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Thesis (D.D.(Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references.

This study consists of three main aspects. Firstly, an overview of the major theories of metaphor as proposed during the past two millennia was given. The overview concluded with a summary of the most important aspects, which should be considered in the interpretation of metaphor. It was Indicated that the conceptual theory of metaphor provides an effective definition to identify and interpret metaphors. Secondly, the most prominent problems pertaining to the exegesis of the book of Jeremiah, which could influence the interpretation of metaphors, were identified and discussed. In the light of these problems, a canonical approach of the book of Jeremiah was opted for in order to focus on the theological significance of expressions, and passages. Thirdly, the diction and metaphorical concepts pertaining to the relationship between YHWH, Israel and the gods were identified. Selected terms, names/epithets of gods, and worship details were discussed in order to compile a picture of the nature and extent of the idolatrous involvement of Israel. Occurrences of these expressions elsewhere in the OT, and information from extra-Biblical and archaeological sources were examined in order to glean information for the interpretation of metaphors. Selected metaphors referring to the gods were analysed, as well as the Jeremianic marriage metaphor. This study showed that metaphor is the only way in which the devotee cognitively can understand and experience the divine, and ultimately express himself/herself religiously. The analyses of metaphors and related terminology indicated that the ANE theological worldview constitutes an important factor in the interpretation of these metaphors. The other deities were denigrated in pejorative language to the status of non-gods by the Yahwistic prophet/author(s), and described as lifeless, worthless deceptions that are of no benefit to Israel. In contrast, YHWH is exalted e.g. as the caring Husband, Leader, Advisor and Rainmaker, the true, living God and King, worthy of his status and the worshipping of Israel. Israel is described in accusatory language as the guilty party, and as sufferer under the punitive measures of YHWH. The Yahwistic interpretation entailed that Israel's involvement in idolatrous activities caused the fall of the Judean kingdom and the exile. In this, YHWH is depicted as the Punisher who is actively involved in Israel's disastrous circumstances and who employs nations to serve his goal. However, He was also actively involved in preparations of a new future for the remnant of Israel. It was concluded that the polemic against the other gods in the poetry was directed mainly towards the images representing the deities, as well as the alliances formed by Israel with foreign political powers and their gods. The images of the other gods and the foreign powers were regarded as intruders in YHWH's territory, and as third parties meddling in his relationship with Israel. The worthlessness of the other gods was viewed against the ANE concept, namely that a deity worthy his status must provide security, agricultural blessings and guidance to the devotees in his territory. Against this background, YHWH is celebrated by the Yahwists as the incomparable, one and only, true and living God who is worthy of his status as deity and is capable of helping Israel. Israel is called upon to trust in Him to secure their future, and not in mortal beings and their human-made idols. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

This work consists of a portfolio of creative writing in the form of a collection of short stories, The Jerusalem Syndrome, followed by a thesis, “Biblical Perspectives on the Holiness of Place, Body, and Mortality in The Jerusalem Syndrome Collection”. Attempting to engage the question, ‘what does it mean to be Jewish?, the latter seeks to provide the academic lens to unearth the former. In its stories of ancestry, land, rituals, body practices, theological beliefs and the nature of God’s relationship with his people, the Hebrew Bible lies at the heart of ancient and modern Jewish constructions of identity. The stories of The Jerusalem Syndrome Collection draw on a number of these biblical themes, and similarly seek to explore diverse constructions of Jewish identity in worlds seemingly far removed in time and context from the ancient social contexts from which the biblical texts emerged. Critical biblical scholarship offers modern readers various ‘lenses’ with which to engage the biblical texts — not as ‘scripture’, or even ‘history’ — but ancient literature rich in ancient cultural and ideological debates about the construction of identity, many of which continue to impact modern notions of Jewish identity today. Illustrations of this impact suffuse the stories of The Jerusalem Syndrome Collection. As such, this discussion explores the socio-religious, mythological and theological themes pervading The Jerusalem Syndrome Collection by bringing them into dialogue with critical, scholarly reflections on Judaism’s biblical traditions. A number of these themes cluster around the notion of Israel and the city of Jerusalem as the place at which Jewish identities are negotiated. The characters of The Jerusalem Syndrome Collection encounter various Jewish identities in bodily and material ways, as well as by topographical indices. With particular emphasis on the themes of how place, body, and death are sanctified, this piece will explore the ways in which Jewish identity continues to be contextualized in terms of the cultic, mythological and ritual language derived from the Hebrew Bible. This portfolio — the stories and their dialogue with the Hebrew Bible — is an exploration of some of the key aspects of how Jewish identity unfolds, and how the stories are re-mythologized through biblical history.

M.A. / This research was conducted to establish greater clarity regarding God's sovereignty and His predetermined will. Many different views are held on this subject. Views on predestination have been much debated over the centuries with many believers being undecided or unsure on this subject. What adds to the confusion is that man cannot comprehend life outside of time and therefore finds it difficult to grasp the concept of God having knowledge of all things occurring within time. In order to gain a greater perspective and insight on the subject it was decided to trace the development of the concept of God's establishing His predetermined will through the Scriptures. Approaches to this subject in the past were clouded by the fact that many Christian groups held to the view that the Scriptures are the infallible Word of God. Many scholars in recent years have come to the realisation that the Bible, though containing the Word of God, displays the fallibility of man. This is the approach taken in interpreting Scripture for this thesis. The view was also taken that the revelation of Christ is seen as the key to interpreting Scripture (Heb. 1:1-3). The various factors influencing the writers of Scripture were also taken into account.

Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Thesis (D. Min.)--Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 431-487).

Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M. Th. (Missiology)

Interpretation of Scripture is not complete until it has been applied. Virtue and Vice examines the personal application of New Testament ethical lists. Catalogues of virtue and vice were common modes of instruction for both Greco-Roman philosophers and the rabbis of Hellenistic Judaism. New Testament writers also used this method to teach Christian morality. Their theological perspective and worldview, however, came from the Old Testament and its fulfilment in Jesus, the Messiah. In context, the NT ethical lists instruct, motivate, warn, and guide Christians toward right behaviour and harmonious relationships. The lists occur as one mode of instruction in larger paraenetic material. They must therefore be studied as sub-genres of these larger units. The classic list of Philippians 4:8 provides a guide to moral discernment (and action) that preserves the unity of the congregation in the humility of Christ. Personal application takes places in a biblical theological framework. The interpretation of a passage is viewed within the overall biblical progress of God's redemptive purposes. Biblical theology also assists the student to position himself/herself in relation to the passage under study. The literary nature of scriptural texts makes it necessary to distinguish the abiding theological principles from the merely cultural or occasional. A principle can be re-applied in a parallel contemporary context. Different genres (such as ethical lists) suggest ways to apply the text. For instance, ethical lists serve as ideals and examples of Christian conduct. The personal dynamics of faith in Christ, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and a continual process of obedience contribute to the relevance of the text. These three together give the confidence that God's Word may be both understood and lived with fresh power for today. Several of the catalogues occur in contexts of Christian unity in the midst of ethnic and social diversity (Gal. 5:16-25;Eph. 4-6;Phil. 4:8;Col. 3:1-17). They depict an ideal of oneness in Christ between Jew and Gentile. This new identity in Christ does not remove, but transcends ethnic and status differences in local congregations. Models for intentionally implementing Christian unity are assimilation, diversity, and networking. / Systematic Theology / D.Th.

Interpretation of Scripture is not complete until it has been applied. Virtue and Vice examines the personal application of New Testament ethical lists. Catalogues of virtue and vice were common modes of instruction for both Greco-Roman philosophers and the rabbis of Hellenistic Judaism. New Testament writers also used this method to teach Christian morality. Their theological perspective and worldview, however, came from the Old Testament and its fulfilment in Jesus, the Messiah. In context, the NT ethical lists instruct, motivate, warn, and guide Christians toward right behaviour and harmonious relationships. The lists occur as one mode of instruction in larger paraenetic material. They must therefore be studied as sub-genres of these larger units. The classic list of Philippians 4:8 provides a guide to moral discernment (and action) that preserves the unity of the congregation in the humility of Christ. Personal application takes places in a biblical theological framework. The interpretation of a passage is viewed within the overall biblical progress of God's redemptive purposes. Biblical theology also assists the student to position himself/herself in relation to the passage under study. The literary nature of scriptural texts makes it necessary to distinguish the abiding theological principles from the merely cultural or occasional. A principle can be re-applied in a parallel contemporary context. Different genres (such as ethical lists) suggest ways to apply the text. For instance, ethical lists serve as ideals and examples of Christian conduct. The personal dynamics of faith in Christ, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and a continual process of obedience contribute to the relevance of the text. These three together give the confidence that God's Word may be both understood and lived with fresh power for today. Several of the catalogues occur in contexts of Christian unity in the midst of ethnic and social diversity (Gal. 5:16-25;Eph. 4-6;Phil. 4:8;Col. 3:1-17). They depict an ideal of oneness in Christ between Jew and Gentile. This new identity in Christ does not remove, but transcends ethnic and status differences in local congregations. Models for intentionally implementing Christian unity are assimilation, diversity, and networking. / Systematic Theology / D.Th.