African Journals Online
Acta Theologica

Volume 22 Number 2, December 2002
Abstracts 

Waaihoek se N.G. Sendinggemeente in Bloemfontein: 1891-1903: research

Britz, R.M.

Abstract: The Dutch Reformed Mission Church Waaihoek in Bloemfontein: 1891-1903

This article considers the early history of a unique Dutch Reformed mission congregation in the capital of the Free State Republic. Members, especially elder John Fraser of the local "Tweetoringkerk", initiated the establishment of a separate mission congregation in Waaihoek, at that time the non-white residential area of Bloemfontein. In terms of the Ecclesiastical Laws of the Dutch Reformed Church of the Orange Free State, this church was founded in 1891. In 1895, the Waaihoek church, which was related to the (white) Dutch Reformed congregation of Bloemfontein, obtained a religious teacher, who was eventually ordained as missionary in 1897. Tension grew within the congregation because of the influx of black Basotho people who neither understood Dutch nor had the culture of the initial "Coloured" (brown) members. Consequently, the services and the administration of the sacraments (both Baptism and Holy Communion) were held separately. The congregation experienced the Anglo-Boer War in its own way. Their perspective on the War differed from that of those belonging to the white congregation. The Waaihoek congregation had to contend with a neighbouring concentration camp for black people. Ultimately it survived the war.

Renaissance and religion: the Bible in a time of radical change: research

De Villiers, P.G.R.

Abstract: This article investigates how perspectives on religion in Renaissance thought affected their interpretation of the Bible. After a first section on the relevance of seminal characteristics and the social context of the Renaissance to this topic, three approaches to religion by Renaissance authors are outlined. In each of the discussions of these approaches, remarks about the implications of these views for the role and interpretation of the Bible are offered.

Persecution in the book of Revelation: research

De Villiers, P.G.R.

Abstract: In this article attention will be given to scholarly interpretations of persecution in Revelation with special attention to their theoretical, hermeneutical and theological implications. After an introductory discussion of the traditional interpretation of a "real" persecution in a Domitianic setting, attention will be given to the recent theory of "perceived" persecution and its theological implications. This is followed by critical remarks about some theoretical and hermeneutical issues. The article concludes with suggestions for an alternative approach to persecution in Revelation that is more in line with the literary nature of the book and with an accountable hermeneutics.

Marching towards the Cruzada: Douglas Jerrold's road to nationalist Spain: research

Hale, F.

Abstract: The Spanish Civil War pitted British Christians against each other in an intense battle for the hearts and minds of the public. Generally speaking, Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom favoured the insurgency of General Francisco Franco, who promised to restore the disestablished Catholic Church to its perch of privilege from which the socialist government had removed it and end the violent anticlericalism which had ravaged religious personnel in Spain. Perhaps no English Catholic played a more central role in the almost daily war of words in the secular and religious press than Douglas Jerrold (1893-1964), a lay publicist, novelist, and amateur historian whose Tory sentiments and disillusionment with liberal democracy and the course of modern civilisation in general permeated his writing. In the present article, which traces Jerrold's political thought through his fictional and nonfictional work, it is demonstrated that his advocacy of Franco's Nationalist forces was not merely a knee-jerk response to the anticlericalism of 1936 but virtually an inevitable consequence of his commitment to what he termed the "Counter-Revolution" as a means of restoring his vision of an earlier era.

'n Teologies-kritiese beoordeling van die verhouding tussen die objektiewe en die subjektiewe aspekte in die heilstoeëiening by P.F. Theron: research

Abstract: A theological assessment of the relationship between the objective and the subjective aspects in the doctrine of salvation in P.F. Theron's writings

Professor P. F. Theron polemises against the separation between the solisms of the Reformation and the excessive emphasis on subjectivist tendencies concerning salvation within the theological context in which he theologises. He accentuates the unity between the solisms as well as the objective aspects of salvation. He reveals a possible inherent objectivist tendency in his thoughts about the Scriptures by overemphasising the promises of the Scriptures at the expense of the demands of the Scriptures. This tendency influences his thoughts about salvation. The terminology he uses reflects an existential, rather than a rationalist meaningfulness. Both the theological context and the existential meaningfulness of his terminology must be borne in mind in order to avoid illegitimate objective deductions from his writings.

Calvyn oor God se gebruik van middele in sy voorsienigheidshandelinge: research

Potgieter, P.C.

Abstract: Calvin on the use of media in God's acts of providence

Obviously not enough research has been done regarding Calvin's view on the use of media by God in his acts of providence. Read superficially, some passages in his writings suggest that he may even regard the eternal Word and the Spirit of God as media of providence. The context however clearly indicates that this is not the case. But then again the question arises whether he does not see particular attributes of the Word and the Spirit as media of providence. This, however, poses the problem that God's attributes are essential to his being, and thus cannot function as external media. His very frequent use of the Latin term arcanus in conjunction with media of providence suggests that in essence the providential acts of God remain a mystery for us, unless it is - in some instances - revealed to us in his Word.

Eunugs in die Bybel: research

Retief, F.P.; Riekert, S.J.P.K.; Cilliers, J.F.G.

Abstract: In Original Bible texts "eunuch" is described as saris (Old Testament, Hebrew) or eunouchos (New Testament, Greek). However, both words could also mean "official" or "commander". The 38 original Bible references to saris and 2 references to eunouchos were studied in order to determine their meaning in context. In the Septuagint saris was translated as eunouchos, except for Genesis 37:36 and Isaiah 39:7 where spadon was used; in Jeremiah 38:7 Ebed-Melek was described as "he who lived in the king's house"; in Daniel 1 there is reference to archi-eunouchos and archon satrapon. In the Vulgate saris was translated as eunuchus, except for Esther 2:3 where minister is used, and the terms praepositus eunuchorum and praefectus magistratuum in Daniel 1:3- 18 and Daniel 2:48 respectively. In Deuteronomy 23:1 the act of human castration is condemned, without using the word saris, while Leviticus 22:24 refers to animal castration by crushing (Hebrew word katut) of the testes.

It is suggested that saris refers to eunuch in Esther 1:10-12; 2:3, 14; 4:4, 5; 6:14 and 7:8; 2 Kings 20:18; Isaiah 39:1 and 56:3-5. Saris probably meant official or commander in Genesis 37:36, 39:1, 40:27; 1 Kings 22:9; 2 Kings 8:6, 23:11, 24:12; 1 Chronicles 28:1; 2 Chronicles 18:8; 1 Samuel 8:15; Esther 2: 21, 6:2; Jeremiah 34:19, 41:16, 52:25 and Daniel 2:48, 11:18. The meaning of saris is unclear in 2 Kings 9:32, 18:17; Jeremiah 38:7-13, 39:3, 13 and Daniel 1:3, 7, 8-15. The view that Nehemiah was a eunuch (Neh. 1:11) could be based on confusion between the Greek words oinochoos (cupbearer) used by the Septuagint and eunouchos (eunuch). In Acts 8:27-39 the Ethiopian official was probably not a eunuch. Matthew 19:12 refers to three kinds of "eunuchs", viz. castrates, congenital eunuchs and those who voluntarily renounce marriage (asceticism). The latter two concepts are further discussed.

Die verstaan en funksie van die Ou Testament in die kerk (of: kan die kerk klaarkom sonder die Ou Testament?) Deel I: research

Snyman, S.D.

Abstract: The understanding and function of the Old Testament in the church (or can the church do without the Old Testament?)

The question put in this two part article is suggested in the title: can the church do without the Old Testament? In part I of the article an overview and interpretation of the history of research regarding this matter are given. The result of this investigation boils down to two basic answers given: The Old Testament was either totally rejected or narrowed down to a formula like promise-fulfillment; law-gospel; continuity-discontinuity. However well intended, to narrow down the Old Testament to a single formula resulted in viewing the Old Testament only as preliminary, the Word of God for an interim period only and validated by the New Testament. In part II it is argued that both the Old and the New Testament should rather be seen as the complete Word of God where both Testaments stand in need of one another. Old and New Testament stand in a relationship of a simultaneous similarity and dissimilarity. This means that the Old Testament has more than a christological message for members of the church, it has a message of its own that should be heared from the pulpits and in the pastoral care provided by the church.

Die verstaan en funksie van die Ou Testament in die kerk (of: kan die kerk klaarkom sonder die Ou Testament?) Deel II: research

Snyman, S.D.

Abstract: The understanding and function of the Old Testament in the church (or can the church do without the Old Testament?)

The question put in this two part article is suggested in the title: can the church do without the Old Testament? In part I of the article an overview and interpretation of the history of research regarding this matter were given. The result of this investigation boils down to two basic answers given: The Old Testament was either totally rejected or narrowed down to a formula like promise-fulfillment; law-gospel; continuity-discontinuity. However well intended, to narrow down the Old Testament to a single formula resulted in viewing the Old Testament only as preliminary, the Word of God for an interim period only and validated by the New Testament. In part II it is argued that both the Old and the New Testament should rather be seen as the complete Word of God where both Testaments stand in need of one another. Old and New Testament stand in a relationship of a simultaneous similarity and dissimilarity. This means that the Old Testament has more than a christological message for members of the church, it has a message of its own that should be heard from the pulpits and in the pastoral care provided by the church.

Allegorie as argument: Galasiërs 4:21-5:1 in retoriese perspektief: research

Tolmie, D.F.

Abstract: Allegory as argument: Galatians 4:21-5:1 in rhetorical perspective

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.

Godskonsepte tydens pastorale gesprekvoering: research

Van Jaarsveld, F.J.; Janse van Rensburg, J.

Abstract: Concepts of god in pastoral counselling

There are indications that people's concepts of God are not adequately considered in existing models for pastoral counselling. These refer to differences among people's concepts of God as result of their stages of life, personal constructs, and the restructering of inappropriate concepts of God. Research in this regard comprises an evaluation of relevant literature and an empirical investigation. In the literature study a theological anthropology is critically analised, a number of pastoral models evaluated, a theological basic theory formulated and a theory in practice compiled. Evaluation of the empirical research reveals important differences in concepts of God among three groups of individuals in different stages of the adult life cycle, as well as some influence of the individual's personal construct system. These observations result in the postulation of a supplementary model for pastoral counselling.

'n Tegniek vir die identifisering van mense se konsepte van God: research

Van Jaarsveld, F.J.; Janse van Rensburg, J.

Abstract: Man's concepts of God occupy an important place in pastoral counselling. However, the identification of concepts of God is complex. Various efforts are reported. In this article an adjusted form of the repertory grid is discussed as a technique for the identification of man's concepts of God. Empirical research about concepts of God by means of an adjusted form of the repertory grid is reported. This includes the development and evaluation of a category system for the interpretation of personal constructs regarding concepts of God. The results of the empirical research prove the suitability of the adjusted form of the repertory grid for the identification of concepts of God both in individuals and tendencies among groups of individuals.

Die konsepte wat mense van God huldig neem 'n belangrike plek in gedurende pastorale gesprekvoering. Die identifisering van Godskonsepte is egter 'n komplekse saak. Verskeie pogings is reeds aangewend in hierdie verband. In hierdie artikel word 'n aangepaste vorm van die repertoirerooster bespreek as 'n tegniek om mense se Godskonsepte relatief akkuraat en vry van waarnemervooroordeel te bepaal. In 'n literatuurondersoek word die persoonlikekonstruk-teorie en die repertoirerooster bespreek. 'n Empiriese ondersoek na mense se Godskonsepte deur middel van 'n aangepaste vorm van die repertoirerooster word gerapporteer. Dit sluit in die ontwikkeling en evaluering van 'n kategoriestelsel vir die interpretasie van persoonlike konstrukte rakende Godskonsepte. Die resultate wat met die empiriese ondersoek verkry is, toon dat die aangepaste repertoirerooster-tegniek geskik is vir die identifisering van sowel enkel-individue se Godskonsepte as om tendense by groepe individue te bepaal.

Narrative preaching - yet another perspective: research

Van Rensburg, J.J.

Abstract: The theme of narrative preaching has been widely discussed for more than a decade. However, only recently did the interest in this form of communication of the gospel of Jesus Christ become apparent within the congregational context. Ministers increasingly find it necessary to adopt a new approach in preaching. This interest was particularly enhanced by the postmodern emphasis on a hermeneutic approach and the importance of narratives and metaphors. This article endeavours to stimulate further interest on an academic level by researching certain problems necessitating a warning against indulgence of narrative preaching without understanding its nature and challenges. The wrong approach may cause an abuse of narratives and a resistance against any attempt to communicate the gospel in this manner.

Die Nuwe Testament en seksualiteit: research

Van Zyl, H.C.

Abstract: The new testament and sexuality

This article deals with sexuality in the New Testament. In a first movement the line of thought is pursued in which sex in the New Testament is presented as something legitimate and enjoyable. Celibacy also comes into focus. In a next movement forbidden practices are highlighted: extra-marital sex, divorce and homosexuality. Although the emphasis falls on sexuality in the New Testament, guidelines for sexual conduct today are proposed too.

Die bemagtiging van die armes in informele behuisingsgemeenskappe in Mangaung: research

Verster, P.

Abstract: The empowerment of the poor in informal housing units in Mangaung

The serious situation of the poor calls for a new approach. The question is whether the poor can be empowered to alleviate their poverty themselves. In this study focus groups of inhabitants of informal settlements near Bloemfontein, South Africa, were interviewed to ascertain what they regard as their main problems and whether they feel that they can do anything about it. Based on the results it is then suggested that there is indeed the possibility of hope in a desperate situation, and that new hope for the poor opens doors for self-empowerment.