J. Gertrud Tonsing | University of South Africa (original) (raw)

Papers by J. Gertrud Tonsing

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Feb 1, 2020

This article aims to formulate a new hypothesis on the authorship debate concerning the disputed ... more This article aims to formulate a new hypothesis on the authorship debate concerning the disputed letters Colossians and Ephesians. It argues that the letters were co-written with Paul by his co-workers in order to make Paul's theology more acceptable to the congregations. Colossians omits controversial Pauline terms, but Ephesians corrects this and tries to reintroduce Pauline theology in a way that will build unity in the churches. A particular parallel text, the study of which sparked this research, is discussed to see if this hypothesis makes sense both of the similarities but also the differences between the two letters.

African Sun Media eBooks, Oct 15, 2021

Neotestamentica, 2019

Abstract:This article challenges popular interpretations of the parable of the talents, which und... more Abstract:This article challenges popular interpretations of the parable of the talents, which underlie economic views blaming poverty on laziness. It carefully compares the versions in Matthew and Luke and argues that the more original version is the one in Luke. This is based on a historical incident, linked to Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great, and makes sense as a story told in the context of Herod-ruled Galilee after the execution of John the Baptist. It argues for the parable as a story of open resistance with a dual message: a "public" and a "hidden" transcript.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Dec 2, 2016

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Apr 21, 2017

Bafundi: An exploration of the interrelationships between Christian choruses and South African so... more Bafundi: An exploration of the interrelationships between Christian choruses and South African songs of the struggle', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(4), a4339.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2022

This article discusses one of the most perplexing questions in textual criticismthe wide variety ... more This article discusses one of the most perplexing questions in textual criticismthe wide variety of endings for the gospel of Mark. The most reliable early manuscripts end at verse 8, but this is a very strange ending, and other endings seem to have been added later: the shorter and the longer ending. The article discusses various hypotheses about whether an original ending was lost or whether this ending was deliberate and concludes that Mark decided to end this way because of conflicting versions of the Easter story circulating in his community: One was the early traditional version, probably proclaimed by the Jerusalem apostles and taken up by Paul, that Peter was the first one to see the risen Christ. The other was more controversial and had implications for questions of authority and leadership in the church: the testimony that Mary Magdalene, or several women, were first. Mark chose to allow the women the place of first witnesses to the empty tomb, but to leave open the question of who had the first encounter with the risen Christ. The different factions were then free to choose their own ending. As the empty tomb was not an integral part of the Petrine resurrection narrative, Mark's version did not undermine this early Easter account, but opened the way to integrate the women's story in official Christian tradition.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Apr 21, 2017

Crossing boundaries of time and language: A discussion of the reception and translations of Marti... more Crossing boundaries of time and language: A discussion of the reception and translations of Martin Luther's hymn A mighty fortress in the context of the commemoration of the Reformation 2017', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4643.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, May 21, 2019

The topic was 'Reforming Practical Theological Anthropology with the focus on culture, gender and... more The topic was 'Reforming Practical Theological Anthropology with the focus on culture, gender and violence'. 2.This is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (N-T). 3.Of the 535 hymns in the German Lutheran Hymnal (EG), I personally know 431, which at 80% is likely to be considerably higher than the average congregant. Those very regularly sung are probably only about 20% of this total. For the English hymnal, the figures are likely to be substantially lower. This article looks at violence and the response to violent situations from the perspective of Christian hymnody. It examines where the content of hymns reflects experiences of violence and the hymn writers' response to this. The work of four hymn writers is studied: two German traditional hymn writers and two contemporary English hymn writers. In each case, the article examines how they describe the violent situation, how they deal with the issue of human guilt, and what their response is. The article points out that often, hymns that deal with difficult issues do not become easily accepted in the congregational repertoire. However, as can be seen in these four cases, sometimes hymn writers do manage to find the language that can ensure that a hymn or song becomes a deep-felt way for congregations to express their feelings and experiences. Important in this acceptance is whether the hymn finds an appropriate expression of hope beyond the pain.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Jan 14, 2013

How do songs and Christian hymns shape the identity and theology of Christian communities? How do... more How do songs and Christian hymns shape the identity and theology of Christian communities? How does the identity and theology of a Christian community shape the hymns that are written, sung and collected in song books and hymnals? This article explores these questions from the point of view of the author's community, the German-descendent Lutheran communities in South Africa, and studies their main hymn book, the Lutheran hymnal from Germany (Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch [EKG]) which was used from the 1950s until the early 1990s in the congregations. It shows up the strengths and the gaps of these hymns which come from a theology with a strong focus on faith and trust, but a rather narrow personal morality, with the social ethics restricted to doing one's Christian duty and praying for the government. Comparing this hymnal to the later hymnal published in 1990, the article shows, that some of the blind spots of one generation can be filled in by the next generation of songwriters. 1.The Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch (EKG) that was produced in the 1950s and reprinted many times, was used in the South African German Lutheran communities well into the 1990s. It was then replaced by the Evangelisches Gesangbuch (EG) 1994. For English services the Australian Lutheran Hymnal of 1973 is still in use.

African journal of gender and religion, 2020

This essay gives a brief overview of the authorship debate of Colossians and Ephesians, and argue... more This essay gives a brief overview of the authorship debate of Colossians and Ephesians, and argues that the letters, authored mainly by his co-workers, were written as an attempt to compromise between Paul’s controversial views and the congregations of Asia Minor. The household code of Colossians is analysed as a possible accompaniment to the letter to Philemon and the sending back of Onesimus, using the Pauline passage on submission in Ro- mans 13 as a basis, complemented by known Graeco-Roman traditions on the household. Slaves, and not women were the primary addressees of this probably earliest Christian household code, but undoubtedly then the status of women became an issue of contention. The essay argues that Ephesians was written as a modification to the Colossians letter, which had left out key controversial Pauline terms. The letter to the Ephesians pleads for unity, re- introduces Pauline terms in formulations acceptable to the mainstream con- gregations, and carefully formulates a position on women in the household, which was to become dominant in the early church. It is argued that the household codes were regarded as a necessary compromise at the time but were not initially intended to suppress the participation and leadership of women. However, the controversy heated up and became more bitter, leading to the later Pastoral Letters and other early Christian writings, completely suppressing women’s leadership in the church.

Dialog-a Journal of Theology, Dec 8, 2009

This paper stems from my doctoral research on the question, "What is a good song?" It is a respon... more This paper stems from my doctoral research on the question, "What is a good song?" It is a response to the Praise and Worship movement, which started within the charismatic churches, but also has spread to many mainline churches, including my own in South Africa. While I am supportive of much that is good in this movement, I am also critical of the content and theology of many of the songs. This paper focuses on what we as Lutherans can learn from our founder when it comes to choosing what and how to sing in our services.

© © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a This theoretical section leads... more © © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a This theoretical section leads to a catalogue of criteria for "Good songs": These are criteria for quality, for "Good Text", such as biblical and theological value, how easily it is understood, whether it takes human experience seriously and its poetic value. Criteria for "Good Tune" include its level of difficulty, how heavily it depends on accompaniment, and its balance between the familiar and the interesting and new. The third category of criteria evaluate the match between text and tune in mood, rhythm and climax. The last category looks at the balance in the song between different polarities, such as, amongst others, the balance of past and present, cognitive and emotive elements, between challenge and affirmation, and between universal and particular emphases. This list of criteria is then tested on three songs each of four different songwriters: two traditional and two contemporary: Paul Gerhardt, Charles Wesley, Graham Kendrick and Noel Richards. In each case a background is given, an overview of their work as a whole and a detailed analysis of each song. In the end the criteria themselves are evaluated as to their usefulness and user-friendliness. Suggestions are then made how these criteria can guide worship leaders in their choices of songs for the Sunday service.

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2017

Songs and hymns shape faith and play a part in shaping political landscapes. They can be used to ... more Songs and hymns shape faith and play a part in shaping political landscapes. They can be used to build or maintain power as well as to critique and challenge it. This has been true for South Africa, and some brief examples will be given. But this article focuses on hymns and patriotic songs from the time of the British Empire and explores how they portray power, entrench superiority or build a common, global Christian identity.

Verbum et Ecclesia, 2015

This research article is based on the author�s doctoral research into the question of quality cri... more This research article is based on the author�s doctoral research into the question of quality criteria for Christian songs. In many Christian congregations today, the question of music is an emotive issue as the service and its music touch the heart of people�s faith life and shapes people�s theology. Of the many issues that were investigated in the dissertation, this article focuses on one question only, the question of the �cognitive� and the �emotive� value of the songs that are sung in a Sunday service. It will be argued that, in �good� songs, there needs to be a good balance between �cognitive� and �emotive� value. The general question is how to identify songs that can nurture faith and sustain people through life. Characteristic of such songs is, amongst many other criteria, a good balance between the cognitive and emotive value of the text and the tune. In the discussion, the author focusses largely on her own Lutheran liturgical and hymnological tradition as well as on the �...

African Journal of Gender and Religion

The Bible continues to be a contested book with texts that are both detrimental to women’s full p... more The Bible continues to be a contested book with texts that are both detrimental to women’s full participation and inclusive and liberating with the latter often being hidden and sometimes deliberately obscured, however, they can be uncovered. The question of which of these traditions go back to the historical Jesus is contested. Historical Jesus traditions would have higher authority in the eyes of critical readers, and denying this status to traditions diminishes their importance. This article examines the tradition of “gender doublets” where double parables cite two examples for the same idea that illustrate male and female reality. The author argues that the frequency of these doublets, as well as the spread of evidence and the variability of construction, make it very probable that these doublets go back to the historical Jesus. In an environment hostile to women, it is more likely that parables like “the lost coin” or “the woman baking with leaven” got “lost” or were deliberate...

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, Feb 1, 2020

This article aims to formulate a new hypothesis on the authorship debate concerning the disputed ... more This article aims to formulate a new hypothesis on the authorship debate concerning the disputed letters Colossians and Ephesians. It argues that the letters were co-written with Paul by his co-workers in order to make Paul's theology more acceptable to the congregations. Colossians omits controversial Pauline terms, but Ephesians corrects this and tries to reintroduce Pauline theology in a way that will build unity in the churches. A particular parallel text, the study of which sparked this research, is discussed to see if this hypothesis makes sense both of the similarities but also the differences between the two letters.

African Sun Media eBooks, Oct 15, 2021

Neotestamentica, 2019

Abstract:This article challenges popular interpretations of the parable of the talents, which und... more Abstract:This article challenges popular interpretations of the parable of the talents, which underlie economic views blaming poverty on laziness. It carefully compares the versions in Matthew and Luke and argues that the more original version is the one in Luke. This is based on a historical incident, linked to Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great, and makes sense as a story told in the context of Herod-ruled Galilee after the execution of John the Baptist. It argues for the parable as a story of open resistance with a dual message: a "public" and a "hidden" transcript.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Dec 2, 2016

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Apr 21, 2017

Bafundi: An exploration of the interrelationships between Christian choruses and South African so... more Bafundi: An exploration of the interrelationships between Christian choruses and South African songs of the struggle', HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 73(4), a4339.

Scriptura : international journal of bible, religion and theology in southern Africa, 2022

This article discusses one of the most perplexing questions in textual criticismthe wide variety ... more This article discusses one of the most perplexing questions in textual criticismthe wide variety of endings for the gospel of Mark. The most reliable early manuscripts end at verse 8, but this is a very strange ending, and other endings seem to have been added later: the shorter and the longer ending. The article discusses various hypotheses about whether an original ending was lost or whether this ending was deliberate and concludes that Mark decided to end this way because of conflicting versions of the Easter story circulating in his community: One was the early traditional version, probably proclaimed by the Jerusalem apostles and taken up by Paul, that Peter was the first one to see the risen Christ. The other was more controversial and had implications for questions of authority and leadership in the church: the testimony that Mary Magdalene, or several women, were first. Mark chose to allow the women the place of first witnesses to the empty tomb, but to leave open the question of who had the first encounter with the risen Christ. The different factions were then free to choose their own ending. As the empty tomb was not an integral part of the Petrine resurrection narrative, Mark's version did not undermine this early Easter account, but opened the way to integrate the women's story in official Christian tradition.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Apr 21, 2017

Crossing boundaries of time and language: A discussion of the reception and translations of Marti... more Crossing boundaries of time and language: A discussion of the reception and translations of Martin Luther's hymn A mighty fortress in the context of the commemoration of the Reformation 2017', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 73(4), a4643.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, May 21, 2019

The topic was 'Reforming Practical Theological Anthropology with the focus on culture, gender and... more The topic was 'Reforming Practical Theological Anthropology with the focus on culture, gender and violence'. 2.This is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa (N-T). 3.Of the 535 hymns in the German Lutheran Hymnal (EG), I personally know 431, which at 80% is likely to be considerably higher than the average congregant. Those very regularly sung are probably only about 20% of this total. For the English hymnal, the figures are likely to be substantially lower. This article looks at violence and the response to violent situations from the perspective of Christian hymnody. It examines where the content of hymns reflects experiences of violence and the hymn writers' response to this. The work of four hymn writers is studied: two German traditional hymn writers and two contemporary English hymn writers. In each case, the article examines how they describe the violent situation, how they deal with the issue of human guilt, and what their response is. The article points out that often, hymns that deal with difficult issues do not become easily accepted in the congregational repertoire. However, as can be seen in these four cases, sometimes hymn writers do manage to find the language that can ensure that a hymn or song becomes a deep-felt way for congregations to express their feelings and experiences. Important in this acceptance is whether the hymn finds an appropriate expression of hope beyond the pain.

Theological Studies/Teologiese Studies, Jan 14, 2013

How do songs and Christian hymns shape the identity and theology of Christian communities? How do... more How do songs and Christian hymns shape the identity and theology of Christian communities? How does the identity and theology of a Christian community shape the hymns that are written, sung and collected in song books and hymnals? This article explores these questions from the point of view of the author's community, the German-descendent Lutheran communities in South Africa, and studies their main hymn book, the Lutheran hymnal from Germany (Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch [EKG]) which was used from the 1950s until the early 1990s in the congregations. It shows up the strengths and the gaps of these hymns which come from a theology with a strong focus on faith and trust, but a rather narrow personal morality, with the social ethics restricted to doing one's Christian duty and praying for the government. Comparing this hymnal to the later hymnal published in 1990, the article shows, that some of the blind spots of one generation can be filled in by the next generation of songwriters. 1.The Evangelisches Kirchengesangbuch (EKG) that was produced in the 1950s and reprinted many times, was used in the South African German Lutheran communities well into the 1990s. It was then replaced by the Evangelisches Gesangbuch (EG) 1994. For English services the Australian Lutheran Hymnal of 1973 is still in use.

African journal of gender and religion, 2020

This essay gives a brief overview of the authorship debate of Colossians and Ephesians, and argue... more This essay gives a brief overview of the authorship debate of Colossians and Ephesians, and argues that the letters, authored mainly by his co-workers, were written as an attempt to compromise between Paul’s controversial views and the congregations of Asia Minor. The household code of Colossians is analysed as a possible accompaniment to the letter to Philemon and the sending back of Onesimus, using the Pauline passage on submission in Ro- mans 13 as a basis, complemented by known Graeco-Roman traditions on the household. Slaves, and not women were the primary addressees of this probably earliest Christian household code, but undoubtedly then the status of women became an issue of contention. The essay argues that Ephesians was written as a modification to the Colossians letter, which had left out key controversial Pauline terms. The letter to the Ephesians pleads for unity, re- introduces Pauline terms in formulations acceptable to the mainstream con- gregations, and carefully formulates a position on women in the household, which was to become dominant in the early church. It is argued that the household codes were regarded as a necessary compromise at the time but were not initially intended to suppress the participation and leadership of women. However, the controversy heated up and became more bitter, leading to the later Pastoral Letters and other early Christian writings, completely suppressing women’s leadership in the church.

Dialog-a Journal of Theology, Dec 8, 2009

This paper stems from my doctoral research on the question, "What is a good song?" It is a respon... more This paper stems from my doctoral research on the question, "What is a good song?" It is a response to the Praise and Worship movement, which started within the charismatic churches, but also has spread to many mainline churches, including my own in South Africa. While I am supportive of much that is good in this movement, I am also critical of the content and theology of many of the songs. This paper focuses on what we as Lutherans can learn from our founder when it comes to choosing what and how to sing in our services.

© © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a This theoretical section leads... more © © U Un ni iv ve er rs si it ty y o of f P Pr re et to or ri ia a This theoretical section leads to a catalogue of criteria for "Good songs": These are criteria for quality, for "Good Text", such as biblical and theological value, how easily it is understood, whether it takes human experience seriously and its poetic value. Criteria for "Good Tune" include its level of difficulty, how heavily it depends on accompaniment, and its balance between the familiar and the interesting and new. The third category of criteria evaluate the match between text and tune in mood, rhythm and climax. The last category looks at the balance in the song between different polarities, such as, amongst others, the balance of past and present, cognitive and emotive elements, between challenge and affirmation, and between universal and particular emphases. This list of criteria is then tested on three songs each of four different songwriters: two traditional and two contemporary: Paul Gerhardt, Charles Wesley, Graham Kendrick and Noel Richards. In each case a background is given, an overview of their work as a whole and a detailed analysis of each song. In the end the criteria themselves are evaluated as to their usefulness and user-friendliness. Suggestions are then made how these criteria can guide worship leaders in their choices of songs for the Sunday service.

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2017

Songs and hymns shape faith and play a part in shaping political landscapes. They can be used to ... more Songs and hymns shape faith and play a part in shaping political landscapes. They can be used to build or maintain power as well as to critique and challenge it. This has been true for South Africa, and some brief examples will be given. But this article focuses on hymns and patriotic songs from the time of the British Empire and explores how they portray power, entrench superiority or build a common, global Christian identity.

Verbum et Ecclesia, 2015

This research article is based on the author�s doctoral research into the question of quality cri... more This research article is based on the author�s doctoral research into the question of quality criteria for Christian songs. In many Christian congregations today, the question of music is an emotive issue as the service and its music touch the heart of people�s faith life and shapes people�s theology. Of the many issues that were investigated in the dissertation, this article focuses on one question only, the question of the �cognitive� and the �emotive� value of the songs that are sung in a Sunday service. It will be argued that, in �good� songs, there needs to be a good balance between �cognitive� and �emotive� value. The general question is how to identify songs that can nurture faith and sustain people through life. Characteristic of such songs is, amongst many other criteria, a good balance between the cognitive and emotive value of the text and the tune. In the discussion, the author focusses largely on her own Lutheran liturgical and hymnological tradition as well as on the �...

African Journal of Gender and Religion

The Bible continues to be a contested book with texts that are both detrimental to women’s full p... more The Bible continues to be a contested book with texts that are both detrimental to women’s full participation and inclusive and liberating with the latter often being hidden and sometimes deliberately obscured, however, they can be uncovered. The question of which of these traditions go back to the historical Jesus is contested. Historical Jesus traditions would have higher authority in the eyes of critical readers, and denying this status to traditions diminishes their importance. This article examines the tradition of “gender doublets” where double parables cite two examples for the same idea that illustrate male and female reality. The author argues that the frequency of these doublets, as well as the spread of evidence and the variability of construction, make it very probable that these doublets go back to the historical Jesus. In an environment hostile to women, it is more likely that parables like “the lost coin” or “the woman baking with leaven” got “lost” or were deliberate...