Browsing by Author "O’Kennedy, Danie"
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemHaggai and Zechariah 1-8 : diarchic model of leadership in a rebuilding phase(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) O’Kennedy, DanieYahwists in the post-exilic community in Jerusalem envisioned their future in diverse ways. The books of Haggai and Zechariah 1-8 emphasize that in a rebuilding phase God does not merely use a holy place but also special leaders. These books advocate a diarchic model of leadership in which the responsibilities are shared by a religious leader (Joshua) and a political leader (Zerubbabel). This article focuses on this diarchic model of leadership and offers possible responses to the following questions: What do we know of these two leaders? Why did Joshua need purification (Zech 3)? Who was the most influential leader or was there a balance of leadership? Was there conflict between these leaders? The article concludes with a comparison between the diarchic model of leadership in the post-exilic community in Jerusalem and leadership in the first years of a new democratic South Africa.
- ItemQuo Vadis Ou Testament studies? : 'n respons(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2009) O’Kennedy, DanieThis article responds to that of Prof Douglas Lawrie “Old Testament: Quo Vadis?” The author agrees with Lawrie’s focus on the historical and literal dimension of the Old Testament text as well as the important contribution by feminist Old Testament scholars. However, there are a few challenges that Old Testament studies have to face in future: Do the students come to the university with a historical consciousness? Do the students have the language abilities to appreciate the literary features of the Old Testament? What is the role of the Old Testament in an African context? What is the relationship between Old Testament and church? There is a saying: “If the church has problems with her doctrine, she listens to the New Testament. If the church has problems with her life, she listens to the Old Testament.” We in South Africa are in desperate need for people to live the biblical values of humanity and social justice. Old Testament studies can make an important contribution. Some people say “Knowledge is power.” We can change this saying to emphasize another aspect: “Knowledge is service.” Old Testament scholars must accept the challenge to serve the academic world, the church and society with their knowledge of the Old Testament, otherwise the Old Testament will be a forgotten book and no-one will live its important values.