A square peg in a round hole? questioning the use of the concept of time in teaching the Old Testament in Africa
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
A linear concept of time forms the basis of most of our use of the first testament,
both scholarly and in faith communities. The African concept of time, however,
differs markedly from the conventional Western linear concept. The Biblical concept
of time stands somewhere in between. This article explores these concepts of time
and points out some problems which are caused by an unwitting use of a linear time
concept in communicating the Bible in Africa. Apart from seeking to raise consciousness
with Biblical scholarship for this issue, it seeks to propose practical
ways of bridging the gap.
Description
CITATION: Van Zyl, D. C. 2007. A square peg in a round hole? questioning the use of the concept of time in teaching the Old Testament in Africa. Scriptura, 94(0):143-151, doi:10.7833/94-0-1444.
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Biblical concept of time, African concept of time, Western concept of time, Time in the Bible, Time -- Religious aspects
Citation
Van Zyl, D. C. 2007. A square peg in a round hole? questioning the use of the concept of time in teaching the Old Testament in Africa. Scriptura, 94(0):143-151, doi:10.7833/94-0-1444