bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A house of prayer in the heart”: How homiletics nurtures the church’s spirituality
Authors: Troeger Thomas H.
Published: August 2012

Prayer, whatever form it takes, represents a living relationship with God. In the article it is argued that the goal of preaching is the vitalizing, nurturing, enriching, deepening, broadening, and heightening of believers’ relationship with God. To participate in this dynamic divine/human relationship, is a form of spirituality. Therefore, if the sermon ends with prayer, it follows that the purpose of preaching is – at least in part – the nurture of spirituality.
Kuyper and Apartheid: A revisiting
Authors: Baskwell Patrick
Published: August 2012

Was Abraham Kuyper, scholar, statesman, and university founder, the ideological father of Apartheid in South Africa? Many belief so. But, there are others, amongst them George Harinck of the Free University in Amsterdam, who don’t think so. The article argues that there is an element of truth in both opinions. Kuyper did exhibit the casual racism so characteristic of the Victorian era, with its emphasis on empire building and all that it entailed. Kuyper was also directly responsible, ideologically, for the social structure in the Netherlands known as “verzuiling” or “pillarization” in terms of which members of the Catholic, Protestant, or Socialist segments of society had their own social institutions. This pillarizing, or segmenting, of society was, however, always voluntary. This is not true of the pillarizing or segmenting of South African society known as Apartheid. While there are similarities between Apartheid and “verzuiling”, especially in their vertical partitioning of the individual’s entire life, the South African historical context, the mediation of Kuyper’s ideas through South African scholars, the total government involvement, and therefore, the involuntary nature of Apartheid, point to their inherent dissimilarity. Apartheid was simply not pure Kuyper. Hence, while the effects of Kuyper’s ideas are clearly discernable in Apartheid policy, the article aims at arguing that Kuyper cannot be considered the father of Apartheid in any direct way.
Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as volkskerk: Oorsig en herbesinning
Authors: Dreyer W.A.
Published: August 2012

The Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as “volkskerk”: Overview and evaluationThe Church Order of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA) states in Ordinance 4 that the NHKA is a “volkskerk”, meaning a Church that is ethnically based and focused on the ministry to Afrikaans speaking people. This article examines the history of the relationship between NHKA and Afrikaners that prevailed since the early 19th century. It argues that the establishment of separate and ethnically based churches in South Africa was, initially, the result of a specific understanding of Afrikaner nationalism and liberty. Only after the Second World War, due to criticism levelled at separate development and separate churches by the ecumenical movement, it was based on theological reflection. This article concludes that the term “volkskerk” has become theologically obsolete as well as practically unusable.
Secular spirituality versus secular dualism: Towards postsecular holism as model for a natural theology
Authors: Du Toit Cornel W.
Published: August 2012

The term “secular spirituality” is meant to convey the contemporary phenomenon of spirituality as experienced in different spheres not associated with structured, institutionalised religion. An outline is given of the relation between secular reality (the natural realm) and religious/spiritual reality (the supernatural realm), as it developed from pre-secular animism (pre-modern unity with nature) to secular dualism (modernism) to post-secular holism (influence of postmodernism). Then follows a brief discussion of secular spirituality in Africa with reference to struggle spirituality. Secular spirituality in its technospiritual mode is becoming increasingly important and is dealt with cursorily before dealing with secular spirituality as a model for a postmodern natural theology. In this context “natural theology” is not concerned with proofs of God’s existence, but seeks to integrate the natural and supernatural dimensions of human life meaningfully.
Exploring issues around Biblical, Western and African social values
Authors: Botha J. Eugene
Published: August 2012

This article explores the differences and similarities between the social value systems of the New Testament, the West and Africa. While it is acknowledged that the categories “The New Testament”, the “West” and “Africa”, are very broad general categories, it is possible to distinguish between them at a certain level of abstraction. It is shown that Biblical social values and traditional African social values are much closer to each other than they are to Western social values. This has enormous implications for the practising of theology and for the interpreting and use of Biblical texts.
Glaube in der multireligiösen Gesellschaft: Zur Bildungskompetenz evangelischen Glaubensverständnisses
Authors: Danz Christian
Published: August 2012

An evangelical understanding of religion: The establishment of sensible communication within religious and cultural pluralities. The article argues that when different religions and cultures live together in modern societies, it will result in a great deal of conflict. It is also true of Systematic Theology driven by confessions if contact among the religious worlds of modern people is not to be lost or proof of the theoretical religious competence thereof is not to be compromised. This article discusses various theological models to include the reality of the pluralism of societies and attempts to take the existing discussions of the theology of religion further by promoting a certain model that possesses the basic grounds of Reformed Christianity. The thesis of the article reveals that with an evangelical understanding of religion, a certain encounter among religious and cultural differences can be reflected. An obvious religious understanding should not only be in mind, but also the establishment of sensible communication within religious and cultural pluralities.
Retracted: Seemingly harmless new Christian religious movements in South Africa pose serious threats of spiritual abuse
Authors: Pretorius Stephan P.
Published: August 2012

This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief.
The expression  as the key to 1 Peter 2:1-3
Authors: Du Toit Marietjie
Published: August 2012

This article argues that the author of 1 Peter uses the expression not as a reference to the word of God as is suggested by many modern scholars (Achtemeier; Boring), but rather to the whole doctrine of Christ resulting in a new way of life (Jobes). The article consists of an overview of First Peter, its authorship and audience and the characteristics of the letter. It discusses the texts of both 1 Peter 2:1-3 and its influence by LXX Psalm 33.
On social justice: Comparing Paul with Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics
Authors: Strijdom Johan
Published: August 2012

n “In search of Paul” (2004) Crossan and Reed argue that Paul’s vision and program were essentially in continuity with Jesus’: both opposed, be it in Galilean villages or Roman cities, an unjust imperial system by means of an alternative project of egalitarian, distributive justice. Although Crossan elsewhere demonstrates the deep roots of this concern in the Jewish tradition, he tends to downplay the importance of Greek contributions in this regard. The purpose of this essay will be to offer, in constant dialogue with Crossan (and Reed), a more refined comparison of social justice in Paul on the one hand and Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics on the other. If Paul tried to establish egalitarian and sharing Christian communities under the Roman empire, how do this vision and program compare and contrast with Plato's hierarchical but communal concept of justice, Aristotle’s distributive notion according to merit, and most importantly the Stoics’ argument of “oikeiosis” (i.e., other-concern by concentrical familiarization with the other)?

Imagine, say Crossan and Reed (CR hereafter) in their recent book on Paul, the following dialogue between ourselves and Paul:

Do you think, Paul, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights? I am not speaking about all men, but about all Christians. But do you think, Paul, that all people should be Christians? Yes, of course,. And do you think, Paul, that all Christians should be equal with one another?Yes, of course. Then do you think, Paul, that it is God’s will for all people to be equal with one another? Well, let me think about that one for a while and, in the meantime, you think about equality in Christ.

(CR 2004:234)
Todorov, Levinas and anti-totalitarian humanism: A perspective on contemporary utopian thought
Authors: Terreblanche Salomon J.
Published: August 2012

This article explores the significance of anti-totalitarian humanism for contemporary moral and social philosophy, with special reference to the thinking of Emmanuel Levinas (1906-1995). Special use is made of Tzvetan Todorov’s (1939) work “Hope and memory” to clarify the framework within which anti-totalitarian humanism takes shape, and also to shed light on the relation, similarities and disagreements between the totalitarian utopianism that characterized twentieth century fascist regimes, and other versions and residues of the utopian tradition, such as we encounter in Levinas and the early generation of Neo-Marxist philosophers. Levinas’ attempt in his early works to develop a humanism that is founded in both everyday material existence and interpersonal relationships is then examined in closer detail. Interpretations of the utopian significance of his phenomenological notions such as death, time and sociality, Messianic hope, despair and moral repair are offered. It is emphasized that Levinas’ early notion of innerworldly bliss constitutes a utopian core in his thought that is to be separate from the notion of innerworldly bliss that characterizes totalitarian utopianism, and also undermines the philosophical foundations of totalitarian utopianism.
Die huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wêreld (I): Vroue in ’n man se wêreld
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: August 2012

Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (1): Females in a male world

This article is the first of a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage. Attention is given to four aspects of the cultural world of the Bible that are relevant for an understanding of the institution of marriage as presented in Biblical texts: marriage as embedded in the social institution of the family (kinship), the role of honor and shame, dyadic personality and the different marriage strategies that can be discerned throughout Biblical times. The article concludes with a few remarks on the effects the above “cultural scripts” had on the understanding of marriage as an institution and the position of women in marriage.
Inleiding tot die sosiaal-wetenskaplike kritiese eksegese van Nuwe-Testamentiese tekste: Die metodologiese aanloop in die navorsingsgeskiedenis
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Introducing the social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts: Methodological initiators in the research history

The article is the first of a series of three that aim to introduce social-scientific exegesis of New Testament texts. Aspects of the social background of these writings are analyzed in light of the perspectives which underlie the dynamics of first-century Mediterranean social world. The article shows that social-scientific criticism of the New Testament represents an exegetical approach by means of which the rhetoric of texts is interpreted in light of their cultural environment and the social interaction that determines this context and semeiotic codes. The first article focuses on the initiators in the field of historical-critical exegesis who paved the way to social scientific criticism and explain key facets of the “new” exegetical approach. The second article explains some models and methods of social-scientific criticism. The third article discusses some advantages of social scientific criticism and poses a critique of the approach by reflecting on the positivism that could underlie the epistemology behind some interpretation models used in social scientific criticism. It concludes with an emphasis on cultural criticism as a hermeneutical challenge.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8: The Thessalonians should live a holy life
Authors: Verhoef Eduard
Published: August 2012

The author argues that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 should be considered as one coherent pericope. It shows that the term “holiest” does not refer to the god “Kabeiros”, neither that the Greek word “skeuos” means either “spouse” or referring to the male sexual organ. It rather means “body”. The article aims to argue that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 is a passage in which Paul urges the Thessalonians to be always pure in body and mind. Thus explained, the pericope fits in with the preceding text about the Thessalonians’ holiness at the parousia (3:13) and it prepares for the next paragraph in which the parousia of the Lord with the holy people (3:13) is discussed more thoroughly (1 Th 4:13-5:11).
Rick Warren, purpose driven en die 40 dae doelgerigte lewe veldtog
Authors: Ungerer Andre , Nel Malan
Published: August 2012

Rick Warren, purpose driven and the 40 days of purpose campaign

More than 532 churches/congregations in South-Africa have already purchased “The purpose driven campaign kit” and completed the 40 days campaign or are planning to do so. The name Rick Warren is synonymous with “Purpose driven” and the popularity of his work as well as his influence in this country, justifie a study of this nature. This study wants to determine the effect of Rick Warren’s 40 days of purpose in the circuit of Klerksdorp of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. Warren provides five purposes for a believer in the church in his book, A purpose driven life, which according to him is the church’s purpose of existence. The hypothesis of this study is that the 40 days of purpose is an excellent project for congregations to discover their purpose of existence, while it also strengthens the process of building the local congregation. Eight congregations participated in the research project.
As below, so above: A perspective on African Theology
Authors: Meiring Arno
Published: August 2012

African theology can be understood as a theology from below – or rather, “as below, so above”. This phrase not only reflects the concept of ubuntu and the African partiality towards horizontal relationships, but may help explain African perspectives on shame and guilt, sin and reconciliation, liberation, the ancestors and eschatology. Subsequently, there seems to be some concurrence between African theology and Western postmodern theology. Although these theologies challenge traditional theology, and should in turn be scrutinized, they may offer useful and valid ways of thinking and speaking about God.
Child-headed households because of the trauma surrounding HIV/AIDS
Authors: Maqoko Zamani , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

By the year 2002 14 million children had been orphaned globally because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A great number of these have become the heads of households, are forced to look after themselves and siblings, drop out of school, are vulnerable to many forms of abuse and have found work to take care of themselves and their siblings. Misinformation, ignorance and prejudice concerning HIV/AIDS limit the willingness of a community to provide for the orphans who have been affected by the disease. This article aims to address the question why this is also the case in South Africa and why the African philosophy of “ubuntu” (humaneness), does not seem to make a difference. This study build upon fieldwork undertaken in the Bophelong area among HIV/AIDS orphans who function as heads of households and children who have been orphaned due to circumstances other than HIV/AIDS. The article concludes that religious communities can fill the gap left by the lack of “ubuntu” and can play a major role in nurturing HIV/AIDS orphans who function as heads of households. Churches can build a supportive environment where HIV/AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children can feel accepted.
’n Krities-hermeneutiese perspektief op die huwelik in ’n postmoderne era
Authors: Dreyer Anet E. , Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

A critical-hermeneutical perspective on marriage in postmodern times

This research report consists of two articles. The first part is titled: Biblical models of marriage: A critical perspective. In the first article the book of Adrian Thatcher (1999) Marriage after modernity: Christian marriage in postmodern times, is discussed in conjunction with other relevant studies. His hermeneutical approach identifies five Biblical models of marriage. An overview and discussion of these models lead to the question of whether these models could assist in understanding the essence of marriage in postmodern times. Based on the research of recent studies, this second article is an attempt to modify and implement his models as a possible framework and guidelines to address the complexity of marriage in our context.
Bybelse modelle van die huwelik: ’n Kritiese perspektief
Authors: Dreyer Anet E. , Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Biblical models of marriage: A critical perspective

The Christian marriage finds itself in a crisis. Churches worldwide are struggling to find answers to address the problem in their communities. The book of Adrian Thatcher “Marriage after modernity, Christian marriage in postmodern times”, is a resent publication which endeavours to formulate guidelines for marriage in postmodern society. This article is an attempt to give an overview of, as well as a critical reflection on the Biblical models as identified in his research. Although Thatcher’s “models” are of utmost importance in the recent debate, it is necessary to select certain perspectives within his models that are still applicable in postmodern times. This first article describes and evaluates his models, whilst the second article focuses on the relevancy thereof in postmodern times.
What kind of “Judean” was Jesus?
Authors: Cromhout Markus
Published: August 2012

Reconstructions of the historical Jesus are analyzed in terms of a proposed socio-cultural model of Judean ethnicity. At first an overview is given of the work of Meier and Crossan to establish the content they assigned to Jesus’ Judean ethnicity. Drawing on the insights of ethnicity theory, biblical scholarship and the work of Berger and Luckmann, a socio-cultural model of Judean ethnicity is proposed and explained. The reconstructions of Meier and Crossan are then compared with the proposed model. It is argued that none of their reconstructions allow for Jesus to be seen as profoundly Judean.
Old Testament exegesis: Reflections on methodology
Authors: Groenewald Alphonso
Published: August 2012

The question of methodology remains important in dealing with biblical texts, given the fact that the Hebrew Bible is not an uncomplicated book. Its meaning is embedded in the history of the people who wrote it, read it, passed it on, rewrote it, and read it again. The question addressed in this article is in which manner should exegetes analyze texts? Which methodology should be followed during the exegetical process? What would be the most appropriate method to do justice to the texts of the Hebrew Bible? In both South African and European exegetical arena this debate is still continuing and over the past decades several contributions have kept it alive. The aim of this article is to make a contribution to this ongoing debate. It focuses primarily on Psalms and Pentat-euchal studies. The call is made upon exegetes to pursue a diachronically reflected synchronic reading.
The identification and examination of the elements that caused a schism in the Johannine community at the end of the first century CE
Authors: Van der Merwe Dirk
Published: August 2012

A group of people within the Johannine community (2:18) contributed towards destroying the fellowship of this community. Because 1 and 2 John do not provide direct evidence of the identities of the community’s heretically inclined members, they are defined in different ways by different scholars. A search for socio-religious circumstances which contribute towards determin-ing the opponents and adherents of the author which created the agenda for the reconstruction of the phenomena that caused this schism. The nature of the schism comprises “Pneumatological,” “Christological” and “ethical” issues encoded in the polemical language of slogans, dialectic discourse, confessions and denials. The schism in 1 John proves to be a matter of different interpretations of a shared tradition.
Undoing the sleights of hand: Prophets and scholars – two mythic discourses
Authors: Van den Heever Gerhard
Published: August 2012

By comparing the historical recalibration of the myth of the Mother of the Gods in Athens with the scholarly construction of the mysteries in nineteenth and twentieth century religio-historical scholarship, this essay argues that just as primary practitioners of religious discourse engage in religious mythmaking, so too do scholars of religion. Both the practice of religion and scholarship on religion subsist in the political domain of social discourse and mythmaking. However, the two kinds of mythmaking are not simply identical. It is the distance to the discourse afforded the scholar that enables scholarship as politically committed denaturalisation, or historicisation, of religious tradition and reflexive scholarship.

“Isn’t scholarship just another instance of ideology in narrative form? Don’t scholars tell stories to recalibrate a pecking order, putting themselves, their favorite theories, and their favorite people on top?” ... “Isn’t logos just a repackaged mythos?” ... to which I now respond: ‘If myth is ideology in narrative form, then scholarship is myth with footnotes.’”

(Lincoln 1999:209)
Sosiaal-wetenskaplike kritiese eksegese van Nuwe-Testamentiese tekste – ’n voortgaande debat sonder einde
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2012

Social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts – an ongoing debate without end

The aim of this article is to describe the multifarious facets of social-scientific critical exegesis. It consists of a discussion of the theoretical epistemological premises behind anthropological models employed in the exegesis of Biblical tests. The article focuses in the second instance on work published by members of the Context Group. It subsequently discusses the socio-rhetorical approach and ideology criticism. The article concludes with the contribution made by hermeneutics of suspicion and cultural criticism. The article forms the third in a series of three that aims to introduce social-scientific critical exegesis of New Testament texts. The first article was of an introductory nature, the second explains some models and methods and the third discusses the critique against the approach as if it reflects positivism and concludes with an emphasis on cultural criticism as a hermeneutical challenge.
Romans 1:18-32 amidst the gay-debate: Interpretative options
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: August 2012

The prominence of Romans 1:18-32 in the gay-debate is the subject of various and wide-ranging opinions as far as the most adequate interpretation of this passage. This contribution puts the debate about the text into perspective by surveying some recent alternative opinions on its meaning. It is established that two particular matters are most important in Romans 1:18-32 and the past and current debate on its interpretation: the argument according to “nature” and the nature of the infringement or error (Rm 1:27).
Missional theology and social development
Authors: Hendriks H. Jurgens
Published: August 2012

The article describes a theological paradigm shift taking place in congregations in South Africa that empower them to become involved in development work as a way of serving their neighbor. It also opens the possibility of working interdisciplinary without compromising theological and faith values. The perspectives and assumptions of the new paradigm are outlined and the basic methodology of doing theology is described. The new paradigm is a missional one, taking the focus on God as its point of departure and describing the identity and purpose of the church by looking at God’s identity and plan or mission with creation and humankind. Social development is seen as being in line with God’s mission and as such the church should not have difficulty in working with those who pursue the same goals.
The first disciples of Jesus in Galilee
Authors: Guijarro Santiago
Published: August 2012

Early Christian writings provide little information about the Jesus movement in Galilee, but the study of the pre-Synoptic-, and especially the pre-Markan collections, can shed some light on this important period of the beginnings of Christianity. This essay starts by reconstructing the pre-Markan collection of Galilean controversies (Mk 2:1-3:6) and argues that its composition could have taken place in Galilee. These controversies reflect a process of construction of group identity whose main traits can be identified with the aid of social identity and cultural memory studies. This process can also be placed in the historical context of the emergence of sectarian groups within Second Temple Judaism. The contention of this enquiry is that the pre-Markan collection of the Galilean controversies can provide valuable information about the first disciples of Jesus in Galilee.
’n Feministiese narratief-pastorale perspektief op die huwelikbevestigingsformuliere van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk
Authors: Botha Annelie , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

A feminist narrative pastoral perspective on the marriage formularies of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church

This article is the second which focuses on the metaphor “the church as bride”. Its aim is to demystify this metaphor’s use in the marriage formulary of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church of Africa from the perspective of an ideological-critical analysis of the formulary. This formulary is specifically based on Ephesians 5:21-33 and Hosea 1 and 2 as “intertext”. In light of a narrative pastoral model within the context of feminist hermeneutics the article argues that the patriarchal ideology behind the metaphor constitutes the wording of the formulary and that this ideology contributes to negative experiences of women in marriage relationships.
“God and the gods”: Faith and human-made idols in the theology of Karl Barth
Authors: Van Wyk I.W.C.
Published: August 2012

The First Commandment played an important role in the theology of Karl Barth. His personal obedience to this commandment contributed to his realization that one cannot be comfortable with the Liberal theology of the early twentieth century and accept the theological thinking that supported National Socialism. The First Commandment opened his eyes to see the idols, worldviews, ideologies and evil of his lifetime. The First Commandment is always in the background of his theology that concentrates on God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. Only two of his lectures specifically concentrated on the First Commandment, only one of which was published. Barth, understood the First Commandment as an axiom of theology. It is self-evident; a cornerstone and critical guideline for any theology that is built upon the biblical message. The article argues that if this aspect of Barth’s theology received attention in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church, we would most probably have been saved from the conflicts concerning the ideology of apartheid and the “people’s church”.
Tambach remixed: “Christians in South African society”
Authors: Senokoane B.B. , Kritzinger J.N.J.
Published: August 2012

This article flows from the previous one, which analysed Karl Barth’s Tambach lecture in its original German context. It uses the musical metaphor of “remixing” to describe the recontextualising of Barth’s Tambach approach in contemporary South African society. After recontextualising the theological foundations of the Tambach lecture, Barth’s three viewpoints (regnum naturae, regnum gratiae, regnum gloriae) are recontextualised for South Africa, addressing the issue of poverty as an example.
“The Christian in society”: Reading Barth’s Tambach lecture (1919) in its German context
Authors: Kritzinger J.N.J.
Published: August 2012

This article analyses Karl Barth’s 1919 Tambach lecture on “The Christian in society” in the context of post World War I Europe. After describing Barth’s early life and his move away from liberal theology, the five sections of the Tambach lecture are analysed. Barth’s early dialectical theology focussed on: Neither secularising Christ nor clericalising society; Entering God’s movement in society; Saying Yes to the world as creation (regnum naturae); Saying No to evil in society (regnum gratiae); respecting God’s reign as beyond our attempts (regnum gloriae).
Karl Barth’s role in church and politics from 1930 to 1935
Authors: Groenewald André J.
Published: August 2012

Karl Barth saw in natural theology a threat to the church of Christ. He was convinced that the so-called “German Christians” under the influence of the National Socialist Party practised natural theology. He advocated the need for the church of Christ to be church according to the Word of God. The church can be true church of Christ when it listens to and obeys the true calling of God. Barth’s critique of an exclusive “Volkskirche” can serve as a corrective for the definition of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk as a “volkskerk”.
Interpreting the theology of Barth in light of Nietzsche’s dictum “God is dead”
Authors: Groenewald André J.
Published: August 2012

Karl Barth responded with his theology to Nietzsche’s dictum “God is dead” by stating that God is the living God. God does not need the human race to exist. God reveals God self to humankind whenever God wills. Barth agreed with Nietzsche that the god of the nineteenth century was a “Nicht-Gott”. The article aims to discus Karl Barth’s respons to Nietzsche’s impulse towards the development of a concept of God that would lead to neither atheism nor theism. The article argues that Barth paved the way for talking about God by defining God as the “communicative God”.
Who is the sinner? The view of Karl Barth
Authors: Van Zyl F.J.
Published: August 2012

This article focuses on Karl Barth’s view of the human being as sinner. In accordance with his christological approach to all theological matters, the article aims to argue that Barth describes the image and character of the sinner as mirrored by the obedient suffering and vicarious death of Jesus Christ on the cross in the place of all sinners of all times – past, present and future. According to Barth, the price that God paid in surrendering God’s only Son to such suffering indicates the enormous guilt and existence of every sinner. All human beings are hopelessly in debt and can only be delivered from sin through God’s graceful remission of sin.
Some Barthian perspectives on the present science-religion debate: What is the place of “natural theology” today?
Authors: Du Toit Cornel W.
Published: August 2012

As an example of the context-relatedness of Barth’s work, this article compares his crisis theology with Heidegger’s philosophy of Being. Further examples are Barth’s reaction to the modernism of his time, with its accent on rationalism (see his critique of Kant), and the influence of subjective theology. In spite of his condemnation of natural theology, Barth could make a unique contribution to the current science-theology debate. His reading of the creation story and the way he views (transcends) the literal text in order to experience the Word of God as an event through that text, is a case in point. This approach, too, is comparable with certain aspects of Heidegger’s work. Barth’s reaction to the natural theology of his day was equally tied to that context. His particular target was the theology of that era which he interpreted as “natural theology”. To Barth, natural theology is metaphor for self-assertive, autonomous human beings who, via reason, manipulate the church, the Word and tradition.
The “sanctity” of marriage – an archaeology of a socio-religious construct: Mythological origins, forms and models
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

The aim of the article is to argue that the sexual difference between female and male should be regarded as soteriologically indifferent. Though a biological reality of being human, sexuality is profoundly influenced by social constructs and the institution of marriage itself is a social construct. In this article the biological and social aspects are taken into account in a theological approach which on the one hand is interested in the relationship between God and human beings, and on the other in the way in which the Bible elucidates sexuality and marriage. The article indicates that the idea of sexual intercourse between a man and a woman as being equal to Godgiven “holy matrimony” has mythological origins. It focuses on these origins and on the multifarious forms of marital arrangements and models.
’n Kritiese analise van die begrip ratifikasie volgens die Gereformeerde Kerkreg
Authors: Du Plooy Andries
Published: August 2012

A critical analysis of the concept ratification according to Reformed church polity

This article reflects critically on the view that local churches should in a separate act, after major assemblies have taken their resolutions, ratify the decisions before it could be regarded as valid and binding. Attention is given to the following aspects: The meaning of expressions such as ratum facere and ratum habere in law and church polity; perspectives from the Reformational approach on issues such as the authority of decisions of major essemblies and a critical evaluation of the arguments of protagonists in favour of ecclesiastical ratification.
The University of Pretoria’s centenary celebration in 2008: A message of congratulation from the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa
Authors: Dreyer T.F.J.
Published: August 2012

The Church Reformation of the sixteenth century provided an important stimulus to the academic training of ministers at universities. The origin of some of Europe’s oldest universities is closely associated with faculties of theology. In some instances universities grew from the early beginnings of a theological faculty. The past hundred years of history of the University of Pretoria (UP) also reflects something of this close partnership between theological training and a university. The Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NHKA) has been part of UP ever since the establishment of a faculty of theology at this university in 1917.

Opsomming: Die Kerkhervorming van die sestiende eeu was ‘n belangrike stimulus vir akademies- universitêre opleiding van predikante. Die ontstaan van die oudste universiteite in Europa is ten nouste verweef met teologiese fakulteite. In sommige gevalle het universiteite gegroei vanuit ’n aanvanklike teologiese fakulteit. Die honderd jaar se geskiedenis van die Universiteit van Pretoria (UP) reflekteer ook iets van die verbondenheid van teologiese opleiding met UP. Van die honderd jaar was die Nederduitch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika (NHKA), vanaf die vestiging van ‘n teologiese fakulteit in 1917, verbonde aan die Universiteitvan Pretoria.
“The Arabs” in the ecclesiastical historians of the 4th/5th centuries: Effects on contemporary Christian-Muslim relations
Authors: Grafton David D.
Published: August 2012

Historical inquiry into the origin and history of “the Arabs” has long been a part of Western Orientalist literature. However, Christian scholars from the 7th century onward sought to understand the rise of Islam from within a Biblical framework. This article looks at how the early church historians of the 4th and 5th centuries viewed “the Arabs” and passed on those images to their ecclesiastical

descendents. It aims to argue that the pejorative image of “the Arabs” as uncultured pagan barbarians of late antiquity was extended to Muslims in the 7th century and transferred into the Latin derogatory term “the Saracen”. This negative image has been perpetuated in Western Christian literature and continues to color Western Evangelical Christian and Dispensational images of “the Arabs”. The article shows that such perceptions have as much to do with the cultural stereotypes disseminated from the ecclesiastical historians as they do with Biblical hermeneutics.
Sexuality and partnership: Aspects of theological ethics in the field of marriage, unmarried and homosexual couples
Authors: Körtner Ulrich H.J.
Published: August 2012

The attitudes towards sexuality in Western society are undergoing dramatic change. One of the main problems sexual ethics has to deal with today is the question whether the church should acknowledge unmarried long-term relationships. The debate about the acknowledgement of homosexuality as a form of human sexuality equal to heterosexuality is aiming towards the acknowledgement of the equal status of homosexual partnerships and heterosexual marriages as a final consequence. In addition to these issues the article also discusses the issue of the blessing of unmarried or homosexual couples. In light of such public blessings and their liturgical form, the article aims to discuss the question about the promise such blessings holds according to Christian ethics.
God our king
Authors: Muis Jan
Published: August 2012

This article discusses whether the metaphor of “king” can still be used in Christian God-talk. Firstly, it is argued that the “king” metaphor for God is an indispensable key metaphor in both the Old and the New Testament. “King” has become a root metaphor in the canonical text of the Old Testament and Jesus’ proclamation of the coming kingdom of God presupposes that God is king. Secondly, the Biblical meanings of the metaphor are explored. God’s kingship implies his authority and power to fight the forces of evil, to liberate and lead his people and to control the events of history. Modified by Jesus Christ, God’s kingship is universal, non-violent and in accordance with his love. Then, the use of the metaphor in contemporary God-talk is considered. Because “king” is the only metaphor that can give expression to God’s ultimate highness and authority, it cannot be replaced by others. In the concluding section the “king” metaphor for God is conceptually explained in terms of the relationship, the agency and the power of God it implies.
Post-Reformation Reformed sources and children
Authors: Neele A.C.
Published: August 2012

This article suggests that the topic “children” received considerable attention in the post-Reformation era – the period of CA 1565-1725. In particular, the author argues that the post-Reformation Reformed sources attest of a significant interest in the education and parenting of children. This interest not only continued, but intensified during the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation when much thought was given to the subject matter. This article attempts to appraise the aim of post-Reformation Reformed sources on the topic “children.”
Postcolonial theory as a hermeneutical tool for Biblical reading
Authors: Rukundwa Lazare S.
Published: August 2012

In this article, postcolonial theory is presented as a tool for Biblical interpretation, in an attempt to find colonial intentions (be they political, cultural or economic) that informed and influenced the writer’s context. Although criticism has been levelled at the church and other religious institutions for having, consciously or unconsciously, facilitated colonial conquests and imperial establishment all over the world, postcolonial theory calls them to a constructive reading that enables readers to see the concerns of the universal mission of justice. Postcolonial theory, as a tool for Biblical interpretation, deals with the Bible as a “cultural product” in time and space. However, as part of socio-scientific method, postcolonial theory encounters some crucial translation problems such as ethnocentrism and anachronism. Nevertheless, whatever hermeneutical tool the reader uses, it must yield two important things from Scripture reading: discovering life and discovering faith.
Das Messiasgeheimnis und die Spruchquelle
Authors: Schmithals Walter
Published: August 2012

The Messianic Secret and the Sayings Source Q

The article represents a new way of looking at the complexity with regard the “Messianic Secret” as a tribute to William Wrede, who was born almost 150 years ago. Wrede advocated a literary and historical solution to the Messianic Secret found in the Synoptic Gospels. The article aims to resolve the riddle by also taking the Sayings Source Q into consideration. Q is seen as located in the disciple group of John the Baptist and this group’s adherents. The article argues that Mark developed the Messianic Secret as theme to adapt the unmessianic message of Q. As effect, Mark initiated a “christological” use of this motif within the church. The thesis of the article represents a modification that is a progression of some of the author’s earlier opinions.
Apologie vir die Christelike lewenswyse en etiek
Authors: Van Wyk I.W.C.
Published: August 2012

Apology for a Christian way of life and ethics

Many young Afrikaners have turned their backs on the Calvinistic churches in South Africa. Many of them have difficulty with the Christian morality. Works by “Boetman” and Koos Kombuis are analysed in order to get acquainted with present-day thinking of the critics of the Afrikaans churches. This article proposes a positive reception of the moral tradition of the Early Church. A short overview of the basic aspects of the ethics of the early church fathers and apologists is given. Whether the critics would embrace a morality of caring, remains an open question. The author is convinced that this morality is the better one. The critics are invited to rethink Christian morality and ethics.
Boekbesprekings/Book Reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2012

Ephesians: Empowerment to walk in love for the unity of all in ChristThe stem cell debateDarwin and intelligent designThe fathers of the church: A comprehensive introductionSpiritual emotions: A psychology of Christian virtuesThe Bonhoeffer legacy post-holocaust perspectiveWondrously shelteredDietrich Bonhoeffer: A life in picturesA people's history of Christianity, Vol. 5 Reformation ChristianityDefeating depression: Real help for you and those who love youMartin Luther's message for us todayJurgen Moltmann Eine Lebensgeschichte, herausgegebn von W RaumA broad place: An authobiographyRender to God: New Testament understanding of the divine
Being Biblical? Slavery, sexuality, and the inclusive community
Authors: Burridge Richard A.
Published: August 2012

The use of the Bible in ethical debate has been central for the last two millennia. Current debates about sexuality, or the position of women in church leadership, are marked by both, or all, sides of the argument using Scripture. However, this has been true of many issues in the past. This is demonstrated in the debate about slavery two hundred years ago. Careful analysis of the use of Scripture in both the justification and critique of apartheid reveals how both sides quoted Scripture in its various modes, such as rules, principles, paradigms, and overall world-view. The biographical nature of the Gospels means that we must set Jesus’ rigorous ethical teaching in the context of the narrative of his deeds, including his open and welcoming acceptance of all people. It was an inclusive community of interpretation which changed the debates about slavery and apartheid, and a similar inclusive community is needed today.
The Greek evil eye, African witchcraft, and Western ethnocentrism
Authors: Apostolides Anastasia , Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study is to illustrate the ethnocentrism of Western thought by projecting its own science-oriented culture onto cultures with different beliefs. A comparative study between African witchcraft and the Greek phenomenon of the evil eye will be done to investigate whether similar reasons can be given for their existence today. The article reflects on the view that has been prevalent since the Enlightenment, namely that belief in the supernatural is “primitive” and has no place in a world where most things can be explained or solved scientifically. Against this background, contemporary Western perspectives on evil are explained and compared with those of the Greek Orthodox worldview, which shows similarities with New Testament textual evidence. This correlation is demonstrated by an anthropological perspective on the phenomenon of the evil eye as seen from a social, cultural and ecological point of view. These insights are compared with the belief in witchcraft, demonic possession and exorcism within African tradition and spirituality.
Boekbesprekings: Book reviews
Authors: Smith W.J.
Published: August 2012

Coming of age: Exploring the identity and spirituality of younger men

Deliver us from evil: Interpreting the redemption from the power of Satan in New Testament theology

The promise of baptism: An introduction to baptism in Scripture and the Reformed tradition

The word that describes the world: The Bible and discipleship

Jesus now and then

Jesus and identity: Reconstructing Judean ethnicity in Q (Matrix: The Bible in Mediterranean context, 2)

In het teken van tegenspraak: Steekhoudende gedachten van Soren Kierkegaard

The miraculous parallelisms of John

The living dead and the living God: Christ and the ancestors in a changing Africa

The unfolding drama of the Bible

Om die Bybel anders te lees: 'n Etiek van Bybellees
Pastoral care and gays against the background of same-sex relationships in the Umwelt of the New Testament
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: August 2012

The focus of the article is to show how the hegemony of heteronormativity compromises attempts at gay-friendly pastoral care and counselling with sexual minorities. Ecclesial resolutions with regard to same-sex relationships are based on Biblical propositions, theologies of heterosexual marriage, and often also on social stereotypes. This article investigates the textual evidence on same-sex intimacy in antiquity in order to demonstrate that views on sexuality and marriage are not fixed, but change over time. It also traces the formation of the theology of heterosexual marriage in the institutionalized Christian religion. Same-sex intimacy during the period from the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Imperial period is discussed, as well as during early Christianity up to and until marriage was sacramentalized. As a consequence of this historical legacy, churches have largely condemned same-sex relationships and have alienated sexual minorities from the faith community. The article contends that the hegemony of heteronormativity is based on an essentialist view on sexuality, as well as a positivist ethical reading of the texts of the New Testament and the contemporary world. It illustrates that the ecclesia itself has not yet been transformed by the gospel message of inclusive love.