Browsing by Author "Ras, J.M. Johan"
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- ItemJesus, moral regeneration and crime in the Gospel of John(University of Zululand, 2010-01) Ras, J.M. JohanA structural and text-immanent approach to the Gospel of John reveals that Jesus of Nazareth came to earth to do the will of God his Father and to take away the sins of the world. The author/s makes/make it clear that Jesus taught Nicodemus that one needs to be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. To be born again means that one must be born out of water and Spirit, that is, through becoming a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ, one’s life has to change. This change, also called regeneration, is, anthropologically-speaking, according to the rational-choice theory, a deliberate choice made by man to become a follower or disciple of Jesus and to do his Father’s will. The disciples are not called upon to be like robbers and thieves, focused on the accumulation of earthly wealth, but to love one another. Although Jesus was crucified because of an allegation of high treason, a crime against the state, He instructed his followers to forgive others and to remain in His love. In terms of the explicatio-applicatio model, the intended kerygmatic message of John to his intended readers is clear: he wants all people, including criminals, to believe in Jesus and to follow Him, because, according to the Johannine author/s, when one follows Jesus, one does not commit crime, because one has been morally regenerated.
- ItemPolygamy (polyandry & polygyny) : yes or no?(University of Zululand, 2010-01) Ras, J.M. JohanThis paper discusses polygamy in the light of the Bible and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). A careful reading of the context (lexical-syntactical analysis) and the broader context (historical-cultural background) of especially the Old Testament reveals that polygyny was not prohibited during ancient times, but was an acceptable practice within Israelite/Jewish communities. Although the practice of polygyny can be criticised, the validity of this belief and/or custom cannot and must not be denied on Biblical grounds. Act 108 of 1996 (section 9.3), dealing with the Bill of Rights of every South African, explicitly states that the state may not unfairly discriminate against anyone inter alia because of their religion, belief, custom, or culture. I recommend that believers/churches must respect those who believe that this practice is from God, and must stop overemphasising monogamy as the only valid marital/cohabitation custom. The Biblical authors, and by implication those drawing up the Constitution, have given everyone the freedom to choose for themselves how many wives they may have. Although polyandry is not mentioned in the Bible, the practice of this belief/custom also cannot be denied. Women have the freedom to practise what they believe is the best for them in their particular situation. Like polygyny, the practising of polyandry cannot be denied on legal grounds (cf. Act 108 of 1996, section 9.3) when it forms part of a person’s religion, belief, or custom.