Excerpt Used with Permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers'
The Bible has the unfortunate lega... more Excerpt Used with Permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers'
The Bible has the unfortunate legacy of being associated with gross human rights violations as evident in the scriptural justification of apartheid in South Africa as well as slavery in the American South. What is more, the Hebrew Bible also contains numerous instances in which the worth or dignity of the female characters are threatened, violated or potentially violated, creating a situation of dehumanization in which women are viewed as less than fully human.
And yet the Bible continues to serve as a source of inspiration for readers committed to justice and liberation for all. But in order for the Bible to speak a liberative word, what is necessary is to cultivate liberating Bible reading practices rooted in justice and compassion. Restorative Readings seeks to do exactly this when the authors in their respective readings seek to cultivate Bible reading practices that are committed to restoring the dignity of those whose dignity has been violated by means of racial, gender, and sexual discrimination, by the atrocities of apartheid, by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and by the dehumanizing reality of unemployment and poverty.
The article argues that discourse about the Bible and the environment is often insufficiently mat... more The article argues that discourse about the Bible and the environment is often insufficiently materialistic and insufficiently theological. Ideas are not the motive force of history, but arise in a complex dialectic in which humans create and are created by their environment (Marx). This is briefly illustrated by examples from the Old Testament, focusing on how Israel encountered her environment as promise and problem. When it comes to disinterested concern for the earth, however, we have to go beyond this - closer to God, not closer to nature which offers no unambiguous moral resources. This too is implicit in the Bible.
Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this ... more Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this article calls for an understanding of the question fundamentalism seeks to answer: What is to fill the space between the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'? It turns out that we struggle to provide better answers. If, instead of dismissing fundamentalism as a futile reaction against modernity, the ambiguous links between fundamentalism and postmodernity are explored, it is seen that modernity, late capitalism and postmodernity are intertwined in complex ways that defy standard classifications. Fundamentalism poses important questions to the contemporary world and thus deserves some sympathy. The conclusion suggests that we should, nevertheless, prefer to the negativity of fundamentalism sources of affirmation. These may be found in the spaces of the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'-but not simply in 'secularity'.
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2011
Human dignity is threatened by human sinfulness, but also limited by non-sinful human indignity. ... more Human dignity is threatened by human sinfulness, but also limited by non-sinful human indignity. In some aspects of creaturely existence, humour, sex and play, for instance, we are released from our dignity and the ethical evaluations that go with it. These should be appreciated as God's good gift. Drawing on the book of Job and Psalm 39, the article argues that, precisely because Christian ethics goes beyond middle-class ethics, theological anthropology cannot restrict itself to an ethical perspective in which God is seen solely as Judge. This leads to a moralism that is humanly intolerable and theologically untenable: it ignores the 'zeroth stipulation' of the Decalogue, which points to God's creative and consummative grace.
This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and a... more This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and argues that they deserve to and probably will remain influential. Historical study (broadly taken and including archaeology) continues to broaden our understanding of the ancient context, it is argued, is important for several reasons. Literary study, both as "close reading" and as literary theorizing and hermeneutical reflection, has made us conscious of what was often too easily taken for granted. Feminist study (taken here as synecdoche for various approaches from the side of the excluded) has, through its passion and eloquence, humanized the study of the Bible. The conclusion of the paper reflects on the difficulties of teaching the Old Testament today and the dangers of pursuing novelties before a thorough foundation has been laid. It suggests, however, that the Old Testament may continue to address its readers in totally unexpected ways. (So as to leave the original paper ...
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2016
In the final article in the series, Judges 19-21 is used to illustrate the role of imagination in... more In the final article in the series, Judges 19-21 is used to illustrate the role of imagination in historical accounts and historical study. Historical accounts, being linguistic representations of the past, necessarily use figuration, but in assessing the account, the rhetorical critic also has to "figure things out". This requires imagining the scenario in which the account made sense. The rhetoric of Judges 19-21, which is anti-Saulide and pro-monarchic, suggests that the narrative was loosely based on a historical conflict. This is shown by comparing the views of Wellhausen and Eissfeldt and by expanding the latter view. The rhetorical critic has to take both the literary aspects of the text and the historical context into account - even if the conclusion is that the text is fictional. The conclusion that is reached in this way is never certain, but it is based on reasonable argumentation and is therefore not mere fantasy.
The point of departure of this paper is that proverbs are related to both metaphors (generally hi... more The point of departure of this paper is that proverbs are related to both metaphors (generally highly valued) and platitudes or stereotypes (generally despised and distrusted). Moreover, it is often said, especially in non-Western societies, that proverbs embody wisdom. Drawing on Kenneth Burke's "dramatistic" view of language and insights from developmental and cognitive psychology, the paper examines the complicated and paradoxical set of relationships between proverbs, metaphors, platitudes and wisdom. It looks at the various answers that scholars have proposed to the questions raised by proverbial wisdom. Finally, it suggests that the Western obsession with novelty may be excessive and may have led to a devaluation and misunderstanding of wisdom.
This review primarily examines the hermeneutical principles NA¼rnberger uses to bridge the gap be... more This review primarily examines the hermeneutical principles NA¼rnberger uses to bridge the gap between biblical theology and systematic theology. It argues that NA¼rnberger correctly identifies the task and problems facing theologians who wish to construct a critical, contextual theology without abandoning the biblical witness completely. He offers a suggestive metaphor, but his hermeneutical principles do not quite establish his conclusions. Instead, the review suggests, the conclusions owe their plausibility to the metaphor - and to the considerable wisdom and faith NA¼rnberger brings to the project. Perhaps we have no better resources when we deal with intractable problems.
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2012
Rhetorical criticism has flourished in New Testament studies, with many scholars drawing on eithe... more Rhetorical criticism has flourished in New Testament studies, with many scholars drawing on either Vernon Robbins's socio-rhetorical approach or the tools provided by the Graeco-Roman rhetoricians. Much less has been done in the study of the Hebrew Bible, particularly if one excludes those rhetorical studies that follow the lead of James Muilenburg. Yehoshua Gitay has for decades been one of the exceptions. What lends added interest to his work is that he draws strongly on the New Rhetoric of Chaim Perlman (and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca) - something that few other biblical scholars do. As a result, he pays attention in his analyses to arguments (in a broad sense), persuasive potential and societal impact and not only to literary form. This is also evident in the current collections of ten essays, grouped under the headings 'Methodology', 'Speech' and 'Society'. All but one of them had previously appeared as journal articles or book chapters.
It has been claimed that historical criticism is indispensable to the interpretation of the Bible... more It has been claimed that historical criticism is indispensable to the interpretation of the Bible in two respects: It ensures the scientific objectivity of the interpretation and it provides the interpreter with crucial data. In this article it is argued that this twofold claim cannot be maintained in the case of the book of Job. Interpreters have not been able to reach consensus regarding the typical questions raised by historical criticism. In particular, scholars continue to hold divergent opinions about the unity, composition and literary history of the book. An examination of the arguments used to support the various views leads to the conclusion that the historical-critical "method" plays a secondary role in the decisions taken by interpreters. The individual interpreter's opinion concerning a particular passage frequently seems to depend on that interpreter's perception of the meaning of the book as a whole and on the "value" assigned to the passag...
The appearance of this book has been made possible by the input of a number of dear people who be... more The appearance of this book has been made possible by the input of a number of dear people who believed in the project and thus contributed to its accomplishment. I would like to thank Professor Hendrik Bosman, the Chairperson of the Department of Old and New Testament of the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, for his kindness and hospitality, and for being so trustworthy. Our numerous meetings and conversations have enriched my wife, Tzfira, and me. Spending time with his wife, Daléne, has shown us what a woman who is not only a teacher, but also a wife and mother, can achieve. The graduate Old Testament seminars, those Wednesday afternoon meetings, have been a source of inspiration to both Tzfira and me. In the course of the seminars, we have dealt with significant issues that gave birth to a number of the essays that are presented in this volume. Words of thanks to Liezel Meintjes, the chief editor at SUN MeDIA Stellenbosch, and her staff for their warmth and friendliness. Funlola Olojede took it upon herself to prepare the index, check the coherency of the manuscript, and edit skilfully some of the additions.
The curious popularity of ethics as a subject at the University of the Western Cape The Departmen... more The curious popularity of ethics as a subject at the University of the Western Cape The Department of Religion and Theology introduced ethics as a major in the Faculty of Arts at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) about 20 years ago. After a shaky start, it became wildly popular. Currently, we try, unsuccessfully, to cap first-year enrolment at 700. By the third year, there are still regularly over 200 students in each of the four modules. Students sometimes flock to subjects that they regard as relatively easy. The pass rates in ethics, however, have been below average. In the modules 311 and 312, pass rates have seldom been much over 60%, which is very low for third-year modules. This has not deterred students. Perhaps they are drawn by the perceived importance of ethics in our world and the moral crisis in South Africa in particular. Since Nelson Mandela's call for the 'strengthening of the moral fibre of society', public morality has become a hot topic. Larger organisations are now required to have ethics officers and clear policies on workplace ethics. To meet the need, there is a system to produce accredited ethics practitioners. The results have been very disappointing. Racism is probably more prevalent now than it had been 20 years ago. Corruption in both the private and the public sectors is rife. The country is notorious for violence against women and children. Cape Town has an alarming murder rate. That students are drawn to the study of ethics is no reason for rejoicing as long as the impact on society remains imperceptible.
Th e development of this series of study guides is an initiative of the Department of Religion an... more Th e development of this series of study guides is an initiative of the Department of Religion and Th eology at the University of the Western Cape. Its main purpose is to help produce aff ordable, readily available and contextually relevant textbooks that can be used for teaching purposes in the Southern African context. In addition, the series develops research tools that may be employed for postgraduate research projects in the region. Th e following volumes have appeared in this series thus far:
Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this ... more Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this article calls for an understanding of the question fundamentalism seeks to answer: What is to fill the space between the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'? It turns out that we struggle to provide better answers. If, instead of dismissing fundamentalism as a futile reaction against modernity, the ambiguous links between fundamentalism and postmodernity are explored, it is seen that modernity, late capitalism and postmodernity are intertwined in complex ways that defy standard classifications. Fundamentalism poses important questions to the contemporary world and thus deserves some sympathy. The conclusion suggests that we should, nevertheless, prefer to the negativity of fundamentalism sources of affirmation. These may be found in the spaces of the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'-but not simply in 'secularity'.
This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and a... more This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and argues that they deserve to and probably will remain influential. Historical study (broadly taken and including archaeology) continues to broaden our understanding of the ancient context, it is argued, is important for several reasons. Literary study, both as "close reading" and as literary theorizing and hermeneutical reflection, has made us conscious of what was often too easily taken for granted. Feminist study (taken here as synecdoche for various approaches from the side of the excluded) has, through its passion and eloquence, humanized the study of the Bible. The conclusion of the paper reflects on the difficulties of teaching the Old Testament today and the dangers of pursuing novelties before a thorough foundation has been laid. It suggests, however, that the Old Testament may continue to address its readers in totally unexpected ways. (So as to leave the original paper more or less unchanged, I deal with most references and some of the questions that arose in the discussion in footnotes.)
The creation stories in Genesis, when read together, suggest that humans are marked by both digni... more The creation stories in Genesis, when read together, suggest that humans are marked by both dignity and finitude or frailty. This same dialectic appears paradigmatically in Psalm 8 and, it is argued, also in the rest of the Psalter. In spite of the major difference in perspective, the same anthropology is presupposed in Proverbs. In a section of Job and in Qoheleth, however, there are attempts to dissolve the dialectic. In the culmination of his argument, Job speaks of a form of human dignity that stands apart from human frailty; in Qoheleth human frailty eclipses human dignity. It is argued that the main line in the Old Testament maintains the dialectical tension and that Christian theologians should do likewise. Theologically one should indeed go further and speak of human queenship and sinfulness. The paper ends by suggesting than room should also be left for forms of human indignity that stand apart from finitude and sinfulness.
The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of 'old ideas' t... more The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of 'old ideas' that were preserved across cultures and ages because they generally served human life. To study the material from this angle, focusing less on reconstructing the past and more on serving the present, will require several adjustments to usual scholarly approaches. Comparisons going beyond Israel's Umwelt will also be fruitful. Comparisons with the teachings of Confucius and Aristotle may be particularly helpful. Such studies have to be respectfully critical, taking the sages of the past seriously as interlocutors while recognizing the limits of their vision.
The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of ‘old ideas ’ ... more The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of ‘old ideas ’ that were preserved across cultures and ages because they generally served human life. To study the material from this angle, focusing less on reconstructing the past and more on serving the present, will require several adjustments to usual scholarly approaches. Comparisons going beyond Israel’s Umwelt will also be fruitful. Comparisons with the teachings of Confucius and Aristotle may be particularly helpful. Such studies have to be respectfully critical, taking the sages of the past seriously as interlocutors while recognizing the limits of their vision.
Ancient scribal culture had two faces. After arduous and largely impractical training, scribes we... more Ancient scribal culture had two faces. After arduous and largely impractical training, scribes were admitted to an elite circle and became custodians of a cultural tradition. But scribal teachers were also credited with opening the eyes of their students and 'forming humanity' in them. Scribal writers created and challenged tradition. Both faces are still evident in modern 'scribal culture'. Nietzsche, who occupies an ambiguous position in this regard, is used to illuminate aspects of tension between the two 'faces', which, given the world situation, seems relevant to the future of the academic enterprise. Finally, it is suggested that ancient wisdom still has something to tell us about these matters. The article is dedicated to Hendrik Bosman in view of his abiding interest in scribal culture, wisdom literature and הוהי תאר 14 BIBLIOGRAPHY Works by Friederich Nietzsche are cited as follows, with roman numerals indicating major parts or chapters and Arabic numerals to sections (not pages
Excerpt Used with Permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers'
The Bible has the unfortunate lega... more Excerpt Used with Permission of Wipf and Stock Publishers'
The Bible has the unfortunate legacy of being associated with gross human rights violations as evident in the scriptural justification of apartheid in South Africa as well as slavery in the American South. What is more, the Hebrew Bible also contains numerous instances in which the worth or dignity of the female characters are threatened, violated or potentially violated, creating a situation of dehumanization in which women are viewed as less than fully human.
And yet the Bible continues to serve as a source of inspiration for readers committed to justice and liberation for all. But in order for the Bible to speak a liberative word, what is necessary is to cultivate liberating Bible reading practices rooted in justice and compassion. Restorative Readings seeks to do exactly this when the authors in their respective readings seek to cultivate Bible reading practices that are committed to restoring the dignity of those whose dignity has been violated by means of racial, gender, and sexual discrimination, by the atrocities of apartheid, by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and by the dehumanizing reality of unemployment and poverty.
The article argues that discourse about the Bible and the environment is often insufficiently mat... more The article argues that discourse about the Bible and the environment is often insufficiently materialistic and insufficiently theological. Ideas are not the motive force of history, but arise in a complex dialectic in which humans create and are created by their environment (Marx). This is briefly illustrated by examples from the Old Testament, focusing on how Israel encountered her environment as promise and problem. When it comes to disinterested concern for the earth, however, we have to go beyond this - closer to God, not closer to nature which offers no unambiguous moral resources. This too is implicit in the Bible.
Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this ... more Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this article calls for an understanding of the question fundamentalism seeks to answer: What is to fill the space between the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'? It turns out that we struggle to provide better answers. If, instead of dismissing fundamentalism as a futile reaction against modernity, the ambiguous links between fundamentalism and postmodernity are explored, it is seen that modernity, late capitalism and postmodernity are intertwined in complex ways that defy standard classifications. Fundamentalism poses important questions to the contemporary world and thus deserves some sympathy. The conclusion suggests that we should, nevertheless, prefer to the negativity of fundamentalism sources of affirmation. These may be found in the spaces of the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'-but not simply in 'secularity'.
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2011
Human dignity is threatened by human sinfulness, but also limited by non-sinful human indignity. ... more Human dignity is threatened by human sinfulness, but also limited by non-sinful human indignity. In some aspects of creaturely existence, humour, sex and play, for instance, we are released from our dignity and the ethical evaluations that go with it. These should be appreciated as God's good gift. Drawing on the book of Job and Psalm 39, the article argues that, precisely because Christian ethics goes beyond middle-class ethics, theological anthropology cannot restrict itself to an ethical perspective in which God is seen solely as Judge. This leads to a moralism that is humanly intolerable and theologically untenable: it ignores the 'zeroth stipulation' of the Decalogue, which points to God's creative and consummative grace.
This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and a... more This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and argues that they deserve to and probably will remain influential. Historical study (broadly taken and including archaeology) continues to broaden our understanding of the ancient context, it is argued, is important for several reasons. Literary study, both as "close reading" and as literary theorizing and hermeneutical reflection, has made us conscious of what was often too easily taken for granted. Feminist study (taken here as synecdoche for various approaches from the side of the excluded) has, through its passion and eloquence, humanized the study of the Bible. The conclusion of the paper reflects on the difficulties of teaching the Old Testament today and the dangers of pursuing novelties before a thorough foundation has been laid. It suggests, however, that the Old Testament may continue to address its readers in totally unexpected ways. (So as to leave the original paper ...
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2016
In the final article in the series, Judges 19-21 is used to illustrate the role of imagination in... more In the final article in the series, Judges 19-21 is used to illustrate the role of imagination in historical accounts and historical study. Historical accounts, being linguistic representations of the past, necessarily use figuration, but in assessing the account, the rhetorical critic also has to "figure things out". This requires imagining the scenario in which the account made sense. The rhetoric of Judges 19-21, which is anti-Saulide and pro-monarchic, suggests that the narrative was loosely based on a historical conflict. This is shown by comparing the views of Wellhausen and Eissfeldt and by expanding the latter view. The rhetorical critic has to take both the literary aspects of the text and the historical context into account - even if the conclusion is that the text is fictional. The conclusion that is reached in this way is never certain, but it is based on reasonable argumentation and is therefore not mere fantasy.
The point of departure of this paper is that proverbs are related to both metaphors (generally hi... more The point of departure of this paper is that proverbs are related to both metaphors (generally highly valued) and platitudes or stereotypes (generally despised and distrusted). Moreover, it is often said, especially in non-Western societies, that proverbs embody wisdom. Drawing on Kenneth Burke's "dramatistic" view of language and insights from developmental and cognitive psychology, the paper examines the complicated and paradoxical set of relationships between proverbs, metaphors, platitudes and wisdom. It looks at the various answers that scholars have proposed to the questions raised by proverbial wisdom. Finally, it suggests that the Western obsession with novelty may be excessive and may have led to a devaluation and misunderstanding of wisdom.
This review primarily examines the hermeneutical principles NA¼rnberger uses to bridge the gap be... more This review primarily examines the hermeneutical principles NA¼rnberger uses to bridge the gap between biblical theology and systematic theology. It argues that NA¼rnberger correctly identifies the task and problems facing theologians who wish to construct a critical, contextual theology without abandoning the biblical witness completely. He offers a suggestive metaphor, but his hermeneutical principles do not quite establish his conclusions. Instead, the review suggests, the conclusions owe their plausibility to the metaphor - and to the considerable wisdom and faith NA¼rnberger brings to the project. Perhaps we have no better resources when we deal with intractable problems.
Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2012
Rhetorical criticism has flourished in New Testament studies, with many scholars drawing on eithe... more Rhetorical criticism has flourished in New Testament studies, with many scholars drawing on either Vernon Robbins's socio-rhetorical approach or the tools provided by the Graeco-Roman rhetoricians. Much less has been done in the study of the Hebrew Bible, particularly if one excludes those rhetorical studies that follow the lead of James Muilenburg. Yehoshua Gitay has for decades been one of the exceptions. What lends added interest to his work is that he draws strongly on the New Rhetoric of Chaim Perlman (and Lucie Olbrechts-Tyteca) - something that few other biblical scholars do. As a result, he pays attention in his analyses to arguments (in a broad sense), persuasive potential and societal impact and not only to literary form. This is also evident in the current collections of ten essays, grouped under the headings 'Methodology', 'Speech' and 'Society'. All but one of them had previously appeared as journal articles or book chapters.
It has been claimed that historical criticism is indispensable to the interpretation of the Bible... more It has been claimed that historical criticism is indispensable to the interpretation of the Bible in two respects: It ensures the scientific objectivity of the interpretation and it provides the interpreter with crucial data. In this article it is argued that this twofold claim cannot be maintained in the case of the book of Job. Interpreters have not been able to reach consensus regarding the typical questions raised by historical criticism. In particular, scholars continue to hold divergent opinions about the unity, composition and literary history of the book. An examination of the arguments used to support the various views leads to the conclusion that the historical-critical "method" plays a secondary role in the decisions taken by interpreters. The individual interpreter's opinion concerning a particular passage frequently seems to depend on that interpreter's perception of the meaning of the book as a whole and on the "value" assigned to the passag...
The appearance of this book has been made possible by the input of a number of dear people who be... more The appearance of this book has been made possible by the input of a number of dear people who believed in the project and thus contributed to its accomplishment. I would like to thank Professor Hendrik Bosman, the Chairperson of the Department of Old and New Testament of the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, for his kindness and hospitality, and for being so trustworthy. Our numerous meetings and conversations have enriched my wife, Tzfira, and me. Spending time with his wife, Daléne, has shown us what a woman who is not only a teacher, but also a wife and mother, can achieve. The graduate Old Testament seminars, those Wednesday afternoon meetings, have been a source of inspiration to both Tzfira and me. In the course of the seminars, we have dealt with significant issues that gave birth to a number of the essays that are presented in this volume. Words of thanks to Liezel Meintjes, the chief editor at SUN MeDIA Stellenbosch, and her staff for their warmth and friendliness. Funlola Olojede took it upon herself to prepare the index, check the coherency of the manuscript, and edit skilfully some of the additions.
The curious popularity of ethics as a subject at the University of the Western Cape The Departmen... more The curious popularity of ethics as a subject at the University of the Western Cape The Department of Religion and Theology introduced ethics as a major in the Faculty of Arts at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) about 20 years ago. After a shaky start, it became wildly popular. Currently, we try, unsuccessfully, to cap first-year enrolment at 700. By the third year, there are still regularly over 200 students in each of the four modules. Students sometimes flock to subjects that they regard as relatively easy. The pass rates in ethics, however, have been below average. In the modules 311 and 312, pass rates have seldom been much over 60%, which is very low for third-year modules. This has not deterred students. Perhaps they are drawn by the perceived importance of ethics in our world and the moral crisis in South Africa in particular. Since Nelson Mandela's call for the 'strengthening of the moral fibre of society', public morality has become a hot topic. Larger organisations are now required to have ethics officers and clear policies on workplace ethics. To meet the need, there is a system to produce accredited ethics practitioners. The results have been very disappointing. Racism is probably more prevalent now than it had been 20 years ago. Corruption in both the private and the public sectors is rife. The country is notorious for violence against women and children. Cape Town has an alarming murder rate. That students are drawn to the study of ethics is no reason for rejoicing as long as the impact on society remains imperceptible.
Th e development of this series of study guides is an initiative of the Department of Religion an... more Th e development of this series of study guides is an initiative of the Department of Religion and Th eology at the University of the Western Cape. Its main purpose is to help produce aff ordable, readily available and contextually relevant textbooks that can be used for teaching purposes in the Southern African context. In addition, the series develops research tools that may be employed for postgraduate research projects in the region. Th e following volumes have appeared in this series thus far:
Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this ... more Assuming that mere opposition to fundamentalism is counter-productive, if not hypocritical, this article calls for an understanding of the question fundamentalism seeks to answer: What is to fill the space between the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'? It turns out that we struggle to provide better answers. If, instead of dismissing fundamentalism as a futile reaction against modernity, the ambiguous links between fundamentalism and postmodernity are explored, it is seen that modernity, late capitalism and postmodernity are intertwined in complex ways that defy standard classifications. Fundamentalism poses important questions to the contemporary world and thus deserves some sympathy. The conclusion suggests that we should, nevertheless, prefer to the negativity of fundamentalism sources of affirmation. These may be found in the spaces of the 'most sacred' and the 'most mundane'-but not simply in 'secularity'.
This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and a... more This paper examines three influential trajectories in the recent study of the Old Testament and argues that they deserve to and probably will remain influential. Historical study (broadly taken and including archaeology) continues to broaden our understanding of the ancient context, it is argued, is important for several reasons. Literary study, both as "close reading" and as literary theorizing and hermeneutical reflection, has made us conscious of what was often too easily taken for granted. Feminist study (taken here as synecdoche for various approaches from the side of the excluded) has, through its passion and eloquence, humanized the study of the Bible. The conclusion of the paper reflects on the difficulties of teaching the Old Testament today and the dangers of pursuing novelties before a thorough foundation has been laid. It suggests, however, that the Old Testament may continue to address its readers in totally unexpected ways. (So as to leave the original paper more or less unchanged, I deal with most references and some of the questions that arose in the discussion in footnotes.)
The creation stories in Genesis, when read together, suggest that humans are marked by both digni... more The creation stories in Genesis, when read together, suggest that humans are marked by both dignity and finitude or frailty. This same dialectic appears paradigmatically in Psalm 8 and, it is argued, also in the rest of the Psalter. In spite of the major difference in perspective, the same anthropology is presupposed in Proverbs. In a section of Job and in Qoheleth, however, there are attempts to dissolve the dialectic. In the culmination of his argument, Job speaks of a form of human dignity that stands apart from human frailty; in Qoheleth human frailty eclipses human dignity. It is argued that the main line in the Old Testament maintains the dialectical tension and that Christian theologians should do likewise. Theologically one should indeed go further and speak of human queenship and sinfulness. The paper ends by suggesting than room should also be left for forms of human indignity that stand apart from finitude and sinfulness.
The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of 'old ideas' t... more The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of 'old ideas' that were preserved across cultures and ages because they generally served human life. To study the material from this angle, focusing less on reconstructing the past and more on serving the present, will require several adjustments to usual scholarly approaches. Comparisons going beyond Israel's Umwelt will also be fruitful. Comparisons with the teachings of Confucius and Aristotle may be particularly helpful. Such studies have to be respectfully critical, taking the sages of the past seriously as interlocutors while recognizing the limits of their vision.
The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of ‘old ideas ’ ... more The wisdom writings of the Old Testament may be regarded as largely a repository of ‘old ideas ’ that were preserved across cultures and ages because they generally served human life. To study the material from this angle, focusing less on reconstructing the past and more on serving the present, will require several adjustments to usual scholarly approaches. Comparisons going beyond Israel’s Umwelt will also be fruitful. Comparisons with the teachings of Confucius and Aristotle may be particularly helpful. Such studies have to be respectfully critical, taking the sages of the past seriously as interlocutors while recognizing the limits of their vision.
Ancient scribal culture had two faces. After arduous and largely impractical training, scribes we... more Ancient scribal culture had two faces. After arduous and largely impractical training, scribes were admitted to an elite circle and became custodians of a cultural tradition. But scribal teachers were also credited with opening the eyes of their students and 'forming humanity' in them. Scribal writers created and challenged tradition. Both faces are still evident in modern 'scribal culture'. Nietzsche, who occupies an ambiguous position in this regard, is used to illuminate aspects of tension between the two 'faces', which, given the world situation, seems relevant to the future of the academic enterprise. Finally, it is suggested that ancient wisdom still has something to tell us about these matters. The article is dedicated to Hendrik Bosman in view of his abiding interest in scribal culture, wisdom literature and הוהי תאר 14 BIBLIOGRAPHY Works by Friederich Nietzsche are cited as follows, with roman numerals indicating major parts or chapters and Arabic numerals to sections (not pages
Contribution: Discourses on identity, although fashionable, are often confusing. Instead of offer... more Contribution: Discourses on identity, although fashionable, are often confusing. Instead of offering solutions, this article uses Nietzsche's life and philosophy to identify some causes of confusion and indicates where crucial decisions regarding our presuppositions have to be taken. Its aim was not to produce knowledge but, in line with Nietzsche's practice, to 'produce ignorance', to question the terms we use confidently, without fully considering their meaning or implications.
Uploads
Books by Douglas Lawrie
The Bible has the unfortunate legacy of being associated with gross human rights violations as evident in the scriptural justification of apartheid in South Africa as well as slavery in the American South. What is more, the Hebrew Bible also contains numerous instances in which the worth or dignity of the female characters are threatened, violated or potentially violated, creating a situation of dehumanization in which women are viewed as less than fully human.
And yet the Bible continues to serve as a source of inspiration for readers committed to justice and liberation for all. But in order for the Bible to speak a liberative word, what is necessary is to cultivate liberating Bible reading practices rooted in justice and compassion. Restorative Readings seeks to do exactly this when the authors in their respective readings seek to cultivate Bible reading practices that are committed to restoring the dignity of those whose dignity has been violated by means of racial, gender, and sexual discrimination, by the atrocities of apartheid, by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and by the dehumanizing reality of unemployment and poverty.
Papers by Douglas Lawrie
The Bible has the unfortunate legacy of being associated with gross human rights violations as evident in the scriptural justification of apartheid in South Africa as well as slavery in the American South. What is more, the Hebrew Bible also contains numerous instances in which the worth or dignity of the female characters are threatened, violated or potentially violated, creating a situation of dehumanization in which women are viewed as less than fully human.
And yet the Bible continues to serve as a source of inspiration for readers committed to justice and liberation for all. But in order for the Bible to speak a liberative word, what is necessary is to cultivate liberating Bible reading practices rooted in justice and compassion. Restorative Readings seeks to do exactly this when the authors in their respective readings seek to cultivate Bible reading practices that are committed to restoring the dignity of those whose dignity has been violated by means of racial, gender, and sexual discrimination, by the atrocities of apartheid, by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and by the dehumanizing reality of unemployment and poverty.