GOOD NEWS AT GERAS
Transformative Discourse and Theological Anthropology in Mark’s Gospel
Oxford, Bern, Berlin, Bruxelles, Frankfurt am Main, New York, Wien, 2011. VIII, 349 pp.
ISBN 978-3-0343-0294-4 pb.
sFr. 78.00 / EUR* 53.50 / EUR** 55.00 / EUR 50.00 / £ 45.00 / US-$ 77.95
* includes VAT – only valid for Germany / ** includes VAT – only valid for Austria / EUR does not include VAT
This book investigates Mark’s Gospel as an example of a ‘transformative discourse’ that uses many interwoven rhetorical elements to move its audience toward change. A detailed exegesis of the Gerasene demoniac story (Mark 5:1-20) in its literary setting highlights its significant contribution to this transformative discourse. What happens to the demoniac – release from bondage to evil, and entrance into a new perceptual world – typifies the dynamics of the Gospel’s theological anthropology and can be regarded as somewhat paradigmatic of human transformation in the context of Christian discipleship.
The heart of the book is its overview of Mark’s vision of humanity. The language and narrative rhetoric of Mark’s Gospel express ideas about human nature and human destiny that are strongly predicated on the new eschatological perspective of Jesus. Despite the fundamental distortion of humankind, the possibility of radical transformation is clear. The book highlights the transformative potential of the Gospel, demonstrating the rhetorical means by which Mark promotes the transformation of his audience and showing how this rhetoric is linked to a dynamic eschatological anthropology.
Contents:
Mark’s Gospel as a locus for theological anthropology – Mark’s Gospel as transformative discourse – The transformation of the demoniac in Mark 5:1-20 – The contribution of Mark 5:1-20 to Mark’s transformative discourse – The theological anthropology of Mark’s Gospel – The transformative potential of Mark 5:1-20.
Stuart T. Rochester worked in Australia as a biochemist and primary school teacher before commencing theological studies at Regent College, Vancouver, Canada. He completed his PhD in theology at Durham University, UK, in 2009. In the UK he has been a tutor in New Testament with the Open Theological College and with Greenwich School of Theology, and currently teaches New Testament at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa.
1. Please give a thumbnail sketch of your roles and responsibilities by way of introduction.
I can refer you to my Curriculum Vitae. I am with the Board of Directors of GST and committed to serving the GST and actualising its mission and mission statement.
2. Is Greenwich School of Theology (GST) the only UK/European institution associated with the Faculty of Theology of North-West University?
It is, though we have similar relationships and agreements with Theological Institutions in the RSA and other parts of the world.
3. What do you regard as the fruits of the relationship between NWU and GST, and how do you see this relationship developing in the future?
I am thankful to the Lord for what has been achieved! At the outset, in 1997, this kind of association was completely new to all of us. We were fortunate to have experienced and skilled people from both sides, committed to making a success of this challenge. Between 2000 and 2010, 31 students had received PhD and Masters’ degrees as a result of this agreement.
As far as the future is concerned, the Board of Directors has designed a strategic plan with a short- and a long-term mission which will be regularly updated. It deals with such issues as governance, management, financial stability, academic standards, sound communication and personal guidance to students, and responsible marketing.
4. GST students value the fact that their degrees are accredited internationally. How does NWU achieve this recognition?
This is one of the oldest and most respected universities in South Africa with a proud history. The university enjoys global acknowledgement. It is firmly established both nationally and internationally. It meets the requirements of the South African Government, in particular the Department of Education. Like the other SA Universities, it is regularly assessed and evaluated according to the regulations of the Department of Education (http://www.nwu.ac.za)
News in Brief
Students are reminded that it is now an obligatory requirement that all mini-dissertations, dissertations and theses be subject to a language read prior to final submission. The fee involved is currently £2 per thousand words or part thereof.
Can all Study-leaders, Supervisors and Promoters please note that they are now required to provide a quarterly report to the Dean on the status of each student under their tutelage. Forms for this purpose may be obtained from the Registrar’s office.
It is a requirement of the University that students intending to submit for final examination must give three months notice prior to their proposed date of submission. Dates for students wishing to submit in November 2011 are 31 August 2011.
The doctoral thesis of Dr Daniel T Lioy entitled The Book of Revelation in Christological Focus, which was researched and written under the promotership of Dr Colin Warner, is published in the USA by Peter Lang.
Another doctoral student from the USA, James Delmont, has had a play workshopped at the university in Nebraska. It should be going into local production early next year under the working title Miriam of Nazareth.
Our dear friend and colleague, Dr Rick L Walston, President of the Columbia Theological Seminary, has recently had a book published by Xulon Press; Unravelling the Mystery of the Motivational Gifts. Another book at the publishers and due for release shortly is The Speaking in Tongues Controversy.
Details of both are available via http://www.columbiaseminary.edu/books/tongues.html
The Finance Officer, Revd Robert G Winston, has asked to publish his gratitude on behalf of the School to all those who have made voluntary contributions to the work. Without the kindness of benefactors and donors, we would not be able to keep our fees at such a competitive rate. We must point out, however, that in view of our recent successful application to be awarded charitable status, anyone who wishes to make a future donation to Greenwich School of Theology and is a taxpayer can increase their giving by 28% courtesy of the government Gift Aid scheme. Details are available on request.
Mrs. Tienie Buys has been appointed as the new Registrar of Greenwich School of Theology
We are pleased to announce the addition of Dr Dan Lioy and Dr Stuart Rochester to the Panel of Recognised Language Readers, which also includes Peg Evans.
Our congratulations go to a current PhD student, Rt Hon John Adamu Longhor, who has recently become MP for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also to the Very Reverend Dean Jacob Ayeebo who has been appointed to the Council of State in Ghana
Timoty Lent, PhD-student:
I just received official documentation from World Education Services (WES) that my PhD from North-West University, a nationally accredited degree, is equivalent to a regionally accredited degree from a higher educational institution in the United States. The news is really great not only for me but also for both Greenwich School of Theology and NWU.
I want to encourage GST and NWU to be listed on WES as a world-wide institution of higher education at http://www.wes.org/ In so doing, you may attract students not only from the USA but all around the world.
Please share the news with the faculty and staff at GST and my spiritual brothers and sisters in South Africa.
Best Regards,
Timothy Lent, PhD (2010)
Rev Martin Davis, PhD-student:
My experience with GST/NWU has been very gratifying and rewarding. While the work required was demanding, my supervisors guided me through the entire process, not only providing me excellent academic assistance but also meaningful personal support and encouragement. The British system of supervised research is tailor-made to the needs of self-motivated pastors and interested others who wish to pursue higher academic credentials granted by an accredited university. I highly recommend the GST/NWU program.
Rev Martin M Davis
Rector, All Nations Anglican Church,
Jackson, MS (USA)
Paul McCuistion, PhD-student:
I am currently in my 3rd year at Greenwich School of Theology and am more excited than ever. This is a great program!
Paul McCuistion
Steve West, PhD-student:
My dissertation has been accepted (revised for book style) for publication by McMaster Divinity College Press here in Canada. McMaster Divinity College is the theological school of a major Canadian university. The final contract has not yet been signed, but the document is being drawn up, and the book proposal has been accepted. You will, of course, be featured in the acknowledgements, since I couldn’t have completed this work without your help.
Thanks again for all your help.
Steve West, PhD (2011)
stevewest2001@hotmail.com
It is with considerable regret that we wish to convey news of the recent death of Dr . Stuart Sime, who passed away in hospital on Monday 11th June 2012 in his native Edinburgh. For almost a year Stuart had been receiving intensive treatment for Lymphoma. Though the prognosis was positive at the start, subsequent complications led to his rapid deterioration in the last two weeks of his life. His death came as a shock to all who knew him.
He was for many years deeply involved and committed to Greenwich School of Theology, serving since 1987, first as Secretary to the Board of Governors and subsequently, to the Board of Directors, a role which he sustained to the very end. GST colleagues wish to pay tribute to Stuart, a long-term and dedicated servant of the School, fondly remembered by all who knew him as a colleague and a friend.
Synagogue Song: An Introduction to Concepts, Theories and Customs (McFarland and Co., 2012). It is also available at Amazon.com.
Israel’s Lament and the Discernment of Divine Revelation (Lambert Academic Press) Masters, on Amazon UK at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Israels-Lament-Discernment-Divine-Revelation/dp/3659113786/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340251174&sr=8-1
Prophetic Ministry in Jeremiah and Ezekiel (Peeters), PhD, on the Peeters website (coming to Amazon)
http://www.peeters-leuven.be/boekoverz.asp?nr=9146
Name of Book: The Shape of Bereavement: Working through
Author: Roger Grainger, Published: 2012
Pavilion Publishing (Brighton) Ltd
Brighton
ISBN: 978-1-908066-57-2
Printing: Ashford press
Evolutionary creation in biblical and theological perspective /
Dan Lioy
2012
English Book p. cm.
New York : P. Lang, ; ISBN: 9781433116247 (hardcover : alk. paper) 1433116243 (hardcover : alk. paper)
To ALL GST-students who have received degrees after the previous convocation in 2010, and who intend to submit before/on 31 May 2012
EARLY NOTIFICATION OF 2012 CONVOCATION
GST has every second year their convocation in London, and we wish herewith to invite you to attend this occasion. During this ceremony degrees are presented to those students whose degrees have already been conferred by the NWU in South Africa.
The next NWU/GST biennial Convocation is to be held at South Africa House, Trafalgar Square, London on the afternoon of Thursday, 4 October 2012 Guest speaker will be the former-President of South Africa Dr FW de Klerk.
This is ceremonial, attended by all the academics from NWU and GST and the certificate in a leather cover is presented on this occasion.
If you intend to be present for this convocation ceremony, we thought you would appreciate receiving this early notification as most of our students have to arrange for leave, flights, accommodation etc. Will you please send an e-mail to Tienie.Buys@nwu.ac.za or evansgst@btconnect.com indicating whether you consider to attend this exciting event in 2012!
GST appoints Professor Dries du Plooy as Dean
Greenwich School of Theology has appointed Professor Dries du Plooy as the new Dean and Chief Executive Officer. This was ratified by the GST board on the 17th May 2011.
“We are very fortunate to attract someone of Prof. du Plooy’s experience and expertise and we look forward Prof. Dries taking Greenwich School of Theology to new highs” commented Professor Byron Evans, Vice Chairman.
Prof. du Plooy is the former Dean of Theology at North-West University and takes up his position with immediate effect.
Greenwich School of Theology offers accredited distance learning theology degrees including PHD / Doctoral, Masters degree, BA honors degree
For more information please contact enquiries@gschooltheol.com