EARLY CHRISTIAN VALUES IN CULTURAL ENCOUNTER, ZEUS AND THE RAIN, MAMMON AND MODERN MEDICINE MEN

  • Cilliers Breytenbach Stellenbosch University Humboldt-Universität Berlin
Keywords: Theology of Early Christianity, God the Creator, Christian Ethics, Poverty and Wealth in the New Testament, Hermeneutics of Eschatology

Abstract

 The aim of the article is to revitalize traditional Christian values to prevent them from getting lost. For the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the confession to one living God is the cornerstone of the intra-cultural encounter. For Christianity the relative worth of wealth is an essential principle. Mammon is to be used in view of the future good of humanity. The task of interpreting tradition is a common theological one. In taking care of the poor and the weak, in taking responsibility for them, there is a huge demand on the wealthy and the strong. Bearing in mind that in the beginnings of Christianity the poor and the weak were entrusted to the bishop, there is a huge responsibility on church leadership. Reinterpreting Jesus’ eschatological warnings, the long term dignity of humanity is the touchstone for Christian engagement within the world.

Author Biography

Cilliers Breytenbach, Stellenbosch University Humboldt-Universität Berlin
Old and New Testament, Stellenbosch UniversityExtra Ordinary Professor =Institut für Christentum und Antike Humboldt-Universität Berlin Academic
Published
2013-11-18
Section
Articles