Like many other people I have thought about the biblical understanding of homosexuality.
Because of my previous study on sexual purity before marriage and the exegetical work
done on key biblical passages for that study, I thought I understood where the real issues
lay regarding the subject of homosexuality. This study is an attempt to contribute to the
current discussion in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa on the topic of
homosexuality.
In bringing this study to its final format I have received the indispensable help of others.
First and foremost I wish to express my gratitude to my promoter, Professor Fika J van
Rensburg. I am indebted to him beyond what mere words could convey in terms of
gratitude. Our academic relationship spans five years and has developed into a warm
friendship. It has been to my matchless benefit to be associated with him. I have profited
much from his biblical knowledge, scholarly experience and overall passion and love for
the Lord Jesus Christ.
I also want to thank Reverend Erlo Stegen of Mission Kwasizabantu for his support and
spiritual guidance. It is very special to be associated with a person who preaches the
Word of God unambiguously and who has given and dedicated his life to Christ and Christ
alone. Through his dedication Mission Kwasizabantu had become a home to the spiritual
homeless and a refuge for the spiritual weary. The Mission has also been my home since
1994.
I would like to express appreciation to Dr Andre van Niekerk and the North-West
University for the financial support to complete this study. It is my prayer that the critical
reader of this thesis will acknowledge that the money was well invested. I also wish to
express my sincere gratitude to my friend, Reverend Frits van der Menve, for proofreading
the manuscript.
A special word of thanks to the personnel of the Ferdinand Postma and Jan Lion Cachet
Libraries for their help and assistance. All my requests were always met with a smile and
helpful attitude. All work done for me was executed in a spirit of kindness and
benevolence.
Lastly, I would like to thank my wife Andra and my son Chris, whose lives are inextricably
bound with my own and who shared in the sacrifices associated with this study. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/81 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Botha, Petrus Hendrik |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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