Jean-Claude Loba-Mkole
University of the Free State, Hebrew, Department Member
- Jean-Claude Loba Mkole (OP, STD, PhD) is a Global Translation Adviser with the United Bible Societies (Nairobi, KE) a... moreJean-Claude Loba Mkole (OP, STD, PhD) is a Global Translation Adviser with the United Bible Societies (Nairobi, KE) and Research Fellow with the Free State University (Bloemfontein, SA). His research Areas include New Testament Exegesis (Synoptic Gospels and Pauline Literature), Bible Translation Studies (Functionalist Theories), Biblical Canon Criticism. His favourite interpretive tools consist of historical-crtical, literary and cultural paradigms.edit
Christian canonical Scriptures may include books from Tanakh, Septuagint and New Testament. Several theories have guided the translation of those books into different languages within the canonical boundaries of Catholic, Orthodox or... more
Christian canonical Scriptures may include books from Tanakh, Septuagint and New Testament. Several theories have guided the translation of those books into different languages within the canonical boundaries of Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant churches. Those theories have mostly been more recently inspired by Nida’s functional equivalence theory. However, the Skopos or functionalist theory, as championed by Nord, is now emerging as a new approach without necessarily rejecting all the achievements of functional equivalence. This article aims to show how an intercultural approach goes beyond functional and functionalist theories to integrate canonical insights into the production of the Bible translations.
Key words: intercultural translation, functional equivalence, Skopos theory, Biblical canons.
Key words: intercultural translation, functional equivalence, Skopos theory, Biblical canons.
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This article shows that according to Romans 14:19, peace-building and mutual edification are closely interrelated. This hypothesis is substantiated through an intercultural method, which explores the issues of peace from a triple... more
This article shows that according to Romans 14:19, peace-building and mutual edification are closely interrelated. This hypothesis is substantiated through an intercultural method, which explores the issues of peace from a triple perspective: a contemporary culture (DR Congo), an original Biblical culture (Rm 14:19) and a past Church culture (Church Fathers). These three frames basically agree that for restoring and maintaining peace, it is important to fight against its main cause, namely, sin. It is equally important to cultivate things that promote peace and
mutual edification.
mutual edification.
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This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis... more
This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis postulates that constant prayer and work are associated with the concepts of thanksgiving (words of the εὐχαριστ-lemma) and exemplarity. It is argued that Pauline recommendations about praying and working without ceasing prove to be supported not only by an original biblical culture, but also by a church culture as well as a currently emerging African culture.
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A bstract: This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys... more
A bstract: This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys Caragounis. These findings – based on historical-critical research-include among other things a triple meaning of παρθένος (young virgin woman, young virgin man and the state of virginity), a preference for alternative reading γαμείτω (imperative singular) instead of the plural form γαμείτωσαν, and an interpretation of ὑπέρακμοςin the sense of sexual urges in place of flower of age. These findings are strengthened by some inputs from intercultural analysis, highlighting that variants γαμείτωσαν and γαμείτω can be understood as parallel readings that point to the diversity in the ways of interpreting the very issue during the times of the original biblical cultures; and secondly it has also elucidated the importance of παρθένος phenomenon in Church cultures.
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The aim of this paper is to discuss NT canons, using an intercultural method in dialogue with historical and canonical approaches. While focusing on NT canons, this study presumes that a Christian Bible is made of two sub-collections, the... more
The aim of this paper is to discuss NT canons, using an intercultural method in dialogue with historical and canonical approaches. While focusing on NT canons, this study presumes that a Christian Bible is made of two sub-collections, the Old or First Testament and the New or Second Testament. It also assumes that each of the two sections may have canonical and non-canonical books, but not deuterocanonical books, suggesting that the term " deuterocanonical " is inappropriate for designating books that faith communities regard as either canonical or non-canonical.
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This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis... more
This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis postulates that constant prayer and work are associated with the concepts of thanksgiving (words of the εὐχαριστ-lemma) and exemplarity. It is argued that Pauline recommendations about praying and working without ceasing prove to be supported not only by an original biblical culture, but also by a church culture as well as a currently emerging African culture.
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The aim of this study is to show similarities and differences between Greek and Swahili texts of the New Testament, especially at the lexical, morphological , syntactic, and semantic levels. It uses an intercultural approach that compares... more
The aim of this study is to show similarities and differences between Greek and Swahili texts of the New Testament, especially at the lexical, morphological , syntactic, and semantic levels. It uses an intercultural approach that compares Greek, Latin, and Swahili texts, and argues that there is a great deal of similarity between the Greek and the Swahili languages at the grammatical level, except for the Greek deponent form, which has no formal equivalent in Swahili.
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The role that Africa has played in the history of Bible translation since the event of the LXX is impressive. Yet, there is still a lot that Africa can contribute to Bible translation theory and practice. Following a previous study on... more
The role that Africa has played in the history of Bible translation since the event of the LXX is impressive. Yet, there is still a lot that Africa can contribute to Bible translation theory and practice. Following a previous study on this topic (Loba-Mkole 2008), this paper attempts to articulate how African theology of reconstruction can contribute to enhance new ways of understanding and doing Bible translation in Africa. Jesse N.K. Mugambi remains one of the most known proponents of reconstruction theology in Africa. The first section of the present study seeks to appreciate Mugambi's contribution in the light of other similar writings, especially those from Kinshasa school of theology and Charles Villa-Vicencio from South Africa. Generally speaking, reconstruction paradigm is meant to rebuild all sectors of life in Africa, including Church ministries of which Bible translation constitutes an integral part. The second part will point out areas in which reconstruction paradigm is able to contribute specifically in the field of Bible translation.
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In the missionary expansion of Christianity, Scripture translations have served as the main catalyst even if they have sometimes been taken for granted. From a historical perspective, it can rightly be argued that Christianity owes its... more
In the missionary expansion of Christianity, Scripture translations have served as the main catalyst even if they have sometimes been taken for granted. From a historical perspective, it can rightly be argued that Christianity owes its very being to translations. This paper addresses this issue through a threefold working hypothesis: Is there anything going on in translation theory? Are recent translation theories significantly different form that of E.A. Nida? Can Bible translation in Africa contribute anything to translation study? These questions will be dealt with in the second part of this paper. However, the first part of the paper is devoted to the historical background of Bible translation practices. After presenting a working definition of Scripture translation, this part will explore the origin, development and interpretative role of Scripture translations.
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This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis... more
This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul's recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis postulates that constant prayer and work are associated with the concepts of thanksgiving (words of the εὐχαριστ-lemma) and exemplarity. It is argued that Pauline recommendations about praying and working without ceasing prove to be supported not only by an original biblical culture, but also by a church culture as well as a currently emerging African culture.
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Abstact This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars " a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical... more
Abstact This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars " a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical scholarship. " This view is substantiated in two ways: the first deals with an exegesis of the expression "son of man", while the second highlights some exegetical myths about "son of man". The first part includes sections on the linguistic origin of "son of man", "son of man" in the history of religions, and "son of man" as a historical figure according to Mark and Q. The second part comprises the sections dealing with the understanding of myth, and the myth of the "son of man" as a messianic title adopted by Jesus and by the early Church.
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Tradition played a decisive role in determining the criteria for canonicity. Different community leaders progressively recognized as authoritative the books their community used and read publicly regularly, which were considered to... more
Tradition played a decisive role in determining the criteria for canonicity. Different community leaders progressively recognized as authoritative the books their community used and read publicly regularly, which were considered to derive from leaders of old such as Moses, the prophets, the sages, or the apostles.
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Using intercultural translation criticism combined with the functional equivalence translation theory, the present article argues that the LXX nomos (law, instruction, statute) with its derivative nomimos (law, ordinance) serves as a... more
Using intercultural translation criticism combined with the functional equivalence translation theory, the present article argues that the LXX nomos (law, instruction, statute) with its derivative nomimos (law, ordinance) serves as a better functional equivalent for the Hebrew counterparts tōrâ/ḥûqqâ/ḥoq (law, ordinance, statute). Moreover, the Latin Vulgate and the Kiswahili Union Version echo a similar functional equivalence in their rendering of tōrâ/ḥûqqâ (Exod 12:43-49) with religio (ritual) / lex (law) or amri (commandment) / sheria (law), respectively. Consequently, the findings of this study invite LXX scholars, literary translation theorists, and practitioners to join hands and share their inputs for an improved understanding of LXX translation techniques and better translation practices.
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The current paper tells the story of a paradigm transmutation from inculturation to interculturality. Interpretive paradigm shifts frequently occur in scholarly circles, but a paradigm transmutation could be a rare phenomenon. The... more
The current paper tells the story of a paradigm transmutation from inculturation to interculturality. Interpretive paradigm shifts frequently occur in scholarly circles, but a paradigm transmutation could be a rare phenomenon. The paradigm transmutation from inculturation to interculturality, currently happening in Africa, is unique. Using an African narratological approach, because “one who sees something good must narrate it” (Ganda proverb), this approach will tell stories of inculturation and interculturality paradigms as they unfold through the writings of some theologians.
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The purpose of this article was to investigate the potential that the labour and subjective theory of value in the agricultural context may have for the interpretation of Matthew 20:1–16. This investigation highlighted the divergence in... more
The purpose of this article was to investigate the potential that the labour and subjective theory of value in the agricultural context may have for the interpretation of Matthew 20:1–16. This investigation highlighted the divergence in wages between workers, the exuberant remuneration strategy of the landowner, his generosity, the indignation of the labourers hired first and the landowner’s reluctance to reimburse them. I argued that the classic labour theory of value provides an explanation of why the indignant labourers were angry and felt unjustly treated. However, it fails to account for the divergence in remuneration more appropriately addressed by subjective theory of value that focuses on the use value of goods and marginal utility. Finally, the agrarian theory provides perspective on the unwillingness of the landowner to reimburse the indignant labourers and the mystery of meaningful labour in agriculture that serves as a metaphor for the kingdom of heaven.Contribution: In ...
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Paul usually ends his letters with salutations to believers who meet in someone else’s house. Far from being individualistic, these greetings also include people from different house churches. Considered from a functional angle, these... more
Paul usually ends his letters with salutations to believers who meet in someone else’s house. Far from being individualistic, these greetings also include people from different house churches. Considered from a functional angle, these greetings cement relationships between house churches. Within an ubuntu worldview, the oral praxis of sereto (Sepedi) or isiduko (IsiXhosa) (praise-poetry) establishes and confirms relationships between members of the same community (family, clan or tribe). The question is how such praxes affect women who belong to such communities.Contribution: This article is a comparative analysis of how some of the salutations used at the end of some of Paul’s epistles touch on gender relations in the same way as the ubuntu oral praxis of sereto or isiduko touches on gender relations among members of a community (family, clan or tribe).
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The confession in Mark 14:62 seems to be the most comprehensive Christological compendium of a very early Christian community. This passage reveals Jesus' identity as the Christ, Son of God and Son of man. It has a performative... more
The confession in Mark 14:62 seems to be the most comprehensive Christological compendium of a very early Christian community. This passage reveals Jesus' identity as the Christ, Son of God and Son of man. It has a performative meaning that operates not only for Jesus' earthly life and death, but also for his resurrection and parousia: "You will see" (Mark 14:62b). Some theologiansportray Jesus Christ as Ancestor or African King. The purpose of this study is to show how far the African concepts of "ancestor" and "king" can be relevant and legitimate in the light of the Christology of Mark 14:62.
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This article aims at showing how Jesus is the apex of biblical canons, the authority that grants the status of sacredness to Christian, canonical and biblical books. It uses an intercultural approach involving three cultural frames of... more
This article aims at showing how Jesus is the apex of biblical canons, the authority that grants the status of sacredness to Christian, canonical and biblical books. It uses an intercultural approach involving three cultural frames of reference whereby the Protestant Church leadership will represent a contemporary culture, while the Roman Catholic Church stands for traditional church culture, and Jesus’ authority reflects an original biblical culture. Consequently, the article consists of three parts: the impact of Scripture on the contemporary Protestant Church in Africa, the authority of biblical canon in the Roman Catholic Church and Jesus’ authority in original biblical cultures.Contribution: The article has established that in the biblical cultures, Jesus’ authority is recognised in canonical gospels and in extra canonical writings. In the Catholic Church, this authority is celebrated in the liturgy, expanded from the canonical biblical books and translated into the canon law. ...
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This article presents a model for “intercultural exegesis” and applies this model to Luke 22:69 and Acts 7:56. In this process, the term “Son of Man” is approached from two perspectives: that of a biblical culture in the first century... more
This article presents a model for “intercultural exegesis” and applies this model to Luke 22:69 and Acts 7:56. In this process, the term “Son of Man” is approached from two perspectives: that of a biblical culture in the first century Graeco-Roman world, and that of a current Christian culture in Africa. The study concludes that the “Son of Man” concept in the selected texts not only includes a reference to the eschatological saviour, judge and defender, but also creates a sense of Jesus’ solidarity with his fellow human beings. Such an understanding would certainly have led to Jesus’ exaltation by his followers, who lived under conditions of social turmoil in the Graeco-Roman world of the first century, and would lead to such an exaltation by those who experience similar circumstances in Africa today.
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The ultimate authority of the Christian Bible remains the person of Jesus. He is the apex that confers the intrinsic authority to each canonical book and the extrinsic authority behind the lists of canonical books recognised either by the... more
The ultimate authority of the Christian Bible remains the person of Jesus. He is the apex that confers the intrinsic authority to each canonical book and the extrinsic authority behind the lists of canonical books recognised either by the Roman Catholic Church or Protestant churches. This article has established that in the biblical cultures, Jesus' authority is recognised in canonical gospels and in extra canonical writings. In the Catholic Church, this authority is celebrated in the liturgy, expanded from the canonical biblical books and translated into the canon law. In the current Protestant Church in Africa, Jesus' authority empowers the ministers to significantly impact their audiences. Contribution: The article has established that in the biblical cultures, Jesus' authority is recognised in canonical gospels and in extra canonical writings. In the Catholic Church, this authority is celebrated in the liturgy, expanded from the canonical biblical books and translated into the canon law. In the current Protestant Church in Africa, Jesus' authority empowers the ministers to significantly impact their audiences.
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The present paper attempts to show how the passion narrative (Mk 14:1-16:20) can be re-enacted as oral performance today. It presumes that the canonical written form of this narrative originated from oral-aural communication. It follows... more
The present paper attempts to show how the passion narrative (Mk 14:1-16:20) can be re-enacted as oral performance today. It presumes that the canonical written form of this narrative originated from oral-aural communication. It follows the Marcan story space and proposes a script for the oral performance in a context of Kiswahili-speaking audience of Eastern Africa.
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The aim of this paper is to discuss NT canons, using an intercultural method in dialogue with historical and canonical approaches. While focusing on NT canons, this study presumes that a Christian Bible is made of two sub-collections, the... more
The aim of this paper is to discuss NT canons, using an intercultural method in dialogue with historical and canonical approaches. While focusing on NT canons, this study presumes that a Christian Bible is made of two sub-collections, the Old or First Testament and the New or Second Testament. It also assumes that each of the two sections may have canonical and non-canonical books, but not deuterocanonical books, suggesting that the term “deuterocanonical” is inappropriate for designating books that faith communities regard as either canonical or non-canonical.
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This study reviews the rise and development of intercultural exegesis in Africa, especially of the New Testament. Its origins are traced to 1996, when Justin S. Ukpong published an article introducing and applying the method of... more
This study reviews the rise and development of intercultural exegesis in Africa, especially of the New Testament. Its origins are traced to 1996, when Justin S. Ukpong published an article introducing and applying the method of inculturation biblical hermeneutic to Lk. 16.1-13. In 1998, Jean-Bosco Matand used the same method to interpret Acts 15.1-35 and Gal. 2.11-14. In 2001 and 2003, this method was adopted by Antoine C.N. Cilumba and Chris U. Manus who called it intercultural exegesis or intercultural hermeneutics. The former applied it to Jn 2.23—3.36 while the latter extended it to many texts including Mk 1.40-45. Jean-Claude Loba-Mkole developed this method further in 2005, using the term intercultural biblical exegesis as well as intercultural biblical mediation to interpret Lk. 22.69 and Acts 7.56.
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The relationship between Saint Paul and the continent of Africa has never been a significant point of discussion in the New Testament studies. The same can be observed about other continents, even if the study of the Pauline corpus... more
The relationship between Saint Paul and the continent of Africa has never been a significant point of discussion in the New Testament studies. The same can be observed about other continents, even if the study of the Pauline corpus touches on some countries of Europe and the Middle East. The present article was triggered by the invitation of the Catholic Church to celebrate the 3rd millennium of Paul’s birthday during the period of June 2008 – June 2009, which was declared as the Year of Paul all over the world. It raises and discusses the question of relevance of Paul to Africa and vice versa in the light of intercultural exegesis.
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This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul’s recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis... more
This article raises the question of the balance between prayer and work. This topic is discussed through an intercultural approach of Paul’s recommendation about praying and working without ceasing (1 Th 1:9; 3:10). The main hypothesis postulates that constant prayer and work are associated with the concepts of thanksgiving (words of the εὐχαριστ-lemma) and exemplarity. It is argued that Pauline recommendations about praying and working without ceasing prove to be supported not only by an original biblical culture, but also by a church culture as well as a currently emerging African culture.
Research Interests:
This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars “a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical... more
This article aims to show that some of the New Testament interpretations of the "son of man" phrase appear to be, according to B Lindars “a myth, created, not by the thinkers of the New Testament times, but by modern critical scholarship.” This view is substantiated in two ways: the first deals with an exegesis of the expression "son of man", while the second highlights some exegetical myths about "son of man". The first part includes sections on the linguistic origin of "son of man", "son of man" in the history of religions, and "son of man" as a historical figure according to Mark and Q. The second part comprises the sections dealing with the understanding of myth, and the myth of the "son of man" as a messianic title adopted by Jesus and by the early Church.
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This article argues for the importance of Bible translations through its historical achievements and theoretical frames of reference. The missionary expansion of Christianity owes its very being to translations. The early Christian... more
This article argues for the importance of Bible translations through its historical achievements and theoretical frames of reference. The missionary expansion of Christianity owes its very being to translations. The early Christian communities knew the Bible through the LXX translations while churches today still continue to use various translations. Translations shape Scripture interpretations, especially when a given interpretation depends on a particular translation. A particular interpretation can also influence a given translation. The article shows how translation theories have been developed to clarify and how the transaction source-target is culturally handled. The articles discuss some of these “theoretical frames”, namely the functional equivalence, relevance, literary functional equivalence and intercultural mediation. By means of a historical overview and a reflection on Bible translation theories the article aims to focus on the role of Africa in translation history.
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... Kinshasa-Gombe, CONGO Résumé / Abstract. The messianic secret is a major literary device in the Gospel of Mark. Mk 14:62 or 15:39 have been pointed out as the place where the messianic secret is disclosed. The passage ...
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This study reviews the rise and development of intercultural exegesis in Africa, especially of the New Testament. Its origins are traced to 1996, when Justin S. Ukpong published an article introducing and applying the method of... more
This study reviews the rise and development of intercultural exegesis in Africa, especially of the New Testament. Its origins are traced to 1996, when Justin S. Ukpong published an article introducing and applying the method of incultura-tion biblical hermeneutic to Lk. 16.1-13. In 1998, Jean-Bosco Matand used the same method to interpret Acts 15.1-35 and Gal. 2.11-14. In 2001 and 2003, this method was adopted by Antoine C.N. Cilumba and Chris U. Manus who called it intercultural exegesis or intercultural hermeneutics. The former applied it to Jn 2.23–3.36 while the latter extended it to many texts including Mk 1.40-45. Jean-Claude Loba-Mkole developed this method further in 2005, using the term intercultural biblical exegesis as well as intercultural biblical mediation to interpret Lk. 22.69 and Acts 7.56.
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is participating as research associate in the project
This article traces the rise and development of intercultural Biblical exegesis in Africa, especially with regard to New Testament interpretations. Different trends of Biblical exegesis practiced in Africa are explored, whereafter the... more
This article traces the rise and development of intercultural Biblical exegesis in Africa, especially with regard to New Testament interpretations. Different trends of Biblical exegesis practiced in Africa are explored, whereafter the different phases of intercultural exegesis are discussed. The focus falls on inculturation hermeneutic as an important method of interpreting the Bible in an African context. The different proponents of this method are discussed and differences in approach are noted and appraised as a healthy tension.
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The relationship between Saint Paul and the continent of Africa has never been a significant point of discussion in the New Testament studies. The same can be observed about other continents, even if the study of the Pauline corpus... more
The relationship between Saint Paul and the continent of Africa has never been a significant point of discussion in the New Testament studies. The same can be observed about other continents, even if the study of the Pauline corpus touches on some countries of Europe and the Middle East. The present article was triggered by the invitation of the Catholic Church to celebrate the 3rd millennium of Paul's birthday during the period of June 2008 - June 2009, which was declared as the Year of Paul all over the world. It raises and discusses the question of relevance of Paul to Africa and vice versa in the light of intercultural exegesis.
Research Interests: Philosophy and Reference
This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys Caragounis.... more
This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys Caragounis. These findings – based on historical-critical research - include among other things a triple meaning of παρθένος (young virgin woman, young virgin man and the state of virginity), a preference for alternative reading γαμeίτω (imperative singular) instead of the plural form γαμeίτωσαν, and an interpretation of ὑπέρακμοςin the sense of sexual urges in place of flower of age. These findings are strengthened by some inputs from intercultural analysis, highlighting that variants γαμeίτωσαν and γαμeίτω can be understood as parallel readings that point to the diversity in the ways of interpreting the very issue during the times of the original biblical cultures; and secondly it has also elucidated the importance of παρθένος phenomenon in Church cultures.
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The role that Africa has played in the history of Bible translation since the event of the LXX is impressive. Yet, there is still a lot that Africa can contribute to Bible translation theory and practice. Following a previous study on... more
The role that Africa has played in the history of Bible translation since the event of the LXX is impressive. Yet, there is still a lot that Africa can contribute to Bible translation theory and practice. Following a previous study on this topic (LobaMkole 2008), this paper attempts to articulate how African theology of reconstruction can contribute to enhance new ways of understanding and doing Bible translation in Africa. Jesse N. K. Mugambi remains one of the most known proponents of reconstruction theology in Africa. The first section of the present study seeks to appreciate Mugambi’s contribution in the light of other similar writings, especially those from Kinshasa school of theology and Charles Villa-Vicencio from South Africa. Generally speaking, reconstruction paradigm is meant to rebuild all sectors of life in Africa, including Church ministries of which Bible translation constitutes an integral part. The second part will point out areas in which reconstruction paradigm is...
This paper intends to address the issue of violence from Pauline perspectives in order to understand critically the pastoral letter of John Cardinal Njue on reconciliation (Lent 2008). It proposes some ethical virtues that can contribute... more
This paper intends to address the issue of violence from Pauline perspectives in order to understand critically the pastoral letter of John Cardinal Njue on reconciliation (Lent 2008). It proposes some ethical virtues that can contribute to stop or reduce violence, and promote peace more effectively. To paraphrase Roger Burggraeve (1991), this contribution addresses the need of a reflective peace ethic. From a concrete historical context, the reflective peace ethic looks for insights and justifications on behalf of Christian and human peace promotion activities, based on experiences and critical arguments that are universally accessible and communicable.
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Extracted from text ... West, O G & Dube, W M (eds), 2000 - The Bible in Africa: Transactions, trajectories and trends Leiden: Brill. 828 pages. Price: unknown Reviewer: Jean Claude Loba Mkole (Kinshasa, DR Congo) The Bible in Africa... more
Extracted from text ... West, O G & Dube, W M (eds), 2000 - The Bible in Africa: Transactions, trajectories and trends Leiden: Brill. 828 pages. Price: unknown Reviewer: Jean Claude Loba Mkole (Kinshasa, DR Congo) The Bible in Africa ("BIA")! It is an impressive volume judging by its colourful cover, Bible format size and 39 essays. For the editors, it is not just a book, but is also a "collaborative project among African biblical scholars" (p 1). However, the collection is "only a partial picture of the presence of the Bible in Africa" (p ..
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This book is a ground-breaking piece of art. Such work is often greeted with admiration or suspicion. Those who admire a revolutionary act would like to emulate it while those filled with suspicion would want to destroy it. But there is a... more
This book is a ground-breaking piece of art. Such work is often greeted with admiration or suspicion. Those who admire a revolutionary act would like to emulate it while those filled with suspicion would want to destroy it. But there is a middle way, which requires each opinion group to pay attention to the issue involved before taking any firm stand. This is the attitude I would recommend to any reader of this book from the outset.
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This issue of The Bible Translator is devoted to the subject of the biblical canon, offering papers presented at UBS Global Bible Translation meetings. The introduction to the issue highlights the following points: the purpose of the... more
This issue of The Bible Translator is devoted to the subject of the biblical canon, offering papers presented at UBS Global Bible Translation meetings. The introduction to the issue highlights the following points: the purpose of the papers, church perspectives on biblical canons, the contents of the papers, and the findings and suggestions drawn from the authors’ conclusions.
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La presente etude vise a examiner si le comportement du gestionnaire raconte dans Luc 16:1-18 peut servir de modele dans la gestion chretienne des biens temporels. L'auteur utilise une approche interculturelle qui met en dialogue une... more
La presente etude vise a examiner si le comportement du gestionnaire raconte dans Luc 16:1-18 peut servir de modele dans la gestion chretienne des biens temporels. L'auteur utilise une approche interculturelle qui met en dialogue une culture biblique, une tradition de l'Eglise et une audience contemporaine. A la fin de l'article l'auteur prend position en affirmant que le comportement du gestionnaire, souvent juge malhonnete, est a louer parce qu'il decoule du desir de solidarite et pas de l'intention de tricher ou de voler.
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This paper introduces Simon Kimbangu, Joseph Malula and Jean Ifoto Bokambanza Bokeleale as three leading figures who have shaped major forms of Christianity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the aftermath of the “authenticity”... more
This paper introduces Simon Kimbangu, Joseph Malula and Jean Ifoto Bokambanza Bokeleale as three leading figures who have shaped major forms of Christianity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the aftermath of the “authenticity” movement. This movement sought to strengthen the cultural identity of black people and their liberation from alienating conditions such as discrimination, oppression, and subservience.
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A bstract: This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys... more
A bstract: This paper aims at showing that Bible translators would satisfactorily overcome the challenges posed by the inadequate interpretations of παρθένος in 1 Cor 7:25-38 if they could take into consideration the findings of Chrys Caragounis. These findings – based on historical-critical research-include among other things a triple meaning of παρθένος (young virgin woman, young virgin man and the state of virginity), a preference for alternative reading γαμείτω (imperative singular) instead of the plural form γαμείτωσαν, and an interpretation of ὑπέρακμοςin the sense of sexual urges in place of flower of age. These findings are strengthened by some inputs from intercultural analysis, highlighting that variants γαμείτωσαν and γαμείτω can be understood as parallel readings that point to the diversity in the ways of interpreting the very issue during the times of the original biblical cultures; and secondly it has also elucidated the importance of παρθένος phenomenon in Church cultures.
Research Interests:
This book intends to show how a Scripture translation or exegesis proceeds through the mediation of a triple set of cultures, namely the original biblical cultures, established church cultures (or church traditions) and the current... more
This book intends to show how a Scripture translation or exegesis
proceeds through the mediation of a triple set of cultures, namely
the original biblical cultures, established church cultures (or church
traditions) and the current target cultures (or present target audiences). These entities are distinctive and yet linked, as they all appear to be driven by the dynamics of heritage, which involve a process of reception, actualization and transmission. As a matter of illustration, a current target culture is, in a way, a creative actualization of meanings received from the original biblical cultures and those of the church cultures of which a certain amount of experience will be tested and transmitted to the next generations. This book specifically focuses on how Gospels have been received, actualized and transmitted as a heritage through the three sets of cultures above mentioned.
proceeds through the mediation of a triple set of cultures, namely
the original biblical cultures, established church cultures (or church
traditions) and the current target cultures (or present target audiences). These entities are distinctive and yet linked, as they all appear to be driven by the dynamics of heritage, which involve a process of reception, actualization and transmission. As a matter of illustration, a current target culture is, in a way, a creative actualization of meanings received from the original biblical cultures and those of the church cultures of which a certain amount of experience will be tested and transmitted to the next generations. This book specifically focuses on how Gospels have been received, actualized and transmitted as a heritage through the three sets of cultures above mentioned.
Research Interests:
In relation to Jesus, the expression son of man does not make him a divine messiah. It is Jesus as the incarnated and resurrected son of God who confers a messianic meaning to that expression.