Conspectus

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14194/2580

Aims, Scopes, and Values

Conspectus is the journal of the South African Theological Seminary. Like the Seminary, the values of the journal are encapsulated in the phrase, “Bible-based, Christ-centred, and Spirit- led.” Launching from an appreciation of interdisciplinary discourse, the journal publishes from across the broad spectrum of theological studies (Biblical Studies, Practical Theology, Systematic Theology, Studies in Church and Society), while establishing links with extra- theological disciplines where appropriate. Like the Seminary, Conspectus invites contributions from the broad spectrum of denominations while showcasing academic research from a broadly evangelical perspective. The journal seeks contributions from authors who subscribe to a high view of Scripture, as is consistent with evangelical tenets.¹ Publishing articles that employ reader-centered methodologies for exegesis does not lie in Conspectus’s purview.² Additionally, as SATS is based on the African continent, the journal foregrounds contributions from the Majority World. To be published in Conspectus an article must go beyond a summary of secondary sources and present the results of sound theological research valuable to the church, including scholars, pastors, students, missionaries, and/or other Christian practitioners. Conspectus is an open-source journal, catalogued under ATLA (American Theological Library Association), Logos Bible Software, Galaxy Software, Sabinet, the Directory of Open Access Journals, African Journals Online (AJOL), and the SATS website.³

Footnote 1: A high view of Scripture implies that the divine inspiration, veracity, and authority of God’s Word are acknowledged. Rather than adopt a hermeneutic of suspicion, in which the biblical texts are regarded as filled with fabrications and contradictions, the interpretive approach to Scripture adopted in Conspectus is affirmatory in disposition, in which the antiquity, coherence, and lucidity of God’s Word are recognized. While the tools of higher criticism are appreciated for their potential usefulness in clarifying the erudition and complexity of Scripture, the main objective is not to ferret out, often in a subjective manner, the presumed sources (whether oral or written) and redactions of biblical texts. Instead, the goal is to exegete the final canonical form of God’s Word.
Footnote 2: Such methodologies include, but are not limited to, reader-response criticisms; a hermeneutic of suspicion; feminist/womanist/queer paradigms.
Footnote 3: All published content is uploaded to Portico for electronic archiving.

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Now showing 1 - 13 of 13

An Introduction to the Johannine Gospel and Letters, J. van der Watt : Book Review Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 6, Issue 09, Sep 2008, p. 129 - 131
Asumang, Annang
The first chapter descriptionbes the structure and purpose of the gospel of John and its relationship with the Letters. Van der Watt notes that the narrative flow of the gospel is such that the chronological account is not as important as the thematic account - ""It is the message and not the events that dominate the narrative"" (p. 12). Thus the emphasis in this introductory book is clearly on John's theology.
Be Filled With the Spirit and Not with Wine : Echoes of the Messianic Banquet in the Antithesis of Ephesians 5:18 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 21 - 38
Asumang, Annang
Ephesians 5:18 contrasts wine drinking with being filled with the Holy Spirit. There are a number of reasons, both in the text and the socio-cultural context, to suggest that Paul is not primarily addressing an ongoing problem of alcohol abuse in the congregation. Instead, this article will suggest that he is using the antithesis as a double-edged theological foil to descriptionbe the practical inauguration of the Messianic Banquet in the life of the church. Collaborating evidence for this interpretation, which highlights the celebratory mood of the passage, will also be found in Ephesians 2 & 4. Christian worship and mutual submission that is fuelled by the liberating power of the Holy Spirit is a practical foretaste of the forthcoming Messianic Banquet.
Captured by Christ Jesus : Paul as Christ's Trophy Slave in Philippians 3:12c Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 1 - 38
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Asumang, Annang
Paul's autobiographical account of his Christian existence in Philippians 3:12 has been a source of immense encouragement to believers, as well as a subject of extensive academic debate. An aspect of this debate is the group of grammatical conceptual and theological problems presented by his transitional disclaimer in Philippians : Several proposals for resolving these questions have been made but the full import of his cryptic statement in Philippians 3:12c that he as κατελήμφθην ύπό Χριστοΰ Ϊησοΰ appears not to have received the attention it deserves. By examining Paul's self-understanding throughout the epistle, and pertinent data in the secondary literature on the Roman triumphus, during which prized captives of war were proudly paraded as the victor's trophy this article argues that Paul describes himself in Philippians 3:12c as Christ's captive trophy slave. The merits of the proposal including how it rebutted the arguments of Paul's opponents and how it helps elucidate the link between Philippians 3:12c and the rest of the epistle, are also discussed.
Modelling the Gospel in Joyful Partnership : Exemplars and the Uniting Theme of Philippians Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 13, Issue 03, Mar 2012, p. 1 - 50
Asumang, Annang
Most interpreters now recognize the literary unity and integrity of Paul's letter to the Philippians. This consensus has however made the question of the letter's uniting theme a matter of urgent inquiry for biblical scholars and preachers alike. Even here, significant advances have of late been made; but, questions remain. The aim of this article in the light of this progress is threefold. It will first evaluate some of the key proposals for the letter's uniting theme. Secondly, it will propose that 'modelling the gospel in joyful partnership' best represents the uniting theme of Philippians. And thirdly, it will demonstrate that Paul extensively employs positive and negative exemplars to illustrate this theme in each section of the letter. The article concludes by highlighting the contribution of Philippians to current reflections on New Testament ethics.
Powers of Darkness : An Evaluation of Three Hermeneutical Approaches to the Evil Powers in Ephesians Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 5, Issue 03, Mar 2008, p. 1 - 19
Asumang, Annang
The Book of Ephesians remains one of the main sources for understanding Paul's doctrine of the nature, influence and conquest of the evil powers. Yet, the process of applying this teaching into the contemporary setting has been fraught with difficulties. The continental differences in worldviews significantly affect the hermeneutical process. This article aims to review a number of current hermeneutical approaches to understanding the nature and influence of the evil powers in Ephesians. Though Paul's teaching is timeless, it is salutary that he refrained from over systematizing the doctrine. The interpretation in the African, Asian and Southern American contexts therefore require a modest appreciation of the shared understanding with the biblical worldview of spirits. Yet, it also necessitates cautious discernment against reinventing superstition.
Put On the Lord Jesus Christ, Put on the Last Adam : The Background of Paul's Ethical Instructions in Romans 13 : 11-14 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 4, Issue 09, Sep 2007, p. 1 - 22
Asumang, Annang
The background of Paul's ethical instructions in Rom 13 : 11-14, that, in view of the imminent return of Christ, Christians should eschew sinful behaviour and instead live righteously, have been assumed by several commentators to have derived from a cluster of disparate images. This approach however results in an irregular and unsatisfactory appreciation of the powerful rhetorical effects of the passage. In this paper, by exploring elements of Paul's doctrine of the ""Last Adam"" and its associations, especially the ""Divine Warrior"" motif, I propose that the images in the passage are derived from this Last Adam doctrine. Christians must be motivated to live godly lives because they will imminently inherit the incorruptible and glorious nature of the Last Adam by sharing in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.
‛Resist him’ (1 Peter 5:9): Holiness and Non-retaliatory Responses to Unjust Suffering as ‛Holy War’ in 1 Peter Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 11, Issue 03, Mar 2011, p. 7 - 46
Asumang, Annang
Abstract 1 Peter exhorts readers to respond to unjust suffering with nonretaliatory righteous behaviour, while looking forward to vindication at the Lord‟s return. Although several literarytheological and sociological approaches to the epistle have shed considerable light on this exhortation, a number of interpreters maintain that ultimately, the epistle engenders a paralyzing sense of passive victimhood in believers. This article examines the theological significance of several military metaphors throughout the epistle, to show that the exhortation to resist the devil in the final chapter is a climax to a consistent theme in the epistle, aimed at galvanizing spiritual warriors whose weapons are peaceful nonretaliation, hope, and holiness through Christ‟s redemptive work. It also argues that Peter‟s approach is in line with the New Testament‟s transformation of the holy war motif of the Old Testament. Rather than being paralyzed into helplessness, the first readers of the epistle would have been emboldened by the call to holy resistance.
Review of Hawkins and Parkinson, Move: What 1000 Churches Reveal About Spiritual Growth (Conspectus Volume 14 September 2012)
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Asumang, Annang
One of the positive trends in contemporary conservative Christian circles is the renewed focus on discipleship and spiritual formation. Like the rest of the society in which it witnesses, the church is coming round to once again appreciate that quality is as important as quantity. So, it is now widely reaffirmed that the number of people attending church services or involved in Christian activities are on their own unreliable for gauging the spiritual health of the church. The quality of spiritual development, at both individual and congregational levels, is even more important.
Strive for Peace and Holiness : The Intertextual Journey of the Jacob Traditions from Genesis to Hebrews, via the Prophets Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 17, Issue 03, Mar 2014, p. 1 - 52
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Asumang, Annang
Interpreters approach the problems generated by the exhortation in Hebrews 12:14-17, that believers should strive for peace and holiness, and avoid the apostasy of Esau, in a variety of ways but with limited success. At issue are: the structural relationship between the pericope and its surrounding passages, the identity of the μετα παντων of Hebrews 12:14a, the conceptual links between its clauses, and the literary role of Esau. Given the manner in which the author employs the Old Testament throughout the epistle, the solution to these problems is likely to be derived from identifying the passage's Old Testament background. This article proposes that themes from the Jacob-Esau saga and their interpretations by the prophets echo in the background of the passage. Hebrews, it argues, has interpreted episodes in the exile of Jacob to Mesopotamia and return to Bethel as prefiguring the migration of the people of God to Mount Zion. Believers who apostatise will be following the bad example of Esau. This interpretation has the advantages of fitting the socio-historical context behind Hebrews, accords with the argument of Hebrews 12, and sheds light on the identity of the μετα παντων.
The Presence of the Shepherd : A Rhetographic Exegesis of Psalm 23 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 9, Issue 03, Mar 2010, p. 1 - 24
Asumang, Annang
Interpreters have rightly put the immensely comforting power of Psalm 23 to its depiction of the personal care and attention that Yahweh, the Shepherd provides His people. It is also widely accepted that the movement and pilgrimage theme in the psalm adds to the effect of encouraging the weary, fearful or dispirited believer. One aspect of the Psalm, whose contribution remains to be investigated however, is the role of the various locations within which the personal care and attention is provided, as well as the changing spatial positions between the Shepherd and the psalmist. Using the Bible Study method of rhetography, this paper delineates how these spatial dimensions in Psalm 23 contribute to its celebrated effect. It concludes by encouraging song writers and worship leaders to include the rhetographic aspects of the psalm in their song writing.
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.
Vehicles of Divine mystery : Paul's Danielic Self-understanding in Ephesians 3 Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 7,
Asumang, Annang
Recent applications of social identity theories in Pauline studies have highlighted the importance of considering Paul's self-understanding as a window through which to interpret his letters. Though this insight has proved fruitful with regard to Paul's earlier letters, its application in the later prison letters has been inconsistent. This article examines the precedence for Paul's self-characterization in Ephesians 3 as Christ's prisoner "for the sake of you Gentiles", and as one of the "holy apostles and prophets" who have received God's mystery by revelation and for which he "kneels" in prayer. It is argued that aspects of the language resonate with the characterization of Daniel in Babylonian exile and that Paul portrays himself as a vehicle of God's revelation in the mold of Daniel. External evidence is also adduced in support of this interpretation, which if correct, may have some implications for interpreting the later prison letters.
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