Faculty of Theology

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The Faculty of Theology is a faculty of Stellenbosch University. We are a faculty for theology, and through research, teaching and learning and community action we are a knowledge partner for other academic communities, various church denominations and institutions of broader society.

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Browsing Faculty of Theology by Author "Ahiamadu, Amadi"

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    The daughters of Zelophehad : a Nigerian perspective on inheritance of land by women according to Numbers 27:1-11
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005-04) Ahiamadu, Amadi; Bosman, Hendrik; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Old & New Testament.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter one of this research and its hypothesis outlines the way in which land inheritance has been applied in past decades to the total exclusion of women. This study includes mainly the Ogba and Ekpeye and concentrates on areas where the Bible has been read for nearly 100 years without any appreciable impact on the cultural restrictions imposed on women with respect to the inheritance of land. Chapter two highlights the practices of land tenure in both the ancient Near East (ANE) and ancient Israel, with specific emphasis on the concepts of ahuzzah and nahalah, the role of the kinsman redeemer (goe/) in the redemption and retension of the family inheritance, and the importance of the dowry as a substitute for land inheritance. Chapter three looks at the social and religious status of women in the ANE and ancient Israel, and illustrates the importance of women as daughters or wives. The specific inheritance rights enjoyed by women in ANE societies are also mentioned. The inheritance rights of women in South-east Nigeria and the Niger Delta are covered in chapter four. The traditional system of land holding and the relationship between this system and the socio-economic status of women are disussed. Empirical evidence from the Niger Delta communities is given and a comparison made with other groups in Niqerie. The thesis proceeds to make a functionally equivalent translation of the Zelophehad narrative (Num. 27:1-11) with the understanding that such unique texts, if properly understood, could impact on the cultural perceptions of the people in terms of the inheritance rights of women. This contrasts with the more literal, second language translations which seem not to have had any significant impact on the communities so far. The final chapter makes an evaluation of the central hypothesis. Due to logistic difficulties, the application of the results of the research to the target communities may have to wait until funds are available to test the translation within the target communities. Such a test will have to be done over a period of time to determine its impact on the problem facing women with respect to inheritance rights.
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    A functional equivalence translation of the Zelophehad narrative in Num. 27:1-11
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2006) Ahiamadu, Amadi
    A literal, second language reading of the Bible obfuscicates the interpretation and application of Biblical texts to cultural issues such as land inheritance by female in receptor communities. Texts such as the Zelophehad narrative in Numbers (27:1-11) are often glossed over in Church and Christian circles due to lack of interpretive insights resulting from a too literal reading and second language interpretations. Using a functional equivalence approach the text can be interpreted and translated in a responsible way, bearing in mind the need to create a more informed understanding and appreciation of the theological-ethical implications of the Zelophehad narratives (see also Num. 36:1-12; Jos.17:2-6) for faith communities in Nigeria.
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    A postcolonial critical assessment of the Imago Dei in Gen 1:26-28 in Nigerian perspective
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2010) Ahiamadu, Amadi
    The concept of ‘subdue the earth’ and of ‘dominion’ given a literal interpretation in the Priestly text of Gen 1:1-2:4a is linked to an interpretation of the ‘Imago Dei’ or the image likeness of God in Gen 1:26-28 to mean that humans occupy the unique role of ‘rulers’ of the earth under God. It has served the West as the ‘magna carta’ of imperial rule and neocolonial domination. A critical exegesis of the concept of ‘subdue’ and ‘rule’ in especially Gen 1:28 do reveals a more liberating conception of ‘imago Dei’ with implications for human rule and dominion. In this paper I have attempted to critically assess the imago Dei from the point of view of archaeology and Old Testament postcolonial critical exegesis through a re-reading of Gen 1:28 which, with an Ogba (African) based world-view, provides new insights for addressing the problem of oil exploration, exploration and exploitation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
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    Re-defining stewardship : a Nigerian perspective on accountable and responsible land ownership according to the Old Testament
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-12) Ahiamadu, Amadi; Bosman, Hendrik; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Old and New Testament.
    This dissertation has explored the Biblical basis for a redefinition of stewardship, and has done so in the light of land ownership customs and ethos in some parts of Africa. It has employed a postcolonial hermeneutics in interpreting Genesis 1:26-28 using also a functional equivalence approach in its translation and exegesis. In chapter one the conceptual scheme is outlined, while providing a highlight of the problem, the hypothesis, the methodology and various definitional terms which feature in the discussion. In chapter two various scholarly views are examined in order to critically assess the criteria for either a humans-above-nature or humans-in-partnership-withnature mindset. The implications of such divergent views have been critically examined. In the third chapter views of African scholars were brought to bear on gerontocracy which has transcended pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial economic and political influences and has sustained an ongoing cultural practice of a “giraffe principle” of stewardship, land ownership and use. In the fourth and fifth chapter, the use of a postcolonial critical hermeneutics in interpretation is rationalised. A functional equivalence approach in translating our pericope into Ogba is used, and then re-read using a postcolonial critical hermeneutics. The imago Dei and the cultural mandate which goes with it has been re-interpreted in line with a hermeneutics that is humane and sensitive to a post-colonial context. In the sixth chapter a redefinition of stewardship has been attempted, using the fruits of our close reading, functional translation, and the cultural perceptions derived from our empirical research. In the final chapter, a conclusion has been drawn to show how this study contributes to a new appreciation of the concept of stewardship when applied to land ownership and use especially when humans are properly located in a relationship with God and with nature that is ongoing.