Articles

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2895

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A Biblical-theological Analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 to Clarify the Relationship Between the Christian Disciple and Money Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 129 - 159
Lioy, Dan T.
This essay conducts a biblical-theological analysis of Matthew 6:19-34 to clarify what it teaches about the relationship between the Christian disciple and money. One major finding is that Jesus presents money as a rival god that challenges for the allegiance that rightly belongs to the Lord. Jesus also draws attention to the way a proper allegiance to God can be expressed. A second major finding is that money and the Lord are radically different gods. Moreover, there are significantly different consequences to the believer that result from devotion to either money or God. The third major finding shows that the consequences of allegiance to either God or money, needs to be understood in terms of how one's actions affect ones' community.
A Comparative Analysis of the Song of Moses and Paul's Speech to the Athenians Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 16, Issue 09, Sep 2013, p. 1 - 45
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This essay undertakes a comparative analysis of the Song of Moses and Paul's speech to the Athenians. One incentive for doing so is the opportunity to address the issue of whether Paul overly diluted his proclamation of the gospel to accommodate the proclivities of his pagan (gentile) audience. A second motivation for considering the relationship between these two portions of scripture is that this topic has received only a cursory consideration in the secondary academic literature. This study concludes that at a literary, conceptual, and linguistic level, Paul connected his message to the Athenians with the theological perspective of the Song of Moses (and more broadly with that of the Tanakh). Another determination is that the apostle did not weaken his declaration of the good news to oblige the tendencies of his listeners. Rather, Paul examined the most exemplary archetypes of secular philosophical thought in his day, compared their dogmas to the truths of scripture, and declared how God's Word is infinitely superior.
A Historical and Theological Framework for Understanding Word of Faith Theology Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 13, Issue 03, Mar 2012, p. 73 - 115
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Morris, Russel; Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article offers a historical background and contemporary framework in order to facilitate a better understanding of word of faith theology. The essay first considers the historical origins of the word of faith movement. In this section, three principal sources are noted. Second, the essay offers several contextual influences which have affected the word of faith movement. Here, five influences are briefly assessed. Third, an assessment of four key persons in the development of the movement is presented. Fourth, key components in the development of the word of faith message are appraised. Finally, four primary tenets of word of faith theology are assessed per their continuity with orthodox evangelical theology.
An Evolutionary Creationist Process for the Origin of Humanity Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 11, Issue 03, Mar 2011, p. 115 - 165
Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article considers an evolutionary creationist process for the origin of humanity. In doing so, the essay explores a number of broadly interrelated issues in an integrated and synthesized manner. The key supposition is that a fundamental congruity exists between what God has revealed in nature and in scripture. Accordingly, the endeavour involves taking seriously the scientific data, as well as engaging scripture in its historical, cultural, and sociological contexts. The resulting outcome is a theologically informed harmonization of evolutionary theory with creationist teachings found in the Judeo-Christian scriptures about the genesis of Homo sapiens.
Checkmating the Human Drive for Life : A Biblical-theological Examination of Genesis 5, Ecclesiastes 1, and 1 Corinthians 15 : 50-58 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 2, Issue 09, Sep 2006, p. 1 - 22
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
The major premise of this essay is that since the dawn of time, the human drive for life has been checkmated by death. A Biblical-theological examination of Genesis 5 and Ecclesiastes 1 indicates that despite the efforts of people both individually and collectively to extend the realms of human existence, their efforts are ultimately ambushed (in a manner of speaking) by the end of life. Moreover, while each generation appears to be making incremental strides - sometimes even laudable gains - the reality of death neutralizes these advances and in some cases entirely wipes them out. An examination of 1 Corinthians 15 : 50-58 informs people of faith that only in Christ can work and leisure be enjoyable, beneficial, and fulfilling.
Divine Wisdom Versus Human Wisdom : An Exegetical-theological Analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:10-2:16 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 8, Issue 09, Sep 2009, p. 35 - 61
Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article undertakes an exegetical-theological analysis of 1 Corinthians 1:10-2:16 in order to distinguish between divine wisdom and human wisdom. It is maintained that human wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic in orientation. In contrast, divine wisdom is Bible-based, Christ-centered, and Spirit-led. It seeks to glorify the Lord, not oneself, by focusing on the eternal sagacity of Jesus' atoning sacrifice. Furthermore, human wisdom uses empty rhetoric and deceptive arguments to snare its victims. Conversely, divine wisdom heralds the truth of redemption in plain language so that the cross is not emptied of its power to save. Religionists and sophists consider the teaching about Jesus' death and resurrection to be utter nonsense; yet God uses the message of the cross to annihilate the erudition of the worldly wise and thwart the understanding of those who imagine themselves to be clever. Regardless of whether they are young or old, rich or poor, powerful or weak, famous or unknown, everyone must trust in Christ for salvation. Moreover, they must rely on the Holy Spirit for insight and understanding into the will of the Father.
Employing Speech Act Theory as an Exegetical Tool on the Matthean Beatitudes Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 11, Issue 03, Mar 2011, p. 67 - 113
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Howell, Timothy D.; Lioy, Dan T.
The literary nature of the Beatitudes demonstrates a composition that developed orally. Speech act theory is utilized in understanding the oral features of the text as well as demonstrating what Jesus did in his utterances. The significance of the Beatitudes lies in the authoritative utterances of Jesus. Speech act theory allows for an investigation into the nature of those utterances. This paper recognizes six principles guiding speech act theory on the Beatitudes. A speech act model is presented and applied to the Beatitudes pericope (Matt 5:3-16). The formula is SP+(EE)CH=ACT: analyse the situated performativity of a text, add it to the multiplying nature of existential engagement by the interpreter with the illocutionary force found through the critical horizon of guiding worldviews, and the result is an Acquired Communal Translation for the social body. It is understood that Matthew intended to compose a pericope in serving as a paradigmatic utterance to guide the Matthean community in its existence and mission in the world. In addition, the paradigm is to be adopted by all Christian communities in their mission to the world.
From Dignity to Disgrace : A Comparative Analysis of Psalms 8 and 14 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 15, Issue 03, Mar 2013, p. 207 - 241
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
From Zenith to Zero : A Historical-theological Analysis of the Demise of the Kingdom of David and Solomon Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 9, Issue 03, Mar 2010, p. 69 - 94
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article undertakes a historical-theological analysis of the demise of the kingdom of David and Solomon. Fresh insight into this investigation is obtained by making modified use of the five stages of decline appearing in Jim Collins's study titled How the Mighty Fall. Concededly, the author's evidence-based research deals with the underlying reasons why major corporations implode. That said, when the conceptual framework put forward by Collins is used to assess the collapse of the Davidic-Solomonic kingdom, it helps to shed light on what brought about the defeat and captivity of God's chosen people, as reported in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles. This essay affirms that the nation's journey from zenith to zero approximately corresponds to the five successive stages delineated by Collins. First, the kingdom experienced arrogance as a result of its unparalleled power and wealth. Second, this hubris emboldened the nation to plunge into an undisciplined pursuit of seizing even more worldly success. Third, the kingdom's obsession to prolong its greatness clouded the moral judgment of its leaders and resulted in them denying they were taking the covenant community down a treacherous path. Fourth, as the storm clouds of disaster began to appear on the nation's horizon, the civil and religious centers of power resorted to desperate measures to save the kingdom. Fifth, due to a series of God-ordained misfortunes and reversals, the covenant community became dispirited, lost all hope, and were eventually brought down by external forces they could neither control nor defeat.
Jesus as Torah in John 2 : 1-22 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 4, Issue 09, Sep 2007, p. 23 - 39
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
An examination of John 2 : 1-22 affirms the Fourth Gospel's emphasis on Jesus being the divine, incarnate Torah. The miracle of changing water into wine at a humble peasant wedding in Cana of Galilee revealed that the Logos is the Creator of all things. In order to bring about overflowing joy associated with the fulfilment of the law's messianic promises, it was necessary for Jesus to atone for the sins of humanity, particularly through the shedding of His blood on the cross. Jesus' clearing the temple courts in Jerusalem validated His claim to be greater than this shrine and to have authority over all the religious institutions associated with it. By His bold act, the one who is the culmination of the Tanakh 4 signaled that the judgment of God rested on the established civil and religious authorities. They were giving way to the new order of forgiveness from sin and fellowship with the Lord.
Jesus' Resurrection and the Nature of the Believer's Resurrection Body (1 Cor 15:1-58) Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 89 - 127
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article undertakes a biblical and theological analysis of 1 Corinthians 15, in order to discern what Paul had to say about Jesus' resurrection and the nature of the believer's resurrection body. The essay first considers Paul's theology within the context of Second Temple Judaism and Adamic motifs in ancient Jewish literature. Then, the essay highlights Paul's teaching that the Messiah conquered death so that believers could have new life in Him. The apostle revealed that the resurrection body would not die or engage in sin, and it would share in the resurrection power of the Messiah. Furthermore, Paul declared that this transformation would not be slow and gradual; instead, when the Saviour returned, believers - whether dead or alive - would be instantly changed. They would receive incorruptible bodies, and this transformation would display the Son's complete and final victory over death
Liberty of Conscience and the Doctrine of Scripture in the Baptist Union of Southern Africa (BUSA) Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 6, Issue 09, Sep 2008, p. 1 - 24
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This essay examines two questions. First, what is the nature of the Baptist principle ""liberty of conscience"" or ""religious liberty,"" and how is the principle meant to be understood in the context of the church's ongoing mandate to ''defend the faith''? Second, how, if at all, has the principle of liberty of conscience impacted on the doctrine of Scripture in the BUSA? Based on the authors' examination of the data, they conclude that formulating a doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture to defend relevantly the authority of the same, does not threaten liberty of conscience. Also, they argue that it is theologically erroneous and out of line with the historic Baptist understanding of religious liberty to assert that defining a doctrine of Scripture will undermine the latter principle. Moreover, the authors maintain that to insist otherwise is fundamentally inconsistent, as the BUSA has adopted definite views on other doctrines, such as church government.
New Creation Theology in 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 17, Issue 03, Mar 2014, p. 53 - 87
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This analytical essay deals with the theme of new creation theology in 2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2. The major premise is that new creation theology is a defining characteristic in Paul's teaching. The biblical and theological analysis of this passage indicates that the Lord Jesus is the beginning, middle, and culmination for all of physical and spiritual reality. More specifically, Paul disclosed that the Son's atoning sacrifice at Calvary makes reconciliation possible between the Creator and repentant, believing sinners. In turn, the Messiah's redemptive work has inaugurated a new era in which the conversion of individual believers is part of God's larger plan to bring about the renewal of the entire universe, concluding with the new heavens and new earth.
Opposing Satan, the Counterfeit Word Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 18, Issue 09, Sep 2014, p. 2 - 34
Lioy, Dan T.
A primary goal of this journal article is to explore how Satan (especially through his minions) strives to undermine the will of the Saviour (particularly through his followers). A correspondent aim is to deliberate how to oppose the devil's attacks. One major finding is that Lucifer uses spurious forms of verbal communication to tempt, deceive, and accuse people, including believers. Also, Satan's decision to operate in this way is a deliberate perversion of how God used his powerful, creative decree to bring the entire universe into existence and sustain it in all its manifold wonder. A case study analysis of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (cf. Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-11) indicates that he relied on the Word of God to thwart the devil's attacks. Similarly, an examination of Ephesians 6:10-20 (the premier Pauline passage dealing with the subject of spiritual warfare) shows that Jesus' followers should make full use of scripture to parry the attacks made by Satan, the counterfeit word.
Review article: Two Contrasting Views on the Historical Authenticity of the Adam Character in the Genesis Creation Narratives Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 14, Issue 09, Sep 2012, p. 191 - 224
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
Collins CJ 2011. Did Adam and Eve really exist? Who they were and why you should care. Wheaton: Crossway. Enns P 2012. The evolution of Adam: what the Bible does and doesn't say about human origins. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press. In this review article, a comparison is made between the recent publications authored by C. J. Collins and P. Enns concerning the historical authenticity of the Adam character (and to a lesser extent Eve) in the Genesis creation narratives. The first section introduces and provides the rationale for the essay. Next, in the second and third sections, an overview of each author's respective books is undertaken. Then, the final section concludes by comparing the presuppositions made and deductions put forward by each author. The intent is not to adjudicate whether the exegetical choices and theological positions advocated by either writer have greater or lesser value. Instead, it is to provide concerned readers with a fresh perspective of how two representative biblical scholars address a topic that is pertinent to the wider discussion on science and religion.
Teach Us to Number Our Days : An Exegetical and Theological Analysis of Psalm 90 Conspectus : The Journal of the South Africa Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 89 - 112
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
Psalm 90 is a communal lament authored by Moses in which he sought the wisdom and favor of the Lord. Perhaps toward the end of the Israelites' 40-year period of wandering in the desert, the great lawgiver, intercessor, and advocate of God's people reflected on the brevity of human existence, especially against the backdrop of Yahweh's eternality. Moses noted that even the strongest and healthiest of people are frail and transient before the all-powerful Creator of the universe. Only He, in His grace and mercy, can bring enduring value out of the toils and troubles experienced by His loyal followers. Likewise, He alone can fill the lives of the covenant community with productivity, joy, and satisfaction for His glory.
The Biblical Concept of Truth in the Fourth Gospel Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 6, Issue 09, Sep 2008, p. 67 - 95
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article examines the biblical concept of truth in the Fourth Gospel. The essay provides a synopsis of the lexical data regarding the concept of truth. This is followed by an examination of the various places in the Gospel of John where the Greek noun alētheia (which is rendered ''truth'') occurs. Based on an analysis of the information, it is determined that the author of the Fourth Gospel affirms the established notion of truth found in the Old Testament, post-canonical Jewish writings, and Synoptic Gospels. In brief, the prevailing concept is one of veracity and genuineness in stark contrast to all forms of falsehood. Additionally, it is concluded that the Evangelist refines this understanding by focusing the notion of truth on the Father's revelation of Himself in His Son. It is maintained that the divine-incarnate Messiah is both the epitome and emissary of truth. Furthermore, it is surmised that the Savior's followers come to a full awareness and understanding of the truth by believing in Him for salvation and allowing Him to transform every aspect of their lives.
The Divine Sabotage: An Exegetical andTheological Study of Ecclesiastes 3 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 115 - 135
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
The author uses the concept of the ""divine sabotage"" as a starting point for an exegetical and theological study of Ecclesiastes 3. He notes that on the one hand, God has ""set eternity in the human heart"" (v. 11). Yet, on the other hand, ""no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end"". The author explains that God has imposed limitations on the human race that undermine their efforts to look beyond the present-especially to understand the past and probe into the future. Expressed differently, because people are creatures of time, their heavenly-imposed finitude subverts their ability to fathom the eternal plan of God. An objective, balanced, and affirming examination of Solomon's treatise indicates that the fundamental quality of life is defined by revering God and heeding His commandments (cf. 12:13).
The Faith Journey of Paul : An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 3:1-14 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 7, Issue 03, Mar 2009 , p. 81 - 100
(SATS Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article examines the faith journey of Paul, specifically as it is delineated in Philippians 3:1-14. Verses 1-6 reveal that in the past, before he put his faith in Christ, Paul trusted in his human attainments. According to verses 7-11, after Paul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, the apostle made growing in the knowledge of Christ the central focus of his existence in the here-and-now. Finally, in verses 12-14, it is disclosed that Paul set his sights on increasing in Christlikeness. Based on the sports analogy of athletes running in a race, Paul explained that following Christ requires unrelenting dedication and perseverance on the part of believers. This involves doing the following: (a) putting our past—with all its shortcomings and attainments, whether real or imagined—behind us; (b) living wholeheartedly for Christ in the present; and (c) using all our effort to press on toward the future goal of being made complete in spiritual union with Christ in heaven.
The Faith Journey of Paul : An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 3:1-14 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 7, Issue 03, Mar 2009, p. 81 - 100
Lioy, Dan T.
This journal article examines the faith journey of Paul, specifically as it is delineated in Philippians 3:1-14. Verses 1-6 reveal that in the past, before he put his faith in Christ, Paul trusted in his human attainments. According to verses 7-11, after Paul encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus, the apostle made growing in the knowledge of Christ the central focus of his existence in the here-and-now. Finally, in verses 12-14, it is disclosed that Paul set his sights on increasing in Christlikeness. Based on the sports analogy of athletes running in a race, Paul explained that following Christ requires unrelenting dedication and perseverance on the part of believers. This involves doing the following: (a) putting our past - with all its shortcomings and attainments, whether real or imagined - behind us; (b) living wholeheartedly for Christ in the present; and (c) using all our effort to press on toward the future goal of being made complete in spiritual union with Christ in heaven.