Thesis (MTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / This paper undertakes a detailed study of Matt 6:19-34 for the specific purpose of accounting for the unique context and content of the material/financial ethic being articulated here by Jesus. The passage, made up of four pericopes, is located within the first of the five discourses of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus evidently articulates the ethical standards required of the children of the emerging Kingdom of God. The need for such a study stems from an understanding that the passage, indeed the Sermon as a whole, has been treated by traditional scholarship in a somewhat distanced and abstract manner i.e. it has been read without adequate cognisance being taken of the particular socio-linguistic and socio-historical context in which it was originally formulated and articulated. Relatively recent social-scientific and socio-historical New Testament scholarship, however, has provided a specific set of interpretive tools that enable a modern reader to make a far more dynamic and context-sensitive interpretation possible. Accordingly, this paper undertakes a socio-rhetorical analysis of Matt 6:19-34, together with a social-scientific and socio-historic/financial/religious analysis of the eastern Mediterranean world of late Second Temple times. Together these interpretive tools shed new light on the text and provide the opportunity for re-reading that text in a way that, hopefully, more closely articulates the ethic as an original audience might have heard it. Specifically, the use of these interpretive tools provide insights into why it was that Jesus explicitly prohibited worry, some six times in the passage, amongst the children of the Kingdom concerning the provision of their food, drink and clothing i.e. the tools provide something of an explanation for both the rhetorical force of the ethic and the underlying realities that gave rise to its formulation in the first place. These insights are then applied in an attempt at formulating a dynamically equivalent ethic that might be appropriated and applied by present day children of the Kingdom reading the passage today.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to explore "who is saying what to whom for what purpose" in the text of 1 Samuel 8-12 through an analysis of the manifestations of ideology in this text. The emphasis of this thesis lies in the application of multiple methodologies in biblical interpretation with a view to (a) reconstructing the material and ideological conditions under which the biblical text was produced in order to determine which group produced the text and whose socioeconomic interests it served; and (b) investigating how these conditions are encoded in reproducing a particular ideology in order to determine how the texts incorporated the particular ideologies or interests of the time. The present research, for this reason, combines an extrinsic and an intrinsic analysis to read the world of 1 Samuel. The extrinsic analysis makes use of a social-historical and a social scientific approach to explore the particular circumstances. It indicates that the biblical writing should be regarded as conscious writing which aims to interpret historical incidents and construct specific ideologies. 1 Samuel 8-12 might therefore have been constructed by exilic groups to provide reasons for their difficult past. The intrinsic analysis makes use of narrative criticism, especially the theory of conflict plot, to do an in-depth investigation of the rhetoric of 1 Samuel 8-12. This analysis indicates that these chapters highlight the ambivalence of the monarchy, although the surface structure might tell a different story. The findings of the research have led to the conclusion that 1 Samuel 8-12 appears to present no clear position with regard to the future of the monarchy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om vas te stel "wie sê wat vir wie, en met watter doel" in die teks van 1 Samuel 8-12. Dit word gedoen deur 'n analise te maak van hoe ideologie in hierdie teks manifesteer. Die klem van hierdie studie lê in die toepassing van verskillende metodologieë van bybelinterpretasie ten einde (a) die materiaal en ideologiese omstandighede waarin die bybelteks geproduseer is, te rekonstrueer, met die oog daarop om vas te stel wie die teks geproduseer het, en wie se belange daardeur gedien word; en (b) te ondersoek hoe hierdie omstandighede enkodeer is in die formulering van a spesifieke ideologie, ten einde te bepaal hoe die teks die betrokke ideologieë of belange van die tyd geïnkorporeer het. Om hierdie rede kombineer die studie 'n ekstrensieke en 'n intrensieke analise om die wêreld van 1 Samuel te lees. Die ekstrensieke analise gebruik 'n sosio-historiese en sosiaal-wetenskaplike benadering om die betrokke omstandighede na te vors. Hierdie benadering dui aan dat die bybelteks beskou kan word as 'n bewuste geskrif wat ten doel het om sekere historiese gebeure te interpreteer en om spesifieke ideologieë te konstrueer. 1 Samuel 8-12 is daarom moontlik gekonstrueer deur eksiliese groepe om verklarings vir hul moeilike verlede te gee. Die intrinsieke analise maak gebruik van narratiewe kritiek, veral die teorie van konflikplot, om 'n in-diepte studie te maak van die retoriek van 1 Samuel 8-12. Hierdie analise toon dat die betrokke hoofstukke die ambivalensie van die koningskap beklemtoon, hoewel die oppervlaktestruktuur moontlik 'n ander verhaal vertel. Die bevindings van hierdie navorsing lei dan tot die konklusie dat 1 Samuel 8-12 skynbaar geen duidelike posisie met betrekking tot die toekoms van die koningskap aanbied nie.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In reading the letters of Paul to the community in Corinth, it becomes apparent that Paul communicated from a position of authority. Given the existence of the mighty Roman Empire at the time of Paul’s writings, it raises questions regarding the ways such Empire would have affected Paul. This study assesses the possibility that Paul was influenced, not only by the material Roman world, but also by the socio-political and social-cultural dynamics of the Roman order. Paul may have utilised such order, but as spiritual leader, he could also have opposed it to his own ends and aims. The purpose of this study is to investigate such dynamism. The point of departure is, firstly to briefly discuss the nature of the Roman Empire that filled the ancient Roman world with coinage, statues, temples, poetry, song and public rhetoric. The ubiquitous Roman Empire enforced itself through power dynamics constituted in physical force, rhetoric, the patronage system and the Imperial Cult. Patronage operated in tandem with other aspects of the imperial system as a means of social control. It leads, therefore, to a more focussed investigation of patronage as one of the significant dimensions of Empire. Honour, prestige and status disparity governed social relations through complex, reciprocal relationships. No one was immune to the social tug-of-war, and within this context, Paul engaged in his Corinthian correspondence. Paul’s first Corinthian correspondence, specifically 1 Cor 4:14-21, is then comparatively investigated in the light of patronage as dimension of Empire. Paul integrated values such as honour and shame, and used the system of patronage in order to achieve his objectives with the Corinthian community. The socio-rhetorical analysis of this section of Paul’s correspondence investigates socio-cultural, intertextual and ideological aspects of the text. 1 Cor 4:14-21 is the culmination of the first part of Paul’s argument for ὁμόνια (concord), and he empowers his deliberation through patronage. He positions himself uniquely as father of the community, which empowers him with patria potestas (absolute authority). He also describes the way the Corinthians should bestow honour upon themselves. Paul’s use of a challenge-riposte and encomium brings all the weight of his argument to bear, upon his mimetic command to μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε (be imitators of me). The findings of this study indicate that Paul also opposes Empire in various ways. He opposes patronage, when he champions allegiance to an alternative Κύριος (Lord) that represents an alternative kingdom. He acts as a broker between Christ and the community, but the reciprocal relationship consists of shameful behaviour. Paul’s application of patronage does not serve to enhance his social position and poses a significant challenge to the norms of patronage in the Empire. The patent and unresolved tension within his rhetoric stretches between liberal use of patronage, and his opposition of aspects of the imperial order, such as patronage and the abuse of power. This leads to the conclusion that Paul still subjected the attributes of Empire to his own objectives. He had more than a purely political or merely spiritual agenda in mind and ultimately this remains the power and mystery of his argument. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: By die lees van die sendbriewe van Paulus aan die jong Christelike gemeente in Korinte val dit op dat Paulus, hoewel in herderlike trant, vanuit ’n gesagsposisie tot die gemeente spreek. Gesien die tyd waarin Paulus geleef het, ’n tydperk van die bestaan van die magtige Romeinse Ryk, rys die vraag onwillekeurig of Paulus as geestelike leier van opkomende gemeentes nie enigermate deur die heersende Romeinse maatskaplike orde beïnvloed is nie. In die onderhawige studie word die moontlikheid van nader betrag dat die sosiaal-politieke en sosiaalkulturele aspekte van die Romeinse bestel Paulus wel kon beïnvloed het. Die wyse waarop Paulus sodanige orde sou kon aanwend of moontlik teëstaan word ondersoek. Die vertrekpunt is dus om allereers die aard van die Romeinse Ryk - gekenmerk deur ‘n eie muntstelsel, tallose standbeelde, tempels, digkuns, sang en openbare retoriek - in hooftrekke uiteen te sit. Die uitgebreide Ryk het sy mag gevestig en gehandhaaf deur middel van kragdadigheid, retoriek, weldoenerskap en die Keiserkultus. Ter verdieping van die ondersoek word weldoenerskap as onderdeel van die Romeinse sosiaalpolitieke orde in fyner besonderhede beskou. Daaruit blyk dat beskermheerskap ter ondersteuning gedien het ten einde doeltreffender maatskaplike beheer uit te oefen. ‘n Verfynde wisselwerking het - deur middel van die dinamiek van eer, aansien en mag - sosiale verhoudings en gedrag beheer: niemand was teen die woelinge van die sosiale stryd gevrywaar nie. Dit was teen hierdie agtergrond van die werklikheid van die magtige Romeinse imperium dat Paulus met die Korintiërs gekorrespondeer het. Paulus word daarna vergelykenderwys ondersoek aan die hand van die gedeelte uit sy brief aan die Korintiërs soos gevind in 1 Kor 4:14-21. Daarin beroep hy hom op waardes soos eer en skaamte, terwyl hy die stelsel van weldoenerskap aanwend ten einde sy oogmerke met die gemeente te bereik. Die sosio-retoriese analise van hierdie gedeelte van Paulus se sendbrief ondersoek sosiaal-kulturele, intertekstuele en ideologiese aspekte van die brief. 1 Kor 4:14-21 is die hoogtepunt van die eerste gedeelte van Paulus se betoog vir ὁμόνια (eenheid) en hy versterk sy argument deur middel van weldoenerskap. Op uitsonderlike wyse posisioneer hy hom as vader van die gemeente: in sy betoog beklee hy hom met patria potestas (absolute gesag). Paulus se gebruik van ‘n challenge-riposte en van ‘n inkomium verleen groter seggenskrag aan sy direktief om hom na te volg; μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε (volg my na). Die uitkoms van hierdie studie is dat Paulus die imperiale orde ook op verskeie wyses sterk teëstaan. Wat Paulus verkondig het te make met ‘n alternatiewe Κύριος (Heer) en ‘n gans andersoortige koninkryk. Hy tree op as ‘n bemiddelaar (broker) tussen Christus en die gemeenskap, maar poog nie om sosiale bevordering te bewerkstellig, soos bepaal deur die norme van die imperial orde nie. Daar is dus ‘n aanwesige spanning in Paulus se retoriek wat dui daarop dat Paulus dimensies van die Ryk, soos weldoenerskap, ondergeskik gestel het aan sy eie doelwitte. Die slotsom waartoe geraak word, is dat by Paulus meer as suiwer politieke motivering enersyds, of bloot geestelike motivering andersyds, aanwesig was. Hierin is sowel die krag as die misterie van sy betoog geleë.

Thesis (MTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The present study focuses on the difficulties surrounding the identification of an object and subject for the discipline of Old Testament theology. The goal thereof is to address these difficulties by establishing the legitimacy of an interdisciplinary engagement therewith. In order to achieve this goal the significance of the Greek translations of the Jewish scriptures, the Septuagint, for determining the object and subject of Old Testament theology is pursued. The problems surrounding the object of study in Old Testament theology are identified and discussed in terms of both canon and text. The advent of Canon criticism, with its focus on the nature, function and history of the biblical canon, as well as the study of the recent textual discoveries in the area surrounding the Dead Sea, have rendered previous consensus regarding the formation of the biblical canon(s) and the history of the biblical texts problematic. This necessitates a thorough reconsidering of the scope of the term “Old Testament”, and consequently, the basis on which the discipline of Old Testament theology is practiced. The rise to prominence of a so-called new or postmodern epistemological situation and the resulting influence of developments and shifts in literary studies on Biblical criticism, coupled with new challenges within the historical study of the biblical texts and a rediscovery of the importance of Wisdom literature forces upon the Old Testament theologian the responsibility to indicate and clarify the relationship between the Old Testament and divine revelation. Consequently, the nature of the Old Testament’s theology, and therefore, the subject of study in the discipline of Old Testament theology come under scrutiny. The focus of the study subsequently shifts to topics treated in the study of the Septuagint in order to indicate how these relate to the problems plaguing the discipline of Old Testament theology. Issues relating to the proper use of terminology in Septuagint-studies, theories of the origin of the Septuagint, and the techniques that were employed in translating the Semitic source texts of the Jewish scriptures into Greek, occupy the student in this regard. As a result, the legitimacy of employing insights from Septuagint-studies in delineating the object and subject of study in Old Testament theology is demonstrated. The final chapter identifies several overtures for furthering the study of the significance of the Septuagint for Old Testament theology in general. A number of methodological problems in the latter can be subsumed under the twin heading of the scope of the “Old Testament” and the nature of its theology. Chapter 36 of the Greek translation of the book of Job acts as a brief case study in order to demonstrate the suggestions that are made in this concluding chapter of the study.

Thesis (MPhil (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Since the dismantling of Apartheid in 1994, those who were dispossessed of their land under South Africa’s previous government are being restored or compensated for land that had been taken away from them prior to 1994. Christians, through their theological pronouncements and writings on justice, peace and liberation, played an active role in helping to dismantle Apartheid. And today they continue to sustain a theological role in a number of different ways relative to reconstructing our country. One such area is land restoration. Leviticus 25:8-55 (hereinafter named ‘Leviticus 25’) has become a key text for this purpose. It is an ancient legal code on land restoration for the ancient Israelites. Since it is an ancient legal text it is understandably difficult to find consensus among modern Old Testament theologians about its prescriptions. Therefore this study will discuss the perspectives of six recent scholars in their commentaries. Three of these scholars approach their perspectives from an evangelical trend (which is essentially my position), two from a Jewish trend, and one from a critical trend. The two key questions that this study will attempt to answer are: (1) What is the theological understanding of six scholars on land restoration in their commentaries on Leviticus 25 during the past twenty-six years? (2) How do they agree or differ in their theological understanding of land restoration in Leviticus 25? The first three chapters will lay the groundwork for the discussion of ‘Theological Perspectives on Land Restoration in Leviticus 25.’ Chapter one introduces the study by defining its research problem, and formulating its hypothesis, and indicating its methodology. Thereafter, chapter two will briefly discuss five basic concepts in the book of Leviticus that impact upon land restoration in Leviticus 25. These concepts are covenant, land, holiness, atonement and Jubilee. Chapter three will be a research survey on the book of Leviticus in which the following topics will be looked at: (1) The relation of Leviticus to the Pentateuch as a whole; (2) its authorship and date; (3) its contents and structure; (4) how Leviticus is interpreted; and (5) the two theological axes upon which the book revolves. Chapter four is the heart of this study. It will discuss, chronologically, the perspectives of six recent Old Testament scholars in their commentaries on Leviticus 25. It will also compare their perspectives to show how they agree or disagree with each other. The aim of this chapter is to show how different perspectives on land restoration in Leviticus 25 aid us today in understanding this great theme. Chapter five, the final chapter, will show how this study proved its hypothesis, while also showing how the different theological trends of the six scholars studied influenced their interpretations of Leviticus 25.

Thesis (MTh (Old and New Testament))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / This study examines the exodus event and its impact on identity formation in the light of the origin and migration narratives of the Yoruba people. On the one hand, it is observed that migration is not only an ancient but a universal phenomenon. Its rootedness in Africa and its profound influence on identity formation are therefore brought to the fore by comparing the origin and migration narratives of the Yoruba with those of the Tiv and the amaZulu. The findings show that certain elements of the origin and migration narratives such as a common ancestor, a common ancestral home, a common belief in Supreme Deity etc., provide a basis for identity formation and recognition among these Africans, in particular, the Yoruba. On the other hand, the study focuses on the Sea event in Exodus 14-15:18 which is composed of both a narrative and a poetic rendition of the sea-crossing by the children of Israel. In the Sea event, Israel acknowledged in story and song that it was Yahweh who as a warrior, delivered its people from the hand of Pharaoh and took them safely to the other side of the Sea. This research shows that a literary consideration of the text and especially of the interplay between prose and poetry points to Yahweh as the main character in the Sea event. Consequently, Israel’s identity is defined in Yahweh whose own identity as warrior and deliverer brought Israel victory over the Egyptians and paved the way for a new nation in a new land. In this sense, Israel’s identity is assumed to be a theological one. It is argued that the Yoruba origin and migration narratives help to bring to light the memories of exodus and Israel’s recollection of Yahweh as the root of its identity. The narratives help to appreciate more clearly Yahweh’s role in the midst of his people and the his centrality to Israel’s self-understanding even as they show that these can provide valuable resources in today’s world where migration and the struggle for identity are features that are not likely to fade away. Besides, the juxtaposition of cosmogonic myths and migration theories in attesting to the elements of Yoruba identity formation, have a parallel in the blending of both cosmic and migration elements in Exodus 14-15:18. This blending also foregrounds the role of Yahweh in the Sea event. In addition, the study suggests that the interaction between prose and poetry in the Sea event is an instance of a separate genre which further research may confirm in Yoruba, especially in folk-tales and in oríkì-oríle (praise names/epithet).

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study postulates a unifying rhetorical function for the book of Lamentations during the Persian period. After the destruction of the temple in 587 BCE, the people of Judah were geographically scattered and religiously and culturally fragmented. Lamentations, with its ahistorical, timeless character, its acrostic form, its posture of protest, and its totalizing references to all the different classes and groups of Judahites, became a rallying point for Jews seeking restoration after the exile, as well as a perpetual reflection on YHWH’s role in human suffering for oppressed Jews in many places and at many times through history. The historical component of this study seeks to establish the fragmentation of Judah and the goals of the various Judahite groups during the Persian period. The literary component attempts to demonstrate Lamentations’ suitability as a portable, timeless expression of suffering before YHWH, and as a source of imagery and motivation for Jewish restoration hopes. This study contributes to the understanding of the formation of Jewish identity, which since the destruction of the first temple has been shaped by minority status in nearly every cultural context, and by the evolution of a portable, textual religion. This study concludes that the preservation of the book of Lamentations was both a reflection of and a contribution to these two aspects of Jewish identity. This study also contributes to the interpretation of Lamentations—and the genre of communal lament—as literature and liturgy. It also explores the possibility of literary connections between Lamentations, Isaiah 40-55, and the genre of penitential prayers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie postuleer ‘n verenigende retoriese funksie vir die boek Klaagliedere gedurende die Persiese periode. Na die vernietiging van die tempel in 587 vC was die inwoners van Juda geografies versprei en godsdienstig en kultureel gefragmenteer. Klaagliedere se ahistoriese en tydlose karakter, die akrostiese vorm, die geneentheid tot protes, en die totaliserende verwysings na al die verskillende klasse en groepe van Judeërs, het ‘n aanhakpunt geword vir Jode wat heropbou na die ballingskap nagestreef het, asook vir die voortgaande nadenke by onderdrukte Jode in baie plekke en tye deur die geskiedenis, oor Jahwe se rol in menslike lyding. Die historiese komponent van hierdie studie probeer die fragmentering van Juda gedurende die Persiese periode vasstel, asook die doelwitte van die verskillende groepe in Juda. Die literêre komponent poog om te illustreer dat Klaagliedere uitermate geskik was as oordraagbare, tydlose uitdrukking van lyding voor Jahwe, en dat dit ‘n bron van verbeelding en motivering vir die Joodse heropbou-hoop was. Die studie dra by tot die verstaan van die vorming van Joodse identiteit wat sedert die vernietiging van die eerste tempel sterk beïnvloed is deur hul minderheidstatus in byna elke kulturele konteks, maar ook deur die ontwikkeling van ‘n oordraagbare, tekstuele godsdiens. Hierdie studie kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat die bewaring van die boek Klaagliedere beide ‘n nadenke oor en ‘n bydrae tot hierdie twee aspekte van Joodse identiteit was. Die studie maak ook ‘n bydrae tot die interpretasie van Klaagliedere—asook die genre van gemeenskaplike klag—as literatuur en liturgie. Dit ondersoek ook die moontlike literêre verhoudings tussen Klaagliedere, Jesaja 40-55 en die genre van boetepsalms.

Thesis (MTh (Old and New Testament))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis interacts with the generally held view that Ephesians is a general epistle with no concrete historical context and contingency, by arguing that this letter addresses particular religious concerns and beliefs of the believers of Ephesus and surrounds. A focussed literary survey of the religious-historical material of the western Mediterranean region in the first century AD is conducted, with particular attention paid to the cult of the Ephesian Artemis and the prevalence of magic. Special focus is placed upon Ephesians 1:15-23, which is exegeted using both grammatical-historical and socio-rhetorical methods of interpretation to gain insights into how the author employed and reformulated contemporary terms and concepts to demonstrate the lordship of Jesus Christ. Serious consideration of the religious and magical context of the first century Greco-Roman world when interpreting this letter to the Ephesians may open many possible avenues for future study, particularly in the area of understanding the letter in an African context. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie tree in dialoog met die algemene opvatting dat die Efesiërs-brief ’n algemene brief of omsendskrywe was, wat geen besondere historiese konteks of dringende saak aangespreek het nie. Die studie oordeel dat die brief spesifieke religieuse sake en oortuigings van die gelowiges in Efese en omgewing aangespreek het. Deur ’n literêre oorsig is daar gefokus op die religieushistoriese materiaal van die westelike Mediterreense area in die eerste eeu nC, met besondere nadruk op die Artemis-kultus en wydverspreide magie. Spesiale klem is geplaas op Efesiërs 1:15-23, wat met behulp van beide grammatikaalhistoriese en sosio-retoriese metodes geëksegetiseer is ten einde te bepaal hoe die outeur kontemporêre terme en konsepte wat die heerskap van Jesus Christus demonstreer, gebruik en herformuleer het. Noukeurige oorweging van die religieuse en magiese konteks van die eerste-eeuse Grieks-Romeinse wêreld ten tyde van die interpretasie van Efesiërs mag deure open vir moontlike verdere areas van studie, veral met die oog op die verstaan van die brief in ’n Afrika konteks.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2003 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The object of this study is to assess African Christian beliefs in ancestors in lieu of a responsible interpretation of 1 Corinthians 8 :4 - 6. Warranting this assessment is the confusion that arises from the perception that African beliefs in ancestors and the tenets of Christian faith are compatible. Scriptural teaching seems to address the question of "ancestral worship" and does seem to portray it as something mutually exclusive to the tenets of Christian faith. Some of the authors cited in the thesis attest to this, and others seem to be rising in defence of "ancestor worship" by accommodating it without any problem on the same level as Christianity. Syncretism arises in the desire to strike a compromise between the two religions and allow African Christians to practise "ancestor worship" whilst confessing to be Christians at the same time. The selected text, ] Corinthians 8: 4-6, will be the centre of the assessment into the practice of "ancestor worship" by African Christians. This is because it contains a passage where Paul addresses the issue of food dedicated to idols. Paul's resolution of the issue - with his intention of maintaining harmony in the church and in the spirit of love - seems to accommodate the eating of meats offered to idols, but encourages abstinence in consideration of the weak. This principle of love may seem to bring accommodation, yet after a rigorous discussion the thesis concludes that the text still excludes the worship of idols. "Ancestor worship" is in this thesis seen to be within the given definitions of idolatry as it involves the sacrificing of meats and foods to ancestors and the deceased. In the final analysis the quest for a solution to ancestor beliefs and practices by African Christians challenges the Church to focus on a responsible interpretation of Biblical texts, and in such a way that it would bring light as to whether ancestor beliefs and practices are in continuation with Biblical perspectives or not. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie is om Afrika-Christene se opvattings met betrekking tot hul voorouers aan die hand van 'n verantwoorde verstaan van 1 Korintiers 8:4-6 te evalueer. Die studie is genoodsaak deur verwarring oor die vraag of die beginsels en praktyke van "voooroueraanbidding" met die Christelike geloof versoen kan word. Vol gens die studie blyk dit dat die gekose teks die vraag van "vooroueraanbidding" aanspreek, en wel as onversoenbaar met die wesensaard van die Christelike geloof. Sommige van die bronne waarna die tesis verwys, onderskryf hierdie standpunt, terwyl ander "vooroueraanbidding" verdedig en probleemloos op dieselfde vlak as die Christelike geloof akkommodeer. Die gevolg is dat sinkretisme ontstaan as 'n kornpromis tussen die twee perspektiewe, wat dit vir belydende Afrika-Christene moontlik maak om "vooroueraanbidding" te bedryf. 1 Korintiers 8:4-6 vonn die kemgesigspunt vanwaar die praktyk van "vooroueraanbidding" deur Afrika-Christene geevalueer word. In die gedeelte bespreek Paulus die vraag of Christene voedsel mag eet wat aan afgode gewy is. In die lig van sy bedoeling om 'n gees van liefde en eenheid in die gemeente aan te moedig, laat hy ruimte vir Christene se vryheid om afgodsvleis te eet, maar beveel aan dat dit ter wille van swakkeres in die geloofliefs gelaat moet word. Hoewel die liefdesbeginsel ruimte mag laat vir die akkommodering van "vooroueraanbidding", kom die tesis 11<'1 indringende bespreking tot die slotsom dat I Korintiers 8:4-6 dit as 'n opsie vir Christene uitsluit, "Vooroueraanbidding" word hier gedefinieer as afgodery, aangesien dit die offerande van vleis en ander kos aan voorouers en afgestorwenes insluit. Om enigsins 'n oplossing vir die probleem van "vooroueraanbidding" deur Afrika- Christene te vind, vra in die finale instansie dat kerke sal fokus op 'n verantwoorde interpretasie van die Bybel, wat sal kan aandui of sodanige geloofspraktyke 'n voortsetting van Bybelse perspektiewe is al dan nie.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / 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. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoofstuk een van hierdie studie en hipotese fokus op die navorsingsvraag, naamlik die wyse waarop grondnalatenskap die afgelope dekades tot die algehele uitsluiting van vroue plaasgevind het. Die studie sluit hoofsaaklik die Ogba en Ekpeye in, en konsentreer op streke waar die Bybel die afgelope 100 jaar gelees is sonder enige noemenswaardige impak op die kulturele beperkings op vroue met betrekking tot die erf van grond. Hoofstuk twee bespreek die grondbesitpraktyke in beide die antieke Nabye Ooste (ANa) en antieke Israel. Spesifieke aandag word geskenk aan die konsepte van ahuzzah en nahalah, die rol van die bloedverwant losser (goel) in die aflos en behoud van die familie erfenis, en die belang van die bruidskat as substituut vir 'n nalatenskap van grond. Hoofstuk drie kyk na die sosiale en godsdienstige status van vroue in die ANa en antieke Israel, en illustreer die belangrikheid van vroue as dogters of getroudes in die gemeenskap. Die spesifieke erfregte wat vroue in die ANO geniet het, word ook genoem. Die erfreg van vroue in Suid-oos Niqerie en die Niger Delta word in hoofstuk vier gedek. Die tradisionele stelsel van grondbesit word bespreek, asook die verhouding tussen hierdie sisteem en die sosio-ekonomiese status van vroue. Empiriese bewyse uit die Niger Delta gemeenskappe word verskaf en 'n vergelyking getref met ander groepe in Niqerie. Die tesis maak 'n funksioneel gelykwaardige vertaling van die Selofgad-verhaal (Num. 27: 1-11), met die verstandhouding dat sulke unieke tekste, indien behoorlike verstaan, 'n impak kan he op kulturele waarnemings ten opsigte van die erfreg van vroue. Dit kontrasteer met die meer letterlike, tweedetaal vertalings wat tot dusver skynbaar geen noemenswaardige impak op die gemeenskappe gehad het nie. In die finale hoofstuk word die sentrale hipotese qeevalueer. Die toepassing van die resultate van die navorsing op die teikengemeenskappe sal, as gevolg van logistieke struikelblokke, moet wag tot fondse beskikbaar is om die vertaling op die teikengemeenskappe te toets. Sodanige toets sal oor "n tydperk moet strek ten einde die impak daarvan op die probleem wat vroue ervaar ten opsigte van erfreg vas te stel.