Among Nigerian Christians, there is a clash of doctrine and reality revolving around the question of the correct Christian attitude towards traditional medicine. The clash resides in the fact that, while most of them consult traditional healers, especially in critical health situations, some still hold that, using traditional medicine, contradicts the Christian faith. Employing the descriptive approach, this article attempted to reconcile the use of African traditional medicine with the Christian faith. This research found that Western missionaries condemned African healing practices, teaching that Christians should find healing only at the hospitals and in Christian prayer. However, African converts continued to rely on native healers, particularly for ailments for which Western medicine was ineffective – a practice which continues till date in Nigeria. Moreover, many Nigerian Christians, especially the Aladura group, still believe that sometimes ailments have supernatural causes, and therefore combine African and Christian methods for healing. This article postulated that this approach to healing is appropriate because it is not offensive to the Christian faith and provides alternatives for Christian patients.Contribution: This article is a contribution in Christian ethics. It argues that a solution to the clash between doctrine and reality in Nigerian Christians’ attitude to African traditional medicine is to adopt traditional African healing practices that are not offensive to the Christian faith.
{"title":"Issues of doctrine and reality in Christian attitude towards traditional medicine in Nigeria","authors":"S. Ademiluka","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3047","url":null,"abstract":"Among Nigerian Christians, there is a clash of doctrine and reality revolving around the question of the correct Christian attitude towards traditional medicine. The clash resides in the fact that, while most of them consult traditional healers, especially in critical health situations, some still hold that, using traditional medicine, contradicts the Christian faith. Employing the descriptive approach, this article attempted to reconcile the use of African traditional medicine with the Christian faith. This research found that Western missionaries condemned African healing practices, teaching that Christians should find healing only at the hospitals and in Christian prayer. However, African converts continued to rely on native healers, particularly for ailments for which Western medicine was ineffective – a practice which continues till date in Nigeria. Moreover, many Nigerian Christians, especially the Aladura group, still believe that sometimes ailments have supernatural causes, and therefore combine African and Christian methods for healing. This article postulated that this approach to healing is appropriate because it is not offensive to the Christian faith and provides alternatives for Christian patients.Contribution: This article is a contribution in Christian ethics. It argues that a solution to the clash between doctrine and reality in Nigerian Christians’ attitude to African traditional medicine is to adopt traditional African healing practices that are not offensive to the Christian faith.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"140 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140686421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A reflection on the identity of the club of Yahweh in Jeremiah 51:20: This article reflected on the identity of the club of Yahweh referred to in Jeremiah 51 v.20. Various solutions have been offered. These solutions generally have a decisive effect on the interpretation as well as the translation of Jeremiah 51 vv. 20–23. This article commenced with an examination of Jeremiah 51 vv. 20–23. Subsequently, the immediate context of Jeremiah 51 vv.20–23, namely the other oracles against Babylon in Jeremiah vv. 50–51, was used as an interpretative lens. Attention was specifically paid to possible catchword connections with the surrounding material. The immediate context of the club song suggests that the Medes should be identified as the club of Yahweh. The translation of Jeremiah 51vv.20–23 in the Afrikaans 2020-Bible translation should therefore be preferred. The author of Jeremiah 51v.20 deliberately does not disclose the identity of the club in order to emphasise Yahweh’s sovereignty. Yahweh would bring about the demise of the Neo-Babylonian empire. The Median king was merely the instrument used by Yahweh to bring about the downfall of Babylon.Contribution: This article demonstrated that the club song in Jeremiah 51vv.20–23 emphasises that Yahweh is sovereign – a notion prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Yahweh would use a nation from the north as club to destroy Babylon.
{"title":"’n Besinning oor die identiteit van die knuppel van die HERE in Jeremia 51:20","authors":"Marius D. Terblanche","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3059","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3059","url":null,"abstract":"A reflection on the identity of the club of Yahweh in Jeremiah 51:20: This article reflected on the identity of the club of Yahweh referred to in Jeremiah 51 v.20. Various solutions have been offered. These solutions generally have a decisive effect on the interpretation as well as the translation of Jeremiah 51 vv. 20–23. This article commenced with an examination of Jeremiah 51 vv. 20–23. Subsequently, the immediate context of Jeremiah 51 vv.20–23, namely the other oracles against Babylon in Jeremiah vv. 50–51, was used as an interpretative lens. Attention was specifically paid to possible catchword connections with the surrounding material. The immediate context of the club song suggests that the Medes should be identified as the club of Yahweh. The translation of Jeremiah 51vv.20–23 in the Afrikaans 2020-Bible translation should therefore be preferred. The author of Jeremiah 51v.20 deliberately does not disclose the identity of the club in order to emphasise Yahweh’s sovereignty. Yahweh would bring about the demise of the Neo-Babylonian empire. The Median king was merely the instrument used by Yahweh to bring about the downfall of Babylon.Contribution: This article demonstrated that the club song in Jeremiah 51vv.20–23 emphasises that Yahweh is sovereign – a notion prevalent in the book of Jeremiah. Yahweh would use a nation from the north as club to destroy Babylon.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"99 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140740725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article investigates the attribute of God’s wisdom in Matthew’s Gospel as personified in the ministry of his Son, Jesus. This Gospel identifies Jesus as ‘Immanuel’. He is ‘God with us’. The focus falls on several statements exhibiting wisdom motifs that are either uttered by or ascribed to Jesus. These statements are quite puzzling and continue to evoke scholarly discussion. The central theoretical argument of this article is that these statements cannot be fully understood without considering the echoes of the Jewish context exhibited in them. The objective of his investigation is to demonstrate how the recognition of similarities between the statements in Matthew and in Jewish literature contribute towards the understanding of wisdom statements in the Matthean Gospel. This article therefore begins by identifying key wisdom motifs within Jewish tradition, followed by an investigation of wisdom sayings in Matthew. Parallels in Luke are considered to sharpen peculiarities of Matthew’s narration. From this investigation it became clear that the ministry of Jesus in Matthew is met with similar reactions as that of Wisdom in Jewish literature. The article accentuates a significant dimension of Matthew’s Christology. Matthew vindicates Jesus against his opponents and justifies Jesus’ acceptance within the Matthean community. For this community, he is not only recognised as wise teacher, but even the one who reveals and personifies wisdom. As ‘Immanuel’, he presents the attribute of God’s wisdom.Contribution: This article contributes to the ongoing scholarly discussion of several puzzling and seemingly obscure statements echoing wisdom motifs, either attributed to or uttered by Jesus.
{"title":"Jesus as the personification of God’s wisdom in Matthew","authors":"F. Viljoen","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3027","url":null,"abstract":"This article investigates the attribute of God’s wisdom in Matthew’s Gospel as personified in the ministry of his Son, Jesus. This Gospel identifies Jesus as ‘Immanuel’. He is ‘God with us’. The focus falls on several statements exhibiting wisdom motifs that are either uttered by or ascribed to Jesus. These statements are quite puzzling and continue to evoke scholarly discussion. The central theoretical argument of this article is that these statements cannot be fully understood without considering the echoes of the Jewish context exhibited in them. The objective of his investigation is to demonstrate how the recognition of similarities between the statements in Matthew and in Jewish literature contribute towards the understanding of wisdom statements in the Matthean Gospel. This article therefore begins by identifying key wisdom motifs within Jewish tradition, followed by an investigation of wisdom sayings in Matthew. Parallels in Luke are considered to sharpen peculiarities of Matthew’s narration. From this investigation it became clear that the ministry of Jesus in Matthew is met with similar reactions as that of Wisdom in Jewish literature. The article accentuates a significant dimension of Matthew’s Christology. Matthew vindicates Jesus against his opponents and justifies Jesus’ acceptance within the Matthean community. For this community, he is not only recognised as wise teacher, but even the one who reveals and personifies wisdom. As ‘Immanuel’, he presents the attribute of God’s wisdom.Contribution: This article contributes to the ongoing scholarly discussion of several puzzling and seemingly obscure statements echoing wisdom motifs, either attributed to or uttered by Jesus.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"18 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140366928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Worship services display the spiritual stand of the Dutch Reformed Church. In theological and clerical circles, it is accepted that the content of church services in Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) congregations shows its spiritual state as a church, or the basic convictions of its Christian faith. From their General Synod as the broadest assembly in this church, stipulations of the DRC Church Order, as well as other resolutions about church services, are accepted to be implemented by congregations. From personal experiences during visits to congregations, the author came to the conclusion that there are tendencies in these church services that are no longer in accordance with its church order and the viewpoints of its General Synod, regarding church services. These tendencies lead to a derailing of the biblical lines of church services. It also indicates a lack of loyalty in this regard, by ministers of the DRC. What it boils down to, is that church services indicate the spiritual stand of the DRC.Contribution: This article shows that church services show the spiritual approach and practice of churches. It states a principle for Reformed churches, and its critique on the Dutch Reformed Church aims at a reformation. The article stresses that the integration of the confessions of a church, as well as the understanding of the church, reflects in the services.
{"title":"Eredienste vertoon die geestelike stand van die NG Kerk","authors":"P. Strauss","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3025","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3025","url":null,"abstract":"Worship services display the spiritual stand of the Dutch Reformed Church. In theological and clerical circles, it is accepted that the content of church services in Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) congregations shows its spiritual state as a church, or the basic convictions of its Christian faith. From their General Synod as the broadest assembly in this church, stipulations of the DRC Church Order, as well as other resolutions about church services, are accepted to be implemented by congregations. From personal experiences during visits to congregations, the author came to the conclusion that there are tendencies in these church services that are no longer in accordance with its church order and the viewpoints of its General Synod, regarding church services. These tendencies lead to a derailing of the biblical lines of church services. It also indicates a lack of loyalty in this regard, by ministers of the DRC. What it boils down to, is that church services indicate the spiritual stand of the DRC.Contribution: This article shows that church services show the spiritual approach and practice of churches. It states a principle for Reformed churches, and its critique on the Dutch Reformed Church aims at a reformation. The article stresses that the integration of the confessions of a church, as well as the understanding of the church, reflects in the services.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"74 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140232545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article examined the concept and notability of mimetic desire in Augustine’s autobiographical work Confessiones. Mimetic desire is based primarily on the knowledge that there is a Perfect Being, viz. God, ideal forms (in Platonic idiom), which may be known and imitated by humans. Mimesis demonstrates that humans have a natural capacity and tendency to imitate and possess what others have. Despite this, in popular culture, mimesis has the connotation of feyness and is discouraged in place of inventiveness. The culture and spirit of our day promote originality and inventiveness without an understanding of the human nature and its inherent mimetic desires. The concept of mimetic desire is rooted in Rene Girard’s theory of anthropology but can be traced back as far as Plato’s Republic. Therefore, this interdisciplinary concept has been explored through Augustine’s narratological composition of Confessiones. The introspective tone and cultural forming narratives that make up Confessiones were succinctly examined in the context of mimetic theory. The triangular structure of mimetic desire was further explored to gain a better understanding of how Augustine relied on mimesis in his conversion to Christianity. The choice of imitating authentic models led to Augustine’s moral renewal, and likewise such implications are relevant to modern-day Christians. Moreover, this article aims to promote the concept of mimesis as an ideal practise concerning human nature and conditioning, towards a virtuous and morally acceptable society. The results of this article underline the importance of narrative theory and friendship in developing positive cultures through mimesis. Through contrasting Augustine’s earlier Manichaean life and his later Christian life, an illustration of mimetic desire can be drawn, and for Augustine, this could only mean Christ.Contribution: This article contributes to the ongoing interdisciplinary studies of ontology, anthropology, theology, and sociology. By interpreting or reading Augustine’s Confessiones through the lens of mimetic desire, this article offers an alternative perspective on Augustine’s natural theology and virtue ethics. It further presents the conceptual framework of mimesis on Christian and Platonist praxis of the ideal forms. Moreover, the article of the narratological composition of Confessiones expounds the importance of interpersonal relationships in our spiritual growth. The triangular structure of mimesis was further expounded in the context of interior life, viz. interior homo [inner man] as the ultimate model.
{"title":"Mimetic desire in Augustine’s Confessiones as a model for natural theology and virtue ethics","authors":"Godfrey T. Baleng","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3030","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3030","url":null,"abstract":"This article examined the concept and notability of mimetic desire in Augustine’s autobiographical work Confessiones. Mimetic desire is based primarily on the knowledge that there is a Perfect Being, viz. God, ideal forms (in Platonic idiom), which may be known and imitated by humans. Mimesis demonstrates that humans have a natural capacity and tendency to imitate and possess what others have. Despite this, in popular culture, mimesis has the connotation of feyness and is discouraged in place of inventiveness. The culture and spirit of our day promote originality and inventiveness without an understanding of the human nature and its inherent mimetic desires. The concept of mimetic desire is rooted in Rene Girard’s theory of anthropology but can be traced back as far as Plato’s Republic. Therefore, this interdisciplinary concept has been explored through Augustine’s narratological composition of Confessiones. The introspective tone and cultural forming narratives that make up Confessiones were succinctly examined in the context of mimetic theory. The triangular structure of mimetic desire was further explored to gain a better understanding of how Augustine relied on mimesis in his conversion to Christianity. The choice of imitating authentic models led to Augustine’s moral renewal, and likewise such implications are relevant to modern-day Christians. Moreover, this article aims to promote the concept of mimesis as an ideal practise concerning human nature and conditioning, towards a virtuous and morally acceptable society. The results of this article underline the importance of narrative theory and friendship in developing positive cultures through mimesis. Through contrasting Augustine’s earlier Manichaean life and his later Christian life, an illustration of mimetic desire can be drawn, and for Augustine, this could only mean Christ.Contribution: This article contributes to the ongoing interdisciplinary studies of ontology, anthropology, theology, and sociology. By interpreting or reading Augustine’s Confessiones through the lens of mimetic desire, this article offers an alternative perspective on Augustine’s natural theology and virtue ethics. It further presents the conceptual framework of mimesis on Christian and Platonist praxis of the ideal forms. Moreover, the article of the narratological composition of Confessiones expounds the importance of interpersonal relationships in our spiritual growth. The triangular structure of mimesis was further expounded in the context of interior life, viz. interior homo [inner man] as the ultimate model.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"48 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140264571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This article aims to address the gap in research on ecclesiastical and pastoral care for congregational members dependent on government grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It emphasises the impact of the dire socio-economic circumstances of congregants, and the role it plays in the life of the ordained pastor of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), navigating through the dynamics on their daily realities. The primary question addressed is: What amount of care is possible from the side of the church and the pastor to deal with SASSA related problems experienced by congregants? It is based on two types of data: firstly, five semi-structured interviews conducted with five women, three of them mothers who receive a Child Support Grant, and two grandmothers whose teenage daughters receive this grant. A second data set consists of recollections by a pastor who ministers in a community where the only income of most of the inhabitants is SASSA Grant related. Seven stories are told of pastoring needs related to SASSA Grant holders. Applying Narrative Therapy as method, data was analysed and nine themes emerged: (1) The church acknowledging and managing the needs of mothers; (2) the church providing a ‘haven’ for young mothers harassed by the father of the child; (3) pastoring domestic unrest among older grant holders; (4) pastoring congregants who are scammed out of a SASSA Grant; (5) supporting congregants who escape domestic violence through SASSA; (6) the church co-ordinating between significant others; (7) pastoring honour and shame; (8) protecting the elderly; and (9) pastoring conflicting cultural expectations vis-à-vis the SASSA Grant. This article concludes with a summary of and recommendations on ecclesiastico-pastoral care for SASSA Grant holders.Contribution: This article emphasises the importance of a multi-dimensional, non-theoretical approach in providing insight into the reality of ecclesiastical-pastoral care of congregants – care that extends beyond spiritual well-being to the livelihoods of vulnerable communities with various socio-economic needs, particularly those solely dependent on government grants.
{"title":"Ecclesiastico-pastoral care for social security grant holders in South Africa","authors":"Christina Landman","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3017","url":null,"abstract":"This article aims to address the gap in research on ecclesiastical and pastoral care for congregational members dependent on government grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). It emphasises the impact of the dire socio-economic circumstances of congregants, and the role it plays in the life of the ordained pastor of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA), navigating through the dynamics on their daily realities. The primary question addressed is: What amount of care is possible from the side of the church and the pastor to deal with SASSA related problems experienced by congregants? It is based on two types of data: firstly, five semi-structured interviews conducted with five women, three of them mothers who receive a Child Support Grant, and two grandmothers whose teenage daughters receive this grant. A second data set consists of recollections by a pastor who ministers in a community where the only income of most of the inhabitants is SASSA Grant related. Seven stories are told of pastoring needs related to SASSA Grant holders. Applying Narrative Therapy as method, data was analysed and nine themes emerged: (1) The church acknowledging and managing the needs of mothers; (2) the church providing a ‘haven’ for young mothers harassed by the father of the child; (3) pastoring domestic unrest among older grant holders; (4) pastoring congregants who are scammed out of a SASSA Grant; (5) supporting congregants who escape domestic violence through SASSA; (6) the church co-ordinating between significant others; (7) pastoring honour and shame; (8) protecting the elderly; and (9) pastoring conflicting cultural expectations vis-à-vis the SASSA Grant. This article concludes with a summary of and recommendations on ecclesiastico-pastoral care for SASSA Grant holders.Contribution: This article emphasises the importance of a multi-dimensional, non-theoretical approach in providing insight into the reality of ecclesiastical-pastoral care of congregants – care that extends beyond spiritual well-being to the livelihoods of vulnerable communities with various socio-economic needs, particularly those solely dependent on government grants.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140440677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Encounterology is a missiological approach to the theology of religions that was developed by J.N.J. Kritzinger – a South African missiologist. The approach recognises the encounter between people of different faiths or religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and others. Encounterology is a theology of a particular interfaith encounter that is relevant to the theology of religions. Encounterology is discussed here as a theology relevant to addressing the differences that exist between Christian denominations and their theological approaches. This article engages encounterology from a Pentecostal theological perspective to develop an authentic and transformative Pentecostal theology of encounters. This article builds from the Pentecostal theology of encounters with the Holy Spirit and fellow human beings into the development of the theology of interreligious encounters. In addition, encounterology is relevant in Pentecostalism in the encounters between the movement and other Christian traditions. Therefore, the theology of religions should consider not only exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist approaches, but also encounterology as an authentic and transformative approach for both interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.Contribution: This article used encounterology as an important framework for a Pentecostal theology of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue. This article has made a new contribution to the theology of religions in the methodological and theoretical field in proposing encounterology to existing approaches such as exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist approaches.
{"title":"Missiology as encounterology: Pentecostal considerations","authors":"M. S. Kgatle","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3032","url":null,"abstract":"Encounterology is a missiological approach to the theology of religions that was developed by J.N.J. Kritzinger – a South African missiologist. The approach recognises the encounter between people of different faiths or religions such as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and others. Encounterology is a theology of a particular interfaith encounter that is relevant to the theology of religions. Encounterology is discussed here as a theology relevant to addressing the differences that exist between Christian denominations and their theological approaches. This article engages encounterology from a Pentecostal theological perspective to develop an authentic and transformative Pentecostal theology of encounters. This article builds from the Pentecostal theology of encounters with the Holy Spirit and fellow human beings into the development of the theology of interreligious encounters. In addition, encounterology is relevant in Pentecostalism in the encounters between the movement and other Christian traditions. Therefore, the theology of religions should consider not only exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist approaches, but also encounterology as an authentic and transformative approach for both interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.Contribution: This article used encounterology as an important framework for a Pentecostal theology of interreligious and ecumenical dialogue. This article has made a new contribution to the theology of religions in the methodological and theoretical field in proposing encounterology to existing approaches such as exclusivist, inclusivist and pluralist approaches.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"27 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139594404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The importance of comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism. It is known that the Heidelberg Catechism is one of the many catechisms that originated during the 16th-century Reformation. It is also known that the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism made use of existing catechisms. The Heidelberg Catechism consists of three sections, with the famous introduction dealing with us as humans our only comfort in life and death, and that our body and soul belong to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Knowledge of this consolation is divided into three sections: knowledge of our sin and misery, knowledge of our deliverance, and knowledge of how we should be thankful for our deliverance. Throughout the Catechism, the theme of comfort plays an important role. Furthermore, the core of the Heidelberg Catechism deals with our comfort as human beings, as Barth formulates the question: ‘Who is the person who is comforted and how is this comfort given and what does it consist of?’ The question, ‘How is humankind comforted?’ is also a central question, with the answer that through Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are comforted. Therefore, this article focuses on the importance of comfort as a central theme in the Heidelberg Catechism, and even though we know that comfort plays an important role in the Catechism, it is important to be reminded thereof. This article provides a short overview on the Heidelberg Catechism and focuses on the importance of comfort. The findings of the article are clear that comfort plays an important role in the Heidelberg Catechism and to be comforted by Jesus Christ, gives us peace in our everyday life, as stated in the Heidelberg Catechism. This is not new information, but in the light of the fact that the celebration of the Reformation is around the corner, it is important to remember and to celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism and the importance thereof in Reformed theology.Contribution: This article focuses on the importance of comfort throughout the Heidelberg Catechism by means of a literature study, highlighting the theme of comfort and the importance thereof. The emphasis on comfort makes the Heidelberg Catechism a unique document and this gives the Catechism its own accent.
{"title":"Belangrikheid van troos in die Heidelbergse Kategismus","authors":"Antionette Janse van Rensburg","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.2999","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.2999","url":null,"abstract":"The importance of comfort in the Heidelberg Catechism. It is known that the Heidelberg Catechism is one of the many catechisms that originated during the 16th-century Reformation. It is also known that the authors of the Heidelberg Catechism made use of existing catechisms. The Heidelberg Catechism consists of three sections, with the famous introduction dealing with us as humans our only comfort in life and death, and that our body and soul belong to our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Knowledge of this consolation is divided into three sections: knowledge of our sin and misery, knowledge of our deliverance, and knowledge of how we should be thankful for our deliverance. Throughout the Catechism, the theme of comfort plays an important role. Furthermore, the core of the Heidelberg Catechism deals with our comfort as human beings, as Barth formulates the question: ‘Who is the person who is comforted and how is this comfort given and what does it consist of?’ The question, ‘How is humankind comforted?’ is also a central question, with the answer that through Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are comforted. Therefore, this article focuses on the importance of comfort as a central theme in the Heidelberg Catechism, and even though we know that comfort plays an important role in the Catechism, it is important to be reminded thereof. This article provides a short overview on the Heidelberg Catechism and focuses on the importance of comfort. The findings of the article are clear that comfort plays an important role in the Heidelberg Catechism and to be comforted by Jesus Christ, gives us peace in our everyday life, as stated in the Heidelberg Catechism. This is not new information, but in the light of the fact that the celebration of the Reformation is around the corner, it is important to remember and to celebrate the Heidelberg Catechism and the importance thereof in Reformed theology.Contribution: This article focuses on the importance of comfort throughout the Heidelberg Catechism by means of a literature study, highlighting the theme of comfort and the importance thereof. The emphasis on comfort makes the Heidelberg Catechism a unique document and this gives the Catechism its own accent.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"54 35","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139599034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
South African citizens usually accuse foreign nationals of stealing their jobs and increasing the crime rate in the country. Such accusations have often resulted in xenophobic violence. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made to depict immigrants in positive light to improve the relations between them and the indigenous population. Thus, this article utilised Joseph’s narrative (as described in Genesis in the Old Testament) as a biblical-theological lens in an attempt to mitigate the negative perceptions of migrants among the South African indigenous population. The narrative cast a positive picture on migration by presenting Joseph who, as a foreigner in Egypt, contributed to the development of the economy of Egypt. This article accomplished its aforementioned objective by initially interrogating relevant literature that identified and discussed the various factors that portrayed immigrants negatively, thereby pushing disgruntled South African citizens to engage in xenophobic violence. Thereafter, Joseph’s forced migration to Egypt is discussed. This narrative was used as a biblical-theological lens to establish the contributions of foreign nationals in the development of the economies of host nations. While applying the biblical-theological lens of Joseph’s narrative to the contemporary situation of migration, this article lamented the dearth of research on the contributions of foreigners to host nations. Furthermore, pertinent sources were used to highlight the correlation between Joseph’s narrative and the current migration situation. Having underscored the aforementioned, this article argued that the current positive contributions that immigrants have made to the host nations’ economies, should compel the nations to construct migration policies and frameworks that proactively integrate immigrants. Furthermore, formal recognition of any such contributions would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world. That is, instead of regarding immigrants with resentment and anger, nations can create a world where migration is not only acknowledged but celebrated as a fundamental part of the human experience. In its attempt to encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and immigrants in South Africa, this article aligned with the principles of this journal, which aim to develop South African society by addressing the ongoing challenge of xenophobia within some of the country’s communities.Contribution: The contribution of this article lies in that formal recognition of any positive contributions made by foreign nationals would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world where immigrants are primarily viewed positively rather than as mere criminals.
{"title":"The interplay of migrants and host nations for the good of nations: A biblical-theological reflection","authors":"C. Magezi","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3003","url":null,"abstract":"South African citizens usually accuse foreign nationals of stealing their jobs and increasing the crime rate in the country. Such accusations have often resulted in xenophobic violence. Unfortunately, not much effort has been made to depict immigrants in positive light to improve the relations between them and the indigenous population. Thus, this article utilised Joseph’s narrative (as described in Genesis in the Old Testament) as a biblical-theological lens in an attempt to mitigate the negative perceptions of migrants among the South African indigenous population. The narrative cast a positive picture on migration by presenting Joseph who, as a foreigner in Egypt, contributed to the development of the economy of Egypt. This article accomplished its aforementioned objective by initially interrogating relevant literature that identified and discussed the various factors that portrayed immigrants negatively, thereby pushing disgruntled South African citizens to engage in xenophobic violence. Thereafter, Joseph’s forced migration to Egypt is discussed. This narrative was used as a biblical-theological lens to establish the contributions of foreign nationals in the development of the economies of host nations. While applying the biblical-theological lens of Joseph’s narrative to the contemporary situation of migration, this article lamented the dearth of research on the contributions of foreigners to host nations. Furthermore, pertinent sources were used to highlight the correlation between Joseph’s narrative and the current migration situation. Having underscored the aforementioned, this article argued that the current positive contributions that immigrants have made to the host nations’ economies, should compel the nations to construct migration policies and frameworks that proactively integrate immigrants. Furthermore, formal recognition of any such contributions would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world. That is, instead of regarding immigrants with resentment and anger, nations can create a world where migration is not only acknowledged but celebrated as a fundamental part of the human experience. In its attempt to encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and immigrants in South Africa, this article aligned with the principles of this journal, which aim to develop South African society by addressing the ongoing challenge of xenophobia within some of the country’s communities.Contribution: The contribution of this article lies in that formal recognition of any positive contributions made by foreign nationals would encourage peaceful coexistence between the indigenous population and foreign nationals, resulting in a more compassionate and inclusive world where immigrants are primarily viewed positively rather than as mere criminals.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"20 24","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139607971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The Pentecostal approach to disability is currently informed by the imposed healing, deliverance, and performance of other miracles, particularly among neo-Pentecostals in Africa. This is also informed by the neo-Pentecostal pastor’s radical approach to the aspect of healing in Pentecostal theology. Therefore, instead of addressing disability from the point of environmental, social, and technological aspects, neo-Pentecostal pastors either impose healing on the disabled body, or blame them for a lack of faith. This in a way presents some power dynamics between the abled neo-Pentecostal pastors’ bodies and the disabled congregant bodies. This article uses a critical theory, to argue that the development of the Pentecostal theology of disability should take cognisance of the environmental, social, and technological factors. When this is done, a Pentecostal setting in the form of a church service, crusade, or revival will not become a place of imposed healing and deliverance, but an environmentally, socially, and technologically friendly one, that is conducive to those living with a disability.Contribution: This article highlighted the importance of the environmental, social, and technological factors in the construction of a Pentecostal theology of disability among the neo-Pentecostal churches, in an African context.
{"title":"Pentecostal theology regarding disability in African neo-Pentecostalism","authors":"M. S. Kgatle","doi":"10.4102/ids.v58i1.3004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v58i1.3004","url":null,"abstract":"The Pentecostal approach to disability is currently informed by the imposed healing, deliverance, and performance of other miracles, particularly among neo-Pentecostals in Africa. This is also informed by the neo-Pentecostal pastor’s radical approach to the aspect of healing in Pentecostal theology. Therefore, instead of addressing disability from the point of environmental, social, and technological aspects, neo-Pentecostal pastors either impose healing on the disabled body, or blame them for a lack of faith. This in a way presents some power dynamics between the abled neo-Pentecostal pastors’ bodies and the disabled congregant bodies. This article uses a critical theory, to argue that the development of the Pentecostal theology of disability should take cognisance of the environmental, social, and technological factors. When this is done, a Pentecostal setting in the form of a church service, crusade, or revival will not become a place of imposed healing and deliverance, but an environmentally, socially, and technologically friendly one, that is conducive to those living with a disability.Contribution: This article highlighted the importance of the environmental, social, and technological factors in the construction of a Pentecostal theology of disability among the neo-Pentecostal churches, in an African context.","PeriodicalId":510153,"journal":{"name":"In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi","volume":"12 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139525673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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