Marthinus J . Havenga | Stellenbosch University (original) (raw)
Papers by Marthinus J . Havenga
Verbum Et Ecclesia, Mar 15, 2023
In his plenary address on the theme of decolonisation at the theological day of Stellenbosch Univ... more In his plenary address on the theme of decolonisation at the theological day of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Theology in 2019, Tinyiko Maluleke called for a more deliberate theological engagement with the arts in South Africa and beyond. 1 In response to this call, the organising committee of the following year's theological day chose as theme for the event, 'Faith and life in rhythm: on hip-hop, the arts and theology'. They also invited the celebrated South African hip-hop and rap artist Hemelbesem as plenary speaker. 2 Hemelbesem's presentation would ultimately include his perspectives on the intersection of faith and the arts, coupled with performances of various rhymes from his rap oeuvre-much to the enjoyment of student participants, especially. The theological day would also include various contributions from within the field of theology-contributions that would explicitly speak to and engage with the artform represented by Hemelbesem. As a revised version of one of these contributions, this essay will reflect theologically on one of the fundamental elements of hip-hop and rap music, namely rhythm, 3 by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. This task will be performed in order to see what Augustine can teach us about the theological dimensions of rhythm, which can be viewed as the lifeblood of hip-hop and rap music, but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally. Rhythm and Augustine In recent years, there has arguably been a growing interest in the philosophical and theological dimensions of rhythm. One pertinent example on the theological front is Eikelboom's (2018) study Rhythm: A theological category, in which she sets out to explore theologically the intricacies and possibilities of rhythmic patterns and movement, also in conversation with modern 1.The overall theme of the theological day, which annually serves as the opening of the academic year of the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, was 'Doing theology from and for Africa: Our lamentations, struggles and hopes'. In his presentation, Maluleka asked, for example, why there are no theological studies being carried out on the music (and life) of Hugh Masekela. 2.For more on Hemelbesem, also known as Simon Witbooi, see his collection of autobiographical reflections, opinion pieces and poetry, Hemelbesem (2017). 3.It is interesting to observe that-unlike various other genres of music-what is foundational in hip-hop and rap music is often not some melodic hook, chord progression or harmonic sequence, but the rhythmic flow of the track. In this regard, see Snell and Söderman (2014:63), Adams (2015) and Rose (1994:65). The last-mentioned author writes: 'Rap's rhythms are its most powerful effect … Rap music centres on the quality and the nature of rhythm …'. This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. It begins by briefly referring to recent theological work on rhythm, before introducing Augustine and discussing the role music played during and after his conversion to Christianity. This is followed by an exposition of De musica: a work which comprises six books. It is shown how the first five books offer a comprehensive rhythmic theory, which is then followed-in Book 6-by a theological discussion of the topic. Finally, the essay briefly explores what we can learn from Augustine's text, not only in terms of rhythm but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: As part of the larger interdisciplinary conversation between theology and the arts, this essay focuses on the theological dimensions and implications of rhythm by turning to what could probably be viewed as one of Christian theology's first interdisciplinary texts, namely Augustine's De musica. Interdisciplinarity thus stands at the very heart of the contribution.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, Jan 22, 2021
This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will b... more This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will begin by introducing Balthasar's theodramatic project as presented in his five-volume work Theo-drama. Here, it will be shown how Balthasar engages with and uses the conceptual resources of drama and the theatre to develop a theological dramatic theory with the performance of Christ at its very centre. This will be followed by an investigation into Balthasar's dramatic Christology and what he saw as the reperformance of the Christ-drama on the world stage. The essay will then conclude with a few brief remarks on the continued relevance of Balthasar's dramatic Christology, especially for those interested in doing-and performing-theology from below.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2019
By submitting this thesis, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, o... more By submitting this thesis, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the authorship owner thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal
Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression ... more Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression – also, importantly, here in South Africa. In, thus, revisiting the history of theological inquiry in South Africa as part of a larger process of decolonisation, it is important and necessary to also look to the arts, which is what this article will attempt to do. It will begin with an exploration of the relationship between theology and the arts, before looking at the emergence of the field of theological aesthetics. This will be followed by some comments on the relevance of this field for South African theology, especially when it comes to questions of decoloniality. The article will then conclude with a brief discussion of the South Africa sculptor Jackson Hlungwani as an example of someone who did theology through the arts.
Verbum et Ecclesia
This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augusti... more This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. It begins by briefly referring to recent theological work on rhythm, before introducing Augustine and discussing the role music played during and after his conversion to Christianity. This is followed by an exposition of De musica: a work which comprises six books. It is shown how the first five books offer a comprehensive rhythmic theory, which is then followed – in Book 6 – by a theological discussion of the topic. Finally, the essay briefly explores what we can learn from Augustine’s text, not only in terms of rhythm but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: As part of the larger interdisciplinary conversation between theology and the arts, this essay focuses on the theological dimensions and implications of rhythm by turning to what could probably be viewed as one o...
In die Skriflig / In Luce Verbi
Faith formation during the Reformation: A historical exploration. This article investigates the w... more Faith formation during the Reformation: A historical exploration. This article investigates the way in which faith formation was seen and understood during the 16th-century Reformation. The emphasis falls especially on the insights of John Calvin, as someone to whom faith formation was of the utmost importance. The article begins by discussing, with the question of faith formation in mind, the run-up to the Reformation. Here it is seen how the church of the time, as a result of certain developments in the Middle Ages, paid less and less attention to the faith formation of ordinary believers. Next, how the Reformation in general, and Calvin in particular, responded to this situation, is viewed. Finally, the Reformation and Calvin’s legacy regarding faith formation, is briefly discussed. It is asked why, if faith formation was so important to Calvin and other Reformers, this focus was not always reflected in the history of different Reformed and Protestant churches.Contribution: This ...
Revista Pistis & Praxis, May 23, 2022
On knowing the time: Temporality, love and confession in Barth's Der Römerbrief Sobre o conhecime... more On knowing the time: Temporality, love and confession in Barth's Der Römerbrief Sobre o conhecimento do tempo: temporalidade, amor e confissão no comentário de Barth a Romanos
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2021
This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s recent publication, Acting ... more This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s recent publication, Acting liturgically: Philosophical reflections on religious practice. It begins by contextualising the project, tracing Wolterstorff’s lifelong interest in liturgy, as documented in his memoir, In this world of wonders. This is followed by a careful exposition of each of the book’s four sections (with the headings “Liturgy, Enactments and Scripts,” “Liturgy and Scripture,” “God in the Liturgy” and “Liturgy, Love and Justice”). The article concludes with a few critical observations about the book in which it is shown why this is indeed a significant text which makes an important contribution to the (philosophical) study of liturgy.
Revista Pistis Praxis, 2022
This essay will consider the theme of temporality in the second edition of Karl Barth’s Romans c... more This essay will consider the theme of temporality in the second edition of Karl Barth’s Romans commentary –a hundred years after it was first published. By offering a close reading of Barth’s text, it will firstly indicate how –in the wake of the First World War –Barth argues for a categorical distinction between time and eternity, with the former standing under the judgement of the latter. Secondly, the essay will show how, for Barth, this radical divide between time and eternity should not prompt us togive up on time, to turn our backs on our temporal existence. For, Barth believes, exactly by acknowledging the crisis of time, the possibility also opens up for us to see –and come to know –time as something standing under grace, especially in moments where the act of love is performed towards the other. Thirdly, the essay will briefly examine how this idea of time that is ‘known’ lays the foundation for Barth’s theology of confession (as seen in Barmen), which would, in turn, have a strong impact on the drafting of the Belhar Confession, six decades later.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2021
Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression-... more Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression-also, importantly, here in South Africa. In, thus, revisiting the history of theological inquiry in South Africa as part of a larger process of decolonisation, it is important and necessary to also look to the arts, which is what this article will attempt to do. It will begin with an exploration of the relationship between theology and the arts, before looking at the emergence of the field of theological aesthetics. This will be followed by some comments on the relevance of this field for South African theology, especially when it comes to questions of decoloniality. The article will then conclude with a brief discussion of the South Africa sculptor Jackson Hlungwani as an example of someone who did theology through the arts.
Broken Bodies and Redemptive Tables: The Lord's Supper and its Theological, Historical and Socio-Political Implications, 2020
Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2020
This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff's recent publication, Acting ... more This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff's recent publication, Acting liturgically: Philosophical reflections on religious practice. It begins by contextualising the project, tracing Wolterstorff's lifelong interest in liturgy, as documented in his memoir, In this world of wonders. This is followed by a careful exposition of each of the book's four sections (with the headings "Liturgy, Enactments and Scripts," "Liturgy and Scripture," "God in the Liturgy" and "Liturgy, Love and Justice"). The article concludes with a few critical observations about the book in which it is shown why this is indeed a significant text which makes an important contribution to the (philosophical) study of liturgy.
Acta Theologica 40(2), 2020
This article explores the question of what the scope and focus of theology should be, by consider... more This article explores the question of what the scope and focus of theology should be, by considering two closely connected suggestions in this regard. The first suggestion comes from a group of theologians from the mid-twentieth century who played an important role in instigating the ressourcement movement. These theologians, it is shown, aimed at moving beyond the dualisms of Neo-Scholasticism, by turning anew to the theological style and method of the earliest Christian thinkers. The second related suggestion comes from the contemporary systematic theologian, Graham Ward, a scholar who draws on the thought of the ressourcement theologians in his development of what he calls a "culturally engaged" or simply "engaged" systematic theology. After examining the contributions of both the ressourcement theologians and Graham Ward, the article asks how these insights could inform the way we approach and do theology in our own context.
Acta Theologica, 2020
This essay explores the relation between beauty and justice by turning to the thought of the Swis... more This essay explores the relation between beauty and justice by turning to the thought of the Swiss Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar. It begins by giving an exposition of Balthasar’s theological aesthetics, as developed in his work The glory of the Lord, which shows how, for Von Balthasar, earthly beauty participates in, and expresses something of God’s divine glory and reaches its apex in the revelation of the beautiful form of Jesus Christ. This is then followed by an exposition of Von Balthasar’s theological dramatics, as developed in his work Theo-drama, which shows how, for Von Balthasar, this beautiful form of Christ is not merely a static image, icon, or artwork but, in fact, a dynamic event, a dramatic act, an embodied performance which reveals to us, along with God’s glory and beauty, God’s unbounded goodness. The essay subsequently turns to questions of justice (in light of Von Balthasar’s understanding of the relation between beauty and goodness), and ultimately ...
Studia Hist. Ecc. vol.46 n.1 , 2020
This article investigates the important South African anti-apartheid protest play, Woza Albert!, ... more This article investigates the important South African anti-apartheid protest play, Woza Albert!, written and performed in 1981 by Percy Mtwa and Mbogeni Ngema, which retells the story of Jesus Christ so that it takes place in apartheid South Africa. The article begins with a historical overview of how the play came into being, followed by an exposition of the play's script, specifically focusing on the way it reimagines the gospels' account of Christ's life, death and resurrection. The article finally engages theologically with the play (with the help of Hans Urs von Balthasar's theological dramatic theory), in an attempt to see why Woza Albert! has proved to be such an effective literary tool in speaking out and protesting against the injustices of the apartheid state.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2020
This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will b... more This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will begin by introducing Balthasar's theodramatic project as presented in his five-volume work Theo-drama. Here, it will be shown how Balthasar engages with and uses the conceptual resources of drama and the theatre to develop a theological dramatic theory with the performance of Christ at its very centre. This will be followed by an investigation into Balthasar's dramatic Christology and what he saw as the reperformance of the Christ-drama on the world stage. The essay will then conclude with a few brief remarks on the continued relevance of Balthasar's dramatic Christology, especially for those interested in doing-and performing-theology from below.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 76, No 1 | a5824, 2020
Following the centenary year of the publication of the first edition of Karl Barth's Der Römerbri... more Following the centenary year of the publication of the first edition of Karl Barth's Der Römerbrief, this article attempts to look at what a contemporary South African audience could potentially learn from Barth's reading of Romans 12. This article begins with a few preliminary remarks on the reading of Barth in both apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, and asks whether his theology still has any role to play in current theological and ethical discourses (amidst calls that theology should be decolonised). After arguing that Barth might still have 'a' contribution to make (as we further develop our own theologies), this article provides an in-depth exposition and analysis of Barth's reading of Romans 12. Here it is shown how, in his commentary on this chapter (under the heading 'The Problem of Ethics'), Barth maintains that worship, that is, the offering of our bodies as 'living sacrifices' to God, should be seen as the primary ethical act, which precedes and renders possible all other secondary ethical conduct. This is then followed by the last section of this article, which explores the possible meaning and relevance of Barth's insights for life in present-day South Africa.
Books by Marthinus J . Havenga
BM Publishers (Wellington), 2020
In Broken bodies and redemptive tables: The Lord’s Supper and its theological, historical and soc... more In Broken bodies and redemptive tables: The Lord’s Supper and its theological, historical and socio-political dimensions, scholars explore various aspects of the Lord’s Supper, especially in view of past and present realities in the South African context. This is done in order to discern how, amidst the complex realities of broken bodies, tables – the table of the Lord’s Supper and our table fellowship – can and do function as redemptive spaces.
Verbum Et Ecclesia, Mar 15, 2023
In his plenary address on the theme of decolonisation at the theological day of Stellenbosch Univ... more In his plenary address on the theme of decolonisation at the theological day of Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Theology in 2019, Tinyiko Maluleke called for a more deliberate theological engagement with the arts in South Africa and beyond. 1 In response to this call, the organising committee of the following year's theological day chose as theme for the event, 'Faith and life in rhythm: on hip-hop, the arts and theology'. They also invited the celebrated South African hip-hop and rap artist Hemelbesem as plenary speaker. 2 Hemelbesem's presentation would ultimately include his perspectives on the intersection of faith and the arts, coupled with performances of various rhymes from his rap oeuvre-much to the enjoyment of student participants, especially. The theological day would also include various contributions from within the field of theology-contributions that would explicitly speak to and engage with the artform represented by Hemelbesem. As a revised version of one of these contributions, this essay will reflect theologically on one of the fundamental elements of hip-hop and rap music, namely rhythm, 3 by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. This task will be performed in order to see what Augustine can teach us about the theological dimensions of rhythm, which can be viewed as the lifeblood of hip-hop and rap music, but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally. Rhythm and Augustine In recent years, there has arguably been a growing interest in the philosophical and theological dimensions of rhythm. One pertinent example on the theological front is Eikelboom's (2018) study Rhythm: A theological category, in which she sets out to explore theologically the intricacies and possibilities of rhythmic patterns and movement, also in conversation with modern 1.The overall theme of the theological day, which annually serves as the opening of the academic year of the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, was 'Doing theology from and for Africa: Our lamentations, struggles and hopes'. In his presentation, Maluleka asked, for example, why there are no theological studies being carried out on the music (and life) of Hugh Masekela. 2.For more on Hemelbesem, also known as Simon Witbooi, see his collection of autobiographical reflections, opinion pieces and poetry, Hemelbesem (2017). 3.It is interesting to observe that-unlike various other genres of music-what is foundational in hip-hop and rap music is often not some melodic hook, chord progression or harmonic sequence, but the rhythmic flow of the track. In this regard, see Snell and Söderman (2014:63), Adams (2015) and Rose (1994:65). The last-mentioned author writes: 'Rap's rhythms are its most powerful effect … Rap music centres on the quality and the nature of rhythm …'. This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. It begins by briefly referring to recent theological work on rhythm, before introducing Augustine and discussing the role music played during and after his conversion to Christianity. This is followed by an exposition of De musica: a work which comprises six books. It is shown how the first five books offer a comprehensive rhythmic theory, which is then followed-in Book 6-by a theological discussion of the topic. Finally, the essay briefly explores what we can learn from Augustine's text, not only in terms of rhythm but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: As part of the larger interdisciplinary conversation between theology and the arts, this essay focuses on the theological dimensions and implications of rhythm by turning to what could probably be viewed as one of Christian theology's first interdisciplinary texts, namely Augustine's De musica. Interdisciplinarity thus stands at the very heart of the contribution.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, Jan 22, 2021
This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will b... more This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will begin by introducing Balthasar's theodramatic project as presented in his five-volume work Theo-drama. Here, it will be shown how Balthasar engages with and uses the conceptual resources of drama and the theatre to develop a theological dramatic theory with the performance of Christ at its very centre. This will be followed by an investigation into Balthasar's dramatic Christology and what he saw as the reperformance of the Christ-drama on the world stage. The essay will then conclude with a few brief remarks on the continued relevance of Balthasar's dramatic Christology, especially for those interested in doing-and performing-theology from below.
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2019
By submitting this thesis, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, o... more By submitting this thesis, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the authorship owner thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal
Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression ... more Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression – also, importantly, here in South Africa. In, thus, revisiting the history of theological inquiry in South Africa as part of a larger process of decolonisation, it is important and necessary to also look to the arts, which is what this article will attempt to do. It will begin with an exploration of the relationship between theology and the arts, before looking at the emergence of the field of theological aesthetics. This will be followed by some comments on the relevance of this field for South African theology, especially when it comes to questions of decoloniality. The article will then conclude with a brief discussion of the South Africa sculptor Jackson Hlungwani as an example of someone who did theology through the arts.
Verbum et Ecclesia
This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augusti... more This essay reflects theologically on rhythm by turning to the North African church father Augustine, specifically his work De musica. It begins by briefly referring to recent theological work on rhythm, before introducing Augustine and discussing the role music played during and after his conversion to Christianity. This is followed by an exposition of De musica: a work which comprises six books. It is shown how the first five books offer a comprehensive rhythmic theory, which is then followed – in Book 6 – by a theological discussion of the topic. Finally, the essay briefly explores what we can learn from Augustine’s text, not only in terms of rhythm but also about theological engagements with the arts more generally.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: As part of the larger interdisciplinary conversation between theology and the arts, this essay focuses on the theological dimensions and implications of rhythm by turning to what could probably be viewed as one o...
In die Skriflig / In Luce Verbi
Faith formation during the Reformation: A historical exploration. This article investigates the w... more Faith formation during the Reformation: A historical exploration. This article investigates the way in which faith formation was seen and understood during the 16th-century Reformation. The emphasis falls especially on the insights of John Calvin, as someone to whom faith formation was of the utmost importance. The article begins by discussing, with the question of faith formation in mind, the run-up to the Reformation. Here it is seen how the church of the time, as a result of certain developments in the Middle Ages, paid less and less attention to the faith formation of ordinary believers. Next, how the Reformation in general, and Calvin in particular, responded to this situation, is viewed. Finally, the Reformation and Calvin’s legacy regarding faith formation, is briefly discussed. It is asked why, if faith formation was so important to Calvin and other Reformers, this focus was not always reflected in the history of different Reformed and Protestant churches.Contribution: This ...
Revista Pistis & Praxis, May 23, 2022
On knowing the time: Temporality, love and confession in Barth's Der Römerbrief Sobre o conhecime... more On knowing the time: Temporality, love and confession in Barth's Der Römerbrief Sobre o conhecimento do tempo: temporalidade, amor e confissão no comentário de Barth a Romanos
STJ | Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2021
This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s recent publication, Acting ... more This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s recent publication, Acting liturgically: Philosophical reflections on religious practice. It begins by contextualising the project, tracing Wolterstorff’s lifelong interest in liturgy, as documented in his memoir, In this world of wonders. This is followed by a careful exposition of each of the book’s four sections (with the headings “Liturgy, Enactments and Scripts,” “Liturgy and Scripture,” “God in the Liturgy” and “Liturgy, Love and Justice”). The article concludes with a few critical observations about the book in which it is shown why this is indeed a significant text which makes an important contribution to the (philosophical) study of liturgy.
Revista Pistis Praxis, 2022
This essay will consider the theme of temporality in the second edition of Karl Barth’s Romans c... more This essay will consider the theme of temporality in the second edition of Karl Barth’s Romans commentary –a hundred years after it was first published. By offering a close reading of Barth’s text, it will firstly indicate how –in the wake of the First World War –Barth argues for a categorical distinction between time and eternity, with the former standing under the judgement of the latter. Secondly, the essay will show how, for Barth, this radical divide between time and eternity should not prompt us togive up on time, to turn our backs on our temporal existence. For, Barth believes, exactly by acknowledging the crisis of time, the possibility also opens up for us to see –and come to know –time as something standing under grace, especially in moments where the act of love is performed towards the other. Thirdly, the essay will briefly examine how this idea of time that is ‘known’ lays the foundation for Barth’s theology of confession (as seen in Barmen), which would, in turn, have a strong impact on the drafting of the Belhar Confession, six decades later.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal, 2021
Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression-... more Throughout history, works of art have often served as a prominent mode of theological expression-also, importantly, here in South Africa. In, thus, revisiting the history of theological inquiry in South Africa as part of a larger process of decolonisation, it is important and necessary to also look to the arts, which is what this article will attempt to do. It will begin with an exploration of the relationship between theology and the arts, before looking at the emergence of the field of theological aesthetics. This will be followed by some comments on the relevance of this field for South African theology, especially when it comes to questions of decoloniality. The article will then conclude with a brief discussion of the South Africa sculptor Jackson Hlungwani as an example of someone who did theology through the arts.
Broken Bodies and Redemptive Tables: The Lord's Supper and its Theological, Historical and Socio-Political Implications, 2020
Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2020
This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff's recent publication, Acting ... more This review article offers an engagement with Nicholas Wolterstorff's recent publication, Acting liturgically: Philosophical reflections on religious practice. It begins by contextualising the project, tracing Wolterstorff's lifelong interest in liturgy, as documented in his memoir, In this world of wonders. This is followed by a careful exposition of each of the book's four sections (with the headings "Liturgy, Enactments and Scripts," "Liturgy and Scripture," "God in the Liturgy" and "Liturgy, Love and Justice"). The article concludes with a few critical observations about the book in which it is shown why this is indeed a significant text which makes an important contribution to the (philosophical) study of liturgy.
Acta Theologica 40(2), 2020
This article explores the question of what the scope and focus of theology should be, by consider... more This article explores the question of what the scope and focus of theology should be, by considering two closely connected suggestions in this regard. The first suggestion comes from a group of theologians from the mid-twentieth century who played an important role in instigating the ressourcement movement. These theologians, it is shown, aimed at moving beyond the dualisms of Neo-Scholasticism, by turning anew to the theological style and method of the earliest Christian thinkers. The second related suggestion comes from the contemporary systematic theologian, Graham Ward, a scholar who draws on the thought of the ressourcement theologians in his development of what he calls a "culturally engaged" or simply "engaged" systematic theology. After examining the contributions of both the ressourcement theologians and Graham Ward, the article asks how these insights could inform the way we approach and do theology in our own context.
Acta Theologica, 2020
This essay explores the relation between beauty and justice by turning to the thought of the Swis... more This essay explores the relation between beauty and justice by turning to the thought of the Swiss Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar. It begins by giving an exposition of Balthasar’s theological aesthetics, as developed in his work The glory of the Lord, which shows how, for Von Balthasar, earthly beauty participates in, and expresses something of God’s divine glory and reaches its apex in the revelation of the beautiful form of Jesus Christ. This is then followed by an exposition of Von Balthasar’s theological dramatics, as developed in his work Theo-drama, which shows how, for Von Balthasar, this beautiful form of Christ is not merely a static image, icon, or artwork but, in fact, a dynamic event, a dramatic act, an embodied performance which reveals to us, along with God’s glory and beauty, God’s unbounded goodness. The essay subsequently turns to questions of justice (in light of Von Balthasar’s understanding of the relation between beauty and goodness), and ultimately ...
Studia Hist. Ecc. vol.46 n.1 , 2020
This article investigates the important South African anti-apartheid protest play, Woza Albert!, ... more This article investigates the important South African anti-apartheid protest play, Woza Albert!, written and performed in 1981 by Percy Mtwa and Mbogeni Ngema, which retells the story of Jesus Christ so that it takes place in apartheid South Africa. The article begins with a historical overview of how the play came into being, followed by an exposition of the play's script, specifically focusing on the way it reimagines the gospels' account of Christ's life, death and resurrection. The article finally engages theologically with the play (with the help of Hans Urs von Balthasar's theological dramatic theory), in an attempt to see why Woza Albert! has proved to be such an effective literary tool in speaking out and protesting against the injustices of the apartheid state.
Stellenbosch Theological Journal , 2020
This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will b... more This essay will explore Hans Urs von Balthasar's Christology as performance from below. It will begin by introducing Balthasar's theodramatic project as presented in his five-volume work Theo-drama. Here, it will be shown how Balthasar engages with and uses the conceptual resources of drama and the theatre to develop a theological dramatic theory with the performance of Christ at its very centre. This will be followed by an investigation into Balthasar's dramatic Christology and what he saw as the reperformance of the Christ-drama on the world stage. The essay will then conclude with a few brief remarks on the continued relevance of Balthasar's dramatic Christology, especially for those interested in doing-and performing-theology from below.
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 76, No 1 | a5824, 2020
Following the centenary year of the publication of the first edition of Karl Barth's Der Römerbri... more Following the centenary year of the publication of the first edition of Karl Barth's Der Römerbrief, this article attempts to look at what a contemporary South African audience could potentially learn from Barth's reading of Romans 12. This article begins with a few preliminary remarks on the reading of Barth in both apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, and asks whether his theology still has any role to play in current theological and ethical discourses (amidst calls that theology should be decolonised). After arguing that Barth might still have 'a' contribution to make (as we further develop our own theologies), this article provides an in-depth exposition and analysis of Barth's reading of Romans 12. Here it is shown how, in his commentary on this chapter (under the heading 'The Problem of Ethics'), Barth maintains that worship, that is, the offering of our bodies as 'living sacrifices' to God, should be seen as the primary ethical act, which precedes and renders possible all other secondary ethical conduct. This is then followed by the last section of this article, which explores the possible meaning and relevance of Barth's insights for life in present-day South Africa.
BM Publishers (Wellington), 2020
In Broken bodies and redemptive tables: The Lord’s Supper and its theological, historical and soc... more In Broken bodies and redemptive tables: The Lord’s Supper and its theological, historical and socio-political dimensions, scholars explore various aspects of the Lord’s Supper, especially in view of past and present realities in the South African context. This is done in order to discern how, amidst the complex realities of broken bodies, tables – the table of the Lord’s Supper and our table fellowship – can and do function as redemptive spaces.
Peter Lang (Oxford), 2021
In the latter part of the twentieth century, against the backdrop of the Sharpeville Massacre and... more In the latter part of the twentieth century, against the backdrop of the Sharpeville Massacre and the Soweto Uprising, theatre became a central means of artistic resistance in apartheid South Africa. One of the most significant plays from this time was Woza Albert!, which was created and staged by the actor-duo Percy Mtwa and Mbongeni Ngema, with the help and creative input of the renowned theatre-maker and political activist, Barney Simon. What made this protest play so powerful and provocative was the fact that it restaged the Christ-drama, as presented in the Gospels, in the context of apartheid South Africa. This book sets out to explore this performance of Christ during one of the darkest hours in South Africa’s history, by turning to – and offering an in-depth investigation of – the theological dramatic theory of the Swiss Catholic theologian, Hans Urs von Balthasar.