Skrif en Kerk Volume 21 Issue 3 (2000)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11372

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Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Life for the righteous, doom for the wicked: reading Habakkuk from a wisdom perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Prinsloo, Gert Thomas Marthinus
In many ways, the book of Habakkuk is unique in the Book of the Twelve Prophets. One of the reasons is that the Gattungen normally associated with prophetic literature are either absent or occur in unique forms. On the other hand, it has long since been recognised that wisdom motifs had a definite influence upon the book. This can be seen in the vocabulary, in many of the themes, in the dialogic character of the book, and even in the overall structure of the book. The purpose of this article is to illuminate the intertextual relations between Habakkuk and wisdom texts in the Old Testament, especially the so called sceptical wisdom. The importance of these motifs in determining the theological thrust of the book is discussed. It is shown that the recognition of these motifs has implications for the date of the book in its final form as well.
Voëls van eenderse vere? Oor die Israelitiese en Egiptiese wysheid en voëlsimbole
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Spangenberg, I.J.J. (Izak J.J.)
Ordinary Bible readers are not always aware that sections of the Old Testament contain material that agrees (almost verbally) with other documents of the ancient Near East. One of these sections is Proverbs 22: 17-24:22. The publication of papyri containing the Egyptian wisdom book "Wisdom of Amen-em-ope" in 1923 made this evident. This article takes a brief look at the history of wisdom research since 1923, and gives a positive reply to the question whether ancient Israelite wisdom and Egyptian wisdom are similar. This answer, however, impinges on the reformed doctrine of Scripture. Georg Fohrer has emphasized this almost three decades ago but in South Africa we are still struggling to come to terms with this.
"Hy wat is en wat was en wat kom" : die God van betrokkenheid volgens Openbaring
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Du Rand, J.A.
The theocentricity of Revelation makes an imperative of the placement of the committed One who is and who was and who is to come in the centre of history of mankind. God's character, as depicted in Revelation, is developed through interaction with all creation. The response of nondivine characters to their creator shapes the hearer's/readers' perception of God, who is both revealed and shrouded in mystery through the apocalyptic visions. Through direct, indirect and interdividual characterisation, the focus falls on the expression "who is to come" to emphasise God's commitment, through the sacrifice of the Lamb.
Dekor of konteks? - Die verdiskontering van sosio-historiese gegewens in interpretasie van 'n Nuwe Testament-teks vir die prediking en pastoraat, geillustreer aan die hand van die 1 Petrus-brief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Rensburg, Fika J. (Johan Jacob Janse)., 1951-; Janse van Rensburg, F.J.
The article proposes, from a reformed perspective, a method for the valid utilisation of the socio-historic data of a New Testament book in the process of interpretation. Firstly a synoptic indication of the difference between a "background" and a "context" approach is given, as well as of a socio-historic and the socio-scientific approach, and of an emic and an etic approach, in each case motivating the choice for a specific approach. The sources for the determination of the sociohistoric context of the New Testament are indicated, and the preference for literary sources motivated. The theological perspective from which the utilisation is done, is defined, specifically the relation between the Bible text and other sources, in the light of Articles 2-7 of the Belgic Confession. The preferred view of text and society is given, as well as the reasons for the preference in each case. All of this is done, using First Peter as illustration.
Belang van Maleagi 1:2-5 vir die verstaan van die boek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botha, A.J.
In the past years scholarly attention to the book of Malachi has been scant. The outstanding feature in most of the studies is the fact that only certain themes from the book are used. The reason for doing this is mostly to justify certain viewpoints on matters such as divorce and the giving of tithes. As James Fischer aptly remarks: "They dissect him cleanly enough but leave him a cadaver" (1973:1177). The purpose of this article is to show that a meaningful understanding of the book is only possible once it is treated as a work of unity. This inner cohesion is already found in the first pericope (Mal 1:2-5) and functions as a paradigm towards an understanding of the remainder of the book. The outline with which the paradigm works, which is copied throughout the other pericopes, is that of past (1:2b-3), present (1:2a) and future (1:4- 5). Within this outline the message of the whole book can be determined.
Liggaamsimbolisering in Psalm 38
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Coetzee, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik)
Symbolization of a sick body in an ancient Israelite cultic prayer is the focus of this investigation. This rhetorical strategy aims at creating viable circumstances for survival of the "person" involved in the rhetorical situation. The social and religious environment in which the rhetor experiences his body is one of hostility. The supplicant, deprived of his status in society, symbolizes numerous parts of his body in an extremely negative manner, creating a "dys-appearing" depiction of his body which relates to his negative perceptions and symbolization of society and of God (social and religious bodies). The relevance of this prayer for today lies in the fact that body symbolism provides a means of identification to any- "body" in a similar or related situation to the one described in the psalm.
Dionisius van Halikarnassus en die oorsprong van weldoenerskap
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Joubert, Stephan Jacobus, 1958-
Influenced by the ever growing idealisation of patronage during the time of emperor Augustus, Dionysius of Halicarnassus in his Antiquitates Romanae traces the historical roots of this system back to Romulus, the founder of Rome. However, his picture of ancient patronage, of the "good old days" when harmony existed between rich patrons and their clients and between Rome and its allies and conquered territories, is anachronistic. But in spite of the historical inaccuracy of Dionisius' picture of the origin of patronage, as well as of the functioning of this system during the first century Be, it presents us with valuable insights into the ideological manipulation of this institution by those close to the vestibules of power in the Roman world.
Oue weier om te verdwyn
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Le Roux, J.H. (Jurie Hendrik), 1944-
This article deals with some aspects of presentday Pentateuchal research. It is stated that although the basic elements of nineteenth century Pentateuch criticism still prevail, the study of the Pentateuch has also changed in many ways. Pentateuchal studies did not, however, escape the hermeneutical insights of the twentieth century. This opened up new ways of understanding and evaluating reseach results. More emphasis is also being laid on the final text and the forces which shaped the final form of the Pentateuch. One important paradigm shift is the rejection of the Davidic-Solomonic era as the earliest context of the Pentateuch in favour of the neo-Assyrian time. During this period the Pentateuch originated, and was meant as resistence against the neo-Assyrian powers.
Eksegetiese en homiletiese oorwegings vir 'n dooppreek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Vos, C.J.A. (Casparus Johannes Adam), 1945-
This contribution pays attention to exegetical and homeletic considerations for a baptismal sermon. The contribution is dedicated with much appreciation, to Prof Wil Vosloo.
Understanding the concept of "time" in Daniel
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Venter, P.M. (Pieter Michiel), 1947-
The temporal axis of apocalypses has always invited a wide range of interpretations. Not only dispensational schemes since the Christian era, but especially contemporary mass suicides arising from activist millennialism, points to the role of the conceptualization of time in eschatology. Mbiti's African concept of time as well as Malina's description of Mediterranean time indicate an alternative matrix for understanding time in the book of Daniel. An investigation into commentaries on Daniel shows that commentators are rather using a Western concept of time than an ancient Near Eastern concept. The need for reorientation in the time concept for studying the apocalyptic materials of Daniel is indicated.
Ezekiel 18 and human rights
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Van Rooy, Harry F.
In South Africa the debate on Human Rights gained new impetus after the implementation of the interim constitution in 1994, followed by the new constitution in 1996, containing a charter of fundamental Human Rights. The question to be answered by this paper is whether Ezekiel 18 can contribute to this debate. This paper firstly discusses the question whether the Old Testament can be used in the debate on Human Rights. This is followed by a discussion of Ezekiel 18, with emphasis on the transgressions listed in this chapter in their Israelite context. Many of these injunctions are related to the laws of Deuteronomy, the Book of the Covenant and the Holiness Code. These injunctions are studied against the background of Israelite law in general and the three codes mentioned above in particular. Finally, the implications of Ezekiel 18 for the issue of Human Rights are discussed. The violation of rights of people guaranteed by divine law is seen as one of the major causes of divine punishment. God's law was meant to create a society found on justice. An unjust society is in contradiction to the will of God, according to Ezekiel 18. The implications of this view for the debate on Human Rights in South Africa need to be taken into consideration.
The Kingdom of God in the Gospel of Matthew
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Du Toit, Andrie B. (Andreas B.)
It would be entirely wrong to regard "kingdom of God" as the central motif of the New Testament. Matthew's kingdom depiction should be read against the backdrop of a (mainly) Jewish Christian community in the process of re-defining its own identity over against Jewish opposition, which was consolidating itself under Pharisaic-scribal leadership. The genitive "of God/of heaven" signifies the kingdom as God-determined, but God's transcendence is mitigated by Matthew's portrayal of him as the Father of believers. Kingdom of God/heaven is a dynamic concept indicating God's active reign. The rule of God and righteousness, as its human correlate, are the key motifs in the Sermon on the Mount. Although the kingdom in Matthew involves a critical decision and the acceptance of strict entry requirements, it is not an entirely ethical concept, as is shown by the first beatitude. A growing correspondence between the kingdom motif and messiah christo logy can be traced. Modern churches in the process of losing their identity can benefit from a responsive reading of Matthew's kingdom message.
Ou Testamentiese literatuur uit die Noordryk (Israel) - Die neerslag van noordelike tradisies in die Ou Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Boshoff, Willem Sterrenberg
The literature originating from the Northern Kingdom of Israel conveys an important message in terms of the theological themes in the Old Testament. Several of the earliest prophetic characters, such as Elijah, Elisha, Amos and Hosea, were all active in the Northern Kingdom. The political and religious situation of the Northern Kingdom created the context for these prophets, and other authors who shaped the thinking about God in old Israel. There writings can be found in the Pentateuch, Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomistic History, as well as in the books of Amos, Hosea and Deutero-Micha.
William (Wil) Vosloo - 'n Bybel-wetenskaplike wat die Ou Testament vir die volk wou oopbreek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Human, Dirk J.
W Vosloo (1934- ) is one of the fine Old Testament scholars in South Africa. His work on the exposition and understanding of the Bible in general, and on the Old Testament in particular, counts to the core contributions of Biblical Studies in South Africa the last two decades. This short portrait sketches Vosloo as a man of mature character and life experience. With his exposition of biblical texts, his aim was to serve the church. At university level he was a dedicated academician and lecturer. He will also be remembered as a theologian and author of stature. William Vosloo was in his professional career really a human being for fellow humans.
"Oortuiging" en prediking : woordspel op 'n "hartspel"
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Lombaard, Christoffel Johannes Stephanus
This article employs a wordplay on "oortuiging" - persuasion and integrity - to analyse certain aspects of homiletics. Examples of the use of research into persuasive communication and the benefits of these perspectives for effective preaching are given. Of greater importance, though, is the integrity of the preacher, which has three dimensions: that ministers should themselves be convinced of the theology of the text from which they preach, that the concrete contexts of the hearers of the message should be addressed competently, and that exegetical methodology and homiletical pronouncements should correspond.
Psalm 54 : the power of positive patterning
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2000) Botha, Philippus Jacobus
Psalm 54 is analysed in 'n literary, rhetorical and socio-critical way in order to determine the dominant textual strategy and the way in which it was supposed to function. It is established that the basic concern of the psalm is with the honour of the individuals for whom the psalm was intended as a cultic prayer. The way in which words with a positive and those with a negative connotative meaning are arranged, is found to be compliant with the purpose of having the enemies exposed and the self vindicated. What is more, this pattern seems to have been devised also to be of therapeutic value for the suppliant himself.
Pastoral care and gays against the background of same-sex relationships in the "Umwelt" of the New Testament
(Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 2008-06) Dreyer, Yolanda
The focus of the article is to show how the hegemony of heteronormativity compromises attempts at gay-friendly pastoral care and counselling with sexual minorities. Ecclesial resolutions with regard to same-sex relationships are based on Biblical propositions, theologies of heterosexual marriage, and often also on social stereotypes. This article investigates the textual evidence on same-sex intimacy in antiquity in order to demonstrate that views on sexuality and marriage are not fixed, but change over time. It also traces the formation of the theology of heterosexual marriage in the institutionalized Christian religion. Same-sex intimacy during the period from the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Imperial period is discussed, as well as during early Christianity up to and until marriage was sacramentalized. As a consequence of this historical legacy, churches have largely condemned same-sex relationships and have alienated sexual minorities from the faith community. The article contends that the hegemony of heteronormativity is based on an essentialist view on sexuality, as well as a positivist ethical reading of the texts of the New Testament and the contemporary world. It illustrates that the ecclesia itself has not yet been transformed by the gospel message of inclusive love.

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