The essay briefly discusses aspects of the contribution of Dirk J Smit, South African systematic ... more The essay briefly discusses aspects of the contribution of Dirk J Smit, South African systematic theologian and ethicist, to an ethos of responsible (biblical) hermeneutics, an ethos of interpretation that invites and encourages human responses of faith and hope. The crucial starting point of such an ethos, the author argues, is the gift of "seeing" differently, of discerning faithfully, of imagining God's radical presence in the world. The art of "seeing" with respect to Smit's thinking is discussed under five interrelated rubrics: (a) Seeing the Bible as foundational resource for Christian theology; (b) Seeing the history of biblical interpretation ethically; (c) Seeing Christian ethos and ethics differently; (d) Seeing people through narratives of God's grace; and (e) Seeing a transformed society through the calling of the church. With continual reference to the "moral world" of the Judeo-Christian narrative, Smit emphasises memory and hope as powerful mechanisms toward developing the moral home of faith communities. Through liturgy -where the narratives and vision of God's dynamic yet paradoxical presence are celebrated and nurtured-God's Spirit continues to invite "communities of character" to reimagine their identity and ethos beyond all stereotypical views of God, humanity and the rest of creation. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Innocent victims? Exegetic-homiletical notes on 1 Peter 4:12-19 and 5:6-11 1 Peter reminds its im... more Innocent victims? Exegetic-homiletical notes on 1 Peter 4:12-19 and 5:6-11 1 Peter reminds its implied audience of their paradoxical identity in Jesus Christ, while encouraging them to persevere under circumstances of affliction because they share in Christ's suffering. The thrust of the text is determined by the oxymoron evklektoi/j parepidh,moij (1:1), which describes the recipients' position in Christ socio-rhetorically. The article explores the ethical implications of this position as articulated in pericopes 4:12-19 and 5:6-11. To suffer because of the name of Christ (4:14), and in a way that would glorify God (4:11, 16; 5:10) is-according to the perspective of 1 Peter-a blessing and honour, a gift of God's Spirit. It is-after the example of Christ-a radical calling to holiness (1:15-16; 2:5), nonretaliation (2:23; 3:8-18), and obedient submission to a caring God who judges righteously (1:17; 2:23; 5:6-7). (Re)interpreting this text in a patriarchal environment would require particular hermeneutical and pastoral sensitivity so as not to expect further (unnuanced) submission from those whom society has already acculturated into self-sacrifice and inferiority.
Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Feb 20, 2014
Note: This article was first published in Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 29(2) [2012], 133-153, ti... more Note: This article was first published in Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 29(2) [2012], 133-153, titled 'Memory in search of dignity? Construction of early Christian identity through redescribed traditional material in the letter to the Ephesians'. It is republished in HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies (under a new title) with the editor's permission.
For Andrew Murray Jr (1828–1917), John 15 was significant for understanding believers’ unificatio... more For Andrew Murray Jr (1828–1917), John 15 was significant for understanding believers’ unification in Christ. Imagining a conversation with him, the essay explores experiences of Jesus’ presence and absence in the Fourth Gospel [FG]. References to God’s presence are characterised by the transferral of “temple” imagery to both Jesus and the Johannine community as the dwelling place where God’s “tabernacling” presence is experienced (1:14; 2:13–22; 14:1–6). These images, distinctive of the ‘household’ dynamic of the FG (1:12–13, 18), are reflected in Jesus’ engagement with his disciples (Jn 13–17) as mutual indwelling between God and them. Amidst hisdeparting words (13:33; 14:2) and his followers’ disillusion and grief (13:36–38; 14:1, 27; 16:20–22), Jesus invites them to “remain/dwell” in him/his love (15:4, 9), waiting upon the Counsellor whom ‘the Father’ will send in his name (14:26; 16:7, 13).
The article explores the dynamic of New Testament households and their codes of conduct. It focus... more The article explores the dynamic of New Testament households and their codes of conduct. It focuses on the reconfigured husband/wife relationship in the household code of Ephesians 5:21-6:9 in view of the code's ambivalent relation to the rest of the letter as well as its complex history of interpretation. Since Christianity's foundational documents originated from (and are often read) within patriarchal societies, influenced by the hierarchical ethos of empire, a major challenge is whether and how a text such as the Ephesians code provides a lens through which it may be reimagined today - even against its patriarchal grain and history of interpretation. In view of feminist and postcolonial criticism, it is argued that the code serves as an ongoing invitation to resist any form of exploitative power in contemporary as well as ancient empire.
En explorant differents aspects d'une relecture ethique de l'Epitre de saint Paul aux Eph... more En explorant differents aspects d'une relecture ethique de l'Epitre de saint Paul aux Ephesiens, cet article met en jeu une approche integree et pertinente au-dela de la comprehension de l'Epitre elle-meme, une approche qui tiendrait compte de son statut de texte canonise autant que des besoins des lecteurs contemporains. Par exemple, l'identite et les roles des differents groupes de gens auxquels le document fait reference sont reexamines en termes de fonction rhetorique dans la lettre entiere. Il s'agit pour l'A. de fournir des criteres pour pratiquer une lecture ethique moderne des documents neo-testamentaires
This text is concerned with the integrity of biblical studies and its relevance for forming moral... more This text is concerned with the integrity of biblical studies and its relevance for forming moral people, transforming a moral society and informing moral decision-making and action. It focuses on the dynamic, yet complex, nature of the moral discourse of Paul's letter to the Ephesians by exploring its literary, historical and rhetorical dimensions, and concludes by describing its potential to facilitate change as the ability to disclose a radically new perspective on reality. Mouton demonstrates the dynamic interaction between exegesis and ethics, and between theory and praxis, that is present in Paul's theology. Ephesians invites present-day Christian communities to reorient themselves continuously to its liberating, healing vision of God in and through the exalted Christ and the Spirit, and to creatively appropriate this vision in changing circumstances.
This article deals with the essence of religion proposed by Schleiermacher, namely ‘the feeling o... more This article deals with the essence of religion proposed by Schleiermacher, namely ‘the feeling of absolute dependence upon the Infinite’. In his theory of religious experience, and the language he used to express it, he claimed his work to be independent of concepts and beliefs. Epistemologically this is incompatible. In our century, where Christianity needs to be reinterpreted in the light of modern science, Schleiermacher has left us with a hermeneutical challenge to communicate the dynamic experience of a relationship with God in an intelligible way. The author argues that systematic theology’s obligation to rationality must at least include a dialectic interplay of interpretative schemes, events and experience.
Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink is op 23 Oktober 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal gebore. In 1957 slaa... more Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink is op 23 Oktober 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal gebore. In 1957 slaag hy matriek aan die Hoerskool Noord-Oosrand (Benoni) met ses onderskeidings. Daarna studeer hy in die Teologie aan die Universiteit van Pretoria, en verwerf die grade BA (1960), BD (1963) en BA Hons (Grieks - 1964), almal cum laude. Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink was born on 23 October 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal. In 1957 he matriculated with six distinctions at North-Eastern Border High (Benoni). He then studied theology at the University of Pretoria, and attained the degrees BA (1960), BD (1963) and BA Hons (Greek, 1964), all cum laude.
This article is a response to R. Alan Culpepper’s two-part contribution in this volume, ‘Jesus as... more This article is a response to R. Alan Culpepper’s two-part contribution in this volume, ‘Jesus as healer in the Gospel of Matthew’. It focuses on three sets of implications of Culpepper’s work: implications of a bioethical reading of Matthew; implications of a vulnerable, compassionate God in the midst of suffering; and implications of a comprehensive healing ministry for Christian churches today. The core of the essay is Jesus of Nazareth as paradoxical expression of God’s presence amidst suffering, identifying with people in need while embodying God’s encompassing renewal of creation.
In a world characterized by power abuse and violence, where and how would people with the life-af... more In a world characterized by power abuse and violence, where and how would people with the life-affirming ethos of God's alternative kingdom be formed? In view of this challenge, the essay explores the potential of the third part of the Heidelberg Catechism (on prayer) for moral formation in Christian households. It is believed that, through facilitating transformative encounters with the living God, the Catechism holds the potential also to shape (young) people's imagination and behaviour in present-day (African) contexts, provided that a critical-constructive awareness of the hierarchical origins of New Testament household codes be nurtured alongside it. 1 Henceforth referred to as HC 1863.
Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, Dec 18, 2013
Unlike the other three gospel writers, Luke places the account of a woman anointing Jesus outside... more Unlike the other three gospel writers, Luke places the account of a woman anointing Jesus outside the passion narrative, in the context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The article explores rhetorical mechanisms through which the narrator of Luke 7:36-50 presents the story of Jesus' anointing by a woman publicly known as "a sinner", while eating with a Pharisee named Simon. The passage is firstly situated within the broad literary context of Luke's gospel. A brief analysis of the narrative focuses secondly on Jesus' identity and authority as "a friend of sinners". The essay finally investigates aspects of irony and honour in the passage, with particular reference to the reversal of roles-both of the Pharisee and the woman.
For South Africa, both the 20th and 21st centuries began with facing a painful past while searchi... more For South Africa, both the 20th and 21st centuries began with facing a painful past while searching for a shared future: the experiences of the war (1899-1902) between the colonial British Empire and the two Boer Republics, and the legacy of official apartheid (1948-1990), respectively. According to many, these histories are deeply inter-related in that the sufferings which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission faced were partly caused by the inadequate handling of the sufferings of the war. From a Christian perspective, focusing on stories of women, the essay considers three such issues; namely, questions of truth and suffering, guilt and responsibility, and reconciliation and justice—while reflecting on the tension between forgiving and forgetting.
The essay briefly discusses aspects of the contribution of Dirk J Smit, South African systematic ... more The essay briefly discusses aspects of the contribution of Dirk J Smit, South African systematic theologian and ethicist, to an ethos of responsible (biblical) hermeneutics, an ethos of interpretation that invites and encourages human responses of faith and hope. The crucial starting point of such an ethos, the author argues, is the gift of "seeing" differently, of discerning faithfully, of imagining God's radical presence in the world. The art of "seeing" with respect to Smit's thinking is discussed under five interrelated rubrics: (a) Seeing the Bible as foundational resource for Christian theology; (b) Seeing the history of biblical interpretation ethically; (c) Seeing Christian ethos and ethics differently; (d) Seeing people through narratives of God's grace; and (e) Seeing a transformed society through the calling of the church. With continual reference to the "moral world" of the Judeo-Christian narrative, Smit emphasises memory and hope as powerful mechanisms toward developing the moral home of faith communities. Through liturgy -where the narratives and vision of God's dynamic yet paradoxical presence are celebrated and nurtured-God's Spirit continues to invite "communities of character" to reimagine their identity and ethos beyond all stereotypical views of God, humanity and the rest of creation. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Innocent victims? Exegetic-homiletical notes on 1 Peter 4:12-19 and 5:6-11 1 Peter reminds its im... more Innocent victims? Exegetic-homiletical notes on 1 Peter 4:12-19 and 5:6-11 1 Peter reminds its implied audience of their paradoxical identity in Jesus Christ, while encouraging them to persevere under circumstances of affliction because they share in Christ's suffering. The thrust of the text is determined by the oxymoron evklektoi/j parepidh,moij (1:1), which describes the recipients' position in Christ socio-rhetorically. The article explores the ethical implications of this position as articulated in pericopes 4:12-19 and 5:6-11. To suffer because of the name of Christ (4:14), and in a way that would glorify God (4:11, 16; 5:10) is-according to the perspective of 1 Peter-a blessing and honour, a gift of God's Spirit. It is-after the example of Christ-a radical calling to holiness (1:15-16; 2:5), nonretaliation (2:23; 3:8-18), and obedient submission to a caring God who judges righteously (1:17; 2:23; 5:6-7). (Re)interpreting this text in a patriarchal environment would require particular hermeneutical and pastoral sensitivity so as not to expect further (unnuanced) submission from those whom society has already acculturated into self-sacrifice and inferiority.
Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Feb 20, 2014
Note: This article was first published in Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 29(2) [2012], 133-153, ti... more Note: This article was first published in Annali di Storia dell'Esegesi 29(2) [2012], 133-153, titled 'Memory in search of dignity? Construction of early Christian identity through redescribed traditional material in the letter to the Ephesians'. It is republished in HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies (under a new title) with the editor's permission.
For Andrew Murray Jr (1828–1917), John 15 was significant for understanding believers’ unificatio... more For Andrew Murray Jr (1828–1917), John 15 was significant for understanding believers’ unification in Christ. Imagining a conversation with him, the essay explores experiences of Jesus’ presence and absence in the Fourth Gospel [FG]. References to God’s presence are characterised by the transferral of “temple” imagery to both Jesus and the Johannine community as the dwelling place where God’s “tabernacling” presence is experienced (1:14; 2:13–22; 14:1–6). These images, distinctive of the ‘household’ dynamic of the FG (1:12–13, 18), are reflected in Jesus’ engagement with his disciples (Jn 13–17) as mutual indwelling between God and them. Amidst hisdeparting words (13:33; 14:2) and his followers’ disillusion and grief (13:36–38; 14:1, 27; 16:20–22), Jesus invites them to “remain/dwell” in him/his love (15:4, 9), waiting upon the Counsellor whom ‘the Father’ will send in his name (14:26; 16:7, 13).
The article explores the dynamic of New Testament households and their codes of conduct. It focus... more The article explores the dynamic of New Testament households and their codes of conduct. It focuses on the reconfigured husband/wife relationship in the household code of Ephesians 5:21-6:9 in view of the code's ambivalent relation to the rest of the letter as well as its complex history of interpretation. Since Christianity's foundational documents originated from (and are often read) within patriarchal societies, influenced by the hierarchical ethos of empire, a major challenge is whether and how a text such as the Ephesians code provides a lens through which it may be reimagined today - even against its patriarchal grain and history of interpretation. In view of feminist and postcolonial criticism, it is argued that the code serves as an ongoing invitation to resist any form of exploitative power in contemporary as well as ancient empire.
En explorant differents aspects d'une relecture ethique de l'Epitre de saint Paul aux Eph... more En explorant differents aspects d'une relecture ethique de l'Epitre de saint Paul aux Ephesiens, cet article met en jeu une approche integree et pertinente au-dela de la comprehension de l'Epitre elle-meme, une approche qui tiendrait compte de son statut de texte canonise autant que des besoins des lecteurs contemporains. Par exemple, l'identite et les roles des differents groupes de gens auxquels le document fait reference sont reexamines en termes de fonction rhetorique dans la lettre entiere. Il s'agit pour l'A. de fournir des criteres pour pratiquer une lecture ethique moderne des documents neo-testamentaires
This text is concerned with the integrity of biblical studies and its relevance for forming moral... more This text is concerned with the integrity of biblical studies and its relevance for forming moral people, transforming a moral society and informing moral decision-making and action. It focuses on the dynamic, yet complex, nature of the moral discourse of Paul's letter to the Ephesians by exploring its literary, historical and rhetorical dimensions, and concludes by describing its potential to facilitate change as the ability to disclose a radically new perspective on reality. Mouton demonstrates the dynamic interaction between exegesis and ethics, and between theory and praxis, that is present in Paul's theology. Ephesians invites present-day Christian communities to reorient themselves continuously to its liberating, healing vision of God in and through the exalted Christ and the Spirit, and to creatively appropriate this vision in changing circumstances.
This article deals with the essence of religion proposed by Schleiermacher, namely ‘the feeling o... more This article deals with the essence of religion proposed by Schleiermacher, namely ‘the feeling of absolute dependence upon the Infinite’. In his theory of religious experience, and the language he used to express it, he claimed his work to be independent of concepts and beliefs. Epistemologically this is incompatible. In our century, where Christianity needs to be reinterpreted in the light of modern science, Schleiermacher has left us with a hermeneutical challenge to communicate the dynamic experience of a relationship with God in an intelligible way. The author argues that systematic theology’s obligation to rationality must at least include a dialectic interplay of interpretative schemes, events and experience.
Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink is op 23 Oktober 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal gebore. In 1957 slaa... more Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink is op 23 Oktober 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal gebore. In 1957 slaag hy matriek aan die Hoerskool Noord-Oosrand (Benoni) met ses onderskeidings. Daarna studeer hy in die Teologie aan die Universiteit van Pretoria, en verwerf die grade BA (1960), BD (1963) en BA Hons (Grieks - 1964), almal cum laude. Hans Jacob Bernardus Combrink was born on 23 October 1940 in Lydenburg, Transvaal. In 1957 he matriculated with six distinctions at North-Eastern Border High (Benoni). He then studied theology at the University of Pretoria, and attained the degrees BA (1960), BD (1963) and BA Hons (Greek, 1964), all cum laude.
This article is a response to R. Alan Culpepper’s two-part contribution in this volume, ‘Jesus as... more This article is a response to R. Alan Culpepper’s two-part contribution in this volume, ‘Jesus as healer in the Gospel of Matthew’. It focuses on three sets of implications of Culpepper’s work: implications of a bioethical reading of Matthew; implications of a vulnerable, compassionate God in the midst of suffering; and implications of a comprehensive healing ministry for Christian churches today. The core of the essay is Jesus of Nazareth as paradoxical expression of God’s presence amidst suffering, identifying with people in need while embodying God’s encompassing renewal of creation.
In a world characterized by power abuse and violence, where and how would people with the life-af... more In a world characterized by power abuse and violence, where and how would people with the life-affirming ethos of God's alternative kingdom be formed? In view of this challenge, the essay explores the potential of the third part of the Heidelberg Catechism (on prayer) for moral formation in Christian households. It is believed that, through facilitating transformative encounters with the living God, the Catechism holds the potential also to shape (young) people's imagination and behaviour in present-day (African) contexts, provided that a critical-constructive awareness of the hierarchical origins of New Testament household codes be nurtured alongside it. 1 Henceforth referred to as HC 1863.
Nederduitse Gereformeerde Teologiese Tydskrif, Dec 18, 2013
Unlike the other three gospel writers, Luke places the account of a woman anointing Jesus outside... more Unlike the other three gospel writers, Luke places the account of a woman anointing Jesus outside the passion narrative, in the context of Jesus' ministry in Galilee. The article explores rhetorical mechanisms through which the narrator of Luke 7:36-50 presents the story of Jesus' anointing by a woman publicly known as "a sinner", while eating with a Pharisee named Simon. The passage is firstly situated within the broad literary context of Luke's gospel. A brief analysis of the narrative focuses secondly on Jesus' identity and authority as "a friend of sinners". The essay finally investigates aspects of irony and honour in the passage, with particular reference to the reversal of roles-both of the Pharisee and the woman.
For South Africa, both the 20th and 21st centuries began with facing a painful past while searchi... more For South Africa, both the 20th and 21st centuries began with facing a painful past while searching for a shared future: the experiences of the war (1899-1902) between the colonial British Empire and the two Boer Republics, and the legacy of official apartheid (1948-1990), respectively. According to many, these histories are deeply inter-related in that the sufferings which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission faced were partly caused by the inadequate handling of the sufferings of the war. From a Christian perspective, focusing on stories of women, the essay considers three such issues; namely, questions of truth and suffering, guilt and responsibility, and reconciliation and justice—while reflecting on the tension between forgiving and forgetting.
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