Of Serpents, reeds, understanding, and turns : some perspectives on implied apologetics and Pentateuch theory

Abstract

The history of the churches in South Africa has also been a history of the scholarly interpretation of the Bible. Critical Pentateuch theory has a peculiar nature in this regard in that its main proponents have felt a need to explain what they do. In this article, the associated rhetorical strategies of three Old Testament scholars from or with a strong link to South Africa are briefly described. And, cognisant of how this history may play out in future, suggestions are offered on three possible directions for the accompanying dynamics to Pentateuch theory in South Africa.