BIBLICAL AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES – CONTINUOUSLY COMMITTED TO THOROUGH TRANSFORMATION

  • Jannie Malan Emeritus Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies University of the Western Cape

Abstract

The doctrinally unprejudiced exploring of Old and New Testament genres and texts has led, and can still lead, to contextual insights with most significant implications. A content-based interpretation is transformed into a dynamic understanding which recognises relational believing in the events out of which the various writings originated and in the meanings communicated by each of them. The widelyproclaimed message of accepting forgiveness by faith in Christ and then gratefully obeying ethical instructions is transformed into Jesus’ original and unique Good News of an inner change of mind and life, in which both forgiveness and deliverance are effortless realities. Christians who believe and live this message do not only experience transformed living themselves, but, as they co-exist with fellow-humans in a diverse country and world, they may also contribute to the transformation of unjust structures and divisive attitudes. All of us who are committed to such a Biblical and Religious Studies approach should therefore not be disheartened by phased out educational privileges, but should continue utilising every opportunity of furthering and disseminating the message of inner transformation.

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Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles