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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Open Access
1 Corinthians 1:18-31 from a rhetorical perspective
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2009) Snyman, A. H.
English: The approach followed in this article differs from that of researchers who force ancient rhetorical categories on a text or who regard only a few stylistic devices as rhetorical. The analysis is done in terms of what is called a “grounded theoretical approach.” This approach is briefly summarised, followed by a description of the rhetorical status of the letter and a systematic analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:1831. It is argued that these fourteen verses form an integral part of Paul’s rhetorical strategy (constructed from the text itself) and aimed at persuading the Corinthians to accept his explanation of the gospel. The article concludes that a textcentered approach, with its focus on the functional aspects of the text, provides a better alternative to existing approaches, that focus on the formal aspects of the text.
Open Access
The 17th century Johannes Hoornbeeck's view on mission, ecumenism and historical theology and its current relevance
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2018) Hofmeyr, J. W.
In this second article (cf. Hofmeyr 2016), like the previous one, I would like to introduce Johannes Hoornbeeck and the Further Reformation, besides other goals, to the Anglo-Saxon world. This article focuses primarily on the 17th-century theologian Johannes Hoornbeeck and some of his views within the context of the Further Reformation. I address the issue related to an analysis of Hoornbeeck’s contributions as a missiologist, a theologian with a clear ecumenical and irenical orientation, and a historical theologian. In my opinion, he can be regarded as the second most prominent theologian, besides Gisbertus Voetius. In some respects, Hoornbeeck even surpasses him. This critical overview also focuses on the Further Reformation as an ecclesiastical and theological development.
Open Access
Die 1983 Afrikaanse Bybelvertaling in die lig van huidige tendense en behoeftes
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2003) Snyman, A. H.
At a symposium on current trends in Bible translation held in August 2001 it became clear that linguistic-based theories, which dominated translation work when the 1983 Afrikaans translation came on the scene, have been replaced by functionalist approaches and descriptive translation studies (DTS). The difference between these approaches lies in their relation to the source text: linguistic theorists regard the source text as a norm and evaluate any translation in terms of its equivalence to the source text. In contrast, the functionalist theorists regard a translation as a new communicative act that must be purposeful with respect to the translator’s clients and readership, while DTS views a text as a translation if it functions as such in the receiving culture and literary system. A recent investigation into the need for a new Afrikaans translation reveals that there is a need for various types of translation. The majority of respondents are satisfied with the 1983 translation and do not want a new one. It has also become apparent, however, that the 1983 translation is not suitable for liturgical use in all Afrikaans-speaking churches. In line with the experience of the new Dutch translation project, there is a specific need for a translation that reflects the literary forms and structures of the source texts and retains as much as possible imagery and metaphor, if functional, in contemporary Afrikaans. The Church Advisory Committee: Afrikaans Translations recommended to churches that a new translation should not be undertaken at this stage, but that research continue and proof translations be published in order to reach consensus on the type of translation needed. This recommendation is strongly supported in this article, due to the trends and needs outlined above. Once consensus has been reached, a thorough translation brief should guide the translation process.
Open Access
About Galatians, apocalyptic and the switching of paradigms
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2014) Loubser, Gys M. H.
English: The article indicates that although apocalyptic is probably not the hermeneutical key par excellence to Pauline theology, it does lie at the heart of Pauline theology and should be thoroughly accounted for in Galatians. Paul employs apocalyptic in Galatians to stress the radical soteriological and ethical change brought about by the advent of Christ and his Spirit. He wished to reframe his readers’ thought world, making abundant use of apocalyptic innuendo carried by terminology akin to Jewish apocalyptic theology and piety. Written against the background of modern day Christianity still grappling with law and the old paradigm two thousand years into new creation, this article hopes to share some of Paul’s vigour toward understanding the time we live in as post-law.
Open Access
Abraham in Galatians and in Genesis
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2013) Snyman, S. D.
The aim of this paper is to focus on the portrayal of Abraham in the letter to the Galatians and the book of Genesis respectively and to put it in perspective. What are the similarities and differences in the portrayal of Abraham in the Biblical books of Galatians and Genesis respectively? Three promises are made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3: land, progeny and blessing. It is interesting that, in each one of the passages investigated, emphasis is laid mainly (but not exclusively) on one of the promises. In Genesis 12-25, attention is paid to the promise of land and on Abraham as a blessing to the nations, but the emphasis is mainly on the problem of progeny. When Abraham resurfaces in the exilic time, the promise of the land seems to be the primary focus. In Galatians 3, the main emphasis is on blessing as the third part of the promises made to Abraham.
Open Access
The absence of presence: homiletical reflections on Luther's notion of the masks of God (larvae dei)
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2010) Cilliers, J.
This paper addresses a complex but core issue of preaching, namely the experience of the elusiveness of God’s presence (revelation) by taking cognisance of the notion of masking. Besides being a common cultural phenomenon, the art of masking could also be evaluated theologically and therefore homiletically. Luther’s understanding of the masks of God (larvae dei) is introduced into the discussion, and a number of homiletical implications are drawn in view of the continuous tension that exists between God’s revealing and his concealing.
Open Access
Acknowledgements
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2015) Ito, Hisayasu
This book is a revised version of my doctoral dissertation (2000) written during my stay in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where I conducted research at the University of the Free State. This is one of the main reasons why this book is being published as a Supplementum to Acta Theologica. Consequently, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the University for this opportunity.
Open Access
African Biblical hermeneutics on the threshold? Appraisal and wayforward
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2016) Speckman, M.
What appears to be African Biblical Hermeneutics often refers to the geographical location of the authors rather than the content. There always appears to be something new on the horizon, but the colonial umbilical cord prevents a crossing of the threshold. This article contends that, in order for it to cross the threshold, African Biblical Hermeneutics has to go beyond the geographical location of the reader/interpreter to the development of a framework that is essentially African, while not compromising the catholicity of the church. A celebration of life is proposed as the closest interpretative framework to both the Bible and the multiple African cultures.
Open Access
African postfoundational practical theology
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2017) Muller, J. C.
Practical theology is located in a fragile, vulnerable space between various disciplines, where it is exposed to multiple different narratives. The author proposes a postfoundational, narrative approach to practical theology that favours the local over the global and the specific over generalisations. Africa is taken as the defining context for the understanding and development of a specific postfoundational practical theology. People and their stories are central, and this requires a coconstruction of meaning with “co-researchers”. The author’s “seven movements”, as published in other articles, is used with an Ubuntu research project as a case study. The “seven movements” facilitate the telling and retelling of unheard stories, particularly stories of the marginalised and vulnerable. This way of doing practical theology takes the experiences of “co-researchers” seriously and conducts research wíth people rather than on them. The researcher’s focus is concrete, local, and contextual, but also extends beyond the local by engaging in transdisciplinary conversation and developing interpretations that point beyond the local.
Open Access
The Afrikaans Bible translations and apartheid
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2001) Naudé, J. A.
English: A comparison of quotes from the document on race relations viewed in the light of the scriptures to the Hebrew and Greek source text bears eloquent testimony to the fact that the nature of the first Afrikaans translation and its revision as a source text oriented translation encouraged the justification of apartheid. In this translation the strategy of intensification/explication of the source texts items is applied in most cases. The result is that apartheid vocabulary is highlighted. The second translation of the Afrikaans Bible goes pari passu with acquiescent social consciousness among the Afrikaners. This translation as a target text oriented translation introduces a new vocabulary of reconciliation, clearly apparent from the quotes contained in the document on church and society. The strategies of substitution, generalisation, deletion and paraphrase are applied. The apartheid vocabulary is downplayed. The reconciliation vocabulary gave moral support for the Afrikaner to give consent for a new dispensation.
Open Access
Afrikaanse Bybelvertalings "vir Afrika". Die vertalers en hulle kulturele agenda
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2004) Naudé, J. A.
English: The purpose of the article is to indicate the ideological dominance of the Afrikaans target culture in Afrikaans Bible translations. This is measured by the way in which the Ancient Near Eastern and Ancient Mediterranean cultures of the source texts are domesticated. An analysis of nine Afrikaans Bible translations is provided in terms of commission and intention of the translation, the translation process (translator, source text, work method, translation method), and product of the translation. It is shown that the trend is to create translations that read fluently, i.e. the appearance that the translation is not in fact a translation, but the original.
Open Access
Aktiewe gemeente-betrokkenheid by die missionêre diakonaat — 'n ondersoek in 'n gemeente van die NGKA in Mangaung
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2003) Verster, P.
English: Research within the community which does not take into account the need and knowledge of the community is not beneficial. Using the notion of the four squares of knowledge, research was conducted in the informal housing community in Mangaung. From the perspective of the congregation of the Christian church, the congregation developed a strategy to get involved in the community. In this way the poor were able to reach out to people in need and seek solutions from within. This has a sound Biblical base.
Open Access
Allan Boesak: innocence and the struggle for humanity
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2016) Cloete, M.
As a Black theologian and political activist, deeply committed to the cause of freedom, reconciliation and justice in South Africa, Allan Boesak has embraced the philosophy of Black consciousness as a legitimate moral-political foundation for the development of national unity. Boesak is of the view that post-apartheid South Africa is still deeply plagued by a racist legacy of moral-political “innocence”. I explore the validity of Boesak’s position from the perspective of his fundamental claim that the philosophy of Black Consciousness represents a legitimate framework for addressing the legacy of “innocence”, construed by him as an epistemic condition that refuses to engage with the historical “truth” of race thinking.
Open Access
Allegorie as argument: Galasiërs 4: 21-5: 1 in retoriese perspektief
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2002) Tolmie, D. F.
The purpose of this article is to discuss Galatians 4:21-5:1 from a rhetorical perspective. It is argued that the dominant rhetorical strategy in this section can be described as the use of the authority of Scripture in order to present an allegorical exposition of the Hagar-Sarah events. This allegorical exposition is dominated by a metaphorical contrast between two types of sonship, namely sonship characterised by slavery and sonship characterised by spiritual freedom. This is done in order to urge the Galatians to remain “free”, that is not to yield to Paul’s opponents. Furthermore the metaphorical contrast is used to vilify the opponents as their point of view is categorised as “slavery”. Lastly a number of supporting rhetorical techniques are pointed out.
Open Access
"Anatheism" within the framework of theodicy: from theistic thinking to theopaschitic thinking in a pastoral hermeneutics
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2016) Louw, D. J.
The Syrian and refugee crises, the violent radicalisation in Europe, and global xenophobia stir up anew the link between the human quest for meaning and hope within the realm of human misery and destructive acts of severe evil. The article focuses on the problem of theodicy and its link to God images. It discusses both inclusive and exclusive approaches to the theodicy issue, and proposes a paradigm shift from threat power to intimate, vulnerable power. A diagram is designed in order to identify different metaphors for God in pastoral caregiving. With reference to a pastoral approach, lamentation is viewed as an appropriate variant for theodicy. In the attempt to return to ‘God after God’ (anatheism), lamentation could help reinterpret the ḥesed of God in terms of our human predicament of ‘undeserved suffering’.
Open Access
Ancient Christian care for prisoners: first and second centuries
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2016) Nicklas, T.
This study deals with the question as to whether first- and second-century sources reflect ancient Christian practices of care for prisoners and in how far these sources help clarify the reasons why Christians cared for prisoners in different contexts. The study explores material not only from the New Testament Gospels (Matt. 25; Luke 4) and Acts, but also from the Pauline Corpus and extra-canonical literature such as Ignatius of Antioch’s Epistles, later Acts of the Apostles, Martyrdom literature and even a passage from Lucian of Samosata’s Life of Peregrinus. The article concludes that the evidence for Christian care for prisoners is earlier and more widespread than usually assumed. While some sources do not reflect on reasons for this practice, others put it into wider horizons: Matthew links care for prisoners with the notion that actions toward people in need are actions toward Christ, the judge himself – an innovative view that is certainly tied to the special circumstances of early Christians. Luke, however, borrows Isaianic motifs, linking freedom for captives with the Messianic Age.
Open Access
The angle of incidence of Paul Roux's catechism — a study on the theology of a French refugee at the Cape
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2003) D’Assonville, V. E.
English: With the Belijdenis of Paul Roux we have an indigenous document of early eighteenth century theological reflection among some French refugees of the first generations at the Cape. It provides us with useful opportunities to analyse the theology of an important part of the history of the Huguenots. In this study, attention is given to the matter of the introductory question of this catechism book with regard to its importance as well as its content. It is argued that the angle of incidence of this catechism is pointing to a shift away from the reformed heritage towards the Aufklärung and Rationalism. Whether this applies to the rest of the Belijdenis in its entirety is not object of this analysis, though.
Open Access
Apocalyptic groups and socially disadvantaged contexts
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2016) De Villiers, P. G. R.
This study investigates the theory that apocalyptic texts originated in, and reflect the convictions and activities of socially disadvantaged groups on the margins of society. After a brief introduction to the nature of this understanding of apocalyptic groups, the article investigates the issue in more depth by analysing an essay on Revelation written by D.H. Lawrence as concrete example of this theory from a nonscholarly perspective, followed by various scholarly readings of apocalyptic groups. In a following section, it analyses various formal, literary, hermeneutical and topical themes questioning the validity of this approach as well as research insights that revealed major weaknesses in this understanding. The article then concludes with an investigation of material that, ironically, indicates that apocalypses generally reflect a learned hermeneutical movement wishing to discover the ongoing relevance of sacred traditions in new situations.
Open Access
Appendix 1 - Diagrams of taxonomy of speech acts
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2015) Ito, Hisayasu
Terms and definitions are taken from Bach and Harnish 1979
Open Access
Appropriating the closure of Jesuit missions: Fritz Hochwälder's Das heilige Experiment
(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2008) Hale, F
English: Since the eighteenth century the history of the Jesuit missionary endeavours in South America, especially their forced closure in 1760s, has been used rhetorically by writers in several genres, providing them with historical evidence to support a variety of latter-day causes. During the Second World War the Viennese Jewish playwright Fritz Hochwälder, then living in exile in Switzerland, followed in this tradition when he wrote his tragedy, Das heilige Experiment. It was a timely plea for toleration and religious freedom. Though almost completely ignored in histories of the Society of Jesus, this work vividly illustrates how a dramatic event in the history of Christianity can speak to subsequent issues. Since the eighteenth century, Jesuit missions in South America, especially the model communities, or reducciónes, established amongst the Guaraní and their forced closure in the 1760s, have served as an arsenal in which writers in several genres have found evidentiary historical weapons for supporting their con temporary causes.1 As I have pointed out elsewhere, when Voltaire had reason to believe that representatives of the Society of Jesus on that continent as well as in Europe were abusing their power and treating people in a manner which violated his sense of dignity and his understanding of the rise of the human race from barbarism to a cultivated state, he pilloried them mercilessly in Candide (1759). On the other hand, when the Jesuits came under fire as the victims of authoritarianism and were banned from several European countries and their colonies overseas, Voltaire could just as readily dash to their defence and seek to call attention to the discrepancy between their accomplishments and the way in which both secular authorities and the Vatican were handling them.2 Much more recently, the renowned screenwriter Robert Bolt adapted his original script for the film The mission (1986) to bolster the defence of Latin American liberation theology.3 In the present article I shall examine how the renowned Austrian Jewish playwright Fritz Hochwälder, no less than other writers who have exploited the same theme, appropriated the closure of the Jesuit missions in his dramatised plea for toleration and religious freedom during the Second World War. His case adds a particularly significant dimension to the testing of this hypothesis because unlike most of the other littérateurs who have dealt with the Jesuits, he did not emerge from even a nominally Christian family, although as a child and young man in Vienna he unquestionably had considerable exposure to Roman Catho licism in a country where the ties between that ecclesiastical tradition and the state had been strong for many centuries. No less importantly, this author wrote in response to direct ethnic and religious oppression and may therefore have be lieved he could empathise, if only by analogy, with the Guaraní to some extent.