HTS Volume 62, Number 3 (2006)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11864

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Celebrating the feasts of the Old Testament in Christian contexts
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Le Roux, Magdel
Many early Christian churches incorporated a number of non-biblical, even “pagan” symbols and rituals into their liturgy (e. g. the origin of Christmas). They were contextualized into the church by a brand new Christian content to them. From its first inception Christianity attempted to slander and suppress the pagan myths and rituals in the name of its own message. This, however, does not alter the fact that the church also sought some connections in the sphere of myth. Since the Reformation many Protestant churches have tended to “cleanse” the church from all forms of symbols and rituals that could be reminiscent of its earlier connection with the Roman Catholic Church. The article argues that this left an emptiness, a longing for symbols and rituals which usually form an essential part of a normal religious experience. The Old Testament has both a “deficit” and a “surplus” which might have an abiding significance for Christians. It has become clear from archaeological discoveries that Jewish societies formed an integral part of early Christian societies.
Kategeet en spiritualiteit
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Venter, C.J.H. (Casper Jan Hendrik)
This article argues that catechetical instruction pertains to more issues than only transferring knowledge. The catechist’s spirituality can also contribute towards effective and convincing cathechetical instruction. The issue of the catechist’s spirituality is scrutinized, as well as the foundation and source of his/her spirituality. For the purpose of this article spirituality is defined as the way in which human beings, as made new in Christ, experience the gospel and apply it to the practice of life, also in teaching the Bible to children in catechetical work. On basis-theoretical level, attention is given to the occurence of the concept “spirituality” in the New Testament and the characteristics required of a catechist in his/her relationship with God. Special attention is given to the issue of modelling, and identification with the catechist. On a meta-theoretical level the focus is directed to the catechist’s personality including emotional intelligence and the way in which it functions within the framework of his/her spirituality. In conclusion certain practice-theoretical perspectives on catechist and spirituality are stated.
Using the Bible in post-apartheid South Africa : its influence and impact amidst the gay debate
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Punt, Jeremy
The Bible has generated a significant reception history in the first decade of democratic, post-apartheid South Africa. Its reception history testifies to how the Bible was considered to be important across a broad spectrum of society, also contributing to believers’ lives and sense of self amidst the enormous changes in the country. Recent documents and decisions of the Dutch Reformed Church on homosexuality and the ensuing debates, highlight the influence and impact of Bible use in South Africa today. Examining different hermeneutical approaches to the Bible and using insights from reception theory, a number of interesting trends in the ongoing use and influence of the Bible are highlighted and discussed.
Semiotiese ontleding van Daniël 2
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Nel, Marius Johannes
In an accompanying article the method of semiotics is described and applied in relation to Daniel 1. In this article Daniel 2 is semiotically analysed. The narrative uses ring composition to emphasize that God is able to reveal secrets. Daniel 2 is characterized by more qualifications than functions, attributable to the length of the narrative but also to the long description of the dream and its interpretation. Transformations can be found in the conversation between the king and his wise men, the law of the king, the conversation between Daniel and Arioch, the prayer of the four Jews, the revelation of the dream to them, their song of praise, and Daniel’s conversation with the king. The dreams’ transformation lies in God’s destroying and absorption of the previous kingdoms. The plot lies in the engagement between the king and his wise men, and in the dream and its interpretation. As is the case in Daniel 1, the author emphasized the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of believers as main values.
A travel journal of pastoral involvement in a South African multi-faith community
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006) Van den Berg, Jan-Albert
In the article the process of navigating through multi-faith communities is described as often being complicated by well-travelled routes that offer no new prospects. Usually these routes merely lead to a further erosion of existing problem areas. The consequences of large transformations in South Africa have led to the discovery that those who were able to place themselves theologically with ease are now seekers with an unknown destination who experience their existence as pilgrimage. From a narrative hermeneutical practical stance the authors developed an experimental theology within which continuous dialogue between text and contexts is presupposed. Certain markers, amongst others “Listening to each other’s stories”; “Confirming each other in the conversation(s”); “A new structure for conversation(s)”; and “Questioning the own position” are indicated for the journey through multi-faith communities, leading to the finding and creating of new horizons of understanding.
Mythology, poetry and theology
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Groenewald, Alphonso, 1969-
Human beings have always been mythmakers. However, in view of the heavy negative connotations attached to the word "myth", the aim of this article may, inter alia, be seen as an attempt to "rehabilitate" the word "myth" as a positive term in order to describe one of the most common genres within the Old Testament tradition. The author will indicate that the presence of myth is a common phenomenon in the Bible, and specifically in the Psalter (as poetry). The authors of the Psalms used (re-used) myth, the "mythical" and/or mythical allusions in order to express some of their most profound theologising about Yahweh - the God of Israel - as well as their relationship to that God.
Kerkverband : 'n poging tot reformasie in die negentiende eeu
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Van Wyk, B.J. (Barend Jacobus), 1946-
The view exists that the term denomination is especially evident of the nineteenth century Netherlands at the time when an attempt was made to accomplish change in the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk. The decay in the Church at the time can mainly be ascribed to the influence of the authorities on the church, material welfare, as well as the climate of thought which originated in the Aufklärung. During this period two theologians were prominent, namely P J Hoedemaker and A Kuyper. The latter protested against the synodic structure of the existing Church and proposed an alternative locally free church in its place, consisting of chosen, reborn members of the church who become part of the church by confession. At the time denomination had a prominent function in the integration of all local churches into a single denomination with the confession being the common source of fellowship.
The final judgment in African perspectives
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Van Wyk, I.W.C. (Ignatius William Charles)
African churches show little interest in the notion of the final judgment. Various reasons for the lack of interest in this important aspect of biblical faith are discussed. Special attention is given to the problems of time and history as they manifest in African thinking. The idea of punishment as it is perceived in Africa also receives attention. The article looks at the biblical texts on the final judgment from an African perspective. African philosophy and spirituality facilitate a rediscovery of the joyful dimensions of this notion. One of the main arguments is that Africa should not experience insurmountable problems in embracing this aspect of the gospel. On the contrary: Africa can assist the ecumenical world to discover aspects of this message not yet disclosed. The article concludes with a discussion on the fate of the African ancestors.
Teologie van godsdienste : 'n perspektief op die verhouding tussen Christendom en tradisionele Afrika godsdienste
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-06) Beyers, Jaco
In this discussion the relationship between Christianity and the traditional African religion is critically evaluated. The relationship is viewed from the perspective of the understanding of revelation and from the understanding of divinity. The possibility of a true African Christology is investigated and the understanding of sin and redemption from an African perspective is highlighted. The goal of the article is to identify important elements in the dialogue when bringing the gospel to people belonging to the traditional African religion.
Verhale van kinders wat seksuele misbruik oorleef het : 'n pastoraal-narratiewe ondersoek
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Malan, Christoffel Naudé
This article presents the stories of two survivors. These stories show how the survivors were invited to capture "sparkling events" and developed them into preferred stories, and how by living in these stories, they could experience themselves in preferred and satisfactory ways. This article introduces various ways by which the news of empowerment and transformation can be circulated. The stories of these survivors were re-written and transformed by a community of shared experience, and it was through this experience that they could start dreaming about the transformation of their communities realizing how their stories and their journey had the ability to touch and transform the lives of numerous other survivors.
The New Testament teaching on family matters
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Osiek, Carolyn
The article shows that first-century urban Christian communities, such as those founded by Paul, brought in both whole families and individual women, slaves, and others. An example of an early Christian family can be seen in the autobiographical details of the Shepherd of Hermas, whether factual or not. The article aims to demonstrate that the New Testament teaching on family gives two very different pictures: the structured harmony of the patriarchal family as presented in the household codes of Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5, over against the warnings and challenges of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels to leave family in favor of discipleship. The developing devotion to martyrdom strengthened the appeal to denial. Another version of the essay was published in Horsley, Richard A (ed), A people's history of Christianity, Volume 1: Christian origins, 201-220. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.
Coming in from outside : a crucial event in the history of ecumenism of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Buitendag, Johan
The article argues from a "Barthian" perspective of "Revelation Theology" versus "Natural Theology", that the current leadership of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Church (NHKA) and the majority of its members consider the notion "church" primarily as a community of believers which is brought to completion by the Spirit of God and which therefore transcends all anthropological barriers such as race. In light of Karl Barth's concept of Natural Theology, "racism as religion" is confessed to be idolatry and Apartheid a sin. Any attempt to justify racism theologically amounts to heresy. The article is a reworked version of the opening address by the Moderator of the NHKA at a meeting with an official delegation of the World Alliance of Churches (WARC) held in Pretoria from 5-8 June 2006. The article makes an appeal for the ecumenical re-admittance of the NHKA by WARC. It includes documentation from the NHKA's National Colloquium and the responses to the NHKA' re-application for WARC membership by WARC officers and the NHKA leadership.
An epistemological reflection on the relevance of monastic traditions for retreat in the Dutch Reformed tradition
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Schutte, Christoffel Hercules; Dreyer, Yolanda
The article focuses on retreat as a relatively new phenomenon in the Dutch Reformed tradition. Retreat is viewed as "communicative action". The aim of the article is firstly to explore epistemological theories in the postmodern paradigm. These theories provide a mental framework for the identification of a research model and a related methodology by means of which the relevance of monastic traditions for retreat in the Reformed tradition can be discovered. The identification of appropriate theories offers an adequate model and method for entering into a narrative inter-dialogue with retreatants. The article argues that Paul Ricoeur's concept of the hermeneutical arc, Hans-Georg Gadamer's notion of the fusion of horizons, and Jürgen Habermas' emphasis on symmetrical communication supply the necessary epistemological theories for such a project. From the perspective of this epistemology, the "action of retreat" is described in terms of a social constructionist model which paves the way for the method of qualitative interviewing. The project can be described as a narrative research journey.
Postfoundationalism, deconstruction and the hope that motivates research in practical theology
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Meylahn, Johann-Albrecht
This article is a critical dialogue between postfoundationalism and deconstruction seeking a way of doing theology, specifically Practical Theology, without universal foundations, in the context of a discussion with Wentzel van Huyssteen. Can postfoundationalism, complemented by the critical contribution of deconstruction, pave a way for doing theology that is open to the global multi-disciplinary dialogue? This would mean a way of doing theology that takes the social constructions of the local seriously, yet can move beyond the local into a global dialogue without recourse to universal foundations. In this article postfoundationalism does indeed pave a way for this global dialogue between the various local constructions while deconstruction critically guides this process so that it is not only a dialogue between the dominant constructions of the powerful, but that space is created for the marginalized voices to be heard in the global dialogue. This move beyond the confines of the local into the global multi-disciplinary dialogue is the hope that motivates research in Practical Theology that has relevance beyond its own context and discipline.
Ministerial dress for worship in Southern Africa presbyterianism
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Duncan, Graham A.
In view of Scripture, theology of worship, symbolism, history, tradition and current practice it is difficult, if not impossible, to come to any definite conclusions about ministerial dress in Presbyterian worship. The dissonance between the theological approaches of those who wear robes and those who do not, both of which positions are justifiable in the author's opinion appears to be the main problem. Another serious issue lies in the fact that this issue generates more emotion than insight when it is raised. Furthermore, robes are non-essentials with regard to how we express our faith. Thus an appropriate stance would be the exercise of "liberty of opinion ..." since it would be difficult to reconcile the diversity that already exists. Resolving the matter by legislating it for all time, is contrary to our Reforming tradition. A more sensitive, open approach will lead to decency and order, peace and mutual acceptance as far as this non-essential aspect of the life and witness of the Church is concerned.
Interment of ashes : cremation service
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Masango, Maake J.S.
This article develops a liturgy of worship service which is to be conducted at the crematorium. This interment of ashes service can also take place at the church in the garden of remembrance. The aim of this service is to help members of the family achieve closure as far as the issue of the ashes of their loved one is concerned. The liturgy developed is focused on a continuation of the pastoral elements which aim to take care of the souls of those who are bereaved.
"If Luther will accept us with our confession ..." : the Eucharistic controversy in Calvin's correspondence up to 1546
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Heron, Alasdair I.C.
The article explores Calvin's attitude to the Eucharistic controversy between Wittenberg and Zurich in the years up till Luther's death in 1546. The main source is Calvin's letters from that period, which cast a differentiated light on his aims, hopes and disappointments on the question as well as on his relations to other leading Reformers. Account is also taken of several recent publications, which suggest revision of some long-standing views in Calvin scholarship.
Vertellersperspektiefanalise van Nuwe-Testamentiese tekste
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2006-09) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
The article forms the second part of an essay that aims to introduce narratological codes applicable for 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 intercommunicative nature. The aim of the present article is to explain how interactive relationships in a narrative discourse reveal the perspective from which a narrator presents a narration. This perspective pertains to what technically is referred to as "narrative point of view". The relatedness of this concept to the notion "focalization" is explained by ilustrating the narrator's situation with regard to the role time, space, and characterization play in the poetics of a narrative. The article is concluded with a discussion of the concept the "narrator's ideological perspective". In a following article that forms the third part, the theoretical explanation will be demonstrated by an analysis of John 4:43-54.

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