Acta Theologica

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Acta Theologica is an accredited South African journal publishing independently refereed research articles of a high scientific standard in the Biblical Sciences, Theology and Science of Religion. Articles are published in English, Afrikaans, and occasionally in Dutch and German.

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ISSN 2309-9089 (Online), ISSN 1015-8758 (Print)

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 554

Open Access
Barbara Thiering's interpretation of Jesus' life
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Naude, J. A.
English: The purpose of this paper is to present arguments to disprove Thiering's claim that documents like the New Testament, Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of Josephus, etc. might reveal the actual historical Jesus. Her use of the pesher technique is also discussed critically. It is shown that Thiering's pesher method is a misconception of the pesher used in the Qumran commentaries and that she overestimated the importance of pesher as a method of text interpretation. The evaluation of Thiering's attempt to equate Christianity and Essenism, as well as the so-called similarities between the Qumran community and early Christianity, will follow logically.
Open Access
An incarnational engaged worship and spirituality
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Foshaugen, E. K.
Modern culture is sick with secularism resulting in a growing recognition permeating our culture that all life is at root spiritual. Whilst not necessarily recognised in Christian terms, there is a growing awareness and craving for spirituality. People are turning ro exotic cultures and esoteric practices in search of intimacy - a desire to experience human love and trust, meaning and purpose; and transcendence - recognition of the divine. Through developing a theology of spirituality and worship chis article attempts to define a practical theological theory for worship and spirituality. Worship and spirituality are incarnational engaged lifestyles that give voice to the nature, character and will of God and are reflected in the Christian's human activities of adoracion to God and action in the world. This incarnational engaged approach, expressed in adoration and action, provides intimacy and access to the transcendent, and replaces the religiosi(y and secularisation in the Church with a message of love and hope.
Open Access
'n Perspektief op makrogemeentes vanuit die wesensaard van die kerk volgens die Nuwe Testament
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Van Zyl, H. C.
The article argues the case for New Testament guidelines to the phenomenon of macro congregations today - churches in excess of 3 500 church members. After dealing with some methodological matters, the following topics are created: the church being both an eschatological community - a foreign body in che world - and part of this world. Sub-topics like the church as small group and large community, unity and diversity, and charism and office in the church, are created. The article concludes with a view remarks from the above exposition with a view co macro congregations.
Open Access
The Book of Ruth as intra-Biblical critique on the Deuteronomic law
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Braulik, Georg
The book of Ruth, written in the post-exilic period, constitutes a 'homily on Dt 23- 25', (Michael D Goulder). It is the only biblical example of an entire book systematically subjecting a body of laws from the Deuteronomic code to a sociocritical (Rt 1-2) and sexual-critical (Rt 3-4) relecture through various kinds of allusions. The historical prejudice of the 'community law' against the Moabites, refusing them admission to the 'assembly of Yahweh' (Dt 23:4-7), is disproved (throughout the whole book, especially in Rt 1), by a counter-story aimed at promoting sympathy (against Neh 13:1-3). Through the reinterpretation of the prohibition of incest, the brother-in-law marriage is defended against all suspicions (Rt 3). At the same time, it corrects the accusation of incest, which also lingers about the image of the Moabites (Gn 19:30-38). On the other hand, the narrative about the execution of the right to gleaning (Rt 2) and the right to the Levirate marriage (Rt 4) intensifies the demands of the Deuteronomic code (Dt 24:19 or 25:5-10). The Ruth novelette turns the Law of Deuteronomy into 'narrative ethics' (Reinhold Bohlen). The driving force for its meta-legal stance and critique, but also for its objective, lies in the portrayal of the 'loving-kindness, love' (chesed) of Yahweh and in calling forth the 'loving-kindness' of his people through the narrated praxls of the stranger Ruth.
Open Access
Implikasies van 'n postmodernistiese lees van die Ou Testament vir die terreine van die teologie, die bybelwetenskap, die publiek en die kerk
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Wessels, J. P. H.
Traditionally textual analysis of the Old Testament is done within a modernist framework. However, a postmodernist approach opens up new avenues in this regard. The reading strategy of critical deconstruction, based on the premise chat meaning in a cext is not fixed but is rather something elusive of which only traces can be found in a text, creates exciting possibilities for the reading of the Hebrew Bible. This reading strategy has implications when applied to the Bible. Besides the implications for textual meaning, this approach also has implications for biblical science, the public and the church.
Open Access
"Interpretasierigting" as eksegetiese hulp: Rut in wyer kontekste
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Jonker, L. C.
This article shows how the investigation inco the history of origin of che text itself, as well as the Wirkungsgeschichte thereof, can assist in decermining a possible "direction of interpretation" in terms of which modern readers/hearers may interpret a particular text. The point of departure is chat the Biblical text of rhe book of Ruth was repeatedly placed into new and wider contexts. These wider contexts provide an indication as co rhe process of continuous interpretation of this story. The task of the modern exegete is "to tune onto the wavelength" of chis process. The process of interpretation in modern communities of faith can be proceeded with responsibility in this way.
Open Access
Worship and spirituality as a praxis-orientated apologetic in a postmodern world (the New Age) - an incarnational engaged approach
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Foshaugen, E. K.
This article highlights certain tenets of postmodernism and then attempts to provide an evangelical Christian response. Postmodern ideology and its religious face as reflected in the New Age movement need not cause disquietude or be derided. Rather, postmodern thought should be allowed to challenge any premodern fundamentalism and modern rationalism char the evangelical Church has uncritically internalised or embraced. Postmodernism provides an incredible opportunity to develop new methods to demonstrate the Gospel message of love and hope. In this article it is argued that this is best done through the supernatural power of an incarnational, engaged worship and spirituality (of adoration and action). Then, uncondidonal and sacrificial love is demonstraced as a praxis-orientated apologetic through the Christian's life-story. Christian truth claims need to be authenticated, convictions must be acted out, to provide plausibility, persuasion, incentive and inducement in a pluralistic and relativistic postmodern world that is aware and hungers after spirituality.
Open Access
Religious plurality in Africa: a challenge to the church
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Dolamo, R. T. H.
Chriscianity has been a privileged religion in South Africa under the white minority government. However, since the inception of a democratically elected government in 1994 and the passing of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, all religions have politically equal status. Major religions in the country such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism and African Traditional Religion have to learn to live harmoniously with one another and importantly, to cooperate in projects of sociopolirital nature. This article examines religious plurality in Africa and the implications thereof for South Africa. Three missionary paradigms, viz exclusivism, inclusivism and pluralism are analysed after which a theological perspective is offered. The Church has to communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ nonetheless, but leave the dispensing of salvation in terms of Christian eschatology to God.
Open Access
Divine and human violence and destruction in Jeremiah 20:7 - 13
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Snyman, S. D.
Jeremiah 20:7-13 is a texc presenting the interpreter with a multitude of problems. Five main areas of research are briefly highlighted. This paper focuses on the interpretation of hamas wasod in Jer 20:8. Eight different interpretations have been offered but no conclusive answer to the exact meaning of the phrase has been given yet. It is argued that due to the ambiguity and structural features of the text the prophet experienced violence and destruction from the divine side as well as from a human side.
Open Access
Die goedkeuring van kerkrade vir 'n nuwe verband in die NG Kerkfamilie?
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Strauss, P. J.
English: This article probes the question of which assembly within a reformed church denomination - in this case the family of Dutch Reformed Churches - should have the jurisdiction in deciding on the alteration of the confession(s) and especially, the constitution and contents of this denomination. The conclusion is a fairly simple one. If it is accepted that che congregation, as governed by consistories, is a fully fledged church and that congregations constitute a specific denomination, then the consistories involved should decide the matter. Congregations should be able to give their consent co the new denomination they enter into. On che one hand the undefined and general structural unity of rhe church, is a Biblical principle. On the ocher hand, the formulation and constitution of confessions and specific denominations is a matter for the believers within a certain historical concext. They should also be able to enter into a structure of church unity willingly and in the belief - because the church is an institution of faith - that it is the will of God.
Open Access
Die problematiek rondom die lied van die NG Kerk: enkele bevindings vanut 'n sosiaal - wetenskapleke invalshoek
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 1999) Viljoen, M.
This article investigates viewpoints regarding the hymn of the Dutch Reformed Church over the lase few decades by way of a document analysis of polemics from Die Kerkbode, the official publication of the DRC. Historically, there has always been conflict around the hymnic tradition of the Dutch Reformed Church, manifesting specifically as resistance against the official church-hymn. The longing for a simpler, experience-oriented hymn was stimulated especially by rhe influence of 19rhcentury Revival hymnody, a tendency still applying roday. An analysis of the polemics involved reveals that the duality within the hymnic practice of the DRC has co do particularly with two clashing types of devoutness within the church. Those opposing the official church-hymn are particularly burdened by the "unsingabilicy" of the melodies, as well as the fact char these hymns are foreign to the field of experience of the 20th-century person. The thesabilicy of an ecclesiastical identification with contemporary secular culture is however a complex question which also involves controversy regarding the retention of the true reformed nature of the church.
Open Access
Tristian Anne Borer, Challengin the state. Churches as political actors in South Africa. 1980-1994
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Lubbe, J. J.
Open Access
Christianity and African gods: a method in theology
(University of the Free State, 2000) Turaki, Yusufu
Open Access
Capital punishment or capital forgiveness? The enduring message of Dead Man Walking
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Hale, Frederick
The best-selling book and internationally popular film Dead Man Walking address squarely the issue of capital punishment which has been extensively debated throughout much of the world and challenged the ethical thinking of Christian and non-Christian moralists. Although chis question is created in Dead Man Walking in an explicitly Roman Catholic context in the United States of America, the ethical and spiritual dimensions of its treatment on the screen transcend geographical and denominational borders and are particularly relevant co South Africa, where escalating violence in recent years has engendered a callousness and spirit of vengefulness in many quarters and where public support for the death penalty is strong.
Open Access
In search of tradition material in Zephaniah 1:7-13
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Snyman, S. D.
The question investigated in this paper is a simple one: are there any indications of the use of tradition material in Zephaniah 1:7-13? Apart from the prominent theme of the ... this paper argues for allusions to at least two of the prominent traditions of salvation present in the Old Testament, i e the Sinai tradition and the tradition of the conquest of the land. The mentioning of a coming theophany, a sacrificial meal and a disregard for the first commandment point in the direction of the Sinai tradition. The threat of verse 13 points to the tradition of the land. The positive content of both these traditions are turned against the people. What once was beneficial to them is now a very real threat of doom and disaster.
Open Access
Die paradigmaverskil: gereformeerd - charismaties
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Jonker, W. D.
Open Access
Herderlike bediening aan die kind uit 'n egskeidingsgesin
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Van der Schyff, S. P.; Venter, C. J. H.
English: In this article special attention is paid to three aspects concerning the above mentioned theme. Firstly, basis-theoretical perspectives are developed on a child in a crisis situation. Secondly an investigation is undertaken on metatheoretical level on the child's unique emotional experience of the divorce of his or her parents. Aspects dealt with here are reactions of shock, grief, confusion, aggression, fear, feelings of guilt, loneliness, stress and feelings of inferiority. Finally, practicetheoretical guidelines are proposed for pastoral care to a child exposed to a divorce in his/her family. Special attention is paid to the functioning on a practical level of the pastoral basis attitude, the acts of listening to a child, Scripture reading, proclamation and prayer.
Open Access
Paulus se retoriese strategie in Galasiërs 1:1-10
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Tolmie, D. F.
The aim of this article is to demonstrate an approach to the rhetorical analysis of Paul's Letter to the Galatians that differs from the typical approach followed by researchers, namely the forcing of ancient rhetorical categories on the letter. Instead it is proposed that Paul's rhetorical strategy should be analysed in terms of a "grounded theoretical approach". This is demonstrated by a systematic analysis of the Paul's basic rhetorical strategy, as well as of all the supportive persuasive techniques, in these two pericopes.
Open Access
How God pays back - retributive concepts in the Book of Job
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Fischer, S.
Five Old Testament concepts of retribution are presented. Then the Book of Job is evaluated under the aspect of its retributive concepts. Because of the lack of compensation in Job's life-experience, Job as well as his friends are led co cancel individual elements of the retributive concept. While Job's friends stick to a rigid concept, Job undergoes different stages of development that finally lead him to the denial of retribution. By this he agrees with his wife, but both come to opposite conclusions in their reasoning. Job's wife argues in favour of a nihilistic approach while Job is a proponent of a faith-approach. Therefore he is an example of a New Testament believer.
Open Access
Kultuur, lewensvisie en ontwikkeling
(University of the Free State, 2000) Van der Walt, B. J.