Die sogenaamde Bybelse kultuurmandaat (Gen. 1:28 en 2:15) en ontwikkeling ’n Ou-Testamentiese perspektief

Abstract

The so-called Biblical cultural mandate (Gen. 1:28 and 2:15) and development - a perspective from the Old Testament

In the Reformed tradition Genesis 1:28 and 2:15 are combined and regarded as the so-called "cultural mandate", This so-called mandate is seen in traditional Reformed circles as the basis of man's responsibility to cultivate nature thus transforming nature into culture. This traditional view of the "cultural mandate ”is questioned in some circles, while other scholars link the present ecological crisis to this traditional view of the "cultural mandate". After a discussion of different evaluations of the "cultural mandate" the hermeneutical problem relating to the interpretation of the relevant material from Genesis 1 and 2 is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of different readings of the texts, viz., traditional Reformed readings, historical critical readings, an anti-cultural reading and an ecological reading. The texts are then interpreted from the perspective of a contemporary South Africa. In conclusion some implications of the discussion which could be developed within the South Africa n context are indicated. Human development and job creation receive the main emphasis.