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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- Item1 Corinthians 7:17–24 : identity and human dignity amidst power and liminality(AOSIS OpenJournal, 2012-04) Punt, JeremyPaul’s concern with identity, and in particular the identity of the believer in relation to Jesus Christ, is an important concern in his writings. In the midst of an important section dedicated to advice and instruction on marriage in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul encouraged his audience in 1 Corinthians 7:17–24 to remain in the calling by, or position in, which they were called. Concerning these circumstances he refers to circumcision (1 Cor 7:18–19) and slavery (1 Cor 7:21–23) by name. These Pauline instructions are investigated against the backdrop of both the 1st century CE context and post-apartheid South Africa, where issues of identity and marginality rub shoulders with claims to ownership and entitlement, on the one hand, and issues of human dignity, on the other
- ItemAanbidding en prediking in missionale gemeentes : homileties-liturgiese beskouinge van missionêre gemeentebediening(AOSIS Publishing, 2010-05) Smit, Guillaume H.Worship and preaching in missional congregations – homiletic-liturgical perspectives on missionary congregational ministry In the context of changes in society, and the resulting paradigm shifts in theological thinking, this article explores the development of a missional ministry praxis for church services in the reformed theological tradition. This is done through a basic overview of recent theological developments in missional ecclesiology, homiletics and liturgy, and a case study of a congregation who shifted to missional ministry praxis by renewing its church services. Opportunities for further research are identified, and the conclusion is reached that churches who make the theological paradigm shift to missional ministry should inherently change the character and planning of their church services to reflect and enhance this shift
- ItemThe accusation of world disturbers’ (Acts 17:6) in socio-political context(AOSIS Publishing, 2016) Punt, JeremyActs 17:1–9 presents a narrative of the consequences of Paul’s engagements in Thessalonica’s synagogue. Following Paul and Silas’ reported successful 3-week mission, some Jews hauled Paul and Silas’ host, Jason, and a number of Jesus followers before the authorities. The threefold accusation was that Paul and Silas turned the world upside down, acted against Caesar’s decrees and claimed another king, Jesus. This incident is investigated from the perspective of Acts’ presentation of competing missions, in the context of the intersectionality of religion and politics in the 1st century CE. The article challenges a narrow theological interpretation of Acts 17, insisting on the need for and value of a socio-political interpretive lens to make sense of the rhetoric of this chapter.
- ItemActing liturgically: Wolterstorff's philosophical reflections on religious practice(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2020) Havenga, Marthinus JohannesThis review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff's recent publication, Acting liturgically: Philosophical reflections on religious practice. It begins by contextualising the project, tracing Wolterstorff's lifelong interest in liturgy, as documented in his memoir, In this world of wonders. This is followed by a careful exposition of each of the book's four sections (with the headings "Liturgy, Enactments and Scripts," "Liturgy and Scripture," "God in the Liturgy" and "Liturgy, Love and Justice"). The article concludes with a few critical observations about the book in which it is shown why this is indeed a significant text which makes an important contribution to the (philosophical) study of liturgy.
- ItemActivating moral imagination : EXPOSED 2013 as a fourth generation faith-based campaign?(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2015) Bowers-Du Toit, Nadine; Forster, DionDavid Korten proposes a Fourth Generation approach (1990) to development that is value driven and sees social movements take centre stage in promoting a more just global society. Theologian Ignatius Swart (2006) has argued that Korten’s approach holds significant value for civil society role players such as the church, whose valuedriven agenda may serve to resist common values expressed by the powerful in society. Recently, the EXPOSED 2013 campaign has emerged as such a Christian social movement, seeking to mobilise up to 100 million Christians globally to take action against corruption. Using social media and church networks at all levels it aims to petition the G20 for more open tax regimes and greater transparency in international money flows to combat bribery and tax avoidance. This article documents and critically analyses the EXPOSED 2013 campaign through the lens of Korten’s Fourth Generation in dialogue with Swart’s faith-based analysis of Korten’s work.
- ItemAdorn the cross with roses? Justice and human dignity, beauty and human flourishing(University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology, 2020) Marais, NadiaWhat does beauty have to do with justice, justification, and salvation? Can the world be saved by beauty? In this contribution, some theological and rhetorical convergences and differences between the discourse on human dignity and the discourse on human flourishing are explored. The role of beauty, in these discourses, is a pivotal concern - especially as often justice and human rights shape the theological discourse on human dignity. A key proposed argument in this analysis is that justice is to human dignity what beauty is to human flourishing, and that these shape or mould the theological language with which salvation -the good news of the gospel - is articulated. The argument concludes by proposing that both forensic language and aesthetic language are born from the fold of Christian soteriology, and that not only the more static, forensic language of human dignity is required to speak about salvation, but also the more pliable, artistic language of human dignity.
- ItemThe aesthetics of Covid-19 within the pandemic of the corona crisis. From loss and grief to silence and simplicity : a philosophical and pastoral approach(2020) Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-Within the corona-crisis, the core question to be posed is: What is the impact of Covid-19 on paradigms applied to interpret the pandemic; i.e. on the spiritual realm of meaning-giving, hoping and pastoal caregiving? How does it affect the realm of habitus and religious convictions, specifically where pastoral caregivers become involved? Information technology and the social media, for example, WhatsApp and News Bulletins, focus predominantly on information and prevention measurements. With reference to the human quest for wholeness in healing and helping, existing paradigms are critically analyzed. Three soulful movements are proposed, namely, from loneliness to solitude; from loss and grief to silence and contemplation; from the ugliness of the pandemic to the beauty of the virus. It is argued that instead of an ethical approach, an aesthetic approach can become most helpful in the reframing of the pandemic. The beautification of the virus is about the challenge to grow and revisit the meaning dimension of life and the value of compassion. In this regard, the God-image of divine companionship as framed by the ugliness of a ‘suffering God’ is discussed within the parameters of the praxis of hope care in pastoral ministry.
- ItemThe aesthetics of ‘manhood’ within the paradigmatic framework of theopaschitic theology. From Brett Murray’s painting ‘The Spear’ and the opened fly to the iconic view of ‘The Anchor’ and the spiritual art of male genitals(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012-12) Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-The Brett Murray painting of president Zuma with an opened fly probes into the realm of manhood. It reveals the so called ‘masculinity crisis’ in the gender discourse. From a practical theological point of view it poses the question whether one can exclude male genitals from a holistic anthropology that views corporeality and sexuality as essential elements of the ‘human soul’. The following question is posed: To what extent can the theopaschitic paradigm and Christian iconic view on life contribute to the transformation of existing images on being male and masculinity? Can such a theological approach change existing paradigms determined by domination and patriarchal power? It is accepted that masculinities are products of social and cultural images. In this regard manhood is a social and cultural construct. The Brett Murray painting emphasizes the fact that the penis is still a phallic symbol and as a ‘public’ subjected to the gaze of social media. The public reactions on Brett Murray’s ‘The Spear’ are scrutinized by a Christian spiritual hermeneutics. The objective of the article is to emphasize the role of aesthetics in the establishment of a poetic gaze on manhood. It is an attempt to transform thrusting manhood into ‘compassionate intimacy’. It is argued that male genitals should be viewed as sacred and ‘soulful’ parts of human embodiment.
- ItemThe African Church's application of anointing oil : an expression of Christian spirituality or a display of fetish ancestral religion?(AOSIS, 2021-01-28) Biwul, Joel K. T.The content of Christian spirituality that made waves since the inception of the early church soon took on different contours as the faith got adapted to different gentile contexts. The expression of this faith, along with its liturgical symbolism and sacramental observances, is still gaining momentum in African Christianity. The emerging practice of the use of ‘anointing oil’ in its religious expression is receiving more attention than the Christ of the Gospel. In this article, we argue that against its primitive intent, the use of the ‘anointing oil’ by the African Church is a mere display of fetish ancestral religion that expresses its unique African traditional religious root rather than a true expression of Christian spirituality. Our thesis is framed on the basis that the manner in which some African churches apply the purported ‘anointing oil’ is discriminatory vis-à-vis its ancient understanding and purpose. In our attempt to address this damaging practice to true Christian spirituality, also standing as a huge challenge for pastoral theology, we undertook a careful historical–theological analysis of the extant biblical data and its contextual interpretation vis-à-vis its distortion today. We concluded that what pastoral theologians have to deal with within the Christian community in Africa is offering the right biblical perspective against the distorted mode of the application of the contemporary purported ‘anointing oil’ that is falsely projecting the Christian faith and belief in a bad light.
- ItemAfrican Initiated Churches’ potential as development actors(AOSIS Publishing, 2016) Ohlmann, Philipp; Frost, Marie-Luise; Grab, WilhelmAfrican Initiated Churches (AICs) are not yet recognised as relevant actors of community development interventions. While it has been acknowledged that many of them provide coping mechanisms in adverse environments, support in social transformation and social capital, little information is available on their role as development actors. In this article, we evaluate the potential of AICs as partners of international development agencies for community development. We draw on interviews and focus group discussions with leaders of various AICs conducted in South Africa in February and March 2016. In particular, we examine the churches’ understanding of development, their view on the separation of spiritual and development activities and their priorities. Moreover, we outline the development activities which they are currently engaged in and analyse the structures they have in place to do so. Our findings indicate that AICs are increasingly active in community development and offer various entry points for possible cooperation.
- ItemAfrican relational ontology, individual identity, and Christian theology : an African theological contribution towards an integrated relational ontological identity(Sage, 2010-08) Forster, DionAfrican theology has a great deal to contribute to the theological discourse on human identity. Relationships are central to the formation, expression and understanding of who an individual person is. The African philosophy of ubuntu, more accurately expressed as umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (a person is a person through other persons), affirms the critical under - standing that identity arises out of intersubjective interactions between persons. This paper discusses how concepts of identity in African philosophy and religion can enhance our theological understanding of individual identity. Hence this research presents an African theological approach to identity that is systematized in relation to the doctrine of God, the doctrine of Christian anthropology and the doctrine of salvation.
- ItemAfrican urbanims : reinterpreting the marks of the church(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2015) Naude, PietThis essay presents a broad analysis of African “cityness” and brings this analysis in relation to an ecumenical interpretation of the marks of the church. The aim is to construct an “urban ecclesiology” where the realities of African cities influence our understanding of the church, and where – in turn – the marks of the church provides some pointers to a life of community, justice and fulfilment in the city.
- ItemAfrikaner Reformed missionary enthusiasts and the Voortrekkers : with special reference to Dingaansdag/Geloftedag and also the 1938 Eeufees(Church History Society of Southern Africa and Unisa Press, 2015) Muller, RetiefThe missionary discourse in Afrikaner Reformed Christianity has been controversial, because it is implicated in the development of early apartheid policies, which were subsequently implemented by National Party governments. This article does not directly concern itself with apartheid, however, but rather with the ideological backdrop against which this policy developed, i.e. Afrikaner nationalism. Afrikaner nationalism was deeply informed by a mythological reconstruction of the Voortrekkers as ideal Afrikaners. For this reason, the 1938 ox-wagon centenary Trek was a formative occasion in Afrikaner, and consequently South African history. What role did the Afrikaner missionary/ evangelical discourse play within these celebrations and within commemorations of the Voortrekkers and Geloftedag more generally? With a particular focus on the early to middle twentieth century, this article demonstrates that missionary and evangelical co-optation of this discourse was indeed pronounced, at the centre of the political situation, but also containing an element of surprise and the potential for unexpected outcomes in at least a couple of cases.
- ItemAfrikaner socio-theological discourse in the early twentieth century : war and mission in J.F. Naude and J. Du Plessis(Historical Association of South Africa, 2014-11) Muller, RetiefWars and their subsequent interpretations have shaped twentieth century Afrikaner public discourse profoundly. The remembered trauma, particularly of the Anglo-Boer War might have been a contributing factor to the late survival of white supremacy in South Africa, and Afrikaner doctrines of separateness and apartheid.1 With this view in mind, here I shall present a close reading of a couple of interesting early twentieth-century Afrikaner Christian leaders concerning their experiences and thought relating to war, volk, and religiosity.
- ItemAgainst all odds : Alphaeus Zulu and racism in church and society(Church History Society of Southern Africa and Unisa Press, 2015) Kumalo, Simangaliso R.; Mbaya, HenryThis article examines the response of Bishop Alphaeus Hamilton Zulu to the racism that was prevalent in both the church and society when he was elected as the first African Bishop of the Anglican Church in South Africa. Clergy, especially bishops, are by virtue of their ecclesial positions expected to transcend racial prejudices, to embrace all members of their churches and to transform their churches to multi-racial ones. This means that they have to deal with racial stereotypes both within the church and society at large. This study is based on interviews with key leaders of the Anglican Church who knew and worked with Bishop Zulu, as well as an analysis of media releases and minutes of meetings that he was part of and some that were written about him. This article argues that Bishop Zulu played a pivotal role in the fight against racism, through his episcopal ministry which brought politics and religion into a creative tension, when he worked as bishop, speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Natal and key founder of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). It also argues that church leaders must hold politics and religion together for their ministry to bring transformation to both the church and society.
- ItemAIDS, curricula and gender in twelve African theological schools(Stellenbosch University, 2013) Hendriks, Hans JurgensThe article deals with the three related issues mentioned in the title in twelve theological schools that formed a network called NetACT. A questionnaire on these matters was answered by al the institutions. The article discusses the answers to three basic questions: did they implement the HIV and AIDS curricula that their network developed; what was the influence and place of these programs in their curricula and what is the gender equity situation and attitudes like at their institution? The data reveals that by addressing the issue forcefully ever since 2000 the NetACT network has decidedly changed the culture of silence and stigmatisation prevalent in the surrounding society. The article thus gives one an insider view of how African seminaries struggle with HIV and AIDS issues. As to gender it is clear that in the network’s schools female lecturers overwhelmingly feel accepted and treated as equals. They are taken seriously and listened to in classes by the students and in staff meetings by their male colleagues. However, the plight of women in African society is not an easy one. What this entails is spelled out in the answers.
- ItemAllan Boesak, black theology and apartheid : a theological-historical approach(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2018) Fortein, EugeneIn this article I will give specific attention to the reciprocal relationship between Black Theology and Allan Boesak based on his lived experience of apartheid from a theological-historical perspective. It is my presupposition that Boesak’s experience of apartheid made him prone to the influence of Black Theology and that he in turn adapted American Black Theology so that it could be made applicable to the South African context. Black Theology unlocked an entire new theological paradigm for Boesak which enabled him to speak prophetically to the challenges and injustices that occurred under apartheid in South Africa. Attention will be given to the emergence of Black Theology in South Africa, how Boesak was challenged by it and how Black Theology, through Boesak, impacted the theological landscape.
- Item"Alle kaarte op die preek?"(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2014) Cilliers, JohanIn hierdie artikel word kortliks gelet op drie grondlyne van die Reformasie, naamlik die vertroosting van die beangste mens tydens die laat Middeleeue, die hunkering na vryheid en die behoeft e aan fundamentele verandering. Dit word opgevolg met ’n uiteensetting van die sakramentele verstaan van die reformatoriese prediking, en die bevraagtekening hiervan in die huidige tydvak. Aan die hand van ’n sakramenteel-profetiese perspektief op die prediking, word drie homiletiese kontoere vir prediking in ons tyd getrek, naamlik sakramenteel-profetiese prediking as bevestiging, onderbreking en pro-formasie. Ten slotte word enkele suggesties gemaak oor die vraag of ons (nog) “alle kaarte op die preek” kan of moet plaas.
- ItemAlone in the world? Imago Dei from theological anthropology to Christology(AOSIS, 2021-11-16) Marais, NadiaIn Princeton theologian Van Huyssteen’s (2006) major interdisciplinary work, Alone in the World? Human Uniqueness in Science and Theology, human uniqueness is rhetorically coupled with human aloneness. A comparison with a contemporary theological anthropology, namely Yale theologian Kelsey’s (2009) Eccentric Existence: A Theological Anthropology, shows an alternative approach to the notion or concept of the imago Dei, namely a theological shift from viewing human beings as image(s) of God, to viewing human beings as images of Christ, or images of the image of God. This contribution responds to the invitation implied in Van Huyssteen’s book title – are we alone in the world? – by exploring some of the rhetorical implications of a Christological interpretation of the imago Dei. One such implication may imply a different answer to Van Huyssteen’s question – are we alone in the world?; not yes, but no. Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s idea of Christ’s promeity illustrates how the rhetorical dynamics behind such a move in response – from yes to no – may potentially look, and that a rearticulation of human uniqueness could have direct consequences for how we imagine our human aloneness in the world. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article contributes to a specifically intradisciplinary conversation in Systematic Theology, on reading and interpreting the notion or theological idea of human beings being created in the image of God. This article does this through a close reading and comparison of two interdisciplinary projects on what it means to be human, namely Van Huyssteen’s Alone in the World? and Kelsey’s Eccentric Existence.
- ItemAlways reforming? : nurturing a church for human rights in South Africa(Pieter de Waal Neethling Trust, 2018) Palm, SelinaThis article explores the post-apartheid call to South African churches to play an ongoing theological role in the shared task of building a human rights culture for all. It seeks a counter-hegemonic human rights praxis that emphasises the lack of a human rights culture and turns to the early insights of German Reformed theologian Jürgen Moltmann on human rights realisation. This points to an important task for local congregations today. It places this in conversation with current South African empirical realities to argue for a theological disruption of the power-laden imagery underpinning much human rights abuse. It concludes that a liberating Trinitarian praxis for human rights can shape a transformational ecclesiology that speaks to concerns raised by South African church youth within a local church today with a history of struggle involvement. Their voices offer a challenge to churches to be “always reforming” on human rights concerns.