Browsing by Author "Smith, Kevin G."

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A comparative study of the knowability of the Christian God and Allah: Strategic implications for Muslim evangelism
(South African Theological Seminary, 2024-04-24) Boshoff, Rudolph P.; Smith, Kevin G.
This research explores the basic ideas of Christianity and Islam about God's knowability, emphasizing the key differences between Allah and Yahweh. Christians base their theology on the Bible and claim that Allah can only be known via his revealed nature, but Muslims believe Allah cannot be personally known at all, creating a theological conundrum. According to my study, the biblical idea helps Christians develop an "I-Thou" relationship with Yahweh and helps them understand some of his attributes. On the other hand, Muslims find it difficult to explain many aspects of Allah, which undermines the moral foundation and coherence of their faith. The implications for evangelism strengthen the logical coherence of Christian theism and its ability to offer a meaningful alternative to Islamic monotheism. This comparative study aims to equip Christian witnesses to effectively address Islamic theology's challenges.
A Critique of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures' Treatment of Nine Texts Employing θεος in Reference to Jesus Christ
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) Baumgarten, Kenneth J.; Smith, Kevin G.; Smith, Kevin G.
Since shortly after its initial publication in 1950, The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures(NWT), has been the subject of critical examination by the academic community, as well as both Catholic and Protestant church-oriented publishers. A primary issue emphasized by reviewers is theological bias as it influences NWT's translation.Countess (1967:160), in regard to John 1:1, has noted that “a prior ‘preferred religious view’ on the part of the witnesses” has motivated the NWT translators to disregard and violate the rules of Greek grammar as a “grammatical means to a doctrinal end”.My proposed research is founded on the assumption that if a Bible translation's treatment of the original text, either in toto,or in regard to passages related to a specific major subject or theme, can be objectively determined to be erroneous, such a translation's usefulness as either an academic or devotional resource may be called into question. I do not assert that isolated minor differences in translations necessarily invalidate an entire translation, but systemic, concerted 2anomalies may certainly do so. As such, the Anti-trinitarianism of the Witnesses (Metzger 1953) and their treatment of related texts (Bowman 1991) cannot be ignored, and has not been ignored, being a common subject of most of the work to date(Steurman 1956).Bowman (1991:74) writes that “the case against the NWT must rest on the evidence from within the NWT itself;...” (he consequently concludes thatthe evidence is sufficient to reject NWT as an “unreliable translation”).Bowman's position is similar to my own, inasmuch as my thesis is predicated on a belief that theological bias on the part of NWT's translators is only a problem if it results in an erroneous translation of the text, and only such mistranslation of the Greek text calls into question the trustworthiness of NWT (or any other translation). All translators have biases. It is only when those biases override the translators’ allegiance tothe text that they become problematic.Which leads to another common theme in the extant body of critique; that of contradictions of NWT with its stated philosophy of translation. The great gift of the NWT's publishers to theirreaders is the inclusion of a very clear statement of purposes and principles in the forward to the first edition (1950). As early as 1951, the aims of the translators were being used as a standard for measuring their efforts and detecting controlling biases (Mattingly 1951:439). Countess, in his “Critical Analysis” (1952), masterfully and methodically identified and cataloged certaininconsistencies of NWT with the stated aims of the translators. 3The scope and import of these inconsistencies must have been early noted by the Watchtower Society, as subsequent editions of NWT included a much shortened forward, lacking the detail and force of the original.The work to date has thoroughly identified liberties taken with grammar and lexeme, as well as inconsistencies with NWT's stated aims, and has used Witness theology and doctrine as a backdrop for explaining the assumed motives behindthese different translations.What the extant body of critique has not done is establish and apply an objective test to its treatment of a major subject or theme of scripture (such as the Divinity of Christ), for determining the trustworthiness of NWT as an academic and/or devotional resource.
A grammatical exposition of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 9, Issue 03, Mar 2010, p. 95 - 105
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Smith, Kevin G.
The most definitive biblical text on the nature, function, and purpose of scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, contains several difficulties that have made it the subject of much scholarly debate. The purpose of this article is to examine the Greek text phrase by phrase, exploring the difficulties and evaluating possible solutions. Concerning the nature of scripture, the first three words are best translated 'all scripture is God-breathed', although 'every scripture is God-breathed' remains possible. The inspired nature of the scriptures is presupposed by both these translations, and even by other interpretive options. Furthermore, it is proper to consider both copies and translations as inspired scriptures, while recognizing that in so doing we are referring to their true character rather than their absolute character. The function of scripture is represented by four prepositional phrases, which portray its functions as guiding believers towards correct belief and behaviour, while exposing wrong beliefs and behaviours. The ultimate purpose of scripture, however, is conveyed not by the four prepositional phrases in verse 16, but by the hina clause in verse 17 - the word of God is given to prepare the man of God for every good work.
A grammatical exposition of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 9, Issue 03, Mar 2010, p. 95 - 105
(South African Theological Seminary Press) Smith, Kevin G.
The most definitive biblical text on the nature, function, and purpose of scripture, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, contains several difficulties that have made it the subject of much scholarly debate. The purpose of this article is to examine the Greek text phrase by phrase, exploring the difficulties and evaluating possible solutions. Concerning the nature of scripture, the first three words are best translated 'all scripture is God-breathed', although 'every scripture is God-breathed' remains possible. The inspired nature of the scriptures is presupposed by both these translations, and even by other interpretive options. Furthermore, it is proper to consider both copies and translations as inspired scriptures, while recognizing that in so doing we are referring to their true character rather than their absolute character. The function of scripture is represented by four prepositional phrases, which portray its functions as guiding believers towards correct belief and behaviour, while exposing wrong beliefs and behaviours. The ultimate purpose of scripture, however, is conveyed not by the four prepositional phrases in verse 16, but by the hina clause in verse 17 - the word of God is given to prepare the man of God for every good work.
A Letter to Africa About Africa, K. Munza : Book Review Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 207 - 208
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Smith, Kevin G.
The objective of this short book is to argue that the root cause of the social evils that afflict Africa have their roots in an unbiblical worldview, and the appropriate treatment is ""theotherapy"", helping African Christians to embrace a biblical worldview.
Adultery, Divorce, and Eldership Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 16, Issue 09, Sep 2013, p. 47 - 78
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Smith, Kevin G.
This article applies the methodology of Integrated Theology (Smith 2013) to attempt to answer this question: 'Can a man who has committed adultery and thus caused the failure of his marriage later serve as an elder, meeting the biblical requirements for eldership?' After surveying various pieces of evidence, including biblical and historical evidence, the author concludes the requirements for eldership would generally exclude such candidates, but that the biblical evidence falls short of an absolute prohibition and leaves the door open for the rare exceptions that prove the rule. Therefore, a church can defend either of two positions: an exclusion position or an exception position.
An Examination of the Consistency of the New World Translation with the Stated Philosophy of the Translators Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 6, Issue 09, Sep 2008, p. 25 - 42
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Smith, Kevin G.
The purpose of this article is to evaluate the extent to which the The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures' (NWT) rendering of selected Christologically significant texts is consistent with its own philosophy of translation. To test the NWT's consistency with its own philosophy of translation, the authors selected nine Christologically significant texts, namely, John 1:1, 1:18, 20:28, Acts 20:28, Romans 9:5, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8-9, 2 Peter 1:1 and 1 John 5:20. Each of these nine texts arguably uses the Greek term θεóς in reference to Jesus Christ. The authors conclude that in seven of the nine sample texts, the NWT violates one or more of its stated translation values and principles. The most common violation is its pervasive tendency to subvert the most natural understanding of the Greek text in favour of a 'preferred religious view'.
An Exegetical and Theological Study of Malachi 3:8-12 and its Implications for Christians, with Particular Reference to Tithing
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) van der Merwe, Jo-Anne Iris; Smith, Kevin G.
This thesis discusses the implications of Malachi 3:8-12 in relation to its bearing on New Testament giving in general, and on Christian tithing in particular. Old Testament texts that deal with the subject were examined in order to ascertain what the historical and theological function of the tithe was, and in order to paint a broad background for a closer study of the Malachi text. An exegetical study of Malachi 3:8-12 was conducted to provide a basis of comparison with New Testament texts on giving.An exegetical study of selected New Testament texts related to giving was undertaken, and the results were presented by suggesting some broad principles extracted from the selected texts.In order to synthesize the results of the study, the relationship between Christians and the Law was briefly discussed. Finally, applications were suggested in terms of a New Testament theology of giving, incorporating any implications about giving resulting from the study of Old Testament tithing texts, and of Malachi 3:8-12 specifically.The study found that Malachi 3:8-12 does not apply to believers in so far as it required a tithe to be paid for the support of the temple personnel. The findings suggested that the New Testament‟s teaching on the subject of giving provides a better model for Christians. This model emphasizes voluntary, proportional, generous and joyful giving as demonstrative of a believer‟s attitude toward possessions.
Back to the Garden: Paul’s Appeal to Adam and Eve as an Illuminating Allusion to 1 Timothy 2:11–15
(Johannesburg South African Theological Seminary) Churchill, Sarah; Smith, Kevin G.
Biblical Interpretation and the Christocentric Principle: The Interpretation of Acts 15:1-35
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Mahlaola, Masongeni Joseph; Smith, Kevin G.
Biblical Interpretation and the Christocentric Principle: The Interpretation of Acts 15:1-35 In a quest to interpret the Bible christocentrically, different methods have been applied throughout different eras of Christianity. Some allegorised, some typologised whereas some sought to be literal in their christocentricity. This study sets out to understand and apply christocentricity within the framework of a commitment to a literal historical-grammatical interpretation frequently called evangelical exegesis in this thesis. Literature review in chapter 2revealed that scholars throughout the history of the church have taken one of three approaches to interpret the Bible christocentrically—allegorically, typologically and literally. Some integrated these methods. Since the Christocentric Principle is underpinned by the Bible, three primary christocentric passages, Matthew 5:17-19; John 5:39-40 and Luke 24:27, 44-47, were exegeted in chapter 3,which clearly affirmed that Biblical interpretation should be Christ-centred because Christ is the Fulfiller, the Message and the Concern of all Scripture. From the exegesis of the three passages, a pattern was traced,which led to the deduction of the following methods of disclosing Christ from Scripture: The Inspired Sensus Plenior Application,which NT writers employed, often applying OT passages in the NT out of its OT context; and authorial intent,which recognises the intention of the author within a given context of the text regardless of how the same information could be used elsewhere. From these observations, it was suggested that a better way of being christocentric and still be committed to evangelical exegesis is to trace the redemptive-progressive plan, pay attention to promise-fulfilment, limit your types to those of the NT writers and use the words and the works of Christ to apply the OT in the NT church. These methods developed in chapter 3 were tested against the interpretation of Acts 15:1-35,which was translated from the Greek text and exegeted in a commentary fashion. The conclusion is that the elders, apostles and the entire church at the Jerusalem Council could reach a decision to accept the uncircumcised Gentiles in the church because they dealt with the matter christocentrically, that is they understood: God’s plan of redemption; the promise of God to save the Gentiles in Christ; James’s use of Amos 9:11-12 out of its OT context and applying it in the new context without changing the intention of the text; and how the words and the works of Christ in relation to the Gentiles have influenced the decision.The study concludes with the review of the problem, objectives, findings and significance and recommendations.
Children in Crisis: Imperatives and Strategies for the Church in South Africa
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) van Rensburg, Beverley Anne; Smith, Kevin G.; Smith, Kevin G.
Abstract: This thesis dealt specifically with the topic of children in crisis from a global and then a South African perspective. Child care, or the lack thereof, was considered from a holistic perspective. The research evidenced that many children are in crisis, mainly because of neglect and abuse. These two problems clearly affect the child’s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being. The writer proposes that concentration on neglect and abuse, especially if the proposed remedies are implemented, should positively affect the other areas of the child’s life.The primary objective of this thesis was to see how the church could intervene to alleviate the crisis in which many children find themselves in South Africa. Having exegeted relevant biblical passages, the writer presents several imperatives, including changing the perception of adults about children to give priority to their spiritual nurture, as well as addressing their other needs in a holistic manner, the importance of the father-heart of God as reflected in the parental care of children, and the overt training of parents and children in biblical principles by the church, especially in terms of the omission of teachings on sexual purity. The church is challenged to implement strategies to meet the needs of children in crisis in a practical manner. Strategies for healing are suggested and models of godly interventions making a difference in the lives of marginalized children are presented. The role of the Holy Spirit as healer is emphasised. After concluding that the root cause of the neglect and abuse is the selfish, sinful practices of those who are supposed to be nurturing children, the writer believes that only a changed life, where Jesus is the Lord of one’s life, can really make a profound difference in our handling of cases of child neglect and abuse.
Christocentricity without Christoconformity: An Evaluation of the Healing Ministry of Jesus
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg) de Carvalho, Jose Antonio; Smith, Kevin G.
PENDING
Conspectus Special Edition 2018
(South African Theological Seminary, 2018-12-01) Smith, Kevin G.; Manyika, Batanayi I.; Keener, Craig S.; Nel, Marius; Mzondi, Modisa; Banda, Collium; Kipimo, Jesse Fungwa; Falconer, Robert D.; Asumang, Annang; Pretorius, Mark; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Malherbe, Johannes S.; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Du Toit, Philip; Erdey, Zoltan L.
Conspectus The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary
(SATS Seminary Press Johannesburg South Africa) Erdey, Zoltan L.; Smith, Kevin G.
African Conspectus is a refereed theological e-journal published biannually by the South African Theological Seminary (www.sats.edu.za). The journal is a scholarly theological publication in the fields of Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology.
Conspectus Volume 1
(South African Theological Seminary, 2006-03) Asumang, Annang; Domeris, William R.; Smith, Kevin G.; Pretorius, Mark; Cooper, Bradley; Lioy, Dan T.; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Domeris, William R.; Jabini, Frank; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Peppler, Christopher; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Smith, Kevin G.
Conspectus Volume 10
(South African Theological Seminary, 2010-09) Erdey, Zoltan L.; Lioy, Dan T.; Scarborough, Thomas O.; Smith, Kevin G.; Woodbridge, Noel; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Domeris, William R.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Smith, Kevin G.; Erdey, Zoltan L.
Conspectus Volume 11
(South African Theological Seminary, 2011-03) Asumang, Annang; Brodie, Robert; Howell, Timothy D.; Lioy, Dan T.; Scarborough, Thomas O.; Peppler, Christopher; Smith, Kevin G.; Woodbridge, Noel; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Zoltan, Erdey L.; Smith, Kevin G.
Conspectus Volume 12
(South African Theological Seminary, 2011-09) Asumang, Annang; Aucamp, Andrew; Joubert, Callie; Lioy, Dan T.; O'Donoghue, Darrell; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; van der Spuy, Mervin; Woodbridge, Noel; Barnes III, Roscoe; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Zoltan, Erdey L.; Smith, Kevin G.
Conspectus Volume 13
(South African Theological Seminary, 2012-03) Asumang, Annang; Jabini, Frank; Morris, Russell A.; Lioy, Dan T.; Peppler, Christopher; Scarborough, Thomas; Smith, Kevin G.; Woods, David B.; Pretorius, Mark; Woodbridge, Noel; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Zoltan, Erdey L.; Smith, Kevin G.
Conspectus Volume 14
(South African Theological Seminary, 2012-09) Asumang, Annang; Brodie, Robert; Jabini, Frank; O'Connell, Jake H.; Pohlmann, Martin; Tucker, Tim; Woodbridge, Noel; Lioy, Dan T.; Atterbury, Vincent E.; Brodie, Robert; Domeris, William R.; Erdey, Zoltan L.; Jabini, Frank; Kunhiyop, Samuel W.; Lessing, Pelham; Lioy, Dan T.; Mahlangu, Elijah; Maré, Leonard; Peppler, Christopher; Pretorius, Mark; Smith, Kevin G.; Song, Arthur; Woodbridge, Noel B.; Wyngaard, Peter; Zoltan, Erdey L.; Smith, Kevin G.