bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leiers wat dien en bédien. ‘n Pauliniese beskrywing van kerkleiers en hulle funksies in 1 & 2 Korintiërs
Authors: Vermeulen J 
Published: November 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Ancestor worship is a dilemma for Christian communities in Korea and Africa, who have difficulty adapting Western theology to their Third World cultures. Allan Culpepper calls ancestor worship a cultural phenomenon, not a hindrance to the Gospel message, which this article refutes. Ancestor worship is religious rather than social in function. Common features of ancestor worship in Africa and Korea are 1) conventional superstition (shamanism in Korea, animism in Africa), 2) belief in immortality, and 3) ancestor veneration/filial piety. Theological assessment reveals the incompatibility of ancestor worship with Christianity. 1) Fear of ancestors is replaced by liberation in Christ. 2) The dead exist in a mode completely different to earthly existence and have no power in the world. 3) Ancestors cannot fulfil the intermediary role reserved for the Holy Spirit. Ancestor worship should be viewed as idol worship. Contextualisation of kerygma becomes distorted when religious pluralism is tolerated.
God accepts a broken spirit and a contrite heart - Thoughts on penitence, forgiveness and reconciliation in Psalm 51
Authors: Human D J 
Published: November 2012

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

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

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

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

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

Within Postmodernity we are facing tremendous ethical challenges while upholding a strong sense of freedom. In this essay I argue that this freedom is often still interpreted within a modern paradigm as an essential freedom of presence which has its roots in Neo-Platonic thinking. In Paul’ s letter to the Galatians there are insights to a different interpretation of the freedom we have in Christ as an eschatological freedom of calling and promise. This freedom can only be grasped in faith and is never the possession of any one individual or community, but rather a continuous challenge. It is a freedom that creates space for the other (for that, that seemed impossible) to become present (possible) and therefore it finds itself between justice (dike) and mercy – justice, as that which creates space for those who do not have space (presence), the unheard voices and the marginalised voices; and mercy which brings these unheard voices (the non-present) into being. This is the freedom to which the Cross beckons and the Resurrection inspires.
14 Predigerporträts und 26 Predigtkonzepte? Überlegungen zur homiletischen Retrospektive in den Göttinger Predigtmeditationen
Authors: Gr E 
Published: November 2012

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

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

This article is focussed on Q’ s treatment of the Law and what it can tell us about the Q community’ s Judean ethnic identity. It is argued that part of the reason for the incorporation of the main redaction in Q (here Kloppenborg’ s Q2 + Q3) was to defend the Judean ethnic identity of the Q people. This becomes evident in its conservative approach to the Law as opposed to that of the formative stratum where the Law was freely reconstructed. Q’ s approach to the Law is also informed by its Moses/New Exodus typology encountered in the various strata.
Eschatology in the first epistle of John: <i>koinwnia</i> in the <i>familia Dei </i>
Authors: Van der Merwe D G 
Published: November 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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