Browsing by Author "Mouton, Elna "
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- ItemAscended far above all the heavens : rhetorical functioning of Psalm 68:18 in Ephesians 4:8–10(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2014-03) Mouton, ElnaThe letter to the Ephesians employs various communicative strategies in responding to the rhetorical situation of its implied recipients. Focusing on the recipients’ new identity and ethos ἐν Χριστῷ [in Christ], the text emphasises supernatural elements such as resurrection, ascension, heavenly places, revealed mystery, Spirit and power. At the same time, it adopts a rich mosaic of traditional materials, inter alia echoing the Hebrew Scriptures, Hellenistic traditions and early-Christian liturgical traditions. This article explores the dynamic yet complex intertextual fusion and reappropriation of (mainly Jewish) traditions in Ephesians as the author’s experience and understanding of the ascended Christ. Special attention is given to the probable functioning of Psalm 68:18 (LXX 67:19) in Ephesians 4:1–16. In conclusion, the essay investigates the intended rhetorical effect of material from the Hebrew Scriptures in the letter – as construction of Christian identity in continuation with the story of Israel and from within the context of Empire.
- ItemChristian theology at the University : on the threshold or in the margin(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2008-01) Mouton, ElnaThe essay discusses challenges regarding the position and role of Christian Theology in twenty-first century university contexts. Questions asked include the following: How will a theology that is oriented to (Reformed) Christian Theology develop itself at universities worldwide, within contexts of secularisation and globalisation? What important strategic choices will it have to make? It is argued that answers to such questions inter alia relate to how Christian Theology responds to three crucial choices: (1) Being truthful to its biblical orientation and calling; (2) Accounting critically for its position on the threshold of interdisciplinary and interreligious dialogue; and (3) Being connected to the life stories of people.
- ItemThe Heidelberg Catechism on prayer : relevance of a 16th century confession for 21st century households(University of the Free State, 2014) Mouton, ElnaIn a world characterized by power abuse and violence, where and how would people with the life-affirming ethos of God's alternative kingdom be formed? In view of this challenge, the essay explores the potential of the third part of the Heidelberg Catechism (on prayer) for moral formation in Christian households. It is believed that, through facilitating transformative encounters with the living God, the Catechism holds the potential also to shape (young) people's imagination and behaviour in present-day (African) contexts, provided that a critical-constructive awareness of the hierarchical origins of New Testament household codes be nurtured alongside it.
- ItemJesus as healer in the Gospel of Matthew : in conversation with Alan Culpepper(AOSIS Publishing, 2016-11-28) Mouton, ElnaThis article is a response to R. Alan Culpepper’s two-part contribution in this volume, ‘Jesus as healer in the Gospel of Matthew’. It focuses on three sets of implications of Culpepper’s work: implications of a bioethical reading of Matthew; implications of a vulnerable, compassionate God in the midst of suffering; and implications of a comprehensive healing ministry for Christian churches today. The core of the essay is Jesus of Nazareth as paradoxical expression of God’s presence amidst suffering, identifying with people in need while embodying God’s encompassing renewal of creation.
- ItemDie Kanaanitiese vrou van Matteus 15 : hervormer in eie reg(Department of Old and New Testament, Stellenbosch University, 2002) Mouton, ElnaThis worship service was broadcast by Radiosondergrense on the evening of Reformation Sunday, 27 October 2002. I gladly dedicate my interpretation of the Canaanite woman’s story as a humble tribute to Professor HJ Bernard Combrink, respected predecessor in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Stellenbosch where he taught New Testament Studies for 26 years. His own academic journey often dwelled on the gospels of Mark and Matthew – the only gospels to narrate the story of the Syro-Phoenician (Caananite) woman. The “retelling” of her story from within the genre of a worship service, with particular reference to the structure and socio-rhetorical dynamics of Matthew 15:21-28, is presented as a celebration of Reformation Day. Simultaneously it wishes to honour Combrink’s profound respect for both the detail and broad literary and socio-rhetorical contexts of the biblical documents, as well as his concern for their relevance for the liturgy of social life in (South) Africa.
- ItemNew life from a pastoral text of terror? : gender perspectives on God and humanity in 1 Timothy 2(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2012) Mouton, Elna; Van Wolde, EllenAmidst threatening pseudo-practices, 1 Timothy seems to be concerned mainly with the integrity of the Christian gospel within the larger Greco-Roman society. To account for its rich yet complex world view, the intertextual coherence of 1 Tim 1:15-3:1 is investigated – with special reference to gender images from Gen 2-3 in 1 Tim 2:13-15. In an attempt to make sense of the utterances regarding women in 2:8-15, and particularly the explanation in 2:13-15, the essay explores two main sets of arguments. A first view explores the implications of a literal interpretation of 1 Tim 2:13-15. It argues that the author contrasted the thinking of Gen 2-3 by importing a limited selection from it into his letter – a strategy bearing the risk of being incompatible with the theological thrust of both 1 Tim and Gen 1-3. A second view argues that 1 Tim 2:13-15 served as an allegory, and that Adam and Eve, as well as the image of childbearing, functioned metaphorically as motivation for moral behaviour. The essay concludes that 1 Tim 2:8-15 is a context-specific appro-priation of the creation story rather than a universal statement on the relationship between women and men. It pleads for a life-giving rhetoric that either uses 1 Timothy’s theological thrust as a lens for interpreting 2:8-15 or accepts (some aspects of) it as irretrievably patriarchal and violent, yet allowing it to function as a mirror for on-going discussions on human dignity and the integrity of creation
- ItemOnskuldige slagoffers? Eksegeties-homiletiese kanttekeninge by 1 Petrus 4:12-19 en 5:6-11(Pieter de Waal Neethlingh Trust, 2002) Mouton, Elna1 Peter reminds its implied audience of their paradoxical identity in Jesus Christ, while encouraging them to persevere under circumstances of affliction because they share in Christ’s suffering. The thrust of the text is determined by the oxymoron (1:1), which describes the recipients’ position in Christ socio-rhetorically. The article explores the ethical implications of this position as articulated in pericopes 4:12-19 and 5:6-11. To suffer because of the name of Christ (4:14), and in a way that would glorify God (4:11, 16; 5:10) is – according to the perspective of 1 Peter – a blessing and honour, a gift of God’s Spirit. It is – after the example of Christ – a radical calling to holiness (1:15-16; 2:5), nonretaliation (2:23; 3:8-18), and obedient submission to a caring God who judges righteously (1:17; 2:23; 5:6-7). (Re)interpreting this text in a patriarchal environment would require particular hermeneutical and pastoral sensitivity so as not to expect further (unnuanced) submission from those whom society has already acculturated into self-sacrifice and inferiority.
- ItemThe pathos of New Testament studies : of what use are we to the church(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004) Mouton, ElnaCurrently many Christians worldwide – particularly in Africa – are (re)discovering the power of scripture for their daily lives. The moment affords theology in general and the biblical sciences in particular a golden opportunity to assist the ecumenical church in accounting for the ways in which scripture functions in its (public) ethos, so as to be truly authoritative and life-giving. The paper takes this challenge as its point of departure, while exploring the dynamic yet complex interface among the various elements implied by such interpretive events. From within New Testament perspectives these elements refer to (1) the God of Jesus Christ and the Spirit (as ultimate sender), (2) the New Testament writings (as medium), and (3) implied and historical (first, later and present-day) receivers. The essay argues that New Testament Studies are challenged to define and nuance its primary functions at the very epicentre of these interacting dimensions of textual communication. This ‘inner sanctuary’ of New Testament Studies is a rich yet fragile, liminal space from where scholars have to account for the hope and faith implied by these documents. Ultimately, the essay is concerned with the pathos of New Testament Studies – with its persuasive power, reception and lasting (sense-making, problem-solving) effects in the lives of real people. With reference to voices from within various disciplines and contexts, it argues that the life-changing power of the New Testament writings, their continuing authority across times and cultures, lie in their metaphorical ability to disclose (glimpses of) an alternative moral world – a radically new perspective on reality, a new way of living in the world. New Testament Studies are continuously challenged to do likewise – to facilitate and mediate the discernment of such an alternative world, a world characterised by God’s radical, surprising yet paradoxical presence in Jesus of Nazareth and the Spirit. The essay concludes with tentative suggestions as to how New Testament Studies (in South Africa) may serve such a purpose.
- Item'Remembering forward and hoping backward'? : some thoughts on women and the Dutch Reformed Church(Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2001) Mouton, ElnaThe paper explores current challenges and opportunities facing the Dutch Reformed Church with respect to a more inclusive (gender) ethos. It sets out by briefly describing major hermeneutical and societal shifts in South Africa during the past decades. Numerous structural changes, particularly with regard to the position of women, have been accomplished in the church and society. However, these have not always been accompanied by attitudinal and behavioural changes. On the level of a collective conciousness the scars of a deeply divided society still prevail. Serious and complex issues facing the church are described as essentially theological in nature. The DRC at present is envisioned as a vulnerable, liminal cite where a new dynamic may develop and where liberating and healing discourses may be fascilitated. In the process central aspects such as biblical authority, God language and liturgy need to be revisited and reclaimed as powerful resources for identity and moral transformation.
- Item"What is a woman that You are mindful of her?" : aspects of irony and honour in Luke 7:36-50(Faculty of Theology, University of Stellenbosch, 2013) Mouton, ElnaUnlike the other three gospel writers, Luke places the account of a woman anointing Jesus outside the passion narrative, in the context of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. The article explores rhetorical mechanisms through which the narrator of Luke 7:36-50 presents the story of Jesus’ anointing by a woman publicly known as “a sinner”, while eating with a Pharisee named Simon. The passage is firstly situated within the broad literary context of Luke’s gospel. A brief analysis of the narrative focuses secondly on Jesus’ identity and authority as “a friend of sinners”. The essay finally investigates aspects of irony and honour in the passage, with particular reference to the reversal of roles—both of the Pharisee and the woman.