HTS Volume 51, Number 4 (1995)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/17401

HTS is fulltext available on Open Journals Publishing

Browse

Now showing 1 - 19 of 19

The Hebrew terminology for the poor in Psalm 82
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Dickson, C.R. (Charles Richard)
The meaning of the Hebrew words for the English term 'poor' continues to be disputed. Two main schools of thought have developed. Some believe the terms refer to literal and material poverty, others that the terms refer to literal-metaphorical poverty. The result has been an impasse. This study suggests that the different Hebrew words for poor should be understood as metaphors for the concept of powerlessness. In addition, the concept of powerlessness is understood to have different perspectives. Psalm 82 is exegeted to provide a basis for this suggestion. The exegesis confirms the contention that poverty is powerlessness.
Herodes - die Grote?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Botha, Pieter J.J.
The claim to historical understanding is more than simply quoting from ancient sources. Not only must anachronism and ethnocentrism be dealt with in order not to make the ancients mere instruments of modern preferences, but the sources themselves must be carefully interpreted so that we do not become victims of their propaganda. The challenge of historical understanding with sincerity and fairness is illustrated in this study of Herod the Great, king of the Judaeans. Studying history is not to aim at the discovery of final truth, but to participate in the conversation about truth, and therefore the self-reflection and self-discovery implied by historical exploration.
Jesus and politics in contemporary scholarship
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Borg, Marcus J.
Until recently, and for a variety of reasons, most historical Jesus scholarship has typically seen Jesus as essentially non-political. Recently, this has begun to change, to a large extent because of the fuller description of the social world of Jesus made possible by the use of interdisciplinary models and insights. Seen within the context of a social world described as a peasant, patriarchal and purity society, many of the Jesus traditions reflect both a sharp critique of society and advocacy of an alternative social vision. Jesus' action in the temple (including E P Sanders view of it) is treated as a case study of the difference made by an interdisciplinary understanding of the social context of Jesus' public activity.
Does the historical Jesus matter?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Borg, Marcus J.
Perceptions of the relationship between the historical study of Jesus and Christian theology have swung like a pendulum between two extremes. In the nineteenth century, there was a widespread assumption that the historical Jesus mattered significantly; for much of the twentieth century, the dominant claim has been that the historical Jesus has little or no theological significance. In recent scholarship, there are tentative steps toward affirming a 'both-and' position: though Christian faith is to some extent independent of historical research, it is also true that images of Jesus do very much affect images of the Christian life.
Vergelykende studie tussen 'n gedeelte uit die Samaritaanse Liturgie en verwante gedeeltes in die Pentateug
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
The text of the Samaritan Liturgy is almost unknown among scholars of the Old Testament. The value of the Samaritan Liturgy lies in its correspondence with the Old Testament. The way in which the Samaritan Liturgy makes use of the Old Testament texts brings to mind the question, 'What is the relationship between the Samaritan Liturgy and the Old Testament?' This article discusses a randomly chosen prayer in the Samaritan Liturgy. The prayer is analysed in terms of its relatedness to corresponding Old Testament texts. This study tries to point out that the text of the Samaritan Liturgy can be helpful when studying Old Testament traditions.
Sabbat - irrelevante wettiese instelling of verwaarloosde Bybelse juweel? 'n Simpatieke perspektief op die Sabbat
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Bezuidenhout, L.C. (Louis Christiaan)
In this essay some of the prejudices against the Sabbath are discussed. It is stated that the church should be emancipated from anti-Judaic sentiments when the Sabbath as institution is evaluated. Attention is given to the meaning of the Sabbath in the Jewish tradition, and the value of some aspects of the Sabbath for modern society is illuminated.
Destined for the downfall and rise of many in Israel : Luke 2:34b in patristic (and modern) exegesis
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Barkhuizen, J.H., 1940-
A close reading of both patristic and modem exegetes points towards the existence of two main schools of thought, and the aim of this short paper is to introduce the main proponents of each school, stating both the basic notion of each and the biblical evidence serving as the basis for their subsequent argumentation. The paper concludes with some suggestions for further discussion.
The vindication of the righteous in Romans 8:31-39 : inference and relevance
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Maartens, P.J.
This article explores the relevance and inferences of 'suffering righteousness' in the inter-textual references within Romans 4, 5 and 8. The primary objective is to determine the contextual implications of the vindication of the suffering righteous one. The enquiry probes an analysis of the structural context and the underlying code in inter-textual references pertaining to suffering righteousness in the Psalms, Isaiah 40-55, Wisdom 2-5 and 3:6 and Macc 7:37-38, and investigates the socio-semiotic relations of references in Romans. The article takes the themes of reconciliation and justification to its logical conclusions. 'Vindication' and 'exaltation' in Romans, fulfil the structure of 'suffering righteousness' founded in the Old Testament and cognate literature. The contextual implications of 'suffering righteousness' expressed in such features as 'justification, vindication, exaltation and glorification' rectify the 'status inconsistencies' of its recipients. The variegated semiotic perspectives exercised above contribute to the polymorphous character of the meaning of the text.
Psalm 97 : almal moet bly wees, want Jahwe is koning
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Prinsloo, Willem S. (Willem Sterrenberg), 1944-
In this article, which was presented as a paper at the congress of South African and Dutch Old Testament Scholars, the author first positions himself methodologically in terms of the South African situation. He then proceeds to use Psalm 97 to illustrate the text-immanent method, the method which he elects to apply. The findings reached are that, although this psalm derives much of its content from the remainder of the Old Testament, it nevertheless forms a coherent whole, and it can be described as an artistic poem in which various techniques of poetry are employed. However, Psalm 97 does not contain a clearly demarcated or even symmetrical strophic division. It is a persuasive text which probably dates from the post-exilic period. Apparently, the main aim of the psalm was to convince the reader/listener that the Lord is in command.
Maaltye as seremonies in die Markusevangelie : 'n sleutel om J H J A Greyvenstein en A S Geyser se denke oor die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as volkskerk te evalueer
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Eck, Ernest
This article aims to participate in the current debate regarding the writing of a new church order for the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, concentrating on Article III of the current church order. In a previous article the understanding of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk as a 'peoples church'· ('volkskerk') by Professors J H J A Greyvenstein and A S Geyser - both New Testament scholars in teaching positions at the University of Pretoria between 1917 and 1961 - was traced. This understanding is now critically evaluated by means of a social-scientific analysis of meals as ceremonies in Mark's gospel. The conclusion reached is that Mark proclaimed - as Greyvenstein and Geyser advocated - the presence and availibility of God as aspects that should ecclesiologically be open to all. Finally, a few remarks are made concerning the continuation of the debate on the new church order for the Nederduitsch Hervomde Kerk van Afrika.
Vereniging van die gemeentes onder leiding van die Prokurasiekommissie met die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk in 1894
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-
Ironically, the 'merging' spoken about in this paper was the final confirmation that the idealistic attempt to merge two of the three Afrikaans churches in 1885 was a failure. This paper looks into the event from the perspective of the history of the church and church policy.
Koers van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk 1894-1924
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Pont, A.D. (Adriaan Drost), 1927-
In 1894 the section of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk which withdrew from the attempt at church unification in 1885 and those members of the church who had taken part in the unification but withdrew in 1890, joined forces. The question posed in this article is: what direction did the church take after this point in time? It is argued that, although there was a certain amount of friction in the congregation of Pretoria, the course of the church continued in the direction outlined by the synod of the church in 1888. The church was hampered in its growth by the events leading up to the war of 1899-1902. During the years 1902-1924 the church was gradually rebuilt. The outward pressure on the church and its struggle to maintain itself, pre-empted any possibility of different theological groupings developing in the church.
Kerk van die Woord
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Bible -- N.T. -- 1 Corinthians 5:19; Boshoff, Piet B. (Petrus Benjamin)
The theme of the church is treated from the perspective of the theology of the Word. 1 Corinthians 5:19 is analyzed in the process. Divine revelation is discussed in the light of its being in the nature of an once-and-for-all event. This leads one to an understanding of the church in which the church best acquits itself of its task in public worship. The task of the church and the relationship between church and being a Christian are then considered.
Kerk as gebeure : 'n dogmatiese perspektief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-
This article argues that, over against the idea of the church as an institution, the church should be characterized as an event that does not live from the being and will of Jesus Christ as historical figure, but from the existence of the present Christ. The present Christ is the constitutive factor of the church. The church is determined by the present Christ, called by him into life and maintained by him. This characterizes the church also as a waiting church.
Metaforologie en rasionaliteit
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Wyk, G.M.J. (Gafie)
In dialogue with the philosophers Foucault, Derrida, Habermas, Lyotard and Welsch, this study concentrates on broadening the context of research on metaphor from the philosophy of language to that of a contemporary critique of reason. The result of this approach is not only that metaphors are researched from within a new perspective, but also that the relation between metaphor and rationality is reviewed to the extent that it is demonstrated that rationality and even reality show a metaphorical structure at times.
Historiese Jesus, die Jesus-beweging en die vorming van die kerk
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The article focuses on the birth of the church. The point at which the church began its existence is located within the boundaries of formative Judaism. The parting of the ways is explained as a movement from faction to sect, to the eventual formation of the church in its own right as distinct from the synagogue. The historical Jesus should therefore not be seen as the founder of the church. However, the article argues that the relation of the life and death of the historical Jesus to the resurrection belief of the post-paschal Jesus movement constitutes the cradle of the church. This continuum between Jesus and New Testament Christendom is referred to by means of the German phrase die Sache Jesu. Reconsideration of this trajectory results in the conviction that the vision and program of the historical Jesus cannot be neglected when one reflects on the nature of the church in the New Testament or on the vocation of the church through history to the present day. Two thought complexes form the kernel of die Sache Jesu: God's unbounded presence and the concept that everyone has unmediated and non-hierarchical access to the grace of God.
Houding en betrokkenheid van die kerk in 'n veranderende Suid-Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Labuschagne, Jacobus P. (Kobus)
In determining the stance and commitment of the church in a changing South Africa there is a constant danger for the denominations involved to become one-sided and ideologically contaminated. The church is adjusted neither to confirming or denying any society. The present-future dialectics of the New Testament enables the church to become its real self in the tension between being part of this world and reaching fulfilment in a future world - the kingdom of Christ in the final stage. The present-future dialectics of the New Testament enables its church to be both critical and loyal in present-day societies. Only this church is able to play a significant role in a changing South Africa. If any denomination loses this dialectical tension, the church loses itself.
Kerk onderweg na die een en twintigste eeu : 'n kritiese besinning oor kerkwees in 'n veranderende konteks in Suid-Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Steenkamp, L.J.S.
Reflection on the underlying reality of the church in South Africa on its way to the twenty-first century should take into account the dynamic nature of a church. Being a church presupposes the church judging its situation before God. Transition to a new context accentuates the line between the world and the church, since Christianity has finally reached the stage where the world confronts each and every believer as he or she emerges from the doors of his or her church or home. To be a church in this changing context has profound implications for the life and commitment of both the church and the individual believer.
Does the offence of blasphemy have a future under the South African constitution?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Rooyen, Kobus
This article reflects upon the question of whether the offence of blasphemy is valid in terms of the Constitution of the Republic which guarantees equal protection and freedom of religion, opinion, conscience and belief. Blasphemy protects only the Christian and Judaic perceptions of God. Would a Muslim, for example, not be entitled to protection under a broadened offence? And does the offence not discriminate against religions not protected by blasphemy? The author contends that Parliament has a duty to either broaden the scope of blasphemy or to scrap the offence. He is, however, of the view that the offence is not, in itself, unconstitutional and that Parliament should, given the sensitivities in this sphere, not scrap the offence but rather protect the religious convictions of all sections of the population.

Browse

Recent Submissions