Vol 42, No 1 (2021)

African Hermeneutics, guest edited by Prof. Dirk Human (0000-0003-0346-4209). This collection contributes to the journal by engaging Theology and Religion through African contextual hermeneutics in an interdisciplinary manner. The articles centre African worldviews, interpretive frameworks, and lived experiences, advancing the journal’s mission to promote contextually rooted theological scholarship.

Table of Contents
Table of Contents Vol 42, No 1 (2021)	\| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2464 \| 30 December 2021

Review Article
The art of interpreting God’s action in the theology of three medieval mystic women Edith González-Bernal	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2177 \| 28 May 2021

Original Research
Negus Ezana: Revisiting the Christianisation of Aksum Rugare Rukuni	\| HTML \| XML \| EPUB \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2083 \| 03 February 2021

Original Research
Reconsidering ‘law’ in Hebrews Philip La.G. du Toit	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2146 \| 08 February 2021

Original Research
Latin American liberation theology: Does it fit in the schema of African theology of reconstruction? Julius M. Gathogo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2103 \| 17 February 2021

Original Research
COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa: Addiction, Christian spirituality and mental health Lea M. De Backer	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2135 \| 23 February 2021

Original Research
Reimagining pedagogy for theological education at a South African University: An ethnographic exploration Lindie Denny, Cas Wepener	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2143 \| 26 February 2021

Original Research
A critical review of World Council of Churches’ responses to the global challenges of migration Christopher Magezi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2121 \| 05 March 2021

Original Research
Was Eve the first femme fatale? Roche Coleman	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2138 \| 08 March 2021

Original Research
Fighting COVID-19 in Nigeria: Leadership and collaboration in Numbers 12:9–16 Favour C. Uroko, Chinyere T. Nwaoga	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2113 \| 15 March 2021

Original Research
Reinterpreting Paul’s perspective of celibacy in 1 Corinthians 7 in light of singlehood amongst Nigerian Christians Solomon O. Ademiluka	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2147 \| 16 March 2021

Original Research
Contextualisation: A case study of a team within an international missional order Kasebwe T.L. Kabongo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2171 \| 17 March 2021

Original Research
A public pastoral assessment of the interplay between ‘she was created inferior’ and cultural perceptions of women by Christian men in Zimbabwe as accessory to gender-based violence Vhumani Magezi, Peter Manzanga	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2139 \| 25 March 2021

Original Research
The destruction of the golden calf (Ex 32:20): A materials science perspective Tarcicio Gaitán Briceño, Emigdio Mendoza Fandiño, Piedad Gañán Rojo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2175 \| 20 April 2021

Original Research
The impact of mediatisation in the healing ministry of African preachers Sonny Eli Zaluchu	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2198 \| 20 April 2021

Original Research
Thuma Mina: A critical discourse on the prospect of a Ramaphosa presidency through the lenses of Isaiah 6:8 Thinandavha D. Mashau, Mookgo S. Kgatle	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2129 \| 30 April 2021

Original Research
The prophet like Moses (Dt 18:15–22): Some trajectories in the history of interpretation Christoph W. Stenschke	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a1962 \| 30 April 2021

Original Research
The political vow of Jephthah in Judges 11:30-31 Makmur Tore, Nelci N. Ndolu	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2148 \| 06 May 2021

Original Research
Authentic African community development practices in a diverse society: A transdisciplinary approach Marichen van der Westhuizen, Jacques W. Beukes, Thomas Greuel	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2150 \| 11 May 2021

Original Research
Environmental protection as a global bioethical principle: Protestant faith tradition in conversation with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Adriaan L. Rheeder	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2186 \| 11 May 2021

Original Research
Defining harm: The harm principle and religious rights in South Africa Nicolaas Vorster	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2210 \| 14 May 2021

Original Research
Pastoral leadership in a congregational church setting: The case of the Baptist Convention of South Africa Thembelani Elvis Jentile	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2170 \| 07 June 2021

Original Research
The Rustenburg Church Conference of 1990: A call to the churches in South Africa after 30 years Johan M. van der Merwe	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2232 \| 09 June 2021

Original Research
Beyond post-Christendom discipleship of the Evangelical Church in the United Kingdom: A study of the Gospel of Matthew in the transformissional and holistic perspective Desmond Henry, Max F. Swart	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2229 \| 14 June 2021

Original Research
Middeleeuse Studies, Mediëvalistiek en Mediëvalisme: Kritiese onderskeide en samehange Johann Beukes	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2236 \| 28 June 2021

Original Research
Leadership functions and church decline in the Reformed Churches in South Africa: Considering Ephesians 4:11–16 Ignatius W. Ferreira, Wilbert Chipenyu	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2189 \| 02 July 2021

Original Research
The power of performing biblical text today: For trauma-healing, evangelism, discipleship and for supporting careful biblical study/translation June F. Dickie	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2233 \| 20 July 2021

Original Research
Reality of insecurity in Psalm 7 and Christian mission in Nigeria Mary J. Obiorah	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2141 \| 22 July 2021

Original Research
An analysis of Isaiah 62:6–7 – A psychology of religion approach Philip Suciadi Chia	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2206 \| 22 July 2021

Original Research
Grieving during a pandemic: A psycho-theological response Mookgo S. Kgatle, Puleng Segalo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2260 \| 29 July 2021

Original Research
An irresistible beauty in 1 Peter Philip Suciadi Chia	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2193 \| 30 July 2021

Original Research
Do Mark 7:1–23 and Matthew 15:1–20 condone the unusual practices of New Prophetic Pentecostal Churches? Vuyisile Qiki, Llewellyn Howes	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2254 \| 30 July 2021

Original Research
An interdisciplinary perspective on the theology of masculinity Adam Rybicki, Andrzej K. Jastrzębski	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2269 \| 30 July 2021

Original Research
Reforum: A brief but not unimportant chapter in the Dutch Reformed Church’s apartheid saga P.G.J. Meiring	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2241 \| 02 August 2021

Original Research
Mystery and multiculturalism: Should the musterion of Ephesians 3 encourage multiculturalism in South African churches? Desmond Henry, Darryl Soal	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2191 \| 05 August 2021

Original Research
Fruit in the unfruitful season: A case study of the Indonesian Bethel Church’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic Fransiskus I. Widjaja, Rubin A. Abraham, Fredy Simanjuntak, Noh I. Boiliu, Otieli Harefa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2247 \| 10 August 2021

Original Research
Die lewensbeskouing van D.F. Malan (1874–1959) soos weerspieël in openbare standpunte Piet J. Strauss	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2214 \| 18 August 2021

Original Research
Die rol van die ouerhuis in die intergenerasionele geloofsvorming van die jeug in belang van ’n geïntegreerde jeugbediening Johan C. Avenant, Malan Nel, Joyce C. Jordaan	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2250 \| 18 August 2021

Original Research
The role of David in the composition and redactional grouping of the final davidic Psalter Carine Botha	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2291 \| 19 August 2021

Original Research
Making mega-space for others: Towards theology of mega-friendship from the table fellowship story according to Luke 5:27–32 Yohanes Parihala	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2292 \| 19 August 2021

Original Research
Besinning oor filosofie in die mistieke kloosterteks Hortus deliciarum (ca. 1185) deur Herrada Landsbergensis (ca. 1130–1191) Johann Beukes	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2199 \| 26 August 2021

Original Research
Whatever happened to God’s holiness? The holiness of God and the theological authenticity of the South African neo-Pentecostal prophetic activities Collium Banda	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2323 \| 26 August 2021

Original Research
The fight against gender-based violence: A missional nurturing of people of peace Kasebwe T. Kabongo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2194 \| 08 September 2021

Original Research
Haggai’s concern for South Africa: A positive transformation to socio-economic justice as a catalyst for reconciliation Doniwen Pietersen	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2265 \| 08 September 2021

Original Research
Moltmann in conversation with feminist theologians: How does his theology correlate and differ with feminist theology? Kelebogile T. Resane	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2319 \| 10 September 2021

Original Research
Making sense of the COVID-19 disruptions in incarnational ministry using Micah 6:8 as an interpretive framework Kasebwe T. Kabongo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2276 \| 10 September 2021

Original Research
The debatable identity in Isaiah 62:5 Philip Suciadi Chia	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2315 \| 16 September 2021

Original Research
The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and Social Ethics Peter D. Langerman	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2298 \| 17 September 2021

Original Research
Migration ethics in Genesis 47:1–12 as a limelight for Nigerian migrants Favour C. Uroko, Mary J. Obiorah, Success Nnadi	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2188 \| 27 September 2021

Original Research
The approach of conflict in Luke 12:49–59 through Form Criticism and its application in Nigerian churches Ezichi A. Ituma, Prince E. Peters	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2208 \| 29 September 2021

Original Research
The structure of Ezra-Nehemiah as a literary unit Hans-Georg Wünch	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2317 \| 05 October 2021

Original Research
Mocking the just God? A theological critique of President Mnangagwa’s use of the name of God to justify his rule in Zimbabwe Suspicion Mudzanire, Collium Banda	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2218 \| 12 October 2021

Original Research
Speaking in signs: Communicating the gospel with deaf people in Zimbabwe Kimion Tagwirei	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2322 \| 12 October 2021

Original Research
Suicide as a sin and mental illness: A dialogue between Christianity and psychology Hundzukani P. Khosa-Nkatini, Wonke Buqa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2318 \| 13 October 2021

Original Research
From the reign of terror to the reign of peace: The role of state, religions and church in God’s mission amidst terror Oinike N. Harefa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2252 \| 20 October 2021

Original Research
The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge: A replica of the suffering of widows in Zimbabwe Dzikamai Mundenda, Ernest van Eck	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2244 \| 20 October 2021

Original Research
Raptus en die ‘vorm van die wil’: ’n Transgressiewe lesing van Foucault se Augustinus-interpretasie in Les aveux de la chair Johann Beukes	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2310 \| 19 November 2021

Original Research
Trinity disruption Willem H. Oliver, Erna Oliver	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2337 \| 22 November 2021

Original Research
The unfinished business of Church history Erna Oliver	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2329 \| 30 November 2021

Original Research
Vom Recht des Proselyten in LXX-Maleachi 3:5 Evangelia G. Dafni	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2294 \| 03 December 2021

Original Research
Roles of Christian campus fellowships in the fight against cultism in Nigerian universities Collins I. Ugwu, Onyekachi G. Chukwuma	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2316 \| 03 December 2021

Original Research
The praxis of Adversus Praxeam: Tertullian’s views on the Trinity Willem H. Oliver	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2362 \| 09 December 2021

Original Research
As we were or seeking what we ought to be? A practical theological rethinking of the communio sanctorum in the light of COVID-19 Alfred R. Brunsdon	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2331 \| 10 December 2021

Original Research
Towards a non-colonial [divine] service Johann-Albrecht Meylahn	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2349 \| 10 December 2021

Original Research
The place of African belief and germ theory on the causes of human diseases Emmanuel C. Anizoba	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2366 \| 15 December 2021

Original Research
Rumi whirling in a secular age: Applying medieval Sufi wisdom to the questions of our day Arnold M. Meiring	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2390 \| 17 December 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Towards a hermeneutics of sustainability in Africa: Engaging indigenous knowledge in dialogue with Christianity Kivatsi J. Kavusa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2263 \| 18 June 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Beyond the rhetoric of Genesis 34:1–28: Understanding the rape epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic Favour Uroko, Solomon Enobong	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2211 \| 01 July 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Exploring Ruth 1:16–18 in the context of mother and daughter-in-law relationships in Igboland Damian O. Odo	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2213 \| 09 July 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Proverbs 28:19–22 and proliferation of sports betting amongst African youths Emmanuel U. Njoku, Onyekachi G. Chukwuma, Mary J. Obiorah	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2282 \| 22 July 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Seeing the world through the eyes of God: Reading the Book of Qoheleth in the light of Genesis 1:1–2:4a Gilbert N. Alaribe, Lawrence N. Okwuosa	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2261 \| 09 September 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Exploring religious power: A re-reading of Micah’s metaphor of food (Mi 3:5) in the context of African religious space Blessing O. Boloje	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2328 \| 13 October 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
1 Kings 12:1–24 and effects of hate speech in Nigeria Favour C. Uroko, Mary J. Obiorah	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2209 \| 21 October 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
Blame-game politics: Re-evaluating incongruent leprosy and COVID-19 policies in the Old Testament and Nigerian societies Paulinus O. Agbo, Malachy Okwueze, Kingsley Okoye, Felicia O. Okwueze	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2370 \| 11 November 2021

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics
African biblical hermeneutics and the Book of Ruth: Some observations Gezina G. de Villiers	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2371 \| 03 December 2021

Correction
Erratum: In defence of communitarianism philosophy: The contribution of moderate communitarianism to the formation of an African identity Walter P. Maqoma	\| HTML \| EPUB \| XML \| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2332 \| 10 November 2021

Reviewer Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement to reviewers Editorial Office	\| PDF
Verbum et Ecclesia \| Vol 42, No 1 \| a2459 \| 22 December 2021

African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS
Reg No: 2002/002017/07
International Tel: +27 21 975 2602
5 Hafele Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550, South Africa
publishing(AT)aosis.co.za replace (AT) with @

All articles published in this journal are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, unless otherwise stated.
Website design & content: ©2025 AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. No unauthorised duplication allowed.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy, Terms of Use and Security Policy.

________

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get specific, domain-collection newsletters detailing the latest CPD courses, scholarly research and call-for-papers in your field.

Verbum et Ecclesia | ISSN: 1609-9982 (PRINT) | ISSN: 2074-7705 (ONLINE)

Vol 42, No 1 (2021)

Table of Contents

Review Article

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Original Research - Special Collection: African Hermeneutics

Correction

Reviewer Acknowledgement

Subscribe to our newsletter