Verbum et Ecclesia Volume 22 Issue 1 (2001)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/10863

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Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

Teologiekroniek : die relevansie van teologie in millennium drie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Joubert, Stephan Jacobus, 1958-
The ever growing emphasis on specialization in theological circles, coupled with constant pressure on theological researchers to come up with new theories, have, in many cases, turned theological study into an esoteric undertaking with no direct or indirect relevance to the church or society at large. In order to avoid the "museum of endangered species" that looms around the corner for a self-sufficient, highly specialized theology, theological research must, once again, take the church seriously as an eventual participant in the theological discourse. Theologians must learn to popularise their findings and to open new windows on God for people of the third millennium.
Hoe om die Bybel beter te verstaan : verklarings van die Bybel in Afrikaans
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Vosloo, Wil
During the early 1920's some sporadic (and experimental) commentaries on the Bible in Afrikaans were published. However, after the Bible was translated into Afrikaans in 1933 these drops turned into a stream and soon swelled into a torrent of publications. These publications display a steady growth in Biblical understanding from a literal and even fundamentalistic interpretation to a critical exegesis of Scripture. At least three distinct phases can be demonstrated, namely a focus on the author, then on the text, and finally on the reader. Given the limited number of readers, the publication of Afrikaans commentaries in the future is faced with unique problems and decisions.
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) - A case study of a united and ecumenical church
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Van der Water, D.
In this article, the ecumenical heritage of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa is described by the General Secretary of that church. The early history of the UCCSA, related to the London Missionary Society, created a sense of self-awareness that led to the unification of racially divided congregational churches during 1967. This set the ground for the active involvement of the UCCSA in the political liberation processes in Southern Africa. In addition, the UCCSA 's continued exploration of further ecumenical endeavours is traced. The covenental theology of the UCCSA forms a unifying thread throughout these processes.
"Imitatio Christi" in the fourth gospel
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Van der Merwe, D.G. (Dirk Gysbert)
Imitatio Christi is a concept which, although not referred to explicitly in the Fourth Gospel, is clearly spelled out in relation to the agency motif occurring in the Gospel. The disciples of Jesus have been appointed as his agents to continue his mission after his departure to his Father. In giving this message through to his readers, the Fourth Evangelist refers to Jesus' calling of his disciples, dKOAOV()£l flat; pictures Jesus as vrroo£l Yfla; uses Ka()W( (the particle of comparison) to compare the lives of the disciples with that of Jesus; points out the tasks the disciples had to perform after Jesus' ascension and, finally, indicates how Jesus dwells in his disciples through the Paraclete.
Funksie van verwysings na fisiese families in die Johannesevangelie
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Van der Watt, J.G. (Jan Gabriel), 1952-
References to physical families in John's Gospel are rarely discussed in secondary literature - the emphasis usually falls on the spiritual aspects. In this article the references to physical families are analysed, and it is illustrated that these references, with exception of the references to Maria, are normally used to serve as contrast to the spiritual references. Since one's family and place of origin determine one's status and identity, the author of the Gospel emphasises that what should determine one's identity is not Jesus' earthly origin, but his heavenly origin. The same applies to his disciples.
Dealing with difference and dissensus within the church as organisation
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Painter-Morland, Mollie
This paper wants to propose a way of dealing with the reality of difference within churches that allows for unity amidst diversity. It argues for the adoption of institutional frameworks that function as guiding and unifying forces without becoming repressing, totalising structures. The presence of dissensus and difference does not necessarily have to result in the fragmentation of churches. In fact, when harnessed effectively, difference and dissensus can become a valuable resource for renewal and realignment within churches. The paper develops a framework for dealing with diversity that binds people to the church as organisation in a way that respects their individual value-configurations and input. In the first place, it argues for a holistic view of the relationship between bodiliness, nature, technology, language, and truth statements. In the second place, it insists that confessional, spiritual and moral guidelines should neither be totalising structures that repress difference, nor oppositional differences that exclude commonality. In the third place, it argues that ongoing connectedness between individual members of the church is necessary. Individuals must see themselves as part of an everchanging, ever-evolving web of relations. Guidelines for dialogue within the church therefore become essential.
The ancient Mediterranean values of honour and shame as a hermeneutical procedure: a social-scientific criticism in an African perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Mahlangu, Elijah
The life of modern people evolves around economics and all that goes with it, such as labour, production, consumption and possessions. These things do not only motivate many peoples' behaviour, but claim most of their energy and time. Therefore, the organising principle of life of people today is instrumental mastery - the individual's ability to control his or her environment, personal and impersonal, to attain a qualityorientated success: wealth, ownership, "good looks" proper grades, and all countable indications of success. But, in the first century Mediterranean world, economics was not the be-all and end-all. People worked primarily to conserve their status and not to gather possessions. Thus, the pivotal values of the first century Mediterranean world was honour and shame. This article looks at how social-scientific critics have attempted to show how the understanding of these values would lead to an understanding and interpretation of the New Testament. In this article the author approaches this paradigm from an African perspective. It is shown that the African interacts and transacts with the New Testament with his/her own value system in which these values are also encountered. This, therefore, makes the reading of the Bible in an African context possible.
Hoop beskaam nie : die NG Kerk se rol ten opsigte van versoening, armoede en morele herstel
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Meiring, Piet (Pieter Gerhard Jacobus), 1941-
The year 2001 was declared by the Dutch Reformed Church (N G Kerk) as the "Year of Hope". The author, chairperson of the church's Committee for Reconciliation, Poverty and Moral Repair, reports on the preparations and the expectations for the Year of Hope. Hope, he contends, is far more than mere optimism, it is living in a close relationship with Christ, who indeed is our Hope, following in his footsteps in the world of today. The church's hope should be concretised in its kerugma (in preaching as well as in the development of a Theology of Hope), its diakonia (its service to the poor and needy, especially to Aids-victims and their families), its koinonia (the church being a preparing community, a sign and a sacrament of the Kingdom), and in its leitourgia (the way in which we offer our lives to God a as a living sacrifice to his glory). To illustrate his points, the author uses metaphors created by both Soren Kierkegaard and Lesslie Newbigin.
Gebed: 'n Proses wat verandering bemiddel
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Human, Dirk J.
Prayer is an integral part of the believer's communion with God. It reflects different dimensions and functions in the faith-relationship between God and man. Worship, praise, thanksgiving, intercession, petition, confession and trust are only a few to be mentioned. A neglected aspect of the prayer experience is the lament. Prayer is, in this sense, an exposure of the self and the circumstances of the petitioner before God. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the theological meaning of the lament as prayer for the individual and the faith community. Prayer is also understood within the broader scope of different expressive human deeds. It is a process which mediates perspective and essential change in the life of the believer and faith community. In a final application it is argued that the lament-prayer can contribute to change and renewal in a transitional and disturbed South African church and society.
Vernuwing in historiese Jesus-navorsing
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Craffert, P.F. (Pieter Francois)
The approaches of the Jesus Seminar and the Third Quest to the study of the historical Jesus are compared. Three different aspects are considered: Why is it done?; What is it about? and How is it done? Despite differences, it is shown that on a philosophical and world-view level, they share a similar positivistic historiography and modernist worldview. The main distinction is that the Third Questers supplement the latter with a supernatural element. Further, it is argued that progress in historical Jesus research cannot be achieved by providing new answers to old questions or by means of mere adjustments to any of these approaches. What is needed is an approach that asks different questions and goes in totally new directions. The outlines of such an approach is sketched.
The role of the church in the birth and nurture of a new nation
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Dandala, Mvume
Bishop Mvume Dandala, in his inaugural lecture as honorary professor at the Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, describes the challenges awaiting the churches in the new South Africa. He does it by defending five theses: (1) It takes strong visionary leadership to lay foundations for reconciliation; (2) Ground base support and initiatives are critical for the success of reconciliation; (3) Social transformation, fairness and justice must be understood as an intrinsic fabric of reconciliation; (4) Reconciliation is not possible where the contending factions do not have a common understanding of the truth; (5) A healthy memory of the past is essential for a reconciled/reconciling future.
Verandering en vernuwing in die pastoraat met vroue
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Dreyer, Yolanda
The aim of the article is to describe and explain the paradigm shift from a modern to a postmodern mindset regarding pastoral counseling with women. Modernistic thinking contributed to the non-identity of women, though more rights were gradually granted to women. The perspective from which theology approached women was still embedded is a premodern biblical mindset. This article elaborates on the hermeneutic of suspicion with the aim to enhancing a more symmetrical pastoral interaction. This symmetry is conducive to authentic communication, genuine respect for women as persons and for their stories. This provides an optimum environment for healing.
Missionere perspektiewe op Teologiese opleiding
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2001) Kritzinger, J.J. (Johan Jakob)
In the light of the transformation in society and in tertiary education, renewed attention should be given to the church, its mission, and the mission of its theological schools. If it were true that the church is the Body of Christ, called to continually be involved in God's outreach to his world, then the training of missionaries and the place of mission in the theological curriculum should also receive renewed attention. The author re-iterates the need for both a focused Missiology and the development of a true missionary theology in the theological faculty. He also indicates a need for academic Missiology to become involved in the training of missionaries.

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