HTS Volume 53, Number 1&2 (1997)

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Lukaanse Jesusbeeld : in dialoog met Wilhelm Bousset se 'Kyrios Christos'
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Van Zyl, Sanrie; Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Wilhelm Bousset poses in his epoch-making work Kyrios Christos: Geschichte des Christusglaubens von den Anftingen des Christentums bis Irenaeus' the question of the context and reference of the title Kyrios Christos. He concludes that this title reflects the Luke-Acts image of Jesus, originating from a pagan Hellenistic background. This paper follows the argument of Bousset concerning the titles Christos and Kyrios and examines corrections given on his views. From this evaluation the conclusion is drawn that the Christology of Luke-Acts should be viewed as originating in the Antiochian Christian community, and thus against a Israelite-Hellenistic background. Jesus is represented as the risen Lord, the Messiah ruling his church. However, this conclusion doesn't account for Luke-Acts as a narrative, nor does it reflect an intensive study of the social and cultural world of the text. Therefore the possibilities of using a social-scientific as well a narratological approach in dealing with the title Kyrios Christos will be explored.
Inspiration and the texts of the Bible
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Buchner, Dirk
This article seeks to explore what the inspired text of the Old Testament was as it existed for the New Testament authors, particularly for the author of the book of Hebrews. A quick look at the facts makes it clear that there was, at the time, more than one 'inspired' text, among these were the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text 'to name but two'. The latter eventually gained ascendancy which is why it forms the basis of our translated Old Testament today. Yet we have to ask: what do we make of that other text that was the inspired Bible to the early Church, especially to the writer of the book of Hebrews, who ignored the Masoretic text? This article will take a brief look at some suggestions for a doctrine of inspiration that keeps up with the facts of Scripture. Allied to this, the article is something of a bibliographical study of recent developments in textual research following the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls.
First Testament in the Gospel of Matthew
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
Matthew is to be read as a narration with an ongoing plot and an open end. There is a correlation between the (post-paschal) Jesus' commission and the risen Jesus' presence in his disciples' (post-paschal) commission until the parousia. This insight amounts to the fact that the plot of Matthew is continuing after its apparent conclusion, only to be resolved in its implied continuation. The intention of the paper is to describe, against the background of the debate among Matthean scholars, the function of the use of the First Testament in the light of the abovementioned two sequences. The term 'First Testament' in this instance is not restricted to the Hebrew canon but also includes some pseudepigrapha which were not considered as 'outside a canon' either by the synagogue or the church, for example 1 Enoch, 2 Baruch, The lives of the prophets and Pseudo-Philo.
Poor in the Epistle of James and the Gospel of Thomas
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Hartin, Patrick J.
This study explores similarities in the thought world of the Epistle of James and the Gospel of Thomas. Particular attention is devoted to the role that the 'poor' and 'poverty' play in both documents. For the Epistle of James it is 'the poor in the world that God has chosen to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom' (Ja 2:5). In a similar vein, in the Gospel of Thomas the kingdom is promised to those who have embraced the poverty of a radical life-style: 'Blessed are the poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven' (GTh 54). This outlook betrays a basic ethos adopted toward the world. In both the Epistle of James and the Gospel of Thomas the relationship to the world ultimately determines one's relationship to the kingdom or to God. For the Epistle of James the very definition of religion demands that one keep 'oneself unstained from the world' (Ja 1 :27) and that 'friendship with the world' is enmity with God (Ja 4:4). For the Gospel of Thomas the rejection of the world involves a radical ethos that embraces an intinerant life ('Be passersby' (GTh 42J), which includes a rejection of wealth (GTh 63). 'If you do not abstain from the world, you will not find the kingdom' (GTh 27). It is argued that the Gospel of Thomas and the Epistle of James reflect traditional sayings that endorse a similar ethos of radical discipleship.
Van der Leeuw en Noordmans oor teologie : godsdienswetenskaplike agtergronde van die gesprek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Geyser, Anna Barbara; Van der Merwe, P.J.
In this theological-historical study the question arises on the value of religious studies for theology. An outline - mainly of Prof G van der Leeuw's and Dr O Noordmans's views - is given in the article, and the following arguments are highlighted: the effect of Van der Leeuw's phenomenological background on his thought regarding the praxis of the church, especially the liturgy; the dialogue between Van der Leeuw and Noordmans, and the effect of this conversation on the theories as well as the practical implications thereof . A position midway between these two may be utilised for liturgical renovation.
Early Hebrew education and its significance for present-day educational theory and practice
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Schoeman, S.
The history of education in antiquity is not without relevance to present-day educational theory and practice. The focus in this article is on the early Hebrews and their education. A study of early Hebrew education may in itself not provide solutions to current educational problems, but it may be useful in offering new perspectives, encouragement and suggestions for a future South African educational dispensation.
Relation between 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians and the inauthenticity of 2 Thessalonians
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Verhoef, Eduard
The relation between 1 Thessalonians and 2· Thessalonians is a disputed question. Many scholars argue that 2 Thessalonians is pseudepigraphic, written one or more decades after 1 Thessalonians. Others defend the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians. Wanamaker argues in his recent commentary that 2 Thessalonians was written before 1 Thessalonians. In this way the problems raised by the complicated relation between the two letters would be solved. Wanamaker argues that TImothy on his visit to Thessalonica (1 Thes 3:1-5) brought the letter we call 2 Thessalonians. Lecompte argues that Silas wrote 1 Thessalonians and that Paul himself is the author of 2 Thessalonians, so he could correct the misunderstandings caused by Silas's writing. Or perhaps Silas did not exactly write what Paul had agreed with his co-workers. I will argue in this article that the arguments used by Wanamaker and Lecompte are invalid for grammatical reasons. The great resemblance between 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians in spite of these different opinions, is best explained if we see 2 Thessalonians as a pseudepigraphic epistle.
Are there Jews and Christians in the Bible?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Pilch, John J.
The article shows that it is anachronistic to speak of either Christians or Jews in the biblical period. In the New Testament both words are used pejoratively by outsiders. However, it became appropriate to speak of Jews when referring to the period of Rabbinic Judaism onwards, and of Christians since the christological debates of the fourth century C E. Israel was the in-group name during the Second Temple period. Outsiders, like the Romans, called the entire land Judea and all its inhabitants Judeans. Members of the house of Israel called all outsiders non-Israel or the nations. The article concludes with a discussion of the ancient point of view of labeling persons.
Implikasies van die Handves van Menseregte op die pastorale versorging van die homoseksueel
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Dreyer, T.F.J. (Theunis Frederik Jacobus), 1946-; Nagel, Charlene
Section 8 of the Bill of Human Rigths places the problem surrounding homosexuality on the doorstep of the church. The Bill clearly gives more recognition to the homosexual than in the the past and gives him or her equal standing within society. The Bill implies that the homosexual has the freedom and right to practise his or her sexual preference within a normal society, and this right is protected by law. From a Reformed perspective homosexuality has been deemed unacceptable, in accordance with biblical guidelines, and as therefore not being acceptable within a relationship between the believer and God. Therefore it was naturally considered a duty of the church to council the homosexual towards change. Taking this into account, apparently the view of the church is in conflict with the Bill of Human Rights. Thus the church has to review its responsibility and duty toward the homosexual in order to play an effective and responsible role in a new society.
Women at the tomb : what are they doing there?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Osiek, Carolyn
This article will explore the role and junction of the women in the empty tomb narratives of the Gospel tradition. What purpose do they play in the resurrection kerygma of the early church? Why is the story of their first arrival at the tomb so persistent that it continues into the later apocryphal gospels? The discussion of· this question will be in three parts: part one will summarize some of the work on these passages that has been done by scholars using the tools of redaction criticism. Part two will examine some of the surrounding issues from the perspective of social history and social construction of meaning, especially with regard to women's subcultures, roles in burial customs, and public testimony. Part three will apply to these findings a feminist analysis using both a hermeneutic of suspicion and of remembrance.
Early Latin church fathers on Herod and the infanticide
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Mans, M.J.
Since the views of the early Latin Church Fathers on Herod and the carnage at Bethlehem have been neglected by modem scholars, this study is an attempt to discover and interpret their opinions on the notorious king and this tragic event. Apparently, the main aim of the Latin Church Fathers was to present Herod's heinous deed in the worst possible light, and to exalt the Innocents to the ranks of the martyrs.
Daniel and Enoch: two different reactions
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
The authors of Daniel 7-12 and of 1 Enoch 83-90 are identified as groups from the retainer class. Both groups belonged to the apocalyptic Hasidic movement. They differed in their reactions to the measures which Antiochus IV Epiphanes took against the temple and the Jews in 167 BeE. The Enoch group were inclined towards the activist stance taken by the Maccabees. The Daniel group chose for a modified apocalyptic form of asceticism.
Evangelical church of Zaire and the female ordained ministry
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Mulemfo, M.M.
African culture(s) had assigned inferior roles to women in society. The first Christian missionaries did very little to liberate women from this cultural enslavement. The missionaries's understanding of the leadership roles of women was not very different from that of African culture and its societal organisation. Many churches in Africa had kept to this cultural conservatism and also adopted the missionary theology. However, there are some Christians who accept women into the pastoral ministry, while others consider this move as blasphemous and unbiblical. The role of the church in this conflictual issue is to elaborate a new biblical hermeneutic which would help the church to create a conducive environment where men and women would understand their humanity on an equal basis and participate in God's salvific mission for the world.
Evolution of the Pauline Canon
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Price, Robert M.
The article aims at reviewing theories of how the Pauline Corpus first came to be. A taxonomy consisting of four families of theories is established: Paul himself collected his writings; after his death Paul lived forth in the form of a collection of his writings; an intercourse between one Pauline center and another gradually led to the exchange of copies of letters; the collection of Paul's letters gave him pothumously a centrality which he lacked in his own time until about 90 C E. The article concludes with the disputed question whether all of Paul's writings in the New Testament descend or diverge from a particular, definitive edition of the Pauline Corpus.
Liturgical music : worship or war?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Kloppers, Elsabe (Elizabeth Catharina)
The way we are affected by music in general and the role of association, as well as the way association influences the forming of criteria for the evaluation of music and how these criteria would apply to church music, are discussed. The essence of liturgy and the function of music, as part of the liturgy are established. The conclusion is made that 'variety' is the key for the renewal of liturgical singing.
Probleme des 'Apostelkonzils' (Gal 2, 1-10)
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Schmithals, Walter
The purpose of this article is to focus attention on the emphasis Paul gives to his report on the Jerusalem Council relative to the framework of the Letter to the Galatians. In this way, a more accurate evaluation of the events in Jerusalem may be reached. Schmithals rejects the view that what was at stake was a demand for the circumcision of Gentile Christians. The agenda for the Jerusalem Council was determined by Paul, who got his way by means of the cooperation of the congregation in Jerusalem. In terms of a division in work responsibilities, Paul would go to the Gentiles in order to establish Gentile-Christian congregations, while Peter would, in a parallel mission, concentrate on establishing and ensuring the survival of Jewish-Christian congregations. The Jewish-Christian congregations would continue paying the temple tax, while this arrangement would not apply to the Gentile-Christian congregations. The leaders of the congregation in Jerusalem expected nothing more from Paul. In tum, Paul undertook to ensure that his congregations would support financially the Jewish-Christian congregation in Jerusalem.
Inviting and hosting a stranger in the experiences of the faith communities : an experiment in constructing an ethical-poetical christology
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Veldsman, D.P. (Daniel Petrus), 1959-
The numerous 'faces of Christ' in Africa, as well as those resulting from historical study in the West, call for a rereading of the event of Jesus. From the inquiry into the origin of the numerous faces, and the biblical evidence for the 'process and purpose of naming God' which are textually introduced by Exodus 3 and again taken up by the 'ego eimi' sayings of Jesus, it is suggested that the event of rereading is to be seen as an integral-incarnatory socio-historic dynamic. This dynamic is theologically understood and construed in an ethical-poetical Christology which will function within comtemporary contexts as an invitation of Christ into the experiences of the faith communities.
From Quantum theory to Quantum theology : a leap of faith
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-; Basson, M.M.J.
This article is aimed at introducing multivalued logic as an epistemic model for theological thought within the reformational-dialectic paradigm. Nowadays, reformational-dialectic theology is challenged by postmodem culture, interreligious exposure and scientific discoveries, which subsequently lead to new and unaccounted world-views. As a result, an epistemological shift based on an expanded rationality is called for. It is in this regard that multivalued logic emerges as an epistemic model specifically developed to accommodate diversity, uncertainty and probability as well as, to restore hope and faith in the hearts of millions.
Elisa-siklus teen die agtergrond van die Babiloniese ballingskap
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Breytenbach, A.P.B. (Andries Petrus Bernardus), 1944-; Slabbert, M.J. (Martin Johannes)
In this article the point of departure is that the 'meaning' of literature is to a large extent determined by literary as well as historical contexts. The literature which comes up for discussion, namely the Elisha cycle, is therefore studied within the literary context of the book of Kings as well as the larger context of the corpus of the Deuteronomistic history. The socio-historical setting of the literature - to be more specific, the dogmata which were the order of the day during the Babilonian - exile codetermines the parameters within which the legends about Elisha are understood.
Verskynsel van die eenheid-verskeidenheid van die kerk : in gesprek met Calvyn
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1997) Botma, A.; Koekemoer, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik), 1935-
This article engages in a critical dialogue with Calvin's conception of the unity-diversity of the church. Calvin, by understanding faith as the believer's personal relationship with God, stresses the dynamic character of the church. Concerning unity and diversity, Calvin held the view that there is only one Christ. Calvin distinguished between fundamental and secondary truths. In Calvin's view the redemption in Christ is reported monotonously in the New Testament. Contrary to Calvin the article shows that there are diverse interpretations of the Jesus- 'Sache' in the New Testament itself. However, in appreciation of Calvin, it is argued that he - because of the dynamic structure of the church - did not insist on one visible form of organisation for the church.

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