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
'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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
Ou metodes van die Satan in 'n moderne samelewing - met besondere verwysing na Openbaring 2 en 3
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Grove, A. H.
It is an unequivocal fact that Satan is at work in this world and especially in the church of Christ. At times his methods are crystal clear and at other times, inexplicable, they are not. It is because the devil appears in many guises. According to Matthew 7:15 and 2 Corinthians 11:14 it is not always possible to determine his modus operandi. The purpose of this article is 1. To identify methods used by and explain the way in which Satan operates in order to attack the Christian church in Asia Minor as described in Relevation 2 and 3. 2. To determine the mortal danger as it exist in this day and time. Satan's strategies and methods are diverse and include the following: 1. The lie. 2. The prosecution and oppression of the church. 3. The constant attempt to get the faithful to compromise their faith; to urge them with irresistible power in an insidious way to accept and follow false doctrine. 4. The strategy of violence, in which no compromise is acceptable. It is important to know that neither Satan's name nor his activities are always mentioned. Take for example such messages as those to Sardis and Laodicea. Yet it is clear that his modus operandi can be reconstructed because of the trials and evidence that he leaves behind. Satan is a master at camouflage and subtle covert operations. 5. He uses man's external circumstances such as his longing for earthly possessions and wealth, his self-satisfaction, his search for instant gratification, his smugness and frailty to gain the upper hand, in order to bring about the fall of a congregation.
Open Access
Command or petition? A speech act analysis of the parents' utterances in John 9:21cd
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Ito, H.
Although speech act theor}r has a great potential for a better understanding of biblical texts, as demonstrated by some excellent published monographs and articles, it has been only occasionally utilised since the introduction of this theory co New Testament scholarship. In this somewhat disappointing situation, the purpose of chis article is to continue to show the validity of chis approach and to develop it further in the reading of biblical texts. The utterances of the blind man's parents in John 9:2lcd are selected as an example for this purpose.
Open Access
G J Fanabe (Ed.), Religions of Japan in practice: Princeton readings in religions
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Verster, P.
Open Access
R A Jonas, Henri Nouwen
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Kellerman, J. S.
Open Access
Christianity and African gods: a method in theology
(University of the Free State, 2000) Turaki, Yusufu
Open Access
St Joseph in early Christianity
(University of the Free State, 2000) Lienhard, Joseph T.
Open Access
Die bemagtiging van die armes
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Vester, P.
The issue addressed in this article is whether the poor can be empowered to change their own situation without becoming revolutionary. Poverty comprises lack of the most basic life-sustaining goods. However, the poor as people before God, can be empowered to change their situation. Although poverty is an all-inclusive problem, the possibility of helping the poor to realise that they are called to take possession of their own destiny is important. In Jesus Christ a new way of hope and change is offered. With the realisation of their own situation comes the responsibility to become involved. By means of an important ministry the poor should be helped to regain self-respect and to act accordingly. Initiatives on the part of the poor are therefore of the utmost importance.
Open Access
Die sosiale konstruksie-model en die spanning tussen hoor en doen as reaksie op die prediking
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Kleynhans, D. J. B.; Kellerman, J. S.
English: Preaching is the occurrence of communication through which the gospel of Jesus Christ is made known to the world, in order co change people's lives. According to the social construction model each individual has an own constructed life story. This constructed life story acquires power over the individual, co such an extent that change cannot take place without deconstructing the life story. Deconstructing rhe life story or self-narrative leads to change. Thus the life story prevents the change that the preaching of the gospel wanes to bring about. Deconstruction is furthered through communication. Preaching the gospel must be utilised to lead the individual to communication with self and others. When preaching the gospel it is more important to ask the right questions, than giving the right answers. The right questions will stimulate the hearer to tell his/her own story. In doing so, his/her life story will be deconstructed and changed according to the preached word will take place.
Open Access
Translation studies and Bible translation
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2000) Naude, J. A.
English: An overview of recent developments of the discipline that studies the activity of translation, as well as the implications for Bible translation, is presented. Starting off with a discussion on the name and content of the discipline, an overview of some translation approaches focusing on the source text, the process of translation, the reception of the translated text and the cultural-social bound character of translation, is offered. Since the early eighties there has been a tendency within translation studies to move away from the normative and prescriptive approaches to translation and to adopt a descriptive approach towards the study of translated literature. Descriptive translation theorists attempt to account not only for textual strategies in the translated text, but also for the way in which the translation functions in the target cultural system. The implications that these recent theoretical developments bare for Bible translation practice, criticism of Bible translations, the training of theologians and Bible translators are finally indicated.