Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / As the title indicates, our study is focused on a theological interpretation of the city in Isaiah 24-27 from the point of view of God’s judgment and salvation. The main reason for the study is that in Isaiah 24-27, the city plays a very significant role. The research therefore employs the socio-rhetorical approach which is a method that explores a multi-dimensional way of dealing with the text. Applying Robbins’ (1966a & b) textural analysis to the text of Isaiah 24-27, the inner and inter textures are examined in order to demonstrate the narrator’s rhetorical strategy. Through the prophetic genre of judgement and salvation, the narrator challenges the audience/reader to change their minds and attitudes, especially about the city. The challenge is that the fortified city alone would never provide safety and peace but rather bring God’s judgment. In contrast, God alone provides salvation and protection through God’s reign on Mount Zion/Jerusalem. It is shown that this rhetorical strategy is deeply embedded in the social and cultural context. The expectation was that the historical and political chaos which was triggered by international pressures and Israel’s unfaithfulness and injustice might cause Israel to reflect on what happened and what would happen to the city in God’s eschatological time. The rhetorical strategy also highlights the eschatological-apocalyptic character of the text and the author of Isaiah 24-27 uses it to focus on the ideological and theological textures by means of which he warned that “Zion theology” could become “Zion ideology” if it became located beyond prophetic voice and criticism. Furthermore, it is shown that the theological texture highlights God’s theological viewpoint that is symbolized by subjects such as universalism and the restoration of Zion/Jerusalem through judgment and salvation both of which are dialectically reflected in the destiny of the city of Zion/Jerusalem. At a deeper level, this theological engagement is based on God’s steadfast covenant love and justice, through which, God as husband and king, makes a demand on the city Jerusalem/Zion, the wife and the faith community. We have attempted to show from Isaiah 24-27 that God’s kingship is expressed in an apocalyptic manner which is beyond human power and intervention in order to emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty in controlling human destiny, especially the city. In line with the odd literary genre of the text, there still exist traditional prophetic thoughts which demand human responsibility on issues such as repentance, execution of social justice and righteousness in life.

Thesis (DTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The Balaam narratives of Numbers 22-24 have long proven to be a source of fascination for readers of the Old Testament. The narratives present Balaam as a faithful ‘word-of-Yahweh’ prophet. However, the Tale of the Donkey (22:22-35) portrays him as an ‘unseeing’ prophet intent on personal gain. How does one explain the conflicting views of Balaam within the narratives of Numbers 22-24? Socio-rhetorical criticism was employed as a methodology to examine the development of these conflicting views of Balaam. An analysis of the Inner Texture revealed that the repeated themes 'seeing’, ‘blessing’, and ‘cursing’ are central to the narratives, and serve to connect Balaam with the paradigmatic prophet Moses of Exodus 3 and Deuteronomy 18. The study of the narratives’ Intertexture revealed numerous inner-biblical allusions, and considered the possible relevance of the Deir ‘Alla texts to the narratives. The Social-cultural and Ideological textures of the narratives suggest that a process of prophetic redefinition took place during either the late pre-exilic or exilic periods, which resulted in the exclusion of divination from Israel’s prophetic tradition. Prophets entered into an alliance with the priests in order to centralise religious authority and place the focus of ‘prophecy’ on the exposition and application of Torah. A consideration of the theological texture of the narratives suggested that this process of prophetic redefinition continued into the early post-exilic period, and ultimately led to a re-evaluation of Balaam. Wide-spread xenophobia within early Yehud contributed to Balaam’s final demise, as later reception history within the Old Testament portrays Balaam as responsible for inciting Israel’s apostasy in Numbers 25. The Tale of the Donkey is integrated into the narratives of Numbers 22-24 by priestly writers in order to distance Balaam from Israel’s prophetic tradition. The result is a dynamic theological synthesis that recalls both an earlier period in which divination was accepted as part of Israel’s prophetic tradition, and a new perspective focused on the exposition and application of Torah. The Balaam narratives of Numbers 22-24 serve as the theological ‘hinge’ or ‘fulcrum’ of the book of Numbers, recalling both the old generation of rebellion, and the new generation of hope that will re-enter the land of promise. The Balaam narratives of Numbers 22-24 serve to powerfully proclaim that Yahweh’s purpose to bless his people will not be thwarted by the intrigues of Israel’s enemies, or Israel’s past disobedience.

Thesis (DTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / 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.

Thesis (DTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This dissertation addresses the topic, “Theological perspectives on Tithing in the Old Testament and their implications for believing communities in Africa.” At the height of “prosperity” and “word of faith” theologies, material resources became a central issue in the contemporary Church in Africa. Opponents query the biblical basis, point to abuses such as the lifestyles of pastors, and allege the commercialization of the gospel. Dispensationalists query the case for tithing in the New Testament, and the degree of reliance on the Old Testament where the situation might be different from ours. The impact has been to provide more resources for the Church and forestall the economic dependency on the West. So the research seeks to answer the questions about the theological basis for the adoption of the tithe system as a means of mobilizing local resources in support of the Church’s programmes, among others. And the thesis of the research is that a rigorous study and theological interpretation of the different examples of tithing in the Old Testament can motivate a more reflective theological-ethical understanding of the practice of tithing amongst believing communities in Africa. In order to achieve this, chapter two presented a survey of tithing in the Ancient Near East and Old Testament. It was shown that the concept of tithing was not peculiar to Ancient Israel; it was also found in other Ancient Eastern cultures like Ancient Egypt, Old and New Babylonia, Assyria, and Ugarit. Whereas the tithe system in the Old Testament was always theologically motivated, it was not always the case in other examples from the Ancient Near East. Chapters three and four studied the theological perspectives of tithing in Numbers and Deuteronomy. Numbers presented the tithe as the wages for the cult personnel, while Deuteronomy expanded the beneficiaries to include, the Levites, the foreigners, the orphans and the widows. The Israelites were to tithe as a means of expressing worship to the LORD and obedience to the laws. Both books presented the tithe as a theological obligation on the worshipper. Chapter five was an empirical survey of tithing in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. The study revealed an overwhelming support for the adoption and continuation of the tithe system in the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria. Furthermore, it showed that the PCN needed to do more in helping it’s members have a holistic understanding of the theological motivation for tithing. The “worship of God” was presented as the theological cornerstone of tithing, and the “blessings of God”, as the reward of obedience. Finally, the implications and relevance of tithing for the Church in Africa was evaluated in chapter six. It was shown that by tithing, the Church in Africa would be demonstrating its gratitude for God’s prized redemptive activity in the world, its joyful participation in God’s own undying concern for the poor and destitute; that while tithing should not be pursued as a mere institutionalized legalism, it remains a sound biblical benchmark for Christian stewardship.

Thesis (DTh (Old and New testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis is mainly concerned with Jesus’ perspective on suffering according to John 9. The dramatic events in John 9 were triggered by a question by Jesus’ disciples about the cause of an unnamed blind beggar’s blindness. The disciples wanted to know whether the blindness was caused by the beggar’s sins or by the sins of his parents (;<= >?@A;BC; – 9:2). Jesus, however, instead of addressing the cause of the man’s blindness, surprisingly and ironically shifted the focus to its purpose: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him” (HC@ I@CBAJKLM ;N OAP@ ;QRM KBQRM SC @T;UM – 9:3). Ultimately, it is not the man’s blindness that is the issue in John 9, but how people understand Jesus as the revelation of God. This radical shift in perspective, and its implications for first and later audiences/readers of John’s Gospel, is the main question to be addressed by the thesis. Because of Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question, the researcher chose John 9 as a key section for understanding Jesus’ perspective on suffering. The purpose of the study is to explore the nature and implications of Jesus’ response to the blind beggar’s condition – particularly in opening up new possibilities of experiencing God’s presence in Jesus the Messiah, the giver of light and life. Chapter 1 of the thesis is the introduction of the investigation covering the research problem, hypothesis, motivation for the study, its proposed contribution, preliminary studies undertaken and the methodology to be followed. The research was done through a narratological reading of John 9. Chapter 2 contributes to the research question by explaining different elements of narrative theory such as implied author, implied audience or readers, narrator, characters, point of view, settings and plot development. Since these are major elements of a narrative theory, the same elements will be used in the following chapters of the thesis. Chapter 3 analyses the narrative of John 9:1-41 according to the categories discussed in chapter 2 of the thesis. The main question to be addressed is Jesus’ response to his disciples’ question regarding the cause of the beggar’s blindness. For Jesus it is not the cause of the man’s physical blindness that is the issue, but the cause of the spiritual blindness of the Jews who do not recognise him as God’s Messiah (cf 9:2, 41). The structure of John 9 takes the form of a drama in seven scenes. The purpose of this chapter of the thesis is to explore who Jesus is – inter alia through the (speech) acts of different characters in the seven scenes, through different settings, and the plot development in John 9. Chapter 4 elaborates on the research question with respect to John 9 by focusing on Jesus and suffering in the post-synagogal movement. The investigation into the relationship between Jesus and suffering in John 9 is extended to John 10-12 where the narration continues of Jesus giving light and new life to people. The anti-language in John’s Gospel reflects a new social group that upheld an alternative reality that ran counter to the social realities of society at large. In the final analysis John had a clear and explicit purpose in mind: “These miraculous signs are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). Chapter 5 of the thesis focuses on the Karanga people’s interaction with the implied narratological purpose of John 9. The traditional belief of the Karanga is that any kind of illness, misfortune or death is a consequence of sin committed by a member of the community or family, which seems to be analogous to Jewish beliefs according to the disciples’ question in John 9:2. This belief is challenged fundamentally by Jesus’ practical yet ironical response. Chapter 5 of the thesis discusses the anticipated response to John 9 of present-day Karanga faith communities. It concludes by suggesting new faith responses to the Karanga people’s experience of illness and death, according to Jesus’ perspective on suffering in John 9. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis gaan hoofsaaklik oor Jesus se perspektief op lyding volgens Johannes 9. ‘n Vraag van Jesus se dissipels oor die oorsake van ‘n onbekende blinde bedelaar se kondisie het gelei tot die dramatiese gebeure in Johannes 9. Die dissipels wou weet of die bedelaar se blindheid deur sy sonde of die sonde van sy ouers veroorsaak is (;<= ?@A;BC; - 9:2). Jesus skuif die fokus op verrassende en ironiese wyse van die oorsaak van die blindheid na die doel daarvan (HC@ I@CBAJKLM ;N OAP@ ;QRM KBQRM SC @T;UM – 9:3). Uiteindelik gaan dit in Johannes 9 nie oor die man se blindheid nie, maar oor hoe mense Jesus as die openbaring van God verstaan. Hierdie radikale skuif in perspektief, en die implikasies daarvan vir aanvanklike en latere gehore/lesers van die evangelie volgens Johannes, word die primere vraag wat in die tesis aangespreek word. In die lig van Jesus se reaksie op die dissipels se vraag, kies die navorser Johannes 9 as ‘n sleutel-gedeelte om Jesus se perspektief op lyding te verstaan. Die doel van die studie is om die aard en implikasies van Jesus se reaksie op die blinde bedelaar se toestand te ondersoek – veral in die oopbreek van nuwe moontlikhede om God se teenwoordigheid te ervaar in Jesus, die Messias, die gewer van lig en lewe. Hoofstuk 1 van die tesis is die inleiding tot die ondersoek en dek die navorsingsprobleemstelling, hipotese, motivering vir die ondersoek en voorgestelde bydrae daarvan, voorafgaande studies wat gedoen is, en die metodologie wat gevolg word. Die navorsing is gedoen deur middel van ‘n narratologiese lees van Johannes 9. Hoofstuk 2 van die tesis dra by tot die navorsingsvraag deur die verskillende elemente van narratiewe teorie te beskryf, soos die geimpliseerde gehoor of lesers, verteller, karakters, standpunte, tonele, en storielyn-ontwikkelings. Aangesien hierdie die hoofelemente van ‘n narratiewe teorie is, word dieselfde elemente in al die ander hoofstukke van die tesis gebruik. Hoofstuk 3 analiseer die verhaal in Johannes 9:1-41 aan die hand van die kategoriee wat in hoofstuk 2 van die tesis bespreek is. Die hoofvraag wat aangespreek word, is Jesus se antwoord oor die oorsaak van die bedelaar se blindheid. Vir Jesus gaan dit nie oor die oorsaak van die man se fisieke blindheid nie, maar die oorsaak van die geestelike blindheid van die Jode, wat hom nie erken as God se Messias nie (cf 9:2, 41). Die struktuur van Johannes 9 is in die vorm van ‘n drama met sewe tonele. Die doel van hierdie hoofstuk van die tesis is om te ondersoek wie Jesus is – onder andere deur die optrede van verskillende karakters in die sewe tonele, deur verskillende plasings en die storielyn-ontwikkeling in Johannes 9. Hoofstuk 4 brei verder uit op die navorsingsvraag met betrekking tot Johannes 9 deur te fokus op Jesus en lyding in die post-sinagoge beweging. Die ondersoek oor die verband tussen Jesus en lyding in Johannes 9 word uitgebrei na Johannes 10-12, waar die vertelling van Jesus wat lig en lewe gee, voortgesit word. Die anti-taal in die Johannes-evangelie reflekteer ‘n nuwe sosiale groep wat ‘n alternatiewe sosiale realiteit handhaaf, teenoor die sosiale realiteite van die gemeenskap as geheel. Uiteindelik het die Johannes-evangelie ‘n duidelike en eksplisiete doel gehad: “Maar hierdie wondertekens is beskrywe sodat julle kan glo dat Jesus die Christus is, die Seun van God, en sodat julle deur te glo, in sy Naam die lewe kan hê (20:31). Hoofstuk 5 van die tesis fokus hoofsaaklik op die Karanga mense se interaksie met die geimpliseerde narratologiese doel van Johannes 9. Die tradisionele geloof van die Karanga is dat enige vorm van siekte, ongeluk of dood ‘n gevolg is van sonde wat deur ‘n lid van die gemeenskap of familie gepleeg is. Volgens die dissipels se vraag in Johannes 9:2 lyk dit of as pekte van die Joodse geloof hiermee ooreen gestem het. Die geloof word fundamenteel uitgedaag deur Jesus se praktiese dog ironiese reaksie. Hoofstuk 5 van die tesis bespreek die verwagte reaksie op Johannes 9 van hedendaagse Karanga Christengemeenskappe. Dit sluit af deur ‘n nuwe geloofs-reaksie vir die Karanga mense se ervaring van siekte en dood voor te stel volgens Jesus se reaksie op die dissipels se vraag in Johannes 9:2.

Thesis (D. Phil.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As modern society becomes more complex and diverse, a colonial reading paradigm is increasingly becoming less plausible and has reached a point at which it is no longer possible to play tricks with colonized peoples. It belongs to a period and expresses an outlook with which we can no longer identify. A new epoch in the field of reading has opened. What we see in a postcolonial paradigm is a radical shuffling of the cards into a new pattern. This study argues that a postcolonial assumption of a plurality of contexts of salvation is a liberating paradigm that proceeds along a path that includes the acceptance of the independence and separate character of the various religions and the avoidance of superordination-subordination relationships. It acknowledges and seeks to detect religious intolerance and to encourage an approach that celebrates human cultural diversity—a rainbow religion or religious landscape. In this study a colonial reading paradigm of the bible in general and the letter to the Hebrews in particular, is turned on its head and colonial conception of supersessionism – an absolute claim to superiority – rendered largely obsolete. It is no longer a case of business as usual. As the Christian assumption of absolute claims to superiority over non-Christian religions is increasingly becoming less plausible – in fact, obsolete – and no longer make sense to many people, collective and collaborative efforts are an ideal alternative. There is a need to create space for other religions to work in partnership with the Christian religion in our unprecedented communicational, democratic and pluralistic cultural contexts where we rub shoulders with devotees of non-Christian religions. A pluralistic form of religious environment, where there is no one religion with preferential privileges, is an ideal thing in our contexts. We need a different conceptualization of the role of religion, where non-Christian religions are viewed not as demonic, false or inferior, but as worthy colleagues in the religious quest. They are alternative and valid version of religious faith as well. The idea that the ultimate reality, the cosmic power, has dealt with only one segment of humankind, the Christian people, and that ideally there should be one, and only one, universal religion should be rejected. Moreover, for Christian people to be receptive to non-Christian religions does not entail abandoning or betraying the Christian religion. It simply entails appropriating insights previously unavailable to them. The idea that the Euro-American Christian theoretical line carries automatic evaluative judgements should now be regarded as decidedly outdated. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In ‘n toenemend diverse en komplekse moderne samelewing is daar nie meer ruimte vir ’n koloniale lees-paradigma nie. Dit is trouens onwaarskynlik dat gekolonialiseerde mense (steeds) ’n rat voor die oë gedraai kan word. Sulke tye behoort tot die verlede en beliggaam ’n wêreldbeskouing waarmee nie langer geïdentifiseer kan word nie. ‘n Nuwe epog wat betref die lees van tekste is op die horison. Binne die post-koloniale paradigma bemerk mens ‘n radikale herposisionering van weë, en selfs nuwe weë. Hierdie studie betoog dat ’n post-koloniale veronderstelling van ’n verskeidenheid-van-kontekstevan- verlossing uiteindelik ’n bevrydende paradigma is, wat sigself beywer om die afsonderlike en onafhanklike karakter van ander godsdienste te aanvaar en enige magsverhoudinge tussen hulle te bestry. Dit wil enige vorm van religieuse onverdraagsaamheid hokslaan en die viering van kulturele diversiteit aanmoedig. In die studie word ’n koloniale lees-paradigma van die Bybel in die algemeen en die Hebreërbrief in besonder op sy kop gekeer, terwyl die idee van absolute koloniale super-heerskappy as uitgediend beskou word. Dit is gewis nie meer ’n geval van klakkelose berusting in die algemene gang van sake nie. Soos ‘n Christelike veronderstelling van absolute aanspraak vanuit ‘n magsposisie en heerskappy teenoor ander godsdienste al minder verantwoordbaar blyk te wees en vir baie eenvoudig nie meer sin maak nie, bied gesamentlike pogings nuwe en verfrissende alternatiewe. Daar is ’n behoefte om ruimte te skep vir ander godsdienste waarbinne hulle juis as vennote saam met Christene in vandag se ongekend kommunikatiewe, demokratiese en pluralisties-kulturele kontekste kan meewerk. ’n Pluralisties-religieuse omgewing – waar geen godsdiens enige spesiale bevoorregting bo ’n ander geniet nie – kan daarom as die ideaal in huidige kontekste beskou word. Hiervoor word egter ‘n ander begrippe-apparaat ten opsigte van die rol van religie benodig, waarmee nie-Christengelowiges nie as demonies, vervloek of minderwaardig beskou sal word nie, maar veel eerder as waardige vennote in die religieuse gesprek. Hul standpunte behoort as alternatiewe en ewe geldige perspektiewe erken en gerespekteer te word. Die idee dat die Almagtige, na wie almal vra, slegs by één bepaalde segment van die mensdom betrokke sou wees, naamlik by Christene, word heeltemal verwerp. Dieselfde geld die beywering en uiteindelike daarstel van één universele geloof. Christene se openheid teenoor andersgelowiges beteken egter allermins ’n verloëning van die Christelike evangelie. Die gedagtegang van hierdie studie impliseer bloot dat Christene voortdurend oop sal wees vir ander se religieuse insigte. Die idee dat ‘n Westerse teoretiese raamwerk outomaties waarde-oordele kan fel, word dus daarmee beslissend as gedateerd verklaar.

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2003 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation is an answer to the question: How should the story of Naboth's land (I Kings 21) be theologically understood by a Khoi who is dispossessed of his/her land and kept on the periphery? The ftrst chapter consists of the hypothesis, the theological assumption of the research, a summary of existing research on the story of Naboth's land and the point of view from which a Khoi looks and listens to the story. The place, from which the story would be looked and listened to, the methodology, is followed by a list of concepts used in the research. The second chapter is an exposition of the hermeneutical position of the Khoi in the theological debate regarding land as a living space for humankind. Opinions from outside (European) and opinions from inside (Khoi) the living space of the Khoi are placed in contrast with one another to illustrate the divide between landed and landless people on the land. Against the European negation of their knowledge of God, the Khoi put their knowledge of God as their Supreme Being, Father and Ruler who has his abode in the clouds but who is always and everywhere powerfully present for the sake of humankind. Against the negation of their human dignity, the Khoi put the dignity of human beings as the creations of God. Against the violent invasion of their land, the Khoi put their viewpoint that human beings should live in peaceful coexistence with neighbours in their physical living space. Against those who violate their spatial identity, the Khoi affirms their identity as Khoi on the periphery of their land under foreign occupation. Against those who deny them a cultural living space, the Khoi establish their right on a cultural living space and their right to think and be heard in their mother tongue. The third chapter is a contribution to the theological debate regarding the story of the land of Naboth from the perspective of a dispossessed Khoi. The personal identities of individuals and of groups are discussed according to their relationships with fellow human beings with whom they had to share their living space. The identity of the city of lezreel as a physical and cultural living space is discussed in accordance with the attachments of Naboth and Ahab to it. Upon this discussion follows an exposition of land as communal possession (Naboth's living space) and land as private property (Ahab's living space). The purchase and the dispossession of ancestral land by Ahab to demote Naboth's family to the status of dependent subjects are identified as acts of violence. The dispossession of ancestral land caused Naboth and Elijah to protest against the violation of the spatial order because of God. The fourth chapter contains an exegesis of the story of the dispossession of the land of Naboth from the perspective of a dispossessed Khoi. The moral of the Khoi stories of the ancestral figure Heitsi Eibib determines the understanding of the story of the dispossession ofNaboth's land by Ahab. Chapter five is an exposition of the significance of the Khoi perspective for the theological understanding of the story of Naboth's land. Chapter six is a summary of the dissertation and shows other possibilities to further develop the theological debate regarding the dispossession ofNaboth's land. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die dissertasie is 'n antwoord op die vraag: Hoe moet die verhaal van Nabot se grond (I Konings 21) teologies verstaan word deur 'n Khoi wat van sylhaar grond onteien is en op die periferie gehou word? Die eerste hoofstuk omvat die vraagstelling, die teologiese begronding van die ondersoek, 'n kort opsomming oor bestaande navorsing oor die verhaal oor Naboth se grond en die plek vanwaar 'n Khoi die verhaal bekyk en beluister. Die plek vanwaar die verhaal bekyk en beluister word, naamlik, die metodologie, word gevolg deur 'n Iys van woorde wat in die ondersoek gebruik word. Die tweede hoofstuk is 'n uiteensetting van die hermeneutiese posisie van die Khoi in die teologiese debat oor die grond as 'n leefruimte vir die mens. Opinies van buite (Europese) en opinies van binne (Khoi) die leefruimte van die Khoi word teenoormekaar gestel om die skeiding tussen grondbesitters and grondlose mense te illustreer. Teenoor die Europese miskennings van die Khoi se kennis van God, stel die Khoi hul kennis van God as hul Opperwese, Vader en Heerser wat bokant die wolke woon maar altyd en orals magtig teenwoordig is ter wille van mense. Teenoor die miskenning van hul menswaardigneid, stel die Khoi die waardigheid van mense as God se skeppings. Teenoor die geweldadige inname van hulle leefruimte, stel die Khoi die standpunt van die vreedsame saambestaan van mense binne dieselfde fisiese leefruimte. Teenoor die standpunt van diegene wat hulle ruimtelike identiteit geweld aandoen, bevestig die Khoi hul identiteit as Khoi op die periferie van hulle land wat in vreemde besit is. Teenoor diegene wat hulle kulturele leefruimte geweld aandoen, vestig the Khoi hulle reg op 'n kulturele leefruimte en om te dink: en gehoor te word in hul moedertaal. Die derde hoofstuk is 'n bydrae tot die teologiese debat oor die verhaal van die grond van Nabot vanuit die perspektief van 'n onteiende Khoi. Die persoonlike identiteit van individue en groepe word bespreek in tenne van hulle verhoudinge tot medemense met wie hulle hul leefruimte moes dee!. Die stad lezreel se identiteit as fisiese en kulturele leefruimte word bespreek volgens die gehegdheid van Nabot en Agab daaraan. Hierop volg 'n uiteensetting van grond as gemeenskaplike leefruimte (Nabot se leefruimte) en grond as privaat eiendom (Agab se leefruimte). Die koop en onteiening van die erfgrond deur Agab om van Nabot se familie afhanklike onderdane te maak word as dade van geweld geidentifiseer. Die onteiening van erfgrond het veroorsaak dat Nabot en Elia protes aangeteken het teen die geweld teen die ruimtelike orde ter wille van God. Die vierde hoofstuk bevat die eksegese van die verhaal oor die onteieing van die grond van Nabot vanuit die perspektief van 'n onteinde Khoi. Die morele betekenis van die Khoi verhale oor Heitsi Eibib bepaal die verstaan van die verhaal van die onteiening en besetting van Nabot se grond deur Agab. Hoofstuk vyf is 'n uiteensetting van die betekenis van die Khoi perspektief op die verhaal van Nabot se grond vir teologiese denke. Hoofstuk ses is 'n opsorruning van die dissertasie en wys op moontlikhede hoe om die teologiese debat oor the onteiening van Nabot se grond verder te ontwikkel.

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2005 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The narrow question is how best to translate into Lomwe the biblical Hebrew term [berith] 'covenant'. But this question draws in many other issues when the contextual nature of communication is taken into account. Using Leviticus 26 as a focus text, this study sketches a complete arc from the impact at world view level of covenant concepts in the original to impact at worldview level among present-day Lomwe-speakers in northern Mozambique. This study defends a definition of covenant in its ancient Near Eastern context as a chosen relationship of mutual obligation guaranteed by oath sanctions. A close reading of Leviticus 26 in its literary contexts highlights the integrating role of covenant in the Old Testament. Used for Yahweh and his people, covenant language stressed that the relationship was exclusive, secure, accountable and purposeful. However, Lomwe-speakers are traditionally matrilineal with no adequate analogs to ancient covenantal customs. Protestant Christians among them, who have not had the Old Testament in their language, show by their songs that they do not have a covenantal sense of their relationship to God, but see life as a journey of escape to heaven while under the threat of divine judgment. For the present experiment, volunteers preached from a translation of Leviticus 26 to their congregations. In the resulting recorded sermons, the covenant concepts emphasized were relationship and obligation (but not chosenness or oath sanctions), and exclusivity and accountability (but not security or purpose). To compensate, the study proposes specific steps for Bible translators and those involved in the broader teaching task of the churches, especially dwelling on the potential of using muloko wa Muluku, 'people of God' as an integrating framework. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die enger vraag is hoe 'n mens die Bybels-Hebreeuse term, [berith] 'verbond', die beste in Lomwe kan vertaal? Indien die konteksgebondenheid van kommunikasie in berekening gebring word, impliseer hierdie vraag egter 'n hele aantal ander strydvrae. Deur Levitikus as 'n fokusteks te gebruik, skets hierdie studie 'n volledige boog: van die impak op die vlak van die wereldbeskouing van verbondsbegrippe in die brontaal tot by die impak wat die vertaling van hierdie konsepte maak op die wereldbeskouing van die Lomwe sprekers in die noorde van Mosambiek. Hierdie ondersoek verdedig die volgende defmisie van verbond in 'n Ou Nabye Oosterse konteks: 'n Verbond is 'n vrywillig gekose verhouding met wedersyde verpligtinge wat gewaarborg is deur die sankie van eedswering. 'n Noukeurige lees van Levitikus 26 in sy literere kontekste beklemtoon die integrerende rol van verbond in die Ou Testament. As 'n konsep wat gebruik is vir die verhouding tussen Jahwe en sy mense, aksentueer verbond die feit dat die verhouding wat ter sprake is, eksklusief, veilig en doelgerig is, asook dat dit verantwoording impliseer. Lomwe sprekers is egter tradisioneel matrilineer en het geen instelling wat analoog is aan 'n verbondsverhouding nie. Die Protestanse Christene onder hulle wat ook nog nie 'n Ou Testament in hulle moedertaal het nie, gee in hulle liedere blyke daarvan dat hulle geen begrip het wat 'n verbondsverhouding met God beteken rue. Hulle sien die lewe as 'n ontvlugtingsreis na die hemel te midde van die swaard van 'n goddelike oordeel.Vir die buidige eksperiment bet vrywilliges vir bulle gemeentes gepreek uit 'n vertaling van Levitikus 26. In die preke wat op band opgeneem is, is die aspekte van verbond wat telkens beklemtoon is, die van verbouding and verpligting (nie die van nabyheid of die sanksies wat verband hou met eedswering nie), die van eksklusiwiteit en die doen van verantwoording (en nie die van sekuriteit en doelgerigtheid nie). Om te kompenseer stel die ondersoek stappe voor wat Bybelvertalers en mense wat betrokke is in die breere lerende taak van die kerke kan gebruik. Aan die potensiaal van die konsep muloko wa Muluku, 'God se mense' word besondere aandag gewy as integrerende raamwerk.

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study aims to interpret Romans 7 with special reference to the law. Both Romans 7 and the law in Paul are very difficult to understand. However, both are important for an understanding of Pauline theology and the gospel. In the past historical critical analyses were usually done in order to solve problematic passages like Romans 7 in Paul's letters. In this study a socio-rhetorical analysis is utilized. To start with, previous research is briefly dealt with in order obtain an overall picture of the understanding of the law in the past. From this overview more than ten problem areas are identified. Then, socio-rhetorical analysis is briefly explained. This is a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary method developed by Vernon Robbins, which sees the text as having various textures. In this research the method is utilized with some modifications. In chapter 4 the macrostructure of Romans is established by means of epistolary analysis and rhetorical analysis. Next, Rom. 7 is established as a rhetorical unit within Rom. 5-8 as the broader co-text of Rom. 7. After that the rhetorical situation of Romans is discussed, as well as some of Paul's rhetorical devices and styles. Finally, the rhetorical species of Romans is determined as deliberative rhetoric. From chapters 5 to 7, Rom. 7 is analyzed, using different textual analyses. In an analysis of inner texture repetitive-progressive texture, opening-middle-closing texture, and argumentative texture are discussed. Here an enthymemic analysis is used in order to chart Paul's argumentative flow of thought. From this it is concluded that Rom. 7: 1-6 is an analogy, which is an important tool for argumentation, and that the present tense in Rom. 7:14-25 functions as part of a combination of autobiographical-typical-rhetorical features for the purpose of argumentation. In the analysis of intertexture the scriptural intertexture is investigated: recitation with omission and thematic elaboration. In the cultural intertextual analysis some Jewish cultural intertextures are noted, namely, Rom. 7:8-10 as an allusion to both Gen. 3 and Exod. 3, Paul's usage of the "1," the law, slavery image, and the evil inclination. It is also interesting that Rom. 7: 15 & 19 and the "I" are allusions to Greek tragedy, sin as power, and slavery as Greco-Roman cultural intertexture. In analyzing the social intertexture it can be concluded that the marriage analogy is closer to Jewish marriage than to Greco-Roman marriage. The final analysis is an investigation of the theological texture. Here salvation history and the covenant of God are first dealt with in order to get to grips with Paul's theological world. Then, Pauline hamartiology, anthropology, and finally, nomism are investigated. The conclusion is that VOl-lOS' in Rom. 7 mostly denotes the universal moral law of God, both written and unwritten, not just the Mosaic law; though in some cases it denotes "principle" or "rule" as in vv. 21-25. Rom. 7 as a whole is a refutation of the objection or misunderstanding that might be raised regarding Paul's statements of the law in previous chapters. In Rom. 7 Paul elaborates the relationship between believers and the law, and the function of the law in relation to sin in an unregenerate person. In so doing, he vehemently denies that the law is sin, and vividly indicates the function of the law using his own experience. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing fokus op Rom. 7 met spesifieke verwysing na die wet. Hoewel sowel die wet by Paulus en Rom. 7 moeilike onderwerpe is om te verstaan, is beide van besondere belang vir In verstaan van die teologie van Paulus en die evangelie. In die verlede is gewoonlik van histories-kritiese studies gebruik gemaak in die bestudering van sulke probleme. Hier word van In sosio-retoriese benadering gebruik gemaak. Daar word eers aandag gegee aan vorige navorsing om In beeld te kry van die wyse waarop die wet in die verlede verstaan is. Na aanleiding van hierdie oorsig word meer as tien probleemareas geidentifiseer. Vervolgens word In kort uiteensetting van sosio-retoriese analise gegee. Dit is In multidimensionele en multidissiplinere benadering wat deur Vernon Robbins ontwikkel is en wat In teks as In hegte eenheid van verskillende teksture sien. In hierdie studie word hierdie metode gebruik, ofskoon met In paar aanpassings. Die makrostruktuur van Romeine word in hoofstuk 4 met behulp van In epistolere en retoriese analise nagegaan. Daarna word Rom. 7 as In retoriese eenheid binne Rom. 5-8 as die breer ko-teks van Rom.7 aangedui. Vervolgens word die retoriese situasie van Romeine asook bepaalde retoriese tegnieke en strategiee van Paulus bespreek. Die standpunt word ingeneem dat Romeine as deliberatiewe retoriek beskou moet word. In hoofstukke 5 tot 7 word die verskillende teksture van Rom. 7 aan die orde gestel. Die herhalend-progressiewe tekstuur, begin-middel-slot tekstuur en die argumentatiewe tekstuur word ondersoek om die interne tekstuur vas te stel. In Analise van die ethumeme in die teks lewer ook In bydrae om die vloei van die argument te kan volg. Hieruit volg dat Rom. 7:1-6 as In analogie beskou moet word, wat In belangrike rniddel in argumentasie was. Verder kan afgelei word dat die teenswoordige tydsvorm in Rom. 7: 14-25 In onderdeel is van die kombinasie van outobiografies-tipies-retoriese kenmerke wat in argumentasie gebruik word. In die bestudering van die intertekstuur word aandag aan die volgende voorbeelde van skriftelike intertekstuur gegee: resitasie (met weglatings) en die uitbou van In tema. By die bestudering van die kulturele intertekstuele analise kom voorbeelde van Joodse intertekstuur aan die orde: Rom. 7:8-10 as toespeling op Gen. 3 en Eks. 3, Paulus se gebruik van die "ek", die wet, die beeld van slawe en die bose begeerte. Verder kan Rom.7:15, 19 en die "ek" as toespelings op Griekse tragedies, die sonde as mag, en slawemy as Grieks-Romeinse kulturele intertekstuur gesien kan word. Wat die sosiale intertekstuur betref word bevind dat die analogie van die huwelik meer verwantskap met die Joodse huwelik as met die Grieks- Romeinse huwelik vertoon. Ten slotte word die teologiese tekstuur ondersoek. Eers word aandag gegee aan die heilsgeskiedenis en die verbond van God om In begrip van die teologiese wereld van Paulus te verkry. Daama word die hamartologie, antropologie en ten slotte die wet by Paulus ondersoek. Daar word bevind dat VOl-lOS" in Rom. 7 meestal die universele morele wet van God, geskrewe en ongeskrewe, en nie net die wet van Moses nie, aandui. In bepaalde gevalle, soos in Rom.7:21-25, beteken dit "beginsel" of reel." Rom.7 is in sy geheel'n verwerping van die beswaar of misverstand wat na aanleiding van Paulus se uitsprake oor die wet in die vorige hoofstukke kon ontstaan het. Paulus stel in Rom.7 die verhouding tussen gelowiges en die wet aan die orde asook die funksie van die wet met betrekking tot sonde by die onbekeerde. Op hierdie wyse ontken hy ten sterkste dat die wet sonde is terwyl hy ook die funksie van die wet met behulp van sy eie ervaring uitbeeld.

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2002 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Traditionally, Gen 1-3 has been interpreted as a text that supports male superiority and female inferiority as the will of God. This dissertation aims to establish a more constructive interpretation one that is more responsible and accountable to the readers of the Korean Presbyterian Church in particular. Consequently, I have dealt with various interpretations ofGen 1-3 from male and female perspectives. Because the mam Korean religions of pre-Christianity (Shamanism, Buddhism and Confucianism) have been identified as possible major influential elements that would have had an impact on Korean male centred interpretations of Gen 1-3, this study begins by analysing Korean worldviews and their influence on the formation of the theological tradition in the KPc. These elements are then investigated in terms of the significant impact they had upon the interpretation of Gen 1-3 in the KPC and this demonstrates how an individual view of the Scriptures could bring about different results within the KPC itself. An alternative interpretation of Gen 1-3 from a feminist perspective is discussed as part of the solution to promote justice for female readers. Although feminist readings would reduce the oppression of female readers, we analyse how another possibility of oppression, directly opposed to female oppression, could arise. To avoid another biased interpretation of Gen 1-3 ant to establish an interpretation of Gen 1-3 that is more ethically accountable to both genders, an attempt is made to read the text by means of a method that has an interdisciplinary nature in terms of dealing with the text. The socio-rhetorical criticism of Vernon Robbins is chosen and inner, and inter-, ideological and theological textures of Gen 1 are identified. Although the Creation texts exhibit their cultural connection, a socio-rhetorical reading of Gen 1 is not concerned with a specific order for man and woman in God's creation. Therefore, a sexual distinction based on some ethical status or role is not found. Instead, Gen 1 describes not only the relationship between God and human beings, but also the relationship of human beings to the other orders of creation. The concept of the divine image applied in the biological terms, male and female offers no theological indication for the present social consequences. Rather it invites us to open ourselves to possible new meanings beyond any cultural boundaries. Gen 1 within the present context challenges the interpreter as well as the reader to selfcritical activity in reading or interpreting the text in his/her own context. This is so because Scripture has allowed diversity, and the text of Gen 1 created a new meaning for the readers of the exilic society as Gen 2-3 did for the readers of the original cultures reflected in the Scriptures. Therefore, the KPC also needs to be challenged to look at the relationship of male and female anew and to be invited to be a partner in restoring the lost half of the dignity of the image of God for humanity. If exile for the Jewish people signified a calling into question of their secure centres of meaning as the people of God, our traditional Christian way of viewing the nature of God and of humankind should equally be called into question in our present context. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Genesis 1 is tradisioneel geinterpreteer as 'n teks wat die meerderwaardigheid van mans en die rninderwaardigheid van vroue ondersteun as die wil van God. Hierdie proefskrif het ten doel om 'n meer konstruktiewe interpretasie daar te stel. 'n Interpretasie wat meer verantwoordelik en verantwoordbaar teenoor die lesers is, veral binne die Koreaanse Presbiteriaanse Kerk (KPK). Gevolglik het ek aandag gegee aan verkeie interpretasies van Genesis 1-3. Interpretasies vanuit manlike sowel as vroulike perspektiewe. Aangesien die belangrikste Koreaanse religiee van die pre-Christen tydperk (Sjamanisme, Boeddhisme, Confucianisme) geidentifiseer is as moontlik belangrike, invloederyke elemente wat 'n invloed gehad het op die manlik gesentreerde interpretasie van Genesis 1-3, begin hierdie studie met die analisering van Koreaanse wereldbeelde en die invloed daarvan op die formasie van die teologiese tradisie binne die KPK. Hierdie elemente word dan ondersoek in terme van die belangrike impak wat dit gehad het op die interpretasie van Genesis 1-3 binne de KPK en dit demonstreer hoe 'n individuele beskouing van die Skrif verskillende resultate binne die KPK self teweeg kan bring. 'n Alternatiewe interpretasie van Genesis 1-3, vanuit 'n ferninistiese perspektief, word bespreek as deel van die oplossing om geregtigheid vir vroue lesers te bevorder. Hoewel 'n feministiese lees die onderdrukking van vroue lesers sal verrninder, word ook· geanaliseer hoe 'n ander moontlikheid van onderdrukking, direk gekant teen die vroulike onderdrukking, kan ontstaan. Ten einde nog 'n bevooroordeelde interpretasie van Genesis 1-3 te vermy en om 'n interpretasie daar te stel wat meer eties verantwoordbaar is vir beide geslagte, word 'n poging aangewend om die teks te lees by wyse van 'n metode wat inter-dissipliner van aard is in die interpretasie van die teks. Die sosio-retoriese kritiek van Vernon Robbins word gekies en 'n intra-, inter-, ideologiese en teologiese tekstuur van Genesis 1 word gerdentifiseer. Hoewel die skeppingstekste hulle kulturele verbintenis ten toon stel, setel die belang van 'n sosio-retoriese lees van Gen 1 nie by 'n bepaalde orde vir man en vrou in God se skepping. Om hierdie rede word 'n geslagtelike onderskeid, gebasseer op etiese status of rol, nie in die teks gevind nie. Eerder, Genesis 1 beskryf nie net die verhouding tussen God en mense nie, maar ook die verhouding van menslike wesens tot die ander ordes van die skepping. Die konsep van die goddelike beeld, toegepas in biologiese terme, bied manlik en vroulik geen teologiese aanduiding vir die huidige sosiale gevolge nie. Eerder, dit nooi ons uit om onsself te open vir moontlike, nuwe betekenisse, wat verby enige kulturele betekenisse strek. Binne die eietydse konteks daag Genesis 1 die interpreteerder sowel as die leser uit tot selfkritiese aktiwiteit in die lees of interpretasie van die teks binne sy / haar eie konteks. Dit is so weens die feit dat die Skrif ruimte laat vir diversiteit en weens die feit dat Genesis 1 nuwe betekenis geskep het vir die lesers binne die eksiliese gemeenskap, soos wat Genesis 2-3 gedoen het vir lesers van die oorspronklike kulture soos gereflekteer in die geskrifte. Om hierdie rede behoort die KPK ook uitgedaag te word om opnuut ondersoek in te stel na die verhouding tussen man en vrou en om uitgenooi te word as vennoot in die proses om die verlore helfte van die waardigheid van die beeld van God vir die mensdom te herstel. Indien die ballingskap vir die Joodse volk dui op 'n bevraagtekening van hulle veilige sentrums van betekenis as die yolk van God, behoort ons tradisionele Christelike beskouing van die aard van God en van die mensdom op soortgelyke wyse bevraagteken te word binne ons eietydse konteks.