Die huishouding van God volgens Jakobus: Rolmodelle en vriendskap onderweg na ’n postpatriargale identiteit

Abstract

Throughout the ages, clerical structures were developed according to the patriarchalfamily structure, modelled on examples to be found in the New Testament.Upholding a patriarchal (with the accompanying hierarchy) and hetero-normativeway of thinking (with accompanying marginalization) within the community ofbelievers, has the potential to wound, oppress and alienate people from the church.This principle has the implication that establishing a post-patriarchal identity in thehousehold, as well as in the church is potentially a key to mutual transformation andliberation. In this article the friendship-model in the book of James is interpretedthrough the lens of the example of Jesus. Although first-century friendships must beinterpreted within the context of patronship, James presents a further perspective:that people should be appreciated as full partners within the relationships.