Hebrews 9:1-28, in the light of the anthropology of sacrificial ritual, with special reference to Pedi responses to the text.

Abstract

This research looks at the function and importance of ritual in the Hebrews Epistle, in particular chapter 9: 1-28. The text is dealt with in the light of the theories of the anthropology of sacrificial ritual, and with special reference to Pedi responses to the text. Thereafter, the theories of sacrificial ritual are introduced. The interesting part of the thesis rests on the Pedi responses to Hebrews 9: 1-28. The responses were collected after Bible-study workshops conducted in the Northern Province of this country at the following places: Mmasealama, Ga-Dikgale and Setlhong. Most of the respondents, the majority of whom were women, were either illiterate or semi-literate. This study argues for a new paradigm in studying the New Testament in the South African context, a new paradigm which takes into account African voices. Lastly, it looks at the importance of rituals for the bloody province of Kwa-Zulu Natal and in the broader South African situation.