Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 36:1 (Oct 2023)
Article: Editorial
Author: Cornelia van Deventer

Conspectus 36:1 (October 2023) p. 4

Editorial

Cornelia van Deventer

In 2023, the South African Theological Seminary singled out ethics as an academic focus for the institution. Our e-conference, “Theology, Ethics, and the Church: Perspectives from the Global South,” raised the question, “How does biblically-informed, Christlike, Spirit-empowered, and God-glorifying ethics inform and transform clergy, congregants, communities, countries, and even continents?” Conspectus 36 further explores this question with its various offerings. From articles in Biblical Studies, to those in Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, and Biblical Counselling, this issue addresses a variety of ethical questions and how faithful analysis of the biblical text ought to transform communities on the African continent and beyond. May the articles inspire our readers to think deeply and act wisely wherever they are situated.

Conspectus 36 Articles

In the first article, “Nonconformist Transformation: An Exegetical Study of Ephesians 5:7–14, ” José de Carvalho dives into Ephesians 5:11’s appeal to expose the unfruitful deeds of darkness, arguing that Paul had the deeds of unbelievers in mind. Through an exegetical and literary study of verses 7–14, de Carvalho demonstrates the missional value of non-verbal gospel communication through a nonconformist lifestyle that rejects secular norms. Next, Jiofack Kana C. Jésus points out the threats and opportunities in African missions, illustrating the need to engage biblical authority, theology, and anthropology for an effective and faithful missional theology in and for Africa. In his article entitled, “Towards a Biblical Theology of Missions in Western Africa,” Jésus argues that African theologians are well positioned to articulate a biblical theology of missions.

In her article, “The Effects of Boko Haram on the Church in Nigeria: The Case of Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State,” Roseline Luka Vandi discusses the devastating impact of Boko Haram on the church in the Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Employing a critical phenomenological method, Vandi makes recommendations about the hopeful and redemptive role of the church and its leaders in the aftermath of the insurgence.

Next, June Dickie applies literature trauma theory to demonstrate how reading and performing the biblical story of Ruth and selected lament psalms could facilitate more cost-effective healing for trauma sufferers. Reflecting on the outcomes of readings and performances of these texts with selected groups, Dickie argues that this approach gives sufferers the opportuni...