HTS Volume 62, Number 4 (2006)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11865

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Afrikaner spirituality : a complex mixture
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Oliver, Erna
The article argues that the perception that Afrikaner spirituality is and has always been founded mainly or only upon the Calvinistic tradition is a misconception. Nineteenth century Afrikaner spiritualism consisted of a mixture of theology, philosophy and a way of adapting to extreme living conditions. These factors, although with different contents, are also the determinant issues that made 21st century Afrikaner spirituality such a complex phenomenon. The article postulates that the Afrikaner nation’s current identity crisis can be resolved by closely looking at the different influences on the spirituality of the nation and by carefully guiding the people through the complex set of multiple choices to a fresh relation with Christ in a new found Christian identity to confirm our Christian foundation.
Paulus se liggaam-metafoor in 1 Korintiërs 12 in literêr-historiese konteks
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Goede, H.; Van Rensburg, Fika J. (Johan Jacob Janse)., 1951-; Janse van Rensburg, F.J.
The purpose of this article is to place and describe Paul’s use of the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 in its literary context. By way of introduction, the importance of a proper understanding of Paul’s use of the body metaphor is indicated. The first part of the article deals with the origin and use of the body metaphor in ancient times, thereby establishing the literary context within which Paul used the metaphor. Greek, Roman and Jewish usage is described. In the second part of the article the focus moves to Paul’s use of the metaphor within its literary context. It is concluded that the body metaphor was well-known to Greek, Roman and Jewish readers, and was thus ideally suited to Paul’s unique communication of the relationship between Christ and his church.
Secular spirituality versus secular dualism : towards postsecular holism as model for a natural theology
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Du Toit, Cornel W. (Cornelius Willem), 1953-
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.
Early Christian movements : Jesus movements and the renewal of Israel
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Horsley, Richard A.
This article investigates the origins and development of the earliest Jesus movements within the context of persistent conflict between the Judean and Galilean peasantry and their Jerusalem and Roman rulers. It explores the prominence of popular prophetic and messianic movements and shows how the earliest movements that formed in response to Jesus’ mission exhibit similar features and patterns. Jesus is not treated as separate from social roles and political-economic relationships. Viewing Jesus against the background of village communities in which people lived, the Gospels are understood as genuine communication with other people in historical social contexts. The article argues that the net effect of these interrelated factors of theologically determined New Testament interpretation is a combination of assumptions and procedures that would be unacceptable in the regular investigation of history. Another version of the essay was published in Horsley, Richard A (ed), A people’s history of Christianity, Volume 1: Christian origins, 23-46. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
Metaphorical and literal readings of aphorisms in the Book of Proverbs
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Loader, J.A. (James Alfred), 1945-
Starting with a recently proposed thesis that the key to recognizing the coherence of Proverbs’ discourse of wealth and poverty should be seen in an appreciation of the text’s figurative interpretive possibilities, it is here argued that criticism of an “overly literal” interpretation of the Book of Proverbs is not well served by an “overly figurative” reading. A detailed analysis of the book’s proemium is offered to substantiate the argument that even as hermeneutical key to the anthology as a whole, it does not warrant a tendency to the figurative reading of aphorisms. It is further contended by means of illustrations from aphorisms within the poems and independent sayings that difficulties arise when such a reading is attempted on any appreciable scale. As a corollary, illustrations of the many instances where literal readings are necessary, so that such an overriding hermeneutical perspective cannot be convincing. Interpreting a metaphor is one thing, reading metaphorically is another, notably a creative act independent of whether its “correctness” can be demonstrated by arguments from the redactional frame or the possible relationship of the collected aphorisms to folk sayings.
Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as volkskerk : oorsig en herbesinning
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Dreyer, Willem Akkerhuys (Wim)
The 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.
Benutting van vraelyste met die oog op meer effektiewe toerusting tydens huweliksvoorbereiding
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Botha, Peet; Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
This study aims to promote the idea that questionnaires used as part of marriage preparation, could be a valuable tool. The article also attempts to identify some themes that should form part of the discussion between the pastor and a couple to prepare them for their marriage. Furthermore, the aim is to assist pastors, especially those in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, utilizing questionnaires during marriage preparation.
Akkommodering en bestuur van diversiteit in gemeenteverband
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-
Diversity is becomming a prominent phenomenon of our society within a postmodern context. Many clergy and church members believe it threatens the peace and stability of churches and local congregations. Seemingly, diversity contributes to the escalation of conflict and the stress levels church leaders are experiencing. This article attempts to analize and describe the phenomenon of diversity from the angles of postmodernity, personality preferences and systems thinking. The research is based upon the hypothesis that diversity does not necessarily threaten the unity of local congregations. The manifestation of unity within diversity is only possible if leaders are sensitized to manage the challenges of pluriformity.
Is strukturele eenheid tussen die Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ en die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika moontlik?
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Groenewald, Andre Johannes; Buitendag, Johan
This article investigates the possibility of union between the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ and the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika. It is the result of a letter from the Maranatha Reformed Church of Christ urging the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika to describe the nature and content of the relationship between them. It is within this context that union between the two churches is investigated.
The resurrection of Jesus : what's left to say?
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Schutte, P.J.W. (Philippus Jacobus Wilhelmus)
The resurrection of Jesus is one of the most discussed topics in the current theological debate. It divides the theologians involved into either liberal or orthodox. Those who enter the debate are labeled. The main issue centers around the arguments: historical or metaphorical? This article is a review of the 2004 publication by Stephen Patterson entitled "Beyond the passion: Rethinking the death and life of Jesus." John Dominic Crossan's and N T Wright's point of view, as summarized by Robert B Stewart in his 2006 publication "The resurrection of Jesus", is also part of the discussion.
Kuyper and apartheid : a revisiting
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Baskwell, Patrick
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.
Monastic retreat and pastoral care in the Dutch Reformed tradition
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Schutte, Christoffel Hercules; Dreyer, Yolanda
Of late, there has been a growing interest in retreat among clergy and members of congregations in the Dutch Reformed tradition in South Africa. The article investigates the relevance of the monastic traditions for this growing interest in Reformed circles. It focuses on aspects of retreat such as the role of holy places in the monastic traditions (e.g., monasteries, cathedrals, retreat centers) and the experience of silence, solitude, regeneration, divine presence and spiritual formation. Proceeding from an epistemological reflection on the subject as described in a previous article, the aim of this article is to explore the "action of retreat" as a narrative research journey and pilgrimage in order to investigate the relevance of the Benedictine, Franciscan and Taizé monastic-mystic traditions (seen as an associative / mystic spirituality) for retreat in the Dutch Reformed tradition (which is seen as a disassociative / rational / dogmatic spirituality).
Postmoderne kerk-wees in die lig van publieke teologie - eenheid en verskeidenheid
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Dreyer, Yolanda
Foundationalism criticizes the "relativism" of postmodernity which deconstructs absolute and objective totalitarian truth claims. Although most postmodern scholars deny advocating relativism, they do acknowledge that plurality features significantly in postmodern thinking. Plurality and diversity are important to the theological discourse tool, because the church claims to be catholic and ecumenical. In a postmodern context people who do not necessarily affiliate with the institutional church may nevertheless regard themselves as Christians. The article supports a public theological discourse and aims to provide a framework for reflection on unity and diversity in postmodern faith communities. Public practical theology includes the public as one of its audiences. After a brief overview of the phenomenon of postmodernity, the article explores the role of plurality in ecclesiology. It reflects on the challenge of facilitating a dialogue between members of churches and those who regard themselves as spiritual in the secularized context of a "churchless Christianity". The purpose of the article is to contribute to the ecumenism and the catholicity of the church.
Preaching to effect change
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) McDaniel, Judith M.
This article begins with a theological argument, then proceeds to practical application. Its thesis is that there is an inherent link between the character of the preacher, the character of the congregation, and the character of the gospel proclaimed. They mirror one another. Many congregations are not equipped to deal with change, growth, or evangelism because they have become entrenched in one style of leadership or structured life; thus, before congregations can change, before a congregation can take a new direction in gospel living, the character of the preacher must be converted. This contribution to the topic proposes that the character of the preacher and the preacher's congregation can draw closer to the character of the gospel through the practice and teaching of homiletics.
Kanon : eenheid en diversiteit
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
An analysis of the present post modern situation indicates resistance to the idea of "canon" understood in terms of a normative final collection of literature. The disciplines of textual criticism and canon history show that canons function in a larger social context and cannot be understood only in terms of its literary aspect. At present two parallel viewpoints on canon are found in the Christian church. The "objective" viewpoint stresses the final literary form of the Biblical canon. It cannot, however successfully indicate the unity of the canon without acknowledging the social context of the users of the canon. The "subjective" viewpoint clearly indicates the contingent aspect of the canon, but has problems with the way its authority operates. The probable way to go about the postmodern society is to acknowledge the paradigmatic character of the canon's contents and the dynamical process of canonization and decanonization in which a canon is involved.
"A house of prayer in the heart" : how homiletics nurtures the church's spirituality
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Troeger, Thomas H.,1945-
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.
Kerugmatiese perspektief op bedieninge in die Nuwe Testament
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Jones, Robert Johannes; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The article argues that the term "office" and its meaning, as found in the New Testament, cannot be applied without reserve to the understanding of office in the present-day church. From a Biblical and Reformed perspective, the logical place to look for clarity on this matter would be the documentation of the New Testament and the early church of the second and third centuries CE. This article investigates the origin of "office", as well as the intention of office in the New Testament and writings of the early church. A basic assumption is that the understanding of office and church cannot be separated from one another. The article illustrates that Paul's view of the church, ministries, kerygma and charismata, is of central importance for the understanding of the New Testament's intention of ministries.
Narratiewe blikhoek in die mikrovertelling oor die genesing van die koninklike se seun deur Jesus in Johannes 4:43-54
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-11) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The article forms the third part of an essay that aims to introduce narratological codes applicable to the exegesis of New Testament texts. In the first article generic elements that constitute a narrative discourse were discussed. The focus was on aspects of inter-communicative nature. The aim of the second article was to explain how interactive relationships in a narrative discourse reveal the perspective from which a narrator presents a narration. From the perspective technically referred to as "narrative point of view", the present article applies the narrator's situation with regard to the role time, space, and characterization play in the poetics of a narrative to an exegetical analysis of John 4:43-54, focusing on the "narrator's ideological perspective" in John's gospel.

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