http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_verbum.html A Sabinet RSS feed with the latest modified articles for each journal. http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a1.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Van Helden, Phia </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-12</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> <b>Thinking as a crisis area in the phenomenon of the declining traditionally Afrikaans 'sister churches'.</b> Since little can be done, humanly speaking, to address the numerous factors influencing the decline of churches, it is obvious that everything humanly possible must be done. Thinking plays a major role in ecclesiology. This article focuses on human thinking as crisis area and as variable in ecclesiology. Because thinking is the determining factor controlling human activities, it is necessary to transform and change thinking when imbalances appear under the microscope of the last command of Jesus. Through the Great Commission, the Christocentric paradigm is revealed which serves as a corrective guideline for the imbalances created by the institutionalistic (I-paradigm) or the spiritualistic (S-paradigm) paradigms. Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is rediscovered as Scripture-based approach regarding change in thinking and the resulting change in the ecclesiastic crisis area, thus focussing on a more complete obedience to the Great Commission and promoting the possibility of natural church growth. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a2.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> De Wet, Fritz W. Kruger, Ferdi P. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-10</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> The prevalence of corruption has enormous negative consequences for the ideal of an orderly and peaceful society. Corruption does not only have a destructive impact on socio-economic life, but also on human relationships, value systems and vision for life. With this research the authors described the role of the ethical dimension of prophetic preaching in addressing the apparent lack of righteousness as it manifests in a context of corruption in the South African society. The problem field was explored with the focus on an apparent lack of vision and willingness to hunger and thirst for righteousness in the current manifestation of corruption in the South African society. Normative perspectives from Scripture (attempting to voice the impact of Jesus' words in the Beatitudes, with the focus on Matthew 5-6) were discussed. It is reasoned that Jesus' words pneumatologically proved to be essential in developing a sharpened and action-inducing vision of the righteousness of the kingdom of God breaking through in the praxis of a society struggling with the effects of corruption. The research culminated in the formulation of preliminary homiletic theory with a view to a vision for a kind of prophetic preaching that will be able to activate the consciousness of hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of God's kingdom and lead the believer in a life culminating in blessed nourishment. The ethical dimension of prophetic preaching is anchored in the eschatological sphere, aimed at making the perceiver conscious of the distinct presence of the King, calling his people to a blessed presence in this world and empowering them with his promise of restoration of an abundant life for all. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a3.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Kessler, Volker </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-7</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> This article is about the pitfalls involved in writing a Christian handbook on leadership. By analysing some elements of the Rule of Benedict it is argued that it is impossible to write such a handbook without using non-Biblical sources. Moreover, there are typical pitfalls when authors attempt to develop a pure Biblical leadership theory. The first pitfall is typical of Christians representing Niebuhr's type of 'Christ against Culture'. As early as 1951, Niebuhr claimed that in the field of leadership in particular the radical exclusive Christians reintroduced rules from non-Christian cultures. Examples from the last decade support Niebuhr's observation. The second pitfall, referred to as reconstruction, is typical of those authors who are open to secular sources but who seek to give Biblical evidence for their leadership theory. This pitfall is illustrated by analysing the process in which the secular concepts of transforming leadership and vision statements found their way into evangelical books on Christian leadership. Reconstruction typically consists of four steps: <i>Perception</i> (a secular model of leadership becomes popular), <i>Acceptance</i> (this model is examined and accepted for the context of the church) <i>Assimilation</i> (it is claimed that leaders in the Bible worked exactly as described in the model, books are written about Biblical leadership, exemplifying the model. The secular source becomes obsolete.) and <i>Standardisation</i> (this model of leadership is declared to be the Biblical norm for every Christian leader). I argue that step 3 is at least problematic and step 4 is a fatal error. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a4.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Williams, David T. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-7</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> Recent decades have witnessed both a shift in sexual standards, and the loss of the Biblical authority which has traditionally motivated them. This has been the case even with Christians. It is therefore necessary to suggest a new motive for morality, especially in this area. A possibility is the idea of the imitation of Christ, adopting the principles on which he acted, which can be summed up as <i>ken&#333;sis</i>, or self-limitation. Jesus was fundamentally limited through being incarnate; human beings are likewise limited, also with regard to their sexuality. Jesus adopted the practice of self-limitation, seen in his humility; Christians, in imitation of him, likewise should practise self-limitation. Indeed, the manifestation and practice of sexuality is fundamentally limited in any case by its very nature. If the principle of <i>ken&#333;sis</i> is applied in the areas of marriage and divorce, and in related issues such as homosexuality or chastity, it serves to underpin what is a traditional set of practices in a way consistent with a Christian world-view. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a5.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> De Klerk, Barend J. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-9</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> <b>Scriptural perspectives on the effect of baptism on forgiveness</b><br/>This article focused from a Scriptural perspective on the question of whether baptism can and should have an effect on forgiveness and reconciliation in the South African society. This aspect was examined because in one of the most widely used confessionals of the worldwide church, the Nicene Creed, the following words are found: 'We believe in ... one baptism for the forgiveness of sin'. Another reason for investigating the effect that baptism should have on forgiveness and reconciliation is the connection between God's forgiveness and the calling on the baptised to forgive. The article highlighted the following five key points: God acts in baptism; the Triune God works in baptism; the covenant relationship is expressed in baptism; baptism is a baptism in Christ's death and resurrection; God's forgiveness and reconciliation in baptism call the baptised to forgive. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a6.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Jabini, Frank </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> Jan Schalkwijk served the Moravian Church in Suriname from 1952 to 1970. From 1974 to 1978 he served at United Theological College of the West Indies in Jamaica as an ecclesiastical professor. Schalkwijk started his research for a doctoral dissertation on missions amongst the (East) Indians of the Southern Caribbean in 1971 and continued after he returned to the Netherlands from Jamaica in 1978. Professor Johannes Verkuyl was his promoter and Dr Jan van der Linde his copromoter. In 1984, when Verkuyl retired, the Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam assigned Schalkwijk a new promoter. At that time the dissertation was complete. The new promoter, however, was of the opinion that the dissertation was too lengthy. He therefore advised Schalkwijk to limit the research to Suriname and to add a few pages on the two other countries in the Southern Caribbean, Trinidad and Guyana. Schalkwijk never completed this task. He passed away in 2004. His son, Professor Marten Schalkwijk, and others prepared the dissertation for publication. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a7.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Jabini, Franklin </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> Marten Schalkwijk completed his dissertation in sociology at Cornell University in the United States of America in 1994. Currently he is a professor at the <i>Anton De Kom Universiteit</i> in Suriname. The dissertation was published almost two decades after it was first written. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a8.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Kovacs, Frank Gosling, John Viljoen, Francois </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-9</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> Upon analysis of Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles conjoined theoretically in the reading event, the basis of Israel's mandate became pellucid in Lukan terms. This kind of analysis required the viable assumption of conceptual unity behind the gospel and Acts, and the application of the appropriate methodological approach of structural criticism. Morphosyntactical analysis yielded positive results that suggested text-based evidence concerning Israel's calling. It was observed that the covenant concept presented in its operative aspect of service to God was the basis of Israel's mandate. Luke and Acts appeared to agree that Israel was called to live in obedient righteousness following the call to Abraham to walk blamelessly. The covenant-based calling was affirmed by Isaianic allusions to Israel's mandate to be a light to the nations in her righteousness. The mandate's disruption had disabled Israel, requiring the resolution of God's deliverance. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a9.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Semenya, David K. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-9</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> This article attempts to provide insight to the church councils of mainly Black churches, regarding members' absenteeism during Sunday church services and also the lack of financial contributions to the church. A number of church-going members are often absent on the last Sunday of the month or the first Sunday of the month because of their commitments to burial societies - burial societies prefer to meet on Sundays. Because the meetings take place at the end of the month and funding is one of the main issues at these meetings, the members' tithing to the church is negatively impacted. Our research found that members considered their contribution to the societies to be more important than their tithing to the church. In some cases members belonged to more than one burial society, and these members spent more money so as to receive greater support in the event of a death. Unfortunately this left them with nothing to give to the church. Another reason given for belonging to burial societies was that their membership helped them to prepare for death, would enable them to have a decent funeral service and would ensure that those who attended the funeral service did not go home hungry. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a10.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Vos, Casparus J.A. Wepener, Casparus J. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-6</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> <b>Liturgy and Literature - an Autumn liturgy for Easter in the Southern Hemisphere</b><br/>The aim of this article was to explore possibilities regarding the liturgical inculturation of the Easter liturgy in the Southern Hemisphere. The Easter liturgy originated in the Northern Hemisphere, where it was and is celebrated during Spring with all its concomitant symbolism of new life. That symbolism seems to be lacking in the Easter liturgy in the Southern Hemisphere, where Easter occurs during Autumn. In order to address this issue an interdisciplinary exploration of the themes of both the Easter liturgy and the liturgical <i>ordo</i> was undertaken, as well as a study of Afrikaans poems about Autumn. An example of a liturgy making use of the ecumenical-protestant fourfold order of worship [<i>ordinarium</i>] and enriched with liturgical elements based on the poems studied here as well as some traditions relating to the Easter liturgy [<i>proprium</i>] is presented. As a whole this article serves as an example of how Liturgical Studies can seek alliances with other disciplines in order to address its own questions and for its own purposes. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a11.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Viljoen, Francois P. </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-12</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> In the time when Matthew wrote his gospel, the interpretation of the <i>Torah</i> became a feature of division. Matthew frequently presented Jesus as being in debate with the Pharisees and scribes on the true intention of the Law. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was presented as using the <i>halakhic</i> form of argumentation to counter false assumptions about the meaning of the <i>Torah</i>. Six theses about the <i>Torah</i> were set, followed by Jesus' antitheses. Jesus' alternative interpretations were presented as an authoritative explanation of the true, intended meaning of the Law. Matthew argued that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but bring them to fulfilment. In this argument Jesus formulated the higher level of righteousness that is required of his followers. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:24Z http://reference.sabinet.co.za/webx/access/electronic_journals/verbum/verbum_v34_n1_a12.pdf <UL><LI><b>Author:</b> Pretorius, Mark </LI><LI><b>Vol 34 Issue 1</b></LI> <LI><b>Publication:</b> 2013</LI> <LI><b>Page:</b> 1-8</LI> <LI><b>Abstract:</b> The objective of this article was to deal with the challenging theme of the <i>Origin of Life</i>. Science has been arguing the when and how of the beginning of life for centuries. It is a subject which remains perplexing despite all the technological advances made in science. The first part of the article dealt with the idea of a universe and earth divinely created to sustain life. The second part dealt with the premise that the first life forms were the miraculous work of an intelligent designer, which is revealed by the sophisticated and intricate design of these first life forms. The article concluded with an explanation that these life forms are in stark contrast to the idea of a random Darwinian type evolution for life's origin, frequently referred to as abiogenesis or spontaneous generation. </LI></UL> 2013-05-13T10:39:25Z