the Netherlands as well as South Africa. Drawing on the specific case in the Netherlands of a service in which a minister was ordained, the tendency to mix liturgies is highlighted. This “cut-and-paste” liturgy can be described as “bricolage liturgy”. The term “bricolage” is not new: its use by Claude Lévi-Strauss and Jacques Derrida is investigated in order to better apply the term to liturgy. Bricolage liturgy is a-centrical and a-typical. Jesus Christ, then, is the point of departure for understanding the rituals of liturgy, without restricting a service to a set pattern.
The African agent discovered: The recognition and involvement of the African biblical interpreter in Bible translation
Authors: Coertze S V
Published: November 2012

This article explores the extent to which the role of the African biblical interpreter is acknowledged in the process of Bible translation, as the Bible and Bible translation form an important part of the establishment of the African church on the continent of Africa. It points out that even though foreign discovery of African agency in Bible translation is evident, indigenous discovery of the same is largely absent. Part of the relevance of this article is for the African church to own and be actively involved in the translation of the Bible into the remaining African languages that are in need of a translation of the Bible.
Reis
Authors: Vos C.J.A.
Published: November 2012

Vir Con, homo viator et amicus
“Is Christus verdeeld?” Nadenke oor die teologiese regverdiging van kerkverdeeldheid en kerkskeuring
Authors: Van Wyk J H
Published: November 2012

“Is Christ divided?” Reflections on the theological justification of church disunity and church schismIn this article the author investigates the question whether a church schism could ever be justified. He considers on the one hand the Biblical message on church unity and on the other hand the many justifications of church disunity (schism). He concludes that most of these justifications are unacceptable rasionalisations and that Post-Reformation theology distanced itself far away from Biblical ecclesiology in this regard.
“Nie waar nie?” Opmerkinge oor geloofservaring, dogma en die (eskatologiese) aard van teologiese besinning
Authors: Veldsman D P
Published: November 2012

“Not true?” Remarks on the experience of faith, dogma and the (eschatological) nature of theological reflection“Not true?” is a characteristic saying of Conrad Wethmar. In this article of appreciation for his academic contribution, this saying as a “polite questioning and affirmation” (as I understand it), is explored within the context of viewpoints on the experience of faith and in reference to his understanding of dogma in order to highlight the way in which this saying actually gives expression to his understanding of the nature of theological reflection.
Onderweg na ‘n teologie van interkulturaliteit: ‘n Trinitariese perspektief
Authors: Venter R
Published: November 2012

Towards a theology of interculturality: A trinitarian perspectiveThe greater interaction of people from diverse cultural orientation in a globalised era and the growth of the christian faith as a truly worldwide phenomenon, and the consequent complications have highlighted the need for a theological response. This paper explores such a proposal for intercultural encounter, especially among people of the same religious orientation. The emphasis is on transcendence, community and identity, or on trinity, church and spirituality. The fundamental assumption is that the trinitarian identification of God, with its concomitant stress on otherness, relationality and love, provides resources to guide intercultural challenges in the church. A consistent trinitarian approach values community; hence the imperative of a communio-ecclesiology, which embraces unity, creativity and social resistance. Identity-formation and spirituality are closely linked. A trinitarian approach advocates transformation which increasingly reflects the virtues of the triune God in the relationship with the culturally Other.
Een theologische faculteit als huis van vele woningen: Over de institutionalisering van de theologie in de pluralistische, seculiere samenleving
Authors: Vroom H
Published: November 2012

A theological faculty as a house with many rooms: On the institutionalisation of theology in a pluralistic, secular society.Religious pluralism is changing the Western world. The transmission of Christian faith is less a matter of course than it has been. People are free to form their own opinions and ‘choose’ their way of life. Because pluralism affects the basic values of society that have to be supported by world view traditions, religious pluralism is one of the main political problems of the ‘secular’ state as well. Faculties of Theology can be organised better as apartments buildings for religions with common rooms, exchange and debates, instead of gradually becoming departments of descriptive religious studies. A public inter-religious dialogue on values and political issues will be supported by such an institution, and prevent accountability for views of life to disappear from the public arena into privacy and hidden places. Students can be educated in plural theological faculties of universities that reflect societal realities, in an atmosphere of respect, integrity, dialogue and accountability.The first section of this contribution describes the changing situation in the European (EU) culture; the second the consequences of pluralism for churches; the third the crisis of traditional theology; and the fourth points out the perspective of a plural but confessional institutionalisation of theology/ies.
Fides Quaerens Corporalitatem: Perspectives on liturgical embodiment
Authors: Cilliers J. H.
Published: November 2012

In the light of a number of paradigm shifts that have taken place in practical theological methodology, this article proposes an integrative approach that takes the fundamental role of embodiment into account. A brief discussion of the theological understanding of embodiment is followed by a reflection on certain liturgical implications, inter alia liturgical embodiment as immediate participation; as multi-sensory interpretative act; and as broken presence and celebrated absence.
Die opstanding van Jesus as kulminerende genesings-handeling in Johannes
Authors: Kok J.
Published: November 2012

John views the death and resurrection of Jesus as an inseparable unity (cf 10:17-18). In this article it is then argued that the resurrection of Jesus in John could be understood as a Johannine σημε?α (cf 2:18-22), as well as the culminating healing act in John. It also serves as the most important σημε?α against which the other σημε?α and the rest of the Gospel should be understood. In the resurrection as the culminating healing act, John's Jesus restores his own brokenness (and death) and proves that He is the source of life (cf 1:4; 11:25), also by bringing healing and restoration to the spiritually blind (cf 9:40-41; 12:40). This article is a result of the writer's PhD thesis2.
WURJHNS Undergraduate Research Forum 2012 - Abstracts
Authors: HNS WURJ
Published: November 2012

WURJHNS Undergraduate Research Forum 2012 - Abstracts
The Role Played By NGOs in Augmenting Government Efforts towards the Achievement of Millennium Development Goal of Combating HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mervis Zungura
Published: November 2012

This article examines the role of NGOs in complementing government efforts towards the achievement of millennium development goal of combating HIV and AIDS by 2015. Documentary research, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to investigate the extent to which government and NGOs coordinate their functions to avoid duplication of functions in their areas of operation as well as examining the net effect of NGO involvement in HIV/AIDS programmes. Evidence from researches points tovisible Government commitment to the eradication of the disease as evidenced by the formulation of the National Aids policy and the formation of the parliamentary portfolio committee on health. NGOs have also played a pivotal role in HIV and AIDS programmes by implementing government policies both in urban and rural areas of Zimbabwe. Notwithstanding this, lack of coordination of functions between NGOs and government has derailed the national response as studies highlight concentration of HIV/AIDS programmes in some areas whilst other areas have no programmes at all. Government’s requirement that NGOs must submit their work plans has not been adhered to by NGOs leading to mutual suspicion between the two. NGOs should comply with government demands to avoid cancellation of their contracts and the government must create a conducive working environment for NGOs for the attainment of MDG six.
Implications and Applications of Kinematic Galaxy Scaling Relations
Authors: Zaritsky Dennis
Published: November 2012

Galaxy scaling relations, which describe a connection between ostensibly unrelated physical characteristics, testify to an underlying order in galaxy formation that requires understanding. I review the development of a scaling relation that (1) unites the well-known fundamental plane (FP) relation of giant elliptical galaxies and Tully-Fisher (TF) relation of disk galaxies, (2) fits low
mass spheroidal galaxies, including the ultrafaint satellites of our galaxy, (3) explains the apparent shift of lenticular galaxies relative to both FP or TF, (4) describes all stellar dynamical systems, including systems with no dark matter (stellar clusters), (5) associates explicitly the numerical coefficients that account for the apparent tilt of the FP away from the expectation drawn from the virial theorem with variations in the total mass-to-light ratio of galaxies within the half-light radius, (6) connects with results that demonstrate the robustness of mass estimators when applied at the half-light radius, and (7) results in smaller scatter for disk galaxies than the TF relation. I review two applications: (1) the cross-calibration of distance measurement methods and (2) the determination of mass-to-light ratios of simple stellar populations and implications for the stellar initial mass function.
Dried Blood Spot Sampling with LC-MS Analysis for Routine Therapeutic Caffeine Monitoring in Neonates
Authors: Lawson Graham , Patel Parul , Mulla Hussain , Tanna Sangeeta
Published: November 2012

A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method was developed and validated for the determination of therapeutic levels of caffeine in dried blood spot (DBS) samples. Caffeine is used in the treatment of Apnoea of Prematurity (AoP) in newborn children. Calibration DBS samples were prepared by spotting 15 μL of whole blood spiked with the analyte onto specimen collection cards. 3 mm disks cut from the centre of the DBS were extracted in methanol containing the internal standard. The extract was separated using a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column and the MS, operated in electrospray positive ion mode, used single ion monitoring atm/z195 for caffeine andm/z198 for the IS. The overall extraction recovery of caffeine from spiked blood spots was demonstrated to be 44–47%. Validation of the microanalytical method showed good precision (coefficient of variation) and accuracy (relative error) and specificity and was linear within the tested calibration range 500–25000 ng/mL for caffeine. Investigation of different specimen collection papers revealed different matrix effects with significant ion suppression from the FTA Elute paper itself. Requiring only a microvolume (15 μL) blood sample for analysis, the developed DBS based microanalytical method has the potential to facilitate the routine monitoring of caffeine in neonates.