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


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    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.
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    The Nature of Christ in the Valentinian Sources from the Nag Hammadi Library and its Relationship with the Fourth Gospel Conspectus : The Journal of the South African Theological Seminary, Volume 18, Issue 09, Sep 2014, p. 35 - 58
    (South African Theological Seminary Press Johannesburg, South Africa) Lioy, Dan T.; Makidon, Michael
    This article analyses the nature of Christ in the Valentinian Sources from the Nag Hammadi Library and its relationship with the fourth gospel. Both the origin of Christ and the human and spiritual components of the nature of Christ are included. While the Valentinian Sources include both a heavenly and earthly origin and spiritual and human components of the nature of Christ, the earthly seems to be continually qualified in some way. At the same time, the Valentinian myth, through which the Valentinians filter their theology, demands an incarnation at some level. This tension between the spiritual and human Christ is analysed in order to better understand the development and variation of the nature of Christ in Valentinian theology.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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).
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    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.