AT 2013 Supplementum 17

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Browsing AT 2013 Supplementum 17 by Subject "Discernment (Christian theology)"

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    Discerment in 1 Thessalonians
    (Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2013) Sciberras, P.
    This article analyses Paul’s use of δοκιμάζειν in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 within the context of verbs for discernment (δοκιμάζειν, πειράζειν, διακρίνειν and their cognates). It discusses Paul’s use of these verbs against the background of discernment in the Septuaginta. Paul’s own understanding of discernment is then further investigated in terms of his socio-religious background and other New Testament books. It shows how he links discernment with a concrete situation and how discernment enables the human heart to realise its full potential by purifying it from all obstacles. It then discusses how the present tense of the imperative δοκιμάζετε in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 points towards the ongoing nature of discerning God’s will and, finally, how Paul’s eschatological context in 1 Thessalonians implies that discernment also has a future dimension.
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    Discernment as “not knowing” and “knowing”: a perspective from Matthew 25:31-46
    (Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2013) van Zyl, H. C.
    The article deals with Christian discernment as taking place at the juncture of God’s Spirit and the human mind at work. To illustrate this, the concept of “not knowing” in Matthew’s Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (25:31-46) is examined, as well as the implicit presence of “knowing”. The article starts by treating the concepts of “all the nations” and “the least” in the parable. It is suggested that the traditional particularist and universalist interpretations need not oppose each other. Subsequently the “not knowing” of the sheep is treated. This is related to the grace of God and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. In addition, it is submitted that “knowing” is also present, in terms of actively seeking the will of God. Thus, Christian discernment takes place at the juncture of “not knowing” (being empowered by God) and “knowing” (purposefully seeking the will of God).
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    Discernment in origen of Alexandria
    (Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2013) Decock, P. B.
    Origen was the first Christian writer to reflect more systematically on the theme of discernment; his views have greatly influenced later spiritual writers. This article aims at situating Origen’s understanding of discernment within his view of creation, of anthropology and of spiritual growth. Discernment is viewed as an operation of the higher part of the soul (nou/j), whereby the soul opens itself to its spirit. As such it is able to accept divine guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Logos in order to assess the movements of the soul and to manage these correctly so that the soul may preserve what is good and continue to strive for better things. As the “intelligence” is created after the image of God, the Logos, its fulfilment lies in a cooperative movement with the Logos towards ever greater likeness with God. Progress in virtue, knowledge and happiness are an ever more intense participation in the Logos who himself is every virtue, all wisdom and love. As a result of this participation, the “intelligence” becomes ever more “like” the Logos and, therefore, becomes ever more capable of understanding and discerning