Pan-African Journal of Theology

Accessing the Greek Verbal System Through the Shona Verb: Toward a Bantu Approach to Biblical Languages

Watson Mbiriri — 2024-07-12

As with any other language, mastering biblical languages such as Greek remains a challenge in Africa. Meanwhile, many African languages hold keys to a better experience in teaching and learning biblical languages. Accordingly, this study proposes a Bantu-based approach to teaching and learning biblical Greek for effective delivery and better mastery. In this study, by means of comparative linguistics, the verbal system of Shona, one of the numerous Bantu languages spoken in Southern Africa, is used to demonstrate correspondences with the biblical Greek verbal system. Elements of special interest in the two languages’ verbal systems relate to signification codes for tense, voice, mode, person, and number. The study is premised on the understanding that the verb is the heart of any language. The basic assumption of the study is that since both Shona and biblical Greek verbal systems are conjugated in comparable ways, something which English lacks, using Shona to teach or learn biblical Greek in the Zimbabwean context should be effective. The study proposes that this method be similarly tried with other Bantu languages and the other two biblical languages: Hebrew and Aramaic. In the end, there may be a need to produce biblical language grammar written with Bantu languages as their base, especially considering there is no substitute for learning in one’s own language.

Critical Analysis of Donald G. Bloesch’s Theological Method and its Implication to Doctrinal Formulation

Alexander Mwita — 2024-07-12

Donald G. Bloesch, an evangelical scholar introduces a methodology that employs divine revelation as the primary source for theological investigation in which believing precedes understanding. This method raises three questions: 1) How does Bloesch view scriptural authority in theological investigation? 2) what hermeneutical principle does Bloesch apply to his divine revelation method? 3) how does Bloesch’s method of divine revelation affect doctrinal formation? In response to these questions, this paper aimed to critically analyze Bloesch’s theological method and its implication to doctrinal formulation. The paper followed descriptive and critical analysis methodologies in four sections: Theological background of Donald Bloesch; analysis of Bloesch’s theological method; critical evaluation of Bloesch’s theological method, views of Scriptures, and hermeneutical principle; and implications of Bloesch’s theological method to doctrinal formulation. In response to the questions, this study unveils that Bloesch does not allow Scriptures to communicate God’s message, but he uses Scriptures to confirm conceptualized belief. Based on this belief, he formulated historical-pneumatic hermeneutics, a principle that solely depends on divine revelation. Based on Bloesch’s methodology, doctrinal formulation is affected because it does not rely exclusively on scriptural authority but rather on conceptualized faith.

Luther’s Use of the Law as Contrasted with Calvin’s

Augustin Tchamba — 2024-07-12

Both Luther and Calvin were important figures during the Reformation; their theologies—especially their understanding of the Law—had and continue to significantly impact the shaping of theological thought. How did these two reformers understand the concept of the Law? Given Luther and Calvin’s position on double predestination, what is the usefulness of the Law as applied in the life of the believer? Their understanding of the Law categorizes some believers beyond the reach of grace and infringes on the doctrine of righteousness by faith alone. Luther advocates for two uses of the Law, while Calvin contends for a third use. Contrary to the belief that they were far apart in their interpretation of the Law, this article argues that Luther and Calvin were aligned in their understanding of the Law as applied to the believer’s life than we could predict. What impact would the use of the Law have on the believers if they were predestined as elect or reprobate before applying it? Such understanding impedes the believers’ expression of their faith and consequently challenges the biblical understanding of righteousness by faith alone.

Biblical Narratives of Steadfast Grit: A Select Example in Cultivating Psychological Fortitude

Mahlon Juma — 2024-07-12

Psychological grit is credited to Angela Duckworth. Psychologists have investigated grit as a personality trait, educators as a character trait, and economics as a non-cognitive competence or soft skill. Additionally, it has been translated into Russian, Japanese, German, Korean, Turkish, and Spanish. However, the attributes associated with grit, such as courage, conscientiousness, excellence, resilience, and optimism, are similar to Bible terminology. However, the literature is scarce, and there is a knowledge gap about these characteristics from a biblical standpoint. Critics have proposed that future studies look into the useful applications of grit in educational contexts and other languages. In response, the story investigated the following issues: (1) What words do the New and Old Testaments use to describe grit’s courage, conscientiousness, excellence, resilience, and optimism? (2) Who are the Biblical characters who demonstrated these virtues? The analysis revealed that grit is an abundant biblical attribute in both the New and Old Testaments. Countless Bible characters demonstrated grit. Distressing end-times call on Christians to display grit.

The Significance of Τοῦτο in Act 2:16 to the Eschatology of Acts

Odhiambo David Odhiambo — 2024-07-12

The demonstrative pronoun “τοῦτό” in Acts 2:16 carries pragmatic weight, suggesting markedness and emphasizing the eschaton (v. 17). Despite scholarly oversight, verse 16’s syntactical placement within the main clause underscores its significance. This article seeks to rectify this neglect by examining Acts 2:16’s theological and syntactical importance, particularly the usage of “Τοῦτο” and its implications for understanding Acts’ eschatological framework. Through linguistic analysis, theological exploration, and intertextual connections, this study aims to reveal the profound implications of Acts 2:16 for the eschatological discourse in Luke’s narrative.

The Verbal Usage of עבד in the Book of Psalms: Exploring its Contextual Meaning and Theological Implications

Melak A. Tsegaw — 2024-07-12

This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of the Hebrew word עבד, commonly translated as “serve,” holds significant theological implications in the Book of Psalms, particularly concerning worship of God. This article addresses a notable gap in scholarship by examining the contextual meanings of עבד in its verbal form across the Psalms and exploring its theological implications. Contrary to previous limited interpretations, this research reveals a broader semantic spectrum including total submission, gratitude expression, offering gifts, trust in God, and proclamation of His name. Furthermore, this study explores the theological implications derived from the contextual analysis עבד in Psalms. It highlights the significance of divine kingship in messianic Psalms where עבד appears frequently. The importance of knowledge is emphasized as essential for genuine worship, providing a basis to understand God’s nature and actions. Additionally, the study reveals the interconnectedness of submission, trust, and praise, forming a holistic framework for faithful service to God.

Dissertation Abstract: Biblical and Theological Evaluation of Donald G. Bloesch’s View on the Communion of Saints

Alexander Mwita — 2024-07-12

Researcher: Alexander Mwita

Primary Adviser: Gabriel Masfa, PhD

Date Completed: April 2024

Communion of saints is a doctrinal view that asserts that there is communication between living believers and the saints in heaven. Writing on this view, Donald G. Bloesch asserts that the mediation of Jesus Christ enhances the communion of saints. Bloesch's view raises some theological concerns. First, how does the mediation of Jesus Christ enable the saints on earth to have communion with those in heaven? Second, how does his view differ from spiritualism and the African traditional worldview of spiritism? Third, if the mediation of Jesus Christ enhances communion, how does this mediation affect the unity of believers in the body of Christ?

This research followed a methodology involving four steps in chapters two to five. 1) Biblical etymological study of the terms "communion" and "saints" The etymological study aimed to find out the meaning and the uses of the terms "communion" and "saints' in both the Old and New Testaments; 2) Historical-theological investigation of the concept of the communion of saints; 3) Investigation of Bloesch's theological background; examination of Bloesch's theological method; examination of Bloesch's interpretation, theological, and exegetical study of passages that Bloesch uses to establish his view of the communion of saints; 4) biblical and theological evaluation of Bloesch's views.

The research findings indicate that Bloesch's view of the Communion of Saints lacks a clear explanation of how the mediation of Jesus Christ facilitates communion between earthly and heavenly saints. Furthermore, his view lacks scriptural support, making it difficult to distinguish from modern spiritualism or African spiritism. An analysis of biblical passages also reveals misinterpretations by Bloesch, which in turn affects the biblical view of unity in the body of Christ. Hence, this dissertation concludes that the doctrine of the communion of saints is acceptable only when it focuses on the unity of living believers on Earth.

The study recommends that a phrase that insists on the unity of living believers only may be added to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) fundamental belief number fourteen (14). Further studies may focus on the relationship between Bloesch's view of divine revelation and the biblical text (1 Cor 2:14), which considers spiritual things to be spiritually discerned. This could also include examining Bloesch's view of the struggling triumphant church in heaven in relation to the view of the cosmic controversy.