HTS Volume 51, Number 2 (1995)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/17403

HTS is fulltext available on Open Journals Publishing

Browse

Now showing 1 - 14 of 14

Insights and models from medical anthropology for understanding the healing activity of the historical Jesus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Pilch, John J.
This essay sketches a basic introduction to medical anthropology as a key to understanding and interpreting the healing activity of the historical Jesus described in the gospels. It presents select literature, leading experts, fundamental concepts, and insights and models of special value to biblical specialists. Only a cross-cultural discipline like medical anthropology allows the investigator to interpret texts and events from other cultures with respect for their distinctive cultural contexts in order to draw more appropriate conclusions and applications in other cultures. Applications to biblical texts are not included in this essay but may be found in other articles published by the author and listed in the bibliography.
Traditional and Christian concepts of disease and healing among the Manianga
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Mulemfo, M.M.
The Manianga of Zaïre believed, and still believe, in a Supreme Being called 'Nzambi Mpungu '. He is the origin of all health care, including medicinal plants. According to traditional understanding, God uses the ancestors - 'bakulu' - to reveal these plants and their use to healers for the sake of the living community. The belief in the ancestors as mediators between God and people has been dispelled by missionaries. However, there are some Manianga who, despite their Christianity, still believe that the ancestors have an important role to play in the living community. It is the task of the Church to demonstrate a biblical healing ministry amid these conflicting approaches. This implies not the banning of the practice, but its improvement according to the message of Jesus Christ. The evangelical community of Zaïre should create a climate of dialogue to promote effective collaboration between the traditional healers and modern practitioners.
Matthew and marginality
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Duling, Dennis C.
This article explores marginality theory as it was first proposed in the social sciences, that is related to persons caught between two competing cultures (Park; Stonequist) , and, then, as it was developed in sociology as related to the poor (Germani) and in anthropology as it was related to involuntary marginality and voluntary marginality (Victor Turner). It then examines a 'normative scheme' in antiquity that creates involuntary marginality at the macrosocial level, namely, Lenski's social stratification model in an agrarian society, and indicates how Matthean language might fit with a sample inventory of socio-religious roles. Next, it examines some 'normative schemes' in antiquity for voluntary marginality at the microsocial level, namely, groups, and examines how the Matthean gospel would fit based on indications of factions and leaders. The article shows that the author of the Gospel of Matthew has an ideology of 'voluntary marginality', but his gospel includes some hope for 'involuntary marginals' in the real world, though it is somewhat tempered. It also suggests that the writer of the Gospel is a 'marginal man', especially in the sense defined by the early theorists (Park; Stonequist).
The social location of the Matthean community
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Vledder, Evert-Jan; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Individuals or societies are always pursuing their own interests. Interests are identified in terms of domination and the retention of the status quo against subordination and the pursuit of change. The conflict between the first-century (after AD 70) Pharisees and the Matthean community is identified as a conflict of interests. The Pharisees functioned as to retain the Roman rulers and maintain the status quo, and attempted to reconcile the Jewish community. The Matthean community predominantly comprised the urban non-elites and rural peasants, thus the marginalized in agrarian society. They pursued a new identity and challenged the values of the Jewish leaders. The mere fact of its existence as a community in the process of departing from the Jewish mainstream was a threat to the authority of the Pharisees. The fact that the community was still very close to Judaism was cause for intense conflict.
Tendense in die studie van die kultuur van oraliteit : implikasies vir die verstaan van die Matteusevangelie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Nel, Celia; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The 'formgeschichtliche' method has proved to be inadequate in its conclusions on the pre-literary phase of literary documents. The study of orality provides another means of investigating the oral stages of written documents. After investigating the features of an oral culture, this article points out that ancient writers communicated new information to their readers or listeners by using fomulas and themes already known to their audiences. The authors thus communicated something new to their audiences by using the already known. In this article it is argued that the Gospel of Matthew is suitable for illustrating the above principal, as the Matthean language is highly formulaic.
Ondersoek na die teologiese relevansie van die metaforiese spreke in Hooglied
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Basson, M.M.J.; Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-
Of the six basic scholarly approaches to the Song of Songs, the literary approach is today most widely accepted. This approach still however does not give all the answers to the problem of an evasive theological relevance, posed by the metaphors in the Song of Songs. This article argues that a certain perspective on metaphors will open up new ways of understanding the Song. When this perspective is coalesced with narratology, results are reached that will certainly enhance this celebrated poem.
Response to the article of dr Piet van Staden : image(of God) as ethical injunction : a social-scientific perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Stegemann, Wolfgang, 1945-; Strecker, C.
Gebruik van die 'offer' van Isak as 'n motief vir die verkondiging van Jesus as die Iydende Christus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Bekker, C.J.; Nortje, S.J.
In this article the authors try to trace the possible influence of the 'sacrifice' of Isaac, as narrated in Genesis 22, on the proclamation of Jesus as the suffering Messiah. The New Testament authors made use of this tradition to explain the death and resurrection of Jesus within the context of Jewish belief. As Abraham and Isaac were examples of suffering righteous figures, Jesus became the prime example of the suffering Messiah for the Christian community and the believer under oppression.
Deuntjie draal' : op die spoor van Koos du Plessis
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Boshoff, Piet B. (Petrus Benjamin)
The angst experienced by Du Plessis assumes the form of a problem on which he ponders in his poetry. The questions that he poses differ in form only from the bewilderment experienced by the naïve. The poetic art of the singer and the faltering intimations of the despondent heart are two languages that express the same human anxiety. The truth of both languages lies therein that the one can develop into the other. This article listens from a Christian viewpoint. Themes that are dealt with are wandering, the goldy Other, past and future, anxiety, waiting, dreaming and temptation.
Verset en rewolusie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
The communion formulary of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk states clearly that a church member may not take part in revolutionary activities and that he should obey governmental authorities. Two questions are asked: 1. Does this statement imply that a Christian should obey goverments, even when they are oppressive? Can a Christian do something about his fate, or is he obliged to suffer injustice? 2. How can and must we interpret this principle today in a democratic state where resistance and rebellion are integral elements of the political process? It is argued that in Biblical-Reformed theology not only the duty to obey but also the right to resist are justified. Although civil disobedience is allowed, violence is strongly condemned. This article asks the church to adhere to the communion formulary, but simultaniously to realise the vast differences between the sixteenth and the twentieth centuries.
Metafoor en waarheid
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Wyk, G.M.J. (Gafie)
In the past metaphors were researched by means of theories. These theories on metaphors were developed as language theories or studies on the philosophy of language. Even when philosophical studies on the metaphor went beyond the philosophy of language, they still focused on language. In dialogue with the philosophers Aristotle, Kant and Nietzsche, and the theologian Luther, this study concentrates on broadening the context of research on the metaphor 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 argued that rationality and even reality show a metaphorical structure at times. A narrative approach has also proved to be a more successful means of research on metaphors, than a theoretical approach.
Kerk, volk en owerheid in die 1858-grondwet van die Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Botha, S.J. (Schalk Jacobus), 1936-; Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim)
During the years 1855 to 1858 the South African Republic in the Transvaal created a new constitution. In this constitution a unique relationship between church, people and government was visible. This relationship was influenced by the Calvinist confessions of the sixteenth century, the theology of W a Brakel and orthodox Calvinism, the federal concepts of the Old Testament and republican ideas of the Netherlands and Cape Patriots. It becomes clear that the history of the church in the Transvaal was directly influenced by the general history of the South African Republic.
Tradisionele geloof
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Mjwabe, F.E.; Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim)
Traditional belief is still very strong among black South Africans. Many Christians not only believe in Christ, but also in the spirits of the forefathers. The question arises as to how the relationship between traditional belief and Cristian faith must be seen. It also poses problems to the church in South Africa, which is mainly orientated to the theology of Western Europe. Proclaiming the gospel in a traditional situation will only be effective if traditional beliefs are taken into consideration. This article uses oral tradition as a source of information.
Image (of God) as ethical injunction : a social-scientific perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1995) Van Staden, Piet
Taking cognizance of the fact that language - especially metaphorical language - can be expressive of deeplying cultural or religious symbol sets in man, the study explores the possible original content of the syntagma ei"~JII TOU Beou in both the Old and the New Testament. It is argued that there is a definite shift in the symbol set of which the concept (metaphor) 'image of God' is expressive. Whilst the Old Testament usage of the term probably attests to the conviction that humankind is part of the genus God and may even resemble him physically, the New Testament substitutes Jesus Christ for man as the primary carrier of the 'image of God'. Humankind in general does not reflect that image any more. It is only to be found in those who through faith in Jesus Christ regain the image of God. Our thesis is that the concept of 'image' is to be regarded as much an ethical injunction as it is an ontological statement. The faith of adherents to the community of believers finds expression in distinctive behavior - that is, in conduct that clearly identifies them as reflecting the image of God.

Browse

Recent Submissions