Ben Marais (1909-1999): The influences on and heritage of a South African Prophet during two periods of transformation

University of Pretoria / Dissertation / Department of Church History and Church Policy / Advised by Prof J W HofmeyrThis thesis in Church History presents a biographic study on the life of Ben Marais against the political and ecclesiastic background of South Africa of the 20th century. The significance of Ben Marais’ life is approached through his correspondence with the secretaries of the World Council of Churches during the 1960s and 1970s. The letters, pertaining to the World Council of Churches financial and moral support for the organisations fighting against Apartheid, reflect on Ben Marais’ involvement with the World Council and his particular concerns. Through a study on the life of Ben Marais insight can be gained into the thinking of the leadership of the NG Kerk. The study presents Ben Marais as a prophet who challenged the then popular tendencies in the NG Kerk theology on policy justification and on the relation between religion and nationalism. The central question in this study asks, what led an ordinary man, of humble background, to the insights he reflected, and guided him through times of transparent opposition to maintain his belief in what was right and just? What was the essence of his theology and understanding of the South African problem? To what extent could the church leaders of the present, and the future learn from his example and life, in terms of the tribulations faced, different schools of thought, and sentiments, both nationalistic and spiritual? The study then wishes to test the following hypothesis: Ben Marais can be considered as one of the steadfast and humble prophets of the church in Southern Africa during the 20th century, who serves as an example of Christian Brotherhood, regardless of the perplexities, for present and future generations on relations between the affairs of faith, state and society. The thesis presents a broader introduction on Church Historiography. Ben Marais’ own historiographical reflection is considered. The approaches to history are summarised as background to the periodisation model adopted by the study. The study wishes to work with a thematic model set against a chronological framework. Sensitivity to geographical concerns is also expressed. Afrikaner Nationalism is not seen in isolation, but in relation to African, English and Indian Nationalism

Ben Marais (1909-1999) : the influences on and heritage of a South African Prophet during two periods of transformation

This thesis in Church History presents a biographic study on the life of Ben Marais against the political and ecclesiastic background of South Africa of the 20th century. The significance of Ben Marais’ life is approached through his correspondence with the secretaries of the World Council of Churches during the 1960s and 1970s. The letters, pertaining to the World Council of Churches financial and moral support for the organisations fighting against Apartheid, reflect on Ben Marais’ involvement with the World Council and his particular concerns. Through a study on the life of Ben Marais insight can be gained into the thinking of the leadership of the NG Kerk. The study presents Ben Marais as a prophet who challenged the then popular tendencies in the NG Kerk theology on policy justification and on the relation between religion and nationalism. The central question in this study asks, what led an ordinary man, of humble background, to the insights he reflected, and guided him through times of transparent opposition to maintain his belief in what was right and just? What was the essence of his theology and understanding of the South African problem? To what extent could the church leaders of the present, and the future learn from his example and life, in terms of the tribulations faced, different schools of thought, and sentiments, both nationalistic and spiritual? The study then wishes to test the following hypothesis: Ben Marais can be considered as one of the steadfast and humble prophets of the church in Southern Africa during the 20th century, who serves as an example of Christian Brotherhood, regardless of the perplexities, for present and future generations on relations between the affairs of faith, state and society. The thesis presents a broader introduction on Church Historiography. Ben Marais’ own historiographical reflection is considered. The approaches to history are summarised as background to the periodisation model adopted by the study. The study wishes to work with a thematic model set against a chronological framework. Sensitivity to geographical concerns is also expressed. Afrikaner Nationalism is not seen in isolation, but in relation to African, English and Indian Nationalism.Thesis (DD)--University of Pretoria, 2005.Church History and Church Policyunrestricte

Some time in John : tensions between the hour and eternity in John 17

This article argues that the references to time in the asides and narrative formulas in the Gospel of John are used by the evangelist to anchor his theological arguments rather than to provide a chronological account of Jesus' ministry. Within the Gospel there are active tensions between the present time and eternity, pre-Easter events and post-Easter reflection, narrative time and chronological sequencing. Since the seventeenth century, questions have been raised on the nature of the Gospel of John due to the references to time, affecting the reading thereof as a history and a unit. Considerations on the study of style in John 17 are used to exemplify the gospel's theological nature and coherent unity

History reconstruction : third century parallels to 20th century South African church history - Origen Adamantinus

In this paper a possible third century contribution to Church History reconstruction is considered. This is employed as an example for South African church historians who are dedicated to history interpretation, whether it be from the perspective of: acceptance on face value; justification; verification; criticism or renunciation of twentieth century historical events and the ways in which they have influenced the prophetic task of the church in South Africa. To this end, a parallel is drawn between third century Origen and a few South African church figures from the twentieth century, which will highlight the church's continuing prophetic ministry.Continued 2001 as 'Verbum et Ecclesia'http://explore.up.ac.za/record=b102527

The name clusters and use of names in The Persians : their contribution to appreciating the play's historical and dramatological aspects

Please read the abstract in the section 00front (Summeries), of this documentDissertation (MA (Greek))--University of Pretoria, 2008.Ancient LanguagesMAunrestricte

The status of non-citizens : equivalence between platonic and contemporary citizenship

This paper will discuss approaching the ideal of becoming a good citizen from the perspective of transforming a non-citizen (understood in its modern context) into a good citizen (understood in its Platonic sense ). In short, this is to be obtained through philosophic education, or through the realisation of the Platonic virtues, and through the actualisation of justice, in both individual and societal dimensions, as related to nature. For the purposes of this paper, this later aspect concerning the cosmos, its structuring, and its divisions will receive less attention; whereas the comparative relation between the functioning of the human body and the functioning of the polis will be emphasised, as expressed in the Gorgias. This is done to indicate the relation between citizens and the state, in terms of the principles of truth, and virtues, good leadership and good citizenship, or on how to be a good member of society.Appears in Phronimon, Volume 2 Number 1(2000)http://explore.up.ac.za/record=b141126