Articles

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

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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.
A Systemic Approach to God's Attributes Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 15, Issue 03, Mar 2013, p. 39 - 55
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Aucamp, Casper Andrew
There is nothing more important than a correct understanding of God. This essay reviews the very common, historic practice of describing God according to his individual attributes. While acknowledging the value of this practice, the limitations are also noted. A complementary approach of describing God according to the broader, relational attributes found in scripture provides a biblical context for the individual attributes, and adds a devotional quality to beholding our glorious God that the historic formulations often neglected.
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.
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.
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.
The Anointing Or Theological Training? A Pentecostal Dilemma Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 11, Issue 03, Mar 2011, p. 47 - 65
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Brodie, Robert
The aim of this article is to propose a solution to a dilemma that was characteristic of the Pentecostal movement from its inception, one that is still current, not only in some sections of the movement, but even in modern Evangelicalism. This dilemma is, should prospective ministers seek the empowerment of the Spirit for service in preference to theological education, or, should they pursue theological training as a principal means towards effective service? The article investigates the classical Pentecostal attitude to theological education, before examining later modifications to the original Pentecostal view. The classical position is then evaluated before a conclusion is drawn, namely, the anointing and theological training should not be regarded as contradictory, but rather, as complementary imperatives.
Washing One Another’s Feet as Jesus Did: Revelatory Activities and the Progressive Sanctification of Believers (Conspectus Volume 13 March 2012)
Asumang, Annang
Abstract While John 13:1–11 soteriologically interprets the foot-washing as symbolising participation and purification in Jesus, the subsequent John 13:12–20 ethically interprets the act as a humble self-sacrificing service emanating from love. Scholarly attempts at relating these two tiers of interpretations have sometimes tended to view them as conflicting. The first tier, taken to be christological, is said to be diametrically opposite to the second discipleship-oriented tier. This article draws on recent conceptualisations of Johannine symbolism to argue against this trend. Instead, it proposes that through the foot-washing, Jesus was instructing his disciples to participate in revelatory activities centred on his death. Humble participation in such revelatory activities maintains the cohesion of the fellowship while also triggering their purification in Jesus. This interpretation is supported by 1 John 1:7–10, a passage thought to be a commentary on the foot-washin
Integrated Theology: A Key to Training Thinking Practitioners Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 185 - 216
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) 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.
Sons of God Marrying Daughters of Man: An Exercise in Integrated Theology. Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 14, Issue 09, Sep 2012, p. 81 - 121
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Jabini, Frank
The purpose of this paper is to study the issues of spiritual spouses and identify possibly ways in which the church can respond to this phenomenon. The study conducted was a biblical, historical, and systematic enquiry into this phenomenon, with relationship between the 'sons of God' and 'daughter of man' in Genesis 6:2 as the point of departure. The study revealed that the scriptures and both past and present church leaders taught that spiritual beings can be involved in sexual activities with human beings. The paper concluded by proposing practical ways in which the church should respond to this phenomenon.
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 Lord's Prayer : A Hebrew Reconstruction Based on Hebrew Prayers Found in the Synagogue Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 7, Issue 03, Mar 2009, p. 27 - 37
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Day, Chuck
The purpose of this article is to show that a Hebrew reconstruction of the Lord's Prayer can be gained quite easily using idioms found in other Jewish prayers found to this day in the Authorised Daily Prayer Book used in modern synagogues. Such a Hebrew reconstruction also helps to shed light on the meaning of some of the Greek phrases we find in the biblical version of the Lord's Prayer.
Reconciling the personal and social dimensions of the gospel Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 13, Issue 03, Mar 2012, p. 137 - 155
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Scarborough, Thomas Oliver
Historically, there has been considerable awkwardness and difficulty in harmonising the personal and social dimensions of the gospel. The purpose of this article is to develop an integrative motif through which it may be possible to set these dimensions on the same conceptual footing. In terms of this motif, our world is fundamentally relational. Further, it contains an infinity of relations. Within this infinity of relations, we employ thematic perspectives to trace finite microcosms of relations. However, thematic perspectives, both personal and social, are ontologically flawed, and drive us to despair. This is interpreted theologically in terms of sin and repentance.
The Heart of the Prosperity Gospel : Self or the Savior? Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 4, Issue 09, Sep 2007, p. 41 - 64
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.
This essay explores whether self or the Savior is at the heart of the prosperity gospel. An analysis and critique of its dogma indicates that it is predominantly anthropocentric, rather than Christocentric. This ego-focused outlook is likewise present in the health-and-wealth movement. One discovers that preachers of success are touting a religion of self in which people are the measure of all things. A detailed discussion of Ephesians 1 : 3-23 provides a needed biblical response. One learns that the Son, not self, is at the heart of the Father's plan of redemption. Also, it is in Christ alone that believers find forgiveness, hope, and wisdom. Only He is the meta-narrative of life, whether temporal or eternal in nature. Indeed, He is the sole reason for the existence of the church and the one who enables believers to complete their God-given work.
Homosexuality : Legally Permissible or Spiritually Misguided? Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 135 - 167
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lockard, Anna-Marie
One of the most divisive issues facing the Christian church today is the ubiquitous issue of the acceptance of homosexual behaviour within the parameters of church leadership. Revisionist theologians contend that the church must redress her stance on this issue to keep in step with the prevailing culture of the day, which favours the acceptance of homosexual behaviour due to its proposed biological determinism. This article analyses this divisive issue from four perspectives: (a) historical attitudes towards homosexuality in a variety of cultures across time, (b) empirical studies regarding the causation of homosexual orientation, (c) the witness of scripture and (d) the implications for pastoral ministry
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.
John 19:38-20:31 : Discipleship After the Death of Jesus Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 15, Issue 03, Mar 2013, p. 57 - 83
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Chan, Ken
Most commentaries see John 19:42 as the end of the description of Jesus' death and burial, and 20:1 as the beginning of his resurrection account. While this is true of the chronology in the life of Jesus, how does the narrative account of Jesus contribute to John's aim in 20:30-31? This article suggests that the narrative after the death of Jesus in 19:38-20:31 presents two patterns of discipleship: (a) those whose faith is based on seeing the resurrected Jesus, and (b) those who follow him even without having seen his resurrected body. A detailed investigation in the Johannine text of the responses of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, Peter, the beloved disciple, Mary Magdalene, and Thomas to the death of Jesus shows that the passage in question is structured chiastically. John 19:38-42 is tied to John 20 and balances 20:30-31. The intent of this chiasm is to emphasise the fact that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are disciples par excellence. Their willingness to follow Jesus after his death, even when they did not have the chance to see him resurrected, is exactly the kind of faith called for by John in 20:30-31. The beloved disciple fits this mould to a lesser extent, whereas Thomas and Mary Magdalene do not.
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.
The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary - Retaining An Apostolic Approach to Church Life Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 39 - 65
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Peppler, Christopher; Black, Malcolm M.
This article briefly examines the current return to apostolic Christianity in various parts of the world and references three earlier Christian movements that came into existence at approximately 100-year intervals, beginning with the Methodist movement in the 1700s, culminating with observations of a current apostolic movement that began in the early 1980s, known as New Covenant Ministries International, in an attempt to ascertain how they embraced early apostolic principles. The article highlights the strengths of several movements but also makes observations about how these movements lost their initial effectiveness by becoming institutional and, in many cases, forfeited their initial vision of impacting the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We examine possible reasons why these movements lost their fervour and discuss possible ways of how current movements could learn from their mistakes not only maintain their spiritual fervency but sustain their vision and momentum of reaching the nations with the gospel to succeeding generations.
The Role of the Doctrine of Trinitarian Worship in Paul’s Dispute with the Judaizers: Galatians 4:6 and Philippians 3:3 as Test Cases (Conspectus Volume 14 September 2012)
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Asumang, Annang
Abstract Paul’s dispute with the Judaizers primarily centred on the soteriological implications of the ‘works of the law’, specifically, whether the circumcision of males, participation in Jewish festivals ,and eating of kosher food were a prior preconditions for salvation. However, several aspects of Paul’s arguments indicate that there were secondary areas of divergence from these Jewish opponents, which, when taken together with the primary issue, have important implications for understanding the theological bases of the ‘parting of the ways’ between Christianity and Judaism. One such secondary issue is reflected in Paul’s appeal to Trinitarian worship as part of his denunciation of the Judaizers. After a brief summary of the dimensions of Paul’s dispute with the Judaizers, this article sets out definitional criteria for identifying references to Trinitarian worship as Paul conceptualized it in his letters. It then demonstrates that Galatians 4:6 and Philippians 3:3 are test cases describing the role of the doctrine of Trinitarian worship in the dispute. It concludes by enumerating the implications of the findings to the Trinitarian distinctiveness of Christian worship.
Mindfulness and the Brain : A Christian Critique of Some Aspects of Neuroscience Conspectus : The Journal of the South AfricaTheological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 59 - 87
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Joubert, Callie W. T.
The aim in this paper is to critique some aspects of neuro-scientific studies on mindfulness and mindful practices. Firstly, because of the often mistaken assumption that it is something totally new; its roots in fact lie in religious and philosophical views which are the antithesis of a Christian worldview. Secondly, because of opposing views of what the mind is, and how the mind relates to the brain, Christians have come under pressure to show how their claims about God are different from those of epileptics and atheists. In order to deal with these issues, this study commences with a brief introduction to the concept of mindfulness, its historical roots and the scientific claims in support of mindful practices. A philosophical critique of physicalism and panpsychism is then offered from a biblical perspective, followed by a discussion of some of the dangers lurking in the neighbourhood of mindful practices. The conclusion is that the philosophical and religious assumptions that underlie scientific views of ourselves and spiritual growth matter enormously; they deserve continual scrutiny.