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Item Open Access The uniqueness of Jesus Christ and pluralism from the perspective of the reformed confession(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Strauss, S. A.English: This article investigates the current issue of the relationship between Christian and non-Christian religions in multi-religious societies. The philosophical backgrounds of the pluralistic approach are summarised. Subsequently the (Dutch) Reformed confessions are scrutinised for Biblical guidelines which may be helpful in finding a solution for the problem of being Christians in a multi-religious society. It is argued that pluralism must be rejected, while both inclusivism and exclusivism can also not be accepted uncritically.Item Open Access The covenant in Ulrich Huber's Enlightened theology, jurisprudence and political theory(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Raath, A. W. G.; De Freitas, S. A.English: In this article the 17th century Dutch theorist, Ulrich Huber’s contribution to the concept of the covenant is unveiled. This takes place against the background of the more prominent insights regarding the covenant in 16th and 17th century Western political thought, namely the idea of the Biblical covenant (with the emphasis on the conditional nature of God’s law), and the secular social contract theories stemming from the early Enlightenment. This investigation gains value as a result of its emphasis on the prominence of the covenant in the inextricably linked disciplines of theology, jurisprudence and political theory; as well as its revitalisation of the complicated nature of the covenant. What also comes to the fore is the role of pre-liberalism in the evolution of the classic law of nature and social contractarianism in the early classical development of political theory.Item Open Access The Matthean community according to the beginning of his Gospel(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Viljoen, F. P.English: The social setting of the Gospel according to Matthew remains a much debated issue. The theory of a gentile setting with historical roots within Judaism was met with much opposition in recent times. The expression “the parting of the ways” as introduced by Dunn and popularised by Stanton effectively marks this discussion. However, the relation between the Christian community of Matthew and Judaism remains a much debated issue. Some studies have argued that the Matthean community was sectarian in nature, being in conflict with a larger Jewish social context. From the Gospel it is clear that there was a struggle between the Matthean community and local Jewish communities and leaders. This indicates a distance between a Jewish background and a gentile presence within the community. Matthew views the new People of God as distinct from the nation which rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Within the discussion with regard to the Matthean community, the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20) is often seen as the key to understanding the whole book and particularly the community. However, the importance of the beginning of the Gospel is often neglected in this discussion. In this article I attempt to show the importance of the opening narrative in defining this community.Item Open Access A biblical, cultural and missiological critique of traditional circumcision among Xhosa-speaking Christians(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Papu, J.; Verster, P.English: Among the Xhosa of South Africa, male circumcision remains a very important ritual. The question as to whether Christians should accept these rites and continue to send their children to traditional schools practising it is very important. In this article the implications of the ritual and the way in which proponents use the Bible are evaluated. It is argued that there should be an honest encounter with the rite from a biblical perspective. Solutions should be evaluated and explained. From a Christian perspective total rejection is not possible, but the church should remain faithful to the truth of the gospel.Item Open Access Debating Igbo conversion to Christianity: a critical indigenous view(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Hale, F.English: Since the 1970s the dynamics of conversion have been a focal point of research with regard to the impact of Christianity on traditional African societies. Much of the scholarly debate about the matter has concentrated on West Africa. Such academic authorities as Elizabeth Isichei, Robin Horton, and Caroline Ifeka-Moller provided different theories about the relative importance of various factors. Within the genre of the novel, West African writers like the Ibgos Chinua Achebe, John Munonye, and T. Obinkaram added their voices to the debate through their fictional reconstructions of the confrontation of missionary Christianity and traditional cultures. That of Onuora Nzekwu is explored in this article.Item Open Access Contextualisation of the gospel among Muslims(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Coleman, M.; Verster, P.English: Contextualisation is considered crucial in relating the gospel to culture. However, when reaching Muslims by means of the Christian gospel it is also important to evaluate the concept of contextualisation, as different approaches enable one to understand the mission to Muslims in different ways. There are still divergent views ranging from total rejection of any aspect of the Muslim culture and beliefs to full acceptance of the Muslim religious culture. Various exponents have attempted in different ways to deal with the issue. Phil Parshall is regarded as a leader in this field. This article suggests a holistic Scriptural view rather than accepting contextualisation as a means to relate the gospel to Muslims. This view is intrinsically bound to Scripture and the acceptance of Scripture as the revelation of God. It is argued that Muslims should be approached with great respect while emphasising the true revelation of God in Christ.Item Open Access The crossing of the Jordan according to Josephus(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Begg, C.English: This study offers a detailed examination of Josephus’ retelling (in Ant. 5.16-21) of the account of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan and its immediate sequels found in Joshua 3-5. The investigation uncovers (limited) indications of Josephus’ use of various textforms of the biblical passage. It also calls attention to the range of rewriting techniques applied by Josephus to the source narrative (abbreviations, amplifications, rearrangements, and other modifications) which result in a version of events that is, e.g., much more compact than the biblical one, even while it nuances the portrayal of the story’s characters in a number of respects.Item Open Access Die impak van gepreokkupeerdheid met seksuele aktiwiteit geassosieer met internetgebruik op die gesin - 'n pastorale perspektief(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Coetzer, W.English: Together with the tremendous growth in the number of users of the internet in recent years, there was a corresponding growth in pornographic websites as well as internet sex. According to researchers and counsellors, more and more families and individuals get stuck in this trap, with destructive results for marriages and children. This article focuses on the magnitude of this problem, its progressive character as well as a number of possible causes. Typical behaviour of those addicted to this problem is evaluated as well as the impact of this addiction on sexual intimacy within the marriage. Pastoral guidelines that include a treatment program are discussed and practical hints are suggested. The article is concluded with a number of important websites of organisations that are providing, via the internet, a large quantity of literature and support services.Item Open Access Twee weergawes van die gebed van Salomo (1 Kon. 8 en 2 Kron. 6): 'n vergelykende studie(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) O’Kennedy, D. F.English: Solomon’s prayer is one of the most important prose prayers in the Old Testament. We find this prayer in two different theological and literary traditions of the Bible: 1 Kings 8:22-53 and 2 Chronicles 6:12-42. In the light of these parallel versions one may pose the following questions: What are the similarities and differences between the Kings and Chronicles versions? Did the Chronicler intentionally delete or insert certain passages? Did this influence the portrayal of the most important theological themes in Solomon’s prayer? The article discusses the main differences, especially in 2 Chronicles 6:13 and the last part of the prayer (1 Kings 8:50-51, 53; 2 Chronicles 6:41-42). The insertion of a quotation from Psalm 132 in 2 Chronicles 6:40-42 emphasises the important role that the Davidic covenant played in the theology of the Chronicler. Both versions proclaim the importance of prayer and forgiveness against the background of God’s presence in the temple.Item Open Access 'n Voorgestelde raamwerk vir die skryf van 'n akademiese publikasie: voorbeelde uit die teologiese etiek(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Lategan, L. O. K.English: This article proposes a framework for the writing of an academic article based on a research project. References are made to theological-ethical examples. The framework outlines 12 steps for article writing. These steps are the formulation of a problem, conceptualisation, hypothesis formulation, ethical approval, methodology, philosophical framework, literature review, data capturing, analysis, validation of the hypothesis, summary and literature list. A hypothical example on abortion is used to illustrate how these steps can be employed in writing an article.Item Open Access Gemeentegrense, nuwe gemeente ontwikkeling en kerkverband in die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Celliers, A.English: In this article it is argued that in any system in which membership of a particular congregation is determined by the members themselves through subjective criteria, the relationship between congregations is influenced detrimentally. Subjective criteria are the opposite of objective criteria such as geographical boundaries or different language groups. The same is true when a congregation is not respected as God’s complete church. Beside this, subjective criteria also question God’s providence and also the essential variety of God given gifts that should be present in the congregation in order to function as a complete and healthy Body of Christ. New church development has to take all this into consideration when churches for different culture and generation groups are planted within the borders of existing congregations. It is, after all, not context that is the norm for the church, but God Himself through his Word and Spirit.