Verbum et Ecclesia Volume 23 Issue 2 (2002)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/10483

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Betekenis en funksie van die himnes in Openbaring 12-22
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Viljoen, Francois P.
The hymns in Revelation 12-22 function as type of commentary, as they interpret the narrative events of the kernel plot. Being separated spatially and in some instances temporally, the hymns offer interpretations on the events and emphasise the basic themes of God's accomplishment of salvation and judgement through Jesus Christ in the narrative. The final set of hymns in 19:1-8 recall the prior themes recounted through the hymns to form a musical climax. The hymns function as both prolepsis and analepsis in the narrative time, to the creation of the cosmos by God on the one hand, and the final victory of God on the other. As satellelites, the hymns maintain contact with the readers. The hymns function in an assuring sense throughout, constantly reminding of the final victory, one in which the implied reader plays an active role. A better understanding of the use of hymns in Revelation could enrich the use of songs in our liturgy today.
The soteriological meaning of Jesus' death in Luke-Acts. A survey of possibilities
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Van Zyl, Hermie C. (Hermias Cornelius)
The portrayal of Jesus' death in Luke-Acts remains an intriguing issue. Ever since the rise of critical scholarship it has become the standard view that Luke does not accord salvific meaning to the death of Jesus, but rather stresses the exaltation of Jesus as the zenith of his soteriology. In light of this standard view, this article investigates the question whether the soteriological meaning of Jesus' death has received more attention in recent literature. The finding is that in the main scholarship still favours the exaltation of Jesus as the soteriological zenith. However, it is also clear that there is a tendency to move away from a bland underestimation of Jesus' death towards a more balanced view in which Jesus' death acquires a more positive soteriological meaning in and of itself.
Wit kerk en swart nood : is daar nog sout in die soutpot oor? Opmerkings oor die betrokkenheid van die wit kerk by die MIV/Vigs pandemie in Suid-Afrika
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Schoeman, L.G.; Verster, Pieter; Kritzinger, J.J. (Johan Jakob)
There are reasons why the churches in the white community of South Africa are not really concerned or involved in the HIV / Aids pandemic, which is primarily ravaging the Black community. This may, however, be regarded as the "shibolet" for the credibility of the church. The article emphasises the need for the (White) church to listen in three directions: to understand its own identity, to listen (again) to the will of the Lord, and to listen to the needs of the Black community (especially in terms of HIV / Aids). Then the church should become involved. This involvement must be above else in the local communities, in the practical ways, which are indicated, in the area of short-term help, but also empowerment and liberation.
Hellenisties-Romeinse wereld en die ontstaan van apokaliptiek en gnostisisme
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Nel, Malan
The world view and culture created by the oikoumene of the Hellenistic-Roman era (331 BC to early fourth century AD) was conducive to the rise of several philosphico-religious movements, like Mithraism and other mystery religions; Stoicism, Epicureanism and Middle Platonism; apocalypticism and wisdom literature in Hellenistic Judaism and Gnosticism. These movements have in common that they originated in a world defined by change and insecurity, leading to an attitude of alienation, despair and agony amongst many people. These people looked for a soter, and the philosophico-religious movements offered such soteria, salvation from an alien and evil world and entrance to a new world. Jewish apocalypticism flourished during the period from the third century BC to the first century AD, when orthodox rabbi's started purifying Jewish religion from all foreign hellenistic elements like the dualistic views of apocalypticism. When this happened Christianity had already adopted the essence of Jewish apocalypticism. During the second century AD some Christians were disappointed that the parousia had not realised as expected imminently, and from their disappointment grew their involvement in gnostic Christian movements, centered around strong leaders (guru's). Our age is also characterised by change and insecurity, just as the case was during the Hellenistic-Roman age, and the hypothesis of the article concludes with the assertion that the phenomenal growth in the New Age movement and neo-paganism can be explained in the same terms as apocalypticism and gnosticism.
Johannese Ekklesiologie?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Potgieter, S.T.
In this research certain theological concepts in the so-called farewell discourses of Jesus in John 13:1-17:26 is systematised. These theological concepts are identified as the unique characteristics belonging to a group of people who is described as "Jesus' own" in the passage referred to. They are characterised as a communion of faith, love, service, joy and peace, prayer, teaching, and unity as well as a community of the Holy Spirit, and missionary. It is shown that the portrayal of this group primarily corresponds to the characteristics of a first century Mediterranean family. A normal relationship between a father and son is activated when analogical references are made to God as Father and Jesus as Son. Normal people receive the status of children of God as well as the unique features that set them apart from the world, through a spirited birth process. An alternative lifestyle is expected of God's family in a hostile world, characterized by hate.
A hermeneutical-homiletic reading of Psalm 37 with reference to H.J.C. Pieterse's homiletics
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
In this article Psalm 37 is viewed hermeneutic-homiletically. The socio-historical context of Psalm 37 is considered. Furthermore, the structure of the Psalm receives attention, as does its posture. Particular emphasis is placed on the term "righteous" as it functions in the Psalm. More specifically, manifestation of the Psalm is traced in the homiletics of H J C Pieterse. The "just man" serves as the sermon's homiletic context within his homiletics, and preaching the gospel to the victims of social injustice stands central to it. This article expresses an appreciation for the valued contribution, particularly in homiletics, that has been made by Pieterse.
Oor roeping en arbeid in Protestantse etiek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Smit, D.J.
Several popular and influential theological and ethical studies have recently been published relating to the notion of vocatio (calling) and the role of labour and work. Many of them focus again on the importance of this traditional link between (spiritual) calling and (everyday) work in Christian, and particularly Protestant ethical thought since Luther. This paper argues that the nature of this link has, however, radically changed since Luther's time, and that it can be very confusing if contemporary ethical reflection does not distinguish carefully between Luther's own ideas concerning calling (part 2), later developments within Protestantism (parts 3 and 4), and contemporary ethical challenges (parts 5 and 6). Only by making such careful distinctions, taking into account that human labour no longer plays the same role in modern societies which it played during Luther's time or during later forms of Protestantism, can one develop adequate categories to reflect on the relation between church and work today.
Karl Heim se verstaan van "ruimte" in die debat tussen die teologie en natuurwetenskap
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Buitendag, Johan
This article gives a brief synopsis of Karl Heim's understanding of space in terms of its present and past spheres and the overarching metapolar sphere of God where all dichotomies are being resolved. The rather clas-sical booklet of Edwin Abbott, 'Flatland', is used as an introduction to indicate the importance of understanding reality in terms of dimensions and the expanding thereof. It makes sense to consider this as a point on the agenda in the dialogue between theology and natural sciences. The author points out that Heim's concept of space finds its way both in philosophy and theology inter alia in the works of Deleuze and Kasper respectively.
"Evangelie" van Paulus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Van Aarde, A.G. (Andries G.)
This article focuses on Paul's use of the term "gospel". It argues that the "gospel of Christ" is God's power for the recreation of humankind. Paul is Christ's apostle who is sent to proclaim this message. The message is the "gospel of God" and its proclamation is God's dynamic act of recreation. The "truth" of the gospel is that people do not need to seek salvation in anything transient. According to Paul, such a view is sin. A "material relationship" exists between Paul's "gospel" and the historical Jesus' "subversive wisdom" which he expressed through his sayings and deeds. The center of the gospel is that God sends Jesus who, through his death and resurrection, terminates the old dispensation and inaugurates the new. However, the historical Jesus did not see his own death as God's act of terminating the sinful dispensation. The reaction required by the "gospel" of Paul is to accept and live by it. Paul calls this commitment "faith".
A place in the sun? : the role of the church in moral renewal and social transformation
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Duncan, Graham A.
Mission Christianity exercised a destructive effect on traditional African cultures. In the post-1994 era, all religious faiths are encouraged to engage in the process of moral transformation. The Christian church is well-placed to play a continued constructive role in keeping with the prophetic and constructive role it played in the struggle against apartheid. This should be done through constructive engagement and critical solidarity, despite its internal divisions which may raise questions about its integrity. Christianity can no longer be treated either as a foreign faith or as a superior faith to others, including African Traditional Religion. Dialogue and hospitality are vital components in the process of moral renewal and social transformation.
Kerk wat getuig is 'n kerk wat leef (1) : 'n Bybels-teologiese perspektief op die missionere karakter van die kerk
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Dreyer, D.J. (Daniel)
In this, the first of two articles, we focus on the identity of the church as it is revealed in the Old and New Testaments. Since the sixties of the previous century, it is widely accepted that mission is the essence of the church. The church was no longer seen as the institution which sends people into the world, but was no longer the one who is sent into the world. According to the Old Testament, Israel was elected to be God's witness to the nations. In exile they recognised that Jahwe is not a national God, but God of the whole world. The four Gospels, Acts and the letters of Paul make it very clear that the church of Jesus Christ is either a missionary church or not a church at all. The church is, in all its activities per se an instrument in bringing God's kingdom to this world.
Hans-Georg Gadamer en die Ou Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Le Roux, J.H. (Jurie Hendrik), 1944-
Some aspects of Gadamer's hermeneutics are discussed below: his view on method, the finiteness of being human, the value of prejudices and so forth. With Gadamer's help we are also able to think anew about our South African Old Testament tradition. He has perspectives and concepts which can help us to reword the basic questions of Old Testament scholarship. Of course, Gadamer is but one possibility, but he was one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. Whoever struggles with him also gains insight into the hermeneutical perspectives of the twentieth century.
The division of Israel's monarchy and the political situation of Lesotho
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Fischer, S.
This article deals with the Old Testament's depiction of the historical developments that led to the division in Israel's monarchy. It presents the underlying factors that destabilised the country during the lifetimes of David and Solomon as well as the power-play between Rehoboam and Jeroboam. The political developments in Lesotho are then read against these underlying factors.
Passionate theology - desire, passion and politics in the theology of J.B. Metz - Part II
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Hofmeyr, H.M. (Henry Murray)
The author argues that a theory of concupiscence (desire), the subject of much of Metz's early work (during his "transcendental phase") implicitly plays a decisive role in his Political Theology. The implied concept of concupiscence is explicated with the aid of the major categories of a theory of reification as developed by Lukács, Benjamin and Adorno. The main categories of Metz's Political Theology (notably asceticism, theodicy, negative theology and praxis) are linked to the (implied) central concept of concupiscence, eventually described as the might of what is. As this might seems to be absolute, the problem of the praxis of the believer becomes acute. Metz calls for a theology that integrates into its concepts, societal, historical and cultural contexts. His notion of praxis as privation is interpreted in terms of longing and resistance.
Jesaja 36-39 - sinkroniese en diakroniese lees van 'n teks
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Cronje, S.I.; Le Roux, J.H. (Jurie Hendrik), 1944-
There has been growing interest in the book of Isaiah, particularly with regard to the unity of the book. The current debate has grown out of the discontent of more and more researchers with the historical-critical methods and their results. The classical tripartition of Duhm, and especially his supporters' application of it, is being queried. The unity of all 66 chapters of Isaiah is indicated as an alternative. The synchronic and diachronic approaches to the text are often played off against each other. An attempt is made to raise questions about both perspectives, showing that each approach has its shortcomings. However, by looking at the text from a diachronic as well as a synchronic perspective, an improved view of the rich variety of the text can be seen. In this article, Isaiah 36-39 serves as an illustration.
De Gepredikte Jezus - De Prediking aangaande Jezus Christus tussen Theologie en Historie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Bos, Rein, 1955-
This article deals with the tension between the preaching of the gospel of Jesus (the preached Jesus) as a source of joy on the one hand and the critical questions of the theologian (the historical Jesus) on the other. In this field of tension the question arises: who Jesus is to us at this point in time. The author deals briefly with these two approaches. He pleads for caution against a rigorous confessional or doctrinal approach on the one hand and on the other an approach in terms of which only the historically founded may be stated. The author searches for a way where justice is done to the view that in Jesus we are confronted with the world of God, but where historical criticism is also taken seriously. In this quest Barth and Marquardt are used as partners in dialogue. The admission that the Spirit creates a bridge between God and man, guards preaching against petrification and opens the way to meaningful creativity. The author accepts that preaching in itself provides no answer, but creates a space in which Christ himself may enter to speak. This presupposition prevents an arrogant theology. The preacher and congregation pray that the Spirit of God enters this space to speak. It does not result in vague content, but leads the preacher to speak in a careful and humble way on Christ. The space is guarded by the diligent scanning of the witnesses regarding Jesus and by anchoring them in the books of Moses, the prophets and David. Through this testimony God enters into our midst.
Perspektiewe vanuit die psigologie en sosiale wetenskappe vir kerklike bediening aan die adolessent. 'n Ondersoek na die ontwikkeling van die adolessent
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Erasmus, J.A.; De Klerk, Barend Jacobus, 1945-
In this article meta-theoretical perspectives for youth ministry are presented from the fields of psychology and sociology. In the first place, it is determined what the various psychological development phases of the adolescent are, and how they have to be accounted for in youth ministry. In the second place, it is also determined what the characteristics of the world are in which the adolescent lives, and what their influences are on adolescents.
Spiritualiteit te midde van 'n kultuur van voorspoed. 'n Fokus op die Ooste van Pretoria
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2008) De Koker, W.; Muller, Julian C.
The eastern suburbs of Pretoria is a white, mainly Afrikaans speaking and Dutch Reformed community with a relatively high level of education and income and a mostly stable family life. Religion is important to most of the inhabitants. Church life is characterised by movement and change. Church members move to and fro between different churches and congregations, while many congregations experience change in their worship services. This leads to pain and schism in congregations, and members experience marginalisation. The research has been done by listening to the stories of individuals (co-researchers). The story of the research has developed under the themes of leadership, so called "American" and "European" attitudes towards life, change, relationships and service. The story reaches a climax when the predominant attitudes of prosperity and success is deconstructed in values that are shared by all the co-researchers, namely worship, care and service.
Intertextuality and Biblical studies : a review
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Moyise, Steve
The literary term "intertextuality" was introduced into biblical studies in 1989 and concerns the complex relationships that exist between texts. Not surprisingly, this was of interest to those who study the use of the Old Testament in the New, for old texts appear to be given new meaning by being used in new contexts. In this article, I demonstrate the fruitfulness of this approach by offering a survey of five different "types" of intertextuality currently in use today. I conclude that if scholars wish to continue to use the term, they need to clarify which "type" of intertextuality they are using, so that readers can know what is being claimed.
The New Testament and homosexuality? Part 2 : the traditions influencing Paul's thinking in Romans 1
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2002) Malina, Bruce John
In this, the second of two parts of a continuous argument, the focus falls on the various traditions that could have influenced Paul's thinking behind his statement in Romans 1 about same-gender sexual relations and draws conclusions to the developed argument on the prevalence of homosexuality in the New Testament era. The social system within which and from which his statements had meaning is considered in the first part of this argument, which appeared in Verbum et Ecclesia 23 (1) 2002.

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