Skrif en Kerk Volume 19 Issue 2 (1998)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/11380

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Retoriek van godsdienstige politiek in Psalm 2
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Coetzee, J.H. (Johannes Hendrik)
The rhetoric of religious politics in Psalm 2: The rhetorical argumentation strategies of Psalm 2 as a political-cultic poem are explored in order to highlight the function of these strategies, the exigency and the audience of the initial rhetorical situation. During the creation process of the psalm, the rhetor must have been influenced by the royal court or the king himself, reflecting aspects of the evolutionary process which the Zion theology went through. The rhetor's creation was to be implemented lively during the inauguration ceremony of the Judean king as rhetorical action during which the king (as new rhetor), the world rulers and nations (as universal audience), the Judean audience present at the political-cultic ceremony, as well as Yahweh were engaged in collaborative rhetorical action.
Waarop is sy voetstukke ingesink? - 'n besinning oor die skepping en die big bang
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Bezuidenhout, L.C. (Louis Christiaan)
Upon what were the foundations of it fastened? Reflections on creation and the big bang: Through the ages the debate between theology and the natural sciences concerning the origin of the universe was turbulent. Today the big bang theory is almost generally accepted in scientific circles. In this article the debate between theology and science is evaluated critically. The theological implications of the big bang theory is discussed and the relevance of the cosmogony in Genesis 1 for a modem society is evaluated. Biblical models and scientific models of the birth of the cosmos do not have to be in conflict with each other.
Psalms en hulle Sitz( e) im Leben, 'n analise aan die hand van Psalm 55 en 74
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Human, Dirk J.
Psalms and their Sitz (e) im Leben. An analysis in view of Psalms 55 and 74: It is hermeneutically unthinkable to expose any Old Testament text, without taking its historic and/or cultic Sitz im Leben into consideration. This especially applies for the texts of the psalms. But, vague formulations and generalised language, though, make this effort in the psalms extremely difficult. In view of the eclectic chosen examples of Psalms 55 and 74, this article shows how several Sitz(e) im Leben are identified by exegetes for the understanding of a psalm. More than one historical situation could have instigated the origin and content of a psalm. To determine the socalled "original" Sitz of psalms, is therefore almost impossible. But, this state of affairs should not cause the exegete or preacher to be sinical about exegetical method or diachronic research of psalm texts. Various identified Sitz(e) behind the text should create a common dealer - an athmosphere or interpretation-direction - which create afreedom in the exegete or reader's mind to identify suitable situations for the reinterpretation or actualisation of a psalm. In this regard, a literary or textimmanent reading is not complete without diachronic exegesis. Despite uncertainty about the so-called "original" Sitz im Leben behind most psalms, exegetes should be more than enthusiastic to struggle with the search for a historic or cultic Sitz(e) behind the text. This will add value to the understanding of every psalm.
Verskillende boodskappe vir verskillende kontekste: die literatuur van die ballingskap (597-539 vC)
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Scheffler, Eben
Different messages for different contexts: the literature of the exile (597-539 BC): In this article the biblical literature that originated in the exile is discussed. It is indicated how these different writings (Lamentations, exilic psalms, Jeremiah and his editors, Obadiah, Ezekiel, the Priestly Writer of the Pentateuch and Deutero-Isaiah) addressed specific contingent situations within the broader context of the exile. The variegated messages of these texts in different contexts suggest that the Biblical text should not be regarded as a homogeneous text with one supra-temporal message, but did communicate with people precisely because of its variety and relatedness with specific historical contexts.
Sendingwetenskap vir die derde millennium - Deel 1
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Meiring, Piet (Pieter Gerhard Jacobus), 1941-
Not only missions, but also the study of the Science of Mission, Missiology, continually finds itself under close scrutiny. Reacting to the many questions in this regard, the author reflects on three main themes: 1) ~t place - if any - should be awarded to Missiology within a Theological curriculum?; 2) What constitutes Missiology's unique nature and content?; 3) Which are the challenges facing missiologists on the eve of the Third Millennium? Referring to the last theme, five specific issues to be published as Part Il of the article in a next edition of this magazine, are tabled: Missiology's theological point of departure, its relationship with the church, its context (in this case, Africa), the quest for a relevant agenda, and the methods it chooses to apply.
Gospel, culture and mission : revisiting an enduring problem
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Kalu, O.U. (Ogbu U.)
This article reflects on the 1996 Conference on World Mission and Evangelism. The relation between gospel, culture and mission is considered, especially from an Africa perspective, but not reserved to it in application. Apart from considering the problem of appropriate terminology to express the intricacies concerning the subject, a deeper search is conducted into the complex relationship between the believer, his mission to, and his distancing from divergent cultural sources and manifestations. Emerging perspectives are considered, which help to formulate mission strategies and historic viewpoints and attitudes. Knowledge of these perspectives is essential for a more responsible answering to the call made to all believers.
Identifikasie en analise van enkele grondvoorwaardes in die Godsidee van Jurgen Moltmann
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Joubert, Johann van Dijk
In recent years the controversy on the existence of God has made many theologians and church members restless. Old familiar ideas have been shattered, and many people are confused when they are confronted by such slogans as "God is dead" and "God cannot die". These quarrels have caused new theological tendencies that point towards a new doctrine on God. The purpose of this article is a reconnoitre and adjudication of some primary conditions, "unit-ideas", which determine Moltmann's idea of God.
Ned Geref Kerk as vredemaker?
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Van Niekerk, A.S. (Attie)
The Dutch Reformed Church must find it's role and identity in the coming century in a new context, without the power that came from the church's alliance with dominant Afrikaner nationalism. One role could be to become a peacemaker, if peace is seen in the Biblical sense of a right and just relationship with God, with people, and with creation, based on the eschatological work of Christ. To have any legitimacy, such relationships would have to become visible in the concrete lives of the church and her members. The Biblical basis for peace is contrasted with other possible bases for peaceful coexistence, such as the modern, enlightened idea that all people share a common rationality, or the idea of Ubuntu as general goodwill for all.
Inrichting van de theologie in de plurale cultuur
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Vroom, Hendrik M., 1945-
In this contribution three models of the organisation of theology have been described: seminaries, a combination of university and church responsibilities, and free standing theological school and faculties with a contract with a church or with churches. The interests of the various players in the field - churches, universities, governments, students - have been listed, and the models are being evaluated in relation with their potencies to meet the requirements of the emerging secular and religiously plural society.
Deuteronomy and human rights
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Braulik, Georg
If one compares the articles of the "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" dated December 10th, 1948, with the regulations of the book of Deuteronomy, one detects a surprising abundance of correspondences, or at least of similar tendencies, between them. As the social theorists of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the architects of the catalogue of Human Rights, knew the Scripture very well. References to Deuteronomy are historically well probable and factually hardly coincidental. Deuteronomy rightly boasts about its social laws (4:8) that are unique in the Ancient Near East. The paper orientates itself to the short formula of Human Rights and at the same time to the normative basic character of each human right, as it is formulated in the first article of the declaration: "liberty", "equality", "fraternity". Each of these basic categories are concretised in terms of several Deuteronomic regulations and prove themselves to be central matters of concern within the YHWH religion. Finally, it is outlined how the connection between Deuteronomy and modern expressions of human rights might be explained, and further it is shown what actually makes up the peculiarity of biblical thinking on human rights.
Nota oor die vertaling van Jeremia 2:37 ("Met jou hande op jou hoof")
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
In Jeremiah 2:37 God says to Israel: "You will leave that place (= Egypt) with your hands upon your head". In this article various Bible translations and commentaries are scrutinized to determine how modern exegetes interpret this phrase. Thereafter the author discusses Egyptian depictions of mourners in funeral processions with their hands on their heads. He shows how an exploration of Egyptian Art can contribute to a better understanding of Jeremiah 2:37. This study also shows that the two dynamic Afrikaans translations of the Bible ("Die Lewende Bybel" and "Die Nuwe Afrikaanse Vertaling") are wide off the mark in their interpretation of the phrase "with your hands on your head". The author also argues that exegetes should not only rely on written texts when they study the ancient world in which the Scriptures originated, but that they should also explore works of art.
Teologiekroniek
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Le Roux, J.H. (Jurie Hendrik), 1944-
Voor my lê drie begrafnisbriewe. Vir die soveelste keer het ek dit al gelees en steeds is alles onwerklik. Het dit werklik gebeur? Hoe is dit moontlik dat drie belangrike Ou Testamentici binne 'n paar maande kan sterf? Wat gaan met die vak gebeur en hoe gaan die studente dit verwerk? Wat is die langtermynvooruitsigte vir die studie van die Ou Testament in Suid-Afrika? Op 'n wrede manier het ons geleer dat die sosio-politieke transformasie van universiteite nie die ergste is nie. Die dood is veel erger. Die verlaging van standaarde, kampusonrus, die afrikanisering van die wetenskap, skrale beroepsmoontlikhede vir jong akademici en die donker beroepstoekoms van gevestigde akademici word deur die skielike sterwe van drie kollegas verdwerg. Dit maak 'n mens magteloos en 'n gevoel van disorientasie oorweldig jou. Prediker is steeds reg: tussen gebore word en doodgaan word ons dag vir dag aan gebeure oorgelewer waaraan ons weinig kan doen. Ons lewe magteloos, want ons het nie oor die lewe, die dood en talle ander gebeurtenisse beheer nie. Hieronder volg 'n kort huldeblyk oor elkeen: eers kom Ferdinand Deist (9 Augustus 1944 tot 12 Julie 1997), dan Riempies Prinsloo (19 Augustus 1944 tot 5 Oktober 1997) en ten slotte Hannes Olivier (31 Januarie 1945 tot 25 Maart 1998) aan die beurt. Hierna volg iets oor internetonderrig en 'n nuwe akademiese tydskrif.
Intercultural pastoral care and counseling : resources from narrative therapy and brief pastoral counseling
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Stone, Howard W.; Muller, Julian C.
The fascinating, but complex field of intercultural communication and pastoral care is the focus of research in this article. The authors describe the two approaches of pastoral therapy and show how it can be implemented in an intercultural setting. Although there are major differences between the narrative and brief counseling approaches, there are also striking similarities. In both cases the pastor tries to work from a non-expert position and is non-prescriptive in the approach. The authors are convinced that this basic approach of respectfulness makes both models usefull for intercultural work.
Simboliek in die evangelie van Johannes
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Van der Watt, J.G. (Jan Gabriel), 1952-
The use of terminology like symbol, metaphor and figurative speech is very confusing, since these terms are defined in a variety of ways. A definition of symbol is formulated, and applied to the imagery of shepherding in John 10. A few other symbols are also treated briefly to confirm the results of the symbolic analysis of shepherding in John 10.
"...Die weet gehad heeft en geen weet gehad"
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Schuman, N.A. (Niek)
This guest-lecture tells about the recent Dutch liturgical handbook De weg van de liturgie. It discusses some crucial problematic points, like that of the Jewish background of Christian liturgy. It pleas for an open mind in that question and above all for the notion of liturgical evocative imagination, in order to realize the way of the liturgy as a way from "exile" to Sion. That evocative imagination will make us "aware and yet not aware" of the promised land in the distance.
Micah 1, an apt introduction to power talks
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Wessels, W.J. (Wilhelm Joseph)
Power and the abuse of it, is often an integral part of discussions in any society. The prophets of the Old Testament felt strongly about this issue and often spoke out against the abuse of power and the suffering caused by it. Micah particularly addresses this issue in chapters 2 and 3. He blames the leaders in society, who should look out for the ordinary people, that they in particular are guilty of this transgression. In chapter 1 Micah proclaims Yahweh as the sovereign power who they should take note off. On the very basis of Yahweh's sovereign power he then proclaims oracles of judgment on the people of Judah. Micah 1 seems to form an apt introduction to the talks of the abuse of power in the society of Judah.
Rol van rituele en simbole in die identiteitsvorming van 'n geloofsgemeenskap - 'n Gereformeerde perspektief
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Pieterse, Hendrik J.C. (Hennie)
The political dispensation in South Africa since 1994 marginalised Afrikaansspeaking Dutch Reformed church members in the new South African society. Their identity is under pressure in a dominant culture that differs from their own. Anxiety and feelings of insecurity about their existence in the future are rife among many people in this church. In this context a new need for religious experiences of identity, belonging and safety opened up new experiments in the liturgy of the church. A new interest in rituals and symbols in the worship service came to the fore. This article discusses a Reformed perspective on the function and meaning of rituals and symbols in liturgy with a view to support the communicative discourse in seeking mutual understanding of the identity of their community of faith in a dominant, different culture.
Godsdiens het die politiek nodig en die politiek is weerloos daarsonder
(Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, 1998) Le Roux, J.H. (Jurie Hendrik), 1944-
In 1996 Karel van der Toom published a very important book on family religion in Babylonia, Syria and Israel. He introduced us to the very exciting world of ancient man and his religion. This article stresses the importance of a history of religions approach. It furthermore focusses on the close link between religion and politics. Israel's religion was moulded and shaped by socio-economic powers; it was used by statesmen to support their political endeavours. Yahweh religion is thus the result of specific social powers which formed it in a specific era in Israel's history.

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