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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A Biblical Model of Mentoring with a Knowledge Management Perspective Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 15, Issue 03, Mar 2013, p. 85 - 106
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Chua, Alton; Lessing, Pelham
The primary purpose of this paper is to develop a biblical model of mentoring with a knowledge management perspective. To this end, four research questions are submitted: (a) what are the components of a biblical model of mentoring with a knowledge management perspective? (b) What are the nature and types of knowledge imparted in a mentoring relationship? (c) What are the impediments to knowledge impartation in a mentoring relationship? (d) What knowledge management strategies can be used to overcome the impediments to knowledge impartation in a mentoring relationship? To address these problems, the Wesleyan quadrilateral approach of doing theology was used. First, five major components of a biblical model of mentoring with a knowledge perspective can be identified. They are the mentor, the protégé, , the knowledge to be imparted, the mentor-protégé, relationship, and the Holy Spirit. Next, the nature of knowledge imparted can be conceptualised as explicit-tacit-implicit, declarative-procedural-causal, as well as human-social-structured. The types of knowledge imparted cover instruction, encouragement, and inspiration. Third, four main impediments to knowledge impartation are the negative attributes of the mentor, the negative attributes of the protégé, , the characteristics of the knowledge, and the arduous mentor-protégé, relationship. Finally, knowledge management strategies to overcome the impediments to knowledge impartation in a mentoring relationship include mentor motivation, selection and training, a clear developmental path, and constant prayer for the protégé, and an organically-nurtured mentor-protégé relationship to promote trust between them.
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 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 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.
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.
A New Kind Of Liberalism a Review of ‘A new Kind of Christianity ’By Brian McLaren Conspectus Volume 11 March 2011
(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Peppler, Christopher
Brian McLaren has recently published his most definitive work to date, in which he comes closer than ever before to clearly stating what he believes. The book is subtitled, Ten Questions that are Transforming the Faith, and the book is structured around two sets of five of these questions. He doesn't state that the design is intended to contrast with the Ten Commandments, but the connection seems obvious - Ten Commandments on two tablets, versus ten questions in two 'books'. McLaren states that the first book contains the 'profound and critical questions that are being raised by followers of Christ around the world' (xi). The second set of five are, according to McLaren, 'less profound or theologically radical' (xi) and are more practical in nature. Each of the ten questions will be dealt with individually, but first, a couple of general comments.
A Review and An Evaluation of Diverse Christological Opinions Among American Evangelicals : Part 2 : The Eternal Role Subordination of the Son Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 6, Issue 09, Sep 2008, p. 43 - 66
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Grover, Bill
The writer, himself an American Evangelical, intends to discuss, in three articles, areas in which American Evangelicals disagree about how God the Son relates to God the Father and the meaning and effects of the true humanity and the true deity in Christ. Each position will be defined and exemplified. The rationale offered by proponents of each major position is provided. Evaluations are made. The first article focused primarily on the ancient doctrine of the eternal generation of the Son as held by some American Evangelicals but denied by others. This second article will be used to discuss the issue, within the perimeters of evangelicalism in America, of whether the Son is eternally or temporally only relationally subordinate to God the Father. The final article will be used to address several different understandings within American Evangelicalism regarding incarnational Christology. That article will include meanings given the Kenosis, views about what it means to say that Christ is true Man and true God, and how the two natures in the one Person of Christ relate to each other. Therefore, while this series is certainly connected to more general Trinitarian thought, the articles will be written especially to focus on Christ. Aside from just exposing, perhaps for the first time to some readers, a number of the considerable differences among Trinitarians regarding the doctrines of God and Christ, it is hoped by the writer that these articles might also provide material useful to some to better understand the blessed Person of Jesus Christ our God, our Lord, and our Savior. To Him be glory forever.
A Review of Marcus Borg, The Heart of Christianity : "Rediscovering a Life of Faith" Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 8, Issue 09, Sep 2009, p. 89 - 91
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Pretorius, Mark
Marcus Borg, Hundere Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture, an endowed chair at Oregon State University, is considered by many to be one of the most influential voices in what is referred to as Progressive Christianity, a movement founded in 1996 by a retired Episcopalian priest, James Adams, in Cambridge, MA. It currently represents the most liberal established Christian group within Christianity. Borg's philosophy is simply that one does not have to take the Bible literally to take it seriously. He teaches that a historical-metaphorical approach to the Bible has more meaning for today's world than is the historical-grammatical approach or that of biblical literalism. Borg summarizes his description of the historical-metaphorical approach by stating that the Bible is the Word of God metaphorically.
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.
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 Evaluation of Contemporary Challenges to Evangelical Orthodoxy Posed by Toon's Four Basic Types of Theology : a Christian Response Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 12, Issue 09, Sep 2011, p. 217 - 240
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Woodbridge, Noel B.
Abstract Contemporary theology is a maze of conflicting beliefs and approaches. The present situation poses unique challenges to evangelical orthodoxy. Using typology (as developed by social scientists), this article surveys a limited variety of intellectual constructs around which the greater variety of contemporary theologies are built The article analyses Toon’s four basic types of theology and evaluates their dangers, especially when their research methods are applied in a total manner. The article concludes with an appropriate Christian response to the contemporary challenges to evangelical orthodoxy posed by these approaches to 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.
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 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.
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.
Christian Ethics as an Adequate Ethical System in the Context of Modern Culture: A Theological Analysis and Critical Evaluation
(South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Woodbridge, Noel B.; Morris, Russell A.
Abstract The aim of this article is to analyse the theological basis of Christian ethics and to evaluate Christian ethics in terms of criteria for an adequate ethical system. The article draws attention to the moral crisis facing modern culture, hence the need for an adequate ethical system. Several contemporary ethical systems are evaluated and found to be lacking in many important areas. In spite of the challenge of contemporary ethical systems and ethical dilemmas confronting Christian ethics today, and some problematic areas in Christian ethics, the article finds that Christian ethics is a valid ethical system with a sound theological basis. Finally, an evaluation of Christian ethics in terms of six specific criteria clearly reveals that Christian ethics is an adequate ethical system, which is far superior to the contemporary ethical systems of modern culture