Abstract
Reading a text presupposes, at least to some extent, an attempt on the part of the reader to understand the text. This process is not always a smooth one, especially not when the text dates from a time and place very foreign to the reader. This article investigates one of the ways in which these “rough places”, that inevitably limits the understanding of an ancient text, can to some extent be overcome. It takes as point of departure a modern-day contribution to literary theory. This is placed within the framework of a discussion in the GKSA with regard to the role of women in the church. It is suggested that the continuation of an interpretative tradition depends on the interaction between such a tradition and society.
Highlights
A lot has changed in South Africa over the past decade
The changes affect society at large – from the bastions of political power, through the field of economy, in academia, right down to the local school board. Most of these changes were the results of the democratisation of South Africa, following the 1994 general elections and the country subsequently taking its place in the international community
During its 2003 national synod the Gereformeerde Kerke in Suid-Afrika (GKSA) decided to reverse an earlier decision related to the ordination of women in the church offices of deacon, elder and minister
Summary
The changes affect society at large – from the bastions of political power, through the field of economy, in academia, right down to the local school board Most of these changes were the results of the democratisation of South Africa, following the 1994 general elections and the country subsequently taking its place in the international community. In 2003 it was decided to allow women in the office of deacon.1 This article relates this change in polity to an understanding and interpretation of the Bible as religious text. In arguing for a more reader-centred approach to biblical interpretation, this article starts with a historical survey of the issue pertaining to the role of women in the church (GKSA) This survey will focus mainly on official decisions taken on the subject by different synods, even though these decisions do not always indicate the general sentiment in the churches. This will be done using a theoretical framework proposed by Iser
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