Scriptura: Journal for Biblical, Theological and Contextual Hermeneutics

“[B]ury me with my fathers:” Seeking the Pastoral Relevance of Genesis 49:29 in the Nigerian Context

Solomon Olusola Ademiluka — 2024-04-16

Jacob’s instruction to his children in Genesis 49:29 to bury him in Canaan finds relevance in Nigeria in the context of the importance attached to burial on ancestral land. In Nigeria, when it became unlawful to bury in residential areas, the emphasis shifted away from the ancestral land to burial in one’s country home. Hence, employing narrative analysis and the descriptive approach, the article examines the pastoral relevance of the text in contemporary Nigeria relative to burial on ancestral land. It finds that burial on ancestral land in ancient Israel and Nigeria served some socio-cultural purposes. In both contexts, the practice signifies that the deceased has died a good death. Burial sites are also a basis for asserting land rights, identity and belonging. The existence of the deceased’s tombs on the family land reflects the belief in an existing relationship between a people and their ancestors. The work concludes that while many aspects of the burial customs are no more relevant for contemporary Nigerian Christians, burying on the ancestral land still has socio-cultural values, such as inculcating regard for one’s community of origin, the need for regular reunion with relatives, and the importance of acceptable character. Therefore, in contemporary Nigeria, Genesis 49:29 is an appropriate passage for teaching these precepts during Christian burial services.

The Motif of Worship, Prayer, and Prophecy in Luke 1:5–25 as a Bridge between the Old Testament and the Gospel of Luke

Daniel Nii Aboagye Aryeh — 2024-03-20

This article provides an exegetical contribution to the proposition by David E. Garland that the Old Testament period of the promise found fulfilment in the New Testament. The specific contribution of this study is the elements/traces of a bridge between the Old Testament and the annunciation/nativity narrative of Luke 1:5-25. The Gospel of Luke is characterised by people worshipping, praying, and fulfilling prophecy, as evidenced in the first two chapters of the book. There have been studies on the nativity narrative of the Gospel of Luke which usually took a historical comparative approach between the birth narrative of Jesus and that of John, and investigations into the uniqueness of the story to Luke. It leaves out the thematic discussion of some ethoses of the annunciation narrative that seeks to provide an unflinching link to the Old Testament. This article examines worship, prayer, and prophecy in the annunciation and nativity narrative in Luke 1:5-25 to draw possible relationships to the Old Testament. The diachronic narrative-semantic method is used for the study. The findings are that the narrative alludes to Old Testament stories of worship, prayer, and fulfilment of prophecy and suggests a link or bridge between the Old and New Testaments.

A Christological Reflection on Yom Kippur from an Akan Christian Perspective

Isaac Boaheng — 2024-05-06

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is arguably the holiest and most important day in ancient Israel’s religious calendar. In the Christian religion, the Yom Kippur ritual is interpreted to foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice made by Christ for the atonement of the sin of humanity. Therefore, a theological study of this Old Testament atoning ritual has the potential to shed light on the salvific ministry of Christ. Using a literary research approach, this article explores how atoning practices associated with Yom Kippur might enhance the Christian understanding of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. I argue that by fulfilling what the Old Testament sacrificial system prefigured, the cross renders any atoning sacrifice obsolete. Therefore, believers ought to refrain from any form of traditional religious sacrifices because such sacrifices have no salvific value. The paper contributes to the ongoing scholarly discourse on Christian soteriology, particularly the doctrine of atonement.

The Relation between Justification and Identity as Key to Evaluate the Radical New Perspective on Paul

Philip du Toit — 2024-07-24

According to prevalent approaches to the Pauline corpus, the concepts of justification and salvation are often interpreted as constituting a believer’s legal and salvific status before God in distinction from such a person’s ethnic identity. In the so-called Radical New Perspective on Paul, Judaean believers in Christ are envisioned to keep their nomistic identity in distinction from gentile believers, which is then differentiated from their legal and salvific status before God. In this contribution, the relation between justification and identity is defined more closely in order to evaluate the tendency to distinguish between justification/salvation and identity. This is done especially by analysing texts in the Pauline corpus in which the concepts of justification, salvation and identity overlap.

Actions as Means of Reconciliation in the Greco-Roman World: Its Hermeneutical Importance in Luke’s Gospel

Godwin Akpan Etukumana — 2024-07-19

Reconciliation is not a rhetorical nuance; rather, it implies several actions that must be carried out for it to be affected. Reconciliation as an ancient practice was something that ancient people could feel, touch and experience. Examining reconciliation as an ancient practice becomes necessary to shed light on this ancient and important practice. The practice of this process in the Greco-Roman world was carried out using several actions. These actions, and how such actions were used in defining the reconciliation process, were carefully examined. It was discovered that actions such as healing, rituals, eating of meals and exchange of gifts were some of the actions that ancient Greco-Romans used to achieve reconciliation. Examining some of these actions in the Greco-Roman world will help in the hermeneutical understating of the contemporary literature that existed during that period. The Gospel of Luke naturally fits into such ancient documents and its examination showed that the process of reconciliation was similar both in the Greco-Roman and the Gospel of Luke. Many actions of Jesus in Luke's Gospel are aimed at achieving the process of reconciliation.

All Interpretation is Contextual Interpretation – in the Past and Today: Towards an Analogical Hermeneutic

Louis Jonker — 2024-06-14

The debate about “context” in Hebrew Bible / Old Testament scholarship often centres around the question: “Which context: ancient or contemporary?” Depending on whether the scholar answering the question comes from a Western educational background or from a global southern (including African) background, the question might – with some exception – be answered differently. Because of their training in historical models of understanding, Western-minded scholars will often emphasise that the context(s) within which the texts were produced is (are) our primary focus in biblical interpretation. Scholars from the Global South who are often exposed to all kinds of life interests of Bible readers, would mostly give primacy to the contemporary contexts of appropriation. Who is right? In this contribution I want to argue that it is not a matter of “either …. or” but rather “both …. and”, and that the dynamic of re-interpretation should also be brought into our discussions on this matter.

Unveiling the Veil of Silence: Culture, Secrecy, and Pastoral Care in Botswana's Naomi/Laban Showers

Tshenolo Madigele — 2024-05-17

Botswana's cherished cultural tradition, the Naomi/Laban showers, conceals a pervasive culture of silence concerning family matters, secrecy, and gender roles. Employing qualitative research methods like interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, this study explores the multifaceted impact of this culture of silence. It delves into the cultural and symbolic significance of draping a white shawl or blanket during these showers, signifying a vow of silence. Additionally, it investigates how this culture of silence shapes family dynamics, communication, and gender roles within Botswana's socio-cultural context. The role of pastoral caregivers and the Christian church in navigating this silence and providing support is also examined. Balancing the preservation of cultural traditions with addressing contemporary challenges is a central theme. This research aims to uncover pastoral care strategies that encourage healthy communication, gender equality, and family unity while respecting cultural norms. It seeks to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between culture, secrecy, and pastoral care during Naomi/Laban showers.

Henri Nouwen’s Prayer of the Heart. Contemplation as Key to Spiritual Transformation

George Marchinkowski — 2024-08-13

John de Gruchy discerned the present as a Kairos moment for the Western church with a renewed interest in the monastic and mystical. This article seeks to make a contribution by exploring spiritual transformation through Henri Nouwen’s eyes. After explaining his guiding motif, this article will explore his ultimate spiritual movement, from illusion to prayer, by investigating his claim that before the unitive phase in transformation might be experienced, illusions need to be unmasked. Next, contemplative prayer as a spiritual practice to complete this ‘swing’ will be examined. One of the most compelling ways Nouwen practiced contemplation, Visio Divina, will be described as an example of his contemplative practice, complemented by de Gruchy’s own exploration of icons as a means of grace. The practice will be placed in everyday life as a practice for ordinary people. Finally, it will be claimed that the ‘swing’ from illusion to prayer was for Nouwen centred in the heart and fulfilled in a permanent moment-by-moment interaction between a spiritual seeker and God ending in the Divine embrace.

Leadership and Spiritual Resources in the Anthropocene: Some Practical Theological Reflections

Ian Nell — 2024-04-10

Faith communities are found all over the world as spaces where people find a spiritual home and where spiritual formation takes place. For this contribution, the research question is: In what ways can the leadership in faith communities contribute towards spiritual resources for their members in the time of the Anthropocene? Faith communities are spaces where three resources (a shared narrative about climate change, shared values and shared symbols and practices) interact and where each of these can also make a unique contribution to raising awareness of ownership and space in the time of the Anthropocene. If the Anthropocene is considered as the period in which human activities have the dominant influence on the climate and the environment, these three resources offer important contributions for a greater awareness of humans’ influence on the climate and the environment. The congregational leader as spiritual guide in the modes of storyteller, moral compass and symbolic worker can play a significant role in the process of mobilising people of faith in becoming involved in their environment and climate mobilisation.

Proverbs, Community Building and Governance: A Critical Analysis of the Proverbial Saying, “Kgosi ke Kgosi ka Batho” in Botswana

Fidelis Nkomazana — 2024-06-14

The paper examines an important Tswana proverb, “Kgosi ke kgosi ka batho”. It discusses how the proverb facilitates and strengthens human relations in all aspects of life: the political, social, religious and economic spheres. The overarching objective is to examine the functional role of proverbs in conflict resolutions, democratic principles and good governance based on delegation and consultation at all levels in an African community. The paper argues that proverbs are succinct summations of how success, in any given role of responsibility, in this case, the role of kingship, is not dependent solely on an individual’s intellect or their prowess. Rather, success in such positions of responsibility results from one’s willingness to tap into the available ‘democratic’ or communal wisdom and communal support.

In discussing the proverb, Kgosi ke kgosi ka batho, the paper is not making any claim that this proverb is an actual representation of the conduct of kings in Botswana. Rather, the meaning behind the proverb is explored in terms of its potential in providing guidance and influencing the conduct of those in the position of kingship. The paper mainly depends on the review and analysis of existing literature in the field, which shows that the African worldview put strong emphasis on relationships in building the community. The paper concludes that the key purpose of proverbs is to promote a peaceful atmosphere through developing strong relationships in a society.

A Text-Centred Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20

HJ Prinsloo — 2024-07-09

This article analyses 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 from a rhetorical perspective. Instead of the typical approach used to analyse the letter in terms of ancient rhetorical theory, this article explains that Paul’s rhetorical strategy is best observed by a close reading of the text itself; it is called a text‑centred rhetorical analysis that follows a minimum theoretical approach. Accordingly, the overall rhetorical strategy is identified, followed by an outline of the dominant and supportive arguments, including the supportive strategies, and completed by identifying the rhetorical techniques. Moreover, this article highlights how Paul effectively adapts the ancient letter style to achieve his rhetorical objectives. It remains critical to understand the urgency of the missionaries not only to convey their loving concern but to exhort them to endure faithfully to the immanent parousia.

The Role of Women in the Life of King David in Deuteronomistic and Chronicler’s History: Lessons to be Learned

Ngwako Daniel Sebola — 2024-05-15

The David presented to “the reader” in the Scriptures does not appear from a vacuum. He lives with, among and interacts with people. He is surrounded by two categories of characters: divine and human. The human characters consist of males and females. In this article, the role of female characters in the Davidic kingship, as presented by the Deuteronomist and the Chronicler, is discussed. The intention is to identify and critically analyse the role of selected women and how they informed David’s leadership, with the intention to draw some lessons for contemporary communities. Women are involved during David’s reign. They provided him with land and crucial duties in various sectors: political, education, socio-economic, legal and justice mediation, solving problems, and offering advice, among others. Their roles and expertise, if taken seriously, can be a solution during a time of “crisis” in any situation in any given community. dynastic connections, or even a narrative blot on his character. Irrespective of their role, favourable or unfavourable, female characters play a special place in the Davidic narrative. They function as prophets, teachers, advisors, leaders, deliverers, and heroines. A narrative approach has been used as a methodology in this article. The paper emphasises that despite the harsh treatment and unfavourable conditions they find themselves in, women continue to play significant roles in all spheres of life in any given community. They often perform crucial duties in various sectors: political, education, socio- economic, legal and justice mediation, solving problems, offering advice, among others. Their roles and expertise if taken seriously, can be a solution during the time of “crisis” in any situation in any given community.

A Historical Analysis of the Role of the Ancient Synagogue, and its Implication for the Contemporary Church

Dogara Turrang Silas — 2024-11-28

In this article, the importance, origin and function of the synagogue are surveyed using a historical analysis. Studies have shown that the origin of the synagogue is shrouded in mystery and may never be fully known. However, the synagogue was clearly a well-known institution in both Palestine and the Diaspora in the 1^st century and the intertestamental period. The importance and function of the ancient synagogue are surveyed and classified into social and religious functions. The article argues that these functions have important implication for the Nigerian Church, since the church is understood to have taken over some of the activities of the synagogue.