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Acta Theologica

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Volume 23, Issue 1, June 2003
ABSTRACTS

 

'n (N.G.) gemeente in "het kamp te Bloemfontein" gedurende die Anglo-Boereoorlog 1900-1903

Britz, R.M.

Abstract: A (Dutch Reformed) congregation in "the camp at Bloemfontein" during the Anglo-Boer War 1900-1903

The two previous editions of Acta Theologica published the stories of the well-known "Tweetoringkerk" and the Dutch Reformed Mission Church of Waaihoek at the time of the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). The present article focuses on the third Bloemfontein Dutch Reformed congregation during that war. This congregation came into existence in the concentration camp on the outskirts of the city. It was ministered to by a number of Dutch Reformed clergymen appointed by the new colonial government. The two Lutheran pastors of Bloemfontein (Grosskopf and Arndt) also served the church in the camp. The congregation was structured along the traditional lines of the Dutch Reformed Church: there was a church council, a Sunday school, prayer meetings, a Christian Endeavour Society, and from time to time special evangelisation meetings. Both Baptism and Holy Communion were administered. The available sources reveal that the theological convictions and approach of the ministers who served in the camp relate to the 19th century (Arminian) evangelicalism (and revivals) that were so popular in America and Great Britain. When the war ended and the camp was demolished in January 1903, this first "macro-church" of Bloemfontein also ceased to exist. The article gives an interesting perspective on the religious ministry in a concentration camp during the Anglo-Boer War.

Die Anglo-Boereoorlog (1899-1902) het die drie Bloemfonteinse N.G.-gemeentes diepgrypend geraak. Hoedat die oorlog op twee hiervan, die Tweetoringkerk en die Sendinggemeente van Waaihoek, ingekom het, is in die vorige uitgawes van Acta Theologica aan die orde gestel. Hierdie artikel fokus op die oorblywende N.G.-gemeente van stad. Dit was 'n besondere gemeente. Hy sou gedurende 1900 ontstaan. Ingedruk in die tentdorpe van die konsentrasiekamp by Spitskop aan die westekant van die stad, het sy lidmate as slagoffers van die oorlog vir byna drie jaar buitengewoon ellendige en droewige omstandighede verduur. Meer as 1600 van hulle, veral kinders, sou die kamp nie oorlewe nie. Die dood, en armoede, het 'n oorheersende rol gespeel. Dit het 'n onuitwisbare merk op die kampgemeente gelaat. Toe die kamp in 1903 opgebreek is en die gemeente weer uiteengeloop het, was dít die een herinnering wat nie in die vergetelheid verlore kon raak nie. In die verhaal van die kampgemeente hieronder is die toespitsing egter op die aard van die teologiese oortuigings onderliggend aan die bediening van die gemeente. Hoe is die evangelie van Christus in 'n situasie van desperate armoede, en onvoorsiene dood, wat so bepalend oor die netjiese rye wit kloktente, sinkhutte en enkele baksteengeboutjies gehang het, gepreek? Is dit kontekstueel aangepas, óf is 'n tradisionele benadering gehandhaaf? Waar het die leraars die aksent gelê in hulle uitleg van die Skrif aan lidmate van gereformeerde belydenis? Hoe hét dit in die kamp, veral toe dit 'n geslote konsentrasiekamp nader aan die einde van 1900 geword het, met ander woorde, teologies daaraan toegegaan?

Keywords: Anglo-Boereoorlog en die kerk, Bloemfontein, Konsentrasiekamp, Kampgemeente, Gemeente en oorlog, Vrystaat, Herlewing, Anglo-Boer War and the church, Concentration camp, Camp church, Congregation and war, Free State, Revival, Revivalism

 

 

Die geheim van die prediking: om mondig te word

Cilliers, J.

Abstract: The secret of preaching: finding your voice on the pulpit

This article contends that preaching is a speech-act in which the voice of the preacher - symbol of his or her personality and spirituality - has an important role to play. It argues that the voice of the preacher is a factor not to be overlooked in the dynamic structure of communication, and should be cultivated in a theologically responsible manner. The function of the voice of the preacher should, however, not be understood as a new, homiletical moralism, but in its relationship to (a) the salvation works of God, (b) the relational integrity of the preacher, (c) the integration of prayer within the framework of the preacher's theology, and (d) a life of virtue before God. The main thrust of the argument is that preaching is constituted simultaneously by a deeply human and profoundly divine activity in the life of the church.

Hierdie artikel gaan uit van die oortuiging dat prediking 'n spraakgebeure is waarin die stem van die prediker - simbool van sy of haar persoonlikheid en spiritualiteit - 'n belangrike rol het om te speel. Die stem van die prediker mag nie misken word in die dinamiese struktuur van kommunikasie nie, en moet inteendeel op 'n teologies verantwoorde wyse gekultiveer word. Hierdie rol van die stem van die prediker mag egter nie verstaan word as 'n nuwe homiletiese moralisme nie, maar in relasie tot (a) die verlossingswerke van God, (b) die verhoudingsintegriteit van die prediker, (c) die integrasie van gebed binne die raamwerk van die prediker se teologie, en (d) die deugdelike bestaan voor God. Die kern van die artikel rus op die veronderstelling dat prediking uit beide 'n waarlik menslike én Goddelike handeling bestaan.

Keywords: Homiletiek, Persoonlikheid, Spiritualiteit, Gebed, Etos, Homiletics, Personality, Sprituality, Prayer, Ethos

 

 

Faith, hope and love - a missionary perspective on three seminal motifs in 1 Thessalonians 1: 3

De Villiers, P.G.R.

Abstract: Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians is often regarded as providing pastoral support to them in a time of anxiety and stress. Focussing on the introductory part of the thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-5, this article investigates facets of the text that are neglected because of this reading. It analyses certain qualities ascribed to the Thessalonian believers in the first part of the thanksgiving. The qualities are first of all investigated in their general religious sense and, secondly, in terms of their results. In a concluding section the function of this portrait is spelled out.

Keywords: 1 Thessalonians 1: 3, Exegesis, Mission, 1 Tessalonisense 1: 3, Eksegese, Sending

 

 

The Great Trek as exodus in J.D. Kestell's and N. Hofmeyr's De voortrekkers of Het Dagboek van Izak van der Merwe

Hale, F.

Abstract: Both before and after the end of the nineteenth century the Great Trek of the 1830s and 1840s was a recurrent theme in historical fiction. Not only in many of the novels written in Dutch and Afrikaans, but also in some which appeared in English, the bravery of the Voortrekkers was a pivotal theme. Often merged with this heroic motif was an identification of the Voortrekkers with the Israelites of the Old Testament. This thematic dualism reached its zenith in De Voortrekkers of Het Dagboek van Izak van der Merwe, whose authors, John Daniel Kestell en Nico Hofmeyr, both of whom were Dutch Reformed ministers, constructed the Great Trek as a post-figurative Exodus.

Voor die einde van die negentiende eeu en selfs daarna was die Groot Trek van die agtiendertiger en -veertiger jare 'n herhaaldelike tema in historiese romans. In talle van die romans wat in Nederlands en Afrikaans geskryf is, en in 'n mindere mate ook die wat in Engels verskyn het, is die dapperheid van die Voortrekkers beklemtoon. Saam met die heldhaftige beeld was nog 'n prominente tema die identifikasie van die Voortrekkers met die Israeliete van die Ou Testament. Die hoogtepunt van die tema is in De Voortrekkers of Het Dagboek van Izak van der Merwe bereik, waarin die skrywers, John Daniel Kestell en Nico Hofmeyr, altwee N.G.-predikante, die Groot Trek as 'n latere Eksodus beskou het.

Keywords: South African history, Voortrekkers, Great Trek, J. D. Kestell, N. Hofmeyr, Exodus, Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis, Groot Trek, Eksodus

 

 

Vernuwing in die kerklied: die Liedboek van die Kerk (2001)

Kloppers, E.C.

Abstract: Renewal in hymnody: the new hymnal in Afrikaans (2001)

Renewal in hymnody and an "explosion" of hymns are taking place world-wide. Many new hymnals were published in the past decades. A new hymnal in Afrikaans, Liedboek van die Kerk, was also taken into use during 2001. In this article certain aspects of renewal reflected in this hymnal are discussed and related to world-wide tendencies. Aspects discussed are liturgical forms and hymns handed down from the early history of the church; forms promoting more active participation; ecumenicity; diversity and plurality to accommodate various groups and generations; the versification of the Psalter; the rubrication; and the formation of liturgists. It is shown which aspects were addressed successfully and which should receive more attention in future.

Keywords: Himnologie, Vernuwing, Suid-Afrika, Liedboek van die Kerk (2001), Hymnody, Renewal, South Africa

 

 

Psalm 1-50 in Afrikaans. 'n Korpusgebaseerde vertaalkundige analise

Naude, J.A.

Abstract: Psalms 1-50 in Afrikaans. An analysis within corpus-based translation studies

Corpus-based research in translation involves using computerised corpora to study translated text and is concerned with revealing both the universal and the specific features of translation. A corpus of Bible translations and religious literature is in a process of being established at the University of the Free State. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the vocabulary of the translation of Psalms 1-50 in various Afrikaans Bible translations within corpus-based translation studies. The way in which corpus processing techniques could be utilised to investigate the vocabulary of the translation of Psalms 1-50 will be discussed.

Korpusgebaseerde navorsing in vertaling behels die gebruik van gerekenariseerde korpora om vertaalde teks te bestudeer en is gemoeid met die ontdekking van beide die universele en spesifieke kenmerke van vertaling. 'n Korpus van Bybelvertalings en religieuse literatuur word tans by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat opgestel. Die doel van hierdie artikel is om die aard van die woordeskat van die vertaling van Psalms 1-50 in verskillende Afrikaanse Bybelvertalings binne die raamwerk van korpusgebaseerde vertaalkunde te ondersoek. Die manier waarop korpusprosesseringstegnieke gebruik kan word om die woordeskat van Psalms 1-50 te ondersoek, sal bespreek word.

Keywords: Vertaalkunde, Bybelvertaling, Psalms 1-50, Korpusgebaseerde vertaalkunde, Translation studies, Bible translation, Corpus-based translation studies

 

 

Narratologiese ondersoek na Daniël 1: God beloon getrouheid

Nel, M.

Abstract: A narratological analysis of Daniel 1: God rewards loyalty

The hypothesis of this article is that a narratological analysis of Daniel 1 may be useful in understanding it. Daniel 1 is a narrative without historical foundation and should be read and interpreted as literature. Whereas the tales in the Daniel book pretend to be about historical figures, they are literary tales that encourage people in a historical crisis situation. In the narratological synthesis the following elements are investigated in terms of their contribution to the tale: the narrator and his / her theological outlook; the temporal, spatial and social settings of the tale; the characters in the tale, and the plot which is a plot within a plot. The narratological discussion implies that Daniel 1 conveys the message: God is in control of what is happening with His people. His reign is sovereign. He is where His children are. His children are there because He put them there. His people have the responsibility to serve and honour Him even in the strange country of exile. He uses them in that country. and He blesses them there. He is the great God.

Keywords: Ou-Testamentiese eksegese, Daniel 1, Narratologie, Old Testament exegesis, Narratology

 

 

Vergifnis in die gebed van Daniël (Dan. 9:4-19)

O'Kennedy, D.F.

Abstract: Forgiveness in the prayer of Daniel (Dan 9: 4-19)

Daniel 9: 4-19 is one of the important penitential prayers in the Old Testament. This prayer has been investigated from different perspectives, but the theological dimension of forgiveness is often neglected. In this article the understanding of divine forgiveness is studied and the following important elements are emphasised: (1) Forgiveness cannot be limited to one specific historical context; (2) The motivation for forgiveness does not lie in the people's obedience, but in God's grace and mercy; (3) The structure and content of the prayer implies that confession of guilt is an important element in the process of forgiveness. Everyone is guilty - the guilt is not placed on a certain person or king (cf. v. 7); (4) Forgiveness is meant for the "international" Israel and not limited to a specific geographical area.

Keywords: Ou Testament, Gebed, Vergifnis, Daniel 9: 4-19, Old Testament, Prayer, Forgiveness

 

 

Law, religion and the covenanted community: the impact of the Zurich Reformation on the early Cape settlement, 1652-1708

Raath, A.W.G.

Abstract: The Zurich Reformation was actively supported by the Dutch East India Company in its care for the religious, political and legal needs of the early Cape settlement. Not only the promotion of the Reformed religion by the Classis of Amsterdam but also the political and legal interests of the settlement were advanced on the basis of the Zurich reformation and its emphasis on the covenant. It was Huldrych Zwingli and his successor Heinrich Bullinger whose idea of the covenanted community served as the blueprint for the activities of the Sick Comforters, the proceedings of the Council of Justice and the decisions of the Council of Policy, rather than the influence of the Genevan reformer John Calvin. The so-called Calvinistic roots of the early settlement at the Cape, flowing from Calvin's doctrine of predestination, must therefore, be thoroughly revisited.

Keywords: South African history, 1652-1708, Law & religion, Zwingli, Bullinger, Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis, Wet & godsdiens

 

 

Die 1983 Afrikaanse Bybelvertaling in die lig van huidige tendense en behoeftes

Snyman, A.H.

Abstract: The 1983 Afrikaans Bible translation in the light of the current trends and needs

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.

Tydens 'n symposium oor huidige tendense in Bybelvertaling wat in Augustus 2001 gehou is, het dit duidelik geblyk dat linguistiese teorieë, wat die vertaaltoneel oorheers het toe die 1983-vertaling verskyn het, vervang is met funksionalistiese benaderings en deskriptiewe vertaalkunde. Die verskil tussen hierdie benaderings is geleë in hulle verhouding tot die bronteks: linguistiese teoretici beskou die bronteks as die norm en evalueer enige vertaling in terme van ekwivalensie aan die bronteks. Daarteenoor beskou die funksionalistiese teoretici 'n vertaling as 'n nuwe kommunikatiewe handeling wat aan die doel van die vertaler se kliënte en lesers moet beantwoord, terwyl voorstaanders van deskriptiewe vertaalkunde 'n teks as 'n vertaling beskou wanneer dit as sodanig funksioneer in die ontvangers se kultuur en literêre sisteem. 'n Onlangse ondersoek na die behoefte aan 'n nuwe Afrikaanse vertaling het aangetoon dat daar 'n behoefte aan verskeie soorte vertalings bestaan. Die meeste respondente was tevrede met die 1983-vertaling en wou nie 'n nuwe een hê nie. Dit het egter ook duidelik geword dat die 1983-vertaling nie geskik is vir liturgiese gebruik in al die Afrikaanse kerke nie. Soos in die geval van die nuwe Nederlandse Bybelvertalingprojek, is daar 'n spesiefieke behoefte aan 'n vertaling wat die literêre vorme en strukture van die brontale weerspieël en so veel as moontlik die oorspronklike beeldspraak en metafore waar funksioneel, in hedendaagse Afrikaans behou. Die Kerklike Advieskomitee: Afrikaanse Vertalings beveel by kerke aan dat 'n nuwe vertaling nie op die stadium onderneem word nie, maar dat navorsing voortgaan en proefvertalings gepubliseer word ten einde konsensus oor die tipe vertaling te bereik. In die lig van bogenoemde tendense en behoeftes, word die aanbeveling sterk gesteun. Wanneer konsensus bereik is, behoort 'n duidelike opdrag die vertaalproses te rig.

Keywords: Bybelvertaling, Vertaalteorie, Afrikaanse taal, 1983-vertaling, Bible translation, Theory of translation, Afrikaans language, Afrikaans Bible translation

 

 

"Beset", "besete" of "beserk"?: besinning oor enkele begrippe binne die kerklike diens van bevryding van bose magte

Theron, J.P.J.

Abstract: "Possession" and "demon-possessed" as problematic concepts within the church's ministry of deliverance from evil forces

Concepts used in literature with regard to the church's ministry of deliverance from evil spirits are discussed. The inadequacies of the terms "demon-possessed" and "possession" and its Afrikaans equivalents in this context, insofar as they sometimes denote "ownership" or "heavy manifestation", are pointed out. The ways in which Bible translators have dealt with these problems are scrutinised. Alternative terms are offered as part of the development of a relevant practical theological theory.

Keywords: Praktiese teologie, Bediening van bevryding, Besetenheid, Bybelvertaling, Practical Theology, Ministry of deliverance, Demon-possession, Bible translation

 

 

Die betekenis en funksie van die himnes in Openbaring 4-11

Viljoen, F.P.

Abstract: Die vertelling van die gebeure in Openbaring 4-11 kon waarskynlik in die uiterste sin sonder die himnes geaktualiseer gewees het. Die totale kommunikatiewe en estetiese effek kon egter nie daarsonder bereik word nie. Die intrige ontwikkel binne 'n sterk liturgiese konteks. Die himnes maak 'n appél op die veronderstelde lesers om nie 'n passiewe rol te speel nie, maar baie aktief deel te neem. Die himnes bied bemoedigende woorde en deurgaans die scenario van die finale oorwinning, een waarin die veronderstelde lesers 'n aktiewe rol speel. Daarom funksioneer die himnes deurgaans terapeuties. Die himnes handel oor die tema van die soewereiniteit van God en die Lam, sy koms om te oordeel en die vestiging van die koninkryk waarin die gelowiges 'n plek kry. Die himnes bied kommentaar op die intrige van Openbaring en bied belangrike informasie wat die leser help om sin te maak uit die ontwikkeling van die gebeur. Die gebruik van die himnes in Openbaring bied bruikbare riglyne vir die gebruik van liedere in die liturgie vandag.

The meaning and function of the hymns in Revelation 4-11

The plotted actions in Revelation 4-11 could be actualised in the strict sense without the hymns, but the total communicative and esthetic effect could not be achieved without them. The plot develops in a strong liturgical context. The hymns summon the implied readers not to play a passive role, but rather an active one. The hymns are reassuring, constantly representing a scenario of final victory, one in which the implied reader plays an active role. The hymns are thus therapeutic throughout. They revolve around the theme of the sovereignity of God and the Lamb, his coming in judgement and the establishment of the kingdom of the saints. The hymns comment on the plot of the Apocalypse and provide important information which helps the reader to decipher the ensuing events. The hymns in Revelation provide useful guidelines for the use of songs in the liturgy.

Keywords: Lofprysing, Erediens, Himnes, Narratief, Openbaring 4-11, Worship, Worship services, Hymns, Narrative, Revelation 4-11