Practical-Theological, Missiological and Ethical Perspectives

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Practical-Theological, Missiological and Ethical Perspectives Reformed theology today: Practical-theological, missiological and ethical perspectives Reformed theology today: Practical-theological, missiological and ethical perspectives EDITED BY SAREL P. VAN DER WALT NICO VORSTER Head Office AOSIS (Pty) Ltd Postnet Suite #110 Private Bag X19 Durbanville 7551 South Africa Tel: +27 21 975 2602 Fax: +27 21 975 4635 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.aosis.co.za © Sarel P. van der Walt & Nico Vorster 2017. Licensee: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd The moral rights of the authors have been asserted. First Edition published in 2017 Impression: 1 Listed in OAPEN (http://www.oapen.org), DOAB (http://www.doabooks.org/) and indexed by Google Scholar. Some rights reserved. This is an open access publication. Except where otherwise noted, this work is distributed under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International license (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), a copy of which is available at https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/. Enquiries outside the terms of the Creative Commons license should be sent to the Rights Department, AOSIS, at the above address or to [email protected] Published in South Africa by AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 15 Oxford Street, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550. Book Title: Reformed theology today: Practical-theological, missiological and ethical perspectives ISBN: 978-1-928396-30-7 (pdf) ISBN: 978-1-928396-31-4 (e-book) DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2017.rtt47 How to cite this work Van der Walt, S.P. & Vorster, N., 2017, Reformed theology today: Practical-theological, missiological and ethical perspectives, AOSIS, Cape Town. Printed and bound in South Africa This cover photo was provided under the CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/choose/zero), via Pixabay The publisher accepts no responsibility for any statement made or opinion expressed in this publication. Consequently, the publishers and copyright holder will not be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of his or her action upon any statement or opinion in this work. Links by third party websites are provided by AOSIS in good faith and for information only. AOSIS disclaims any responsibility for the materials contained in any third party website referenced in this work. Every effort has been made to protect the interest of copyright holders. Should any infringement have occurred inadvertently, the publisher apologises and undertakes to amend the omission in the event of a reprint. This publication was made possible by a liberal grant from the Pro-Reformando Trust, Potchefstroom. Their financial assistance is hereby recognised with gratitude. Religious Studies Domain Editorial Board at AOSIS Chief Editor: Scholarly Books Andries van Aarde, Post Retirement Professor in the Dean’s Office, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa Board Members Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, United States Christian Danz, Dekan der Evangelisch-Theologischen Fakultät der Universität Wien and Ordentlicher Universitätsprofessor für Systematische Theologie und Religionswissenschaft, University of Vienna, Austria Pieter G.R. de Villiers, Associate Editor, Extraordinary Professor in Biblical Spirituality, Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, South Africa Musa W. Dube, Department of Theology & Religious Studies, Faculty of Humanities, University of Botswana, Botswana David D. Grafton, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations, Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut, United States Jens Herzer, Theologische Fakultät der Universität Leipzig, Germany Jeanne Hoeft, Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Pastoral Care, Saint Paul School of Theology, United States Dirk J. Human, Associate Editor, Deputy Dean and Professor of Old Testament Studies, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa D. Andrew Kille, Former Chair of the SBL Psychology and Bible Section, and Editor of the Bible Workbench, San Jose, United States William R.G. Loader, Emeritus Professor Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia Isabel A. Phiri, Associate General Secretary for Public Witness and Diakonia, World Council of Churches, Geneva, Switzerland Marcel Sarot, Emeritus, Professor of Fundamental Theology, Tilburg School of Catholic Theology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands Corneliu C. Simut, Professor of Historical and Dogmatic Theology, Emanuel University, Oradea, Bihor, Romania Rothney S. Tshaka, Professor and Head of Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa Elaine M. Wainwright, Emeritus Professor School of Theology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Executive Leader, Mission and Ministry, McAuley Centre, Australia Gerald West, Associate Editor, School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics in the College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Peer Review Declaration The Publisher (AOSIS) endorses the South African ‘National Scholarly Book Publishers Forum (NSBPF) Best Practice for Peer Review of Scholarly Books’. The manuscript was subjected to rigorous two-step peer review prior to publication, with the identities of the reviewers not revealed to the author(s). The reviewers were independent of the publisher and/or authors in question. The reviewers commented positively on the scholarly merits of the manuscript, and recommended that the manuscript be published. Where the reviewers recommended revision and/or improvements to the manuscript, the authors responded adequately to such recommendations. Research Justification This book is unique and of great importance for theologians from diverse traditions but who all share the relevance of the academic Reformed discourse. The book focuses on, and forms part of celebrating 500 years since the start of the Reformation during the 16th century. Its purpose is to commemorate the quincentenary anniversary of the Reformation in Europe and to indicate the way in which the rich legacy of this important period in the history of the church and society still globally influences the theological landscape in the fields of Practical Theology, Missiology and Ethics. Specific attention is given to the manner in which the core principles of the Reformation can be utilised for these disciplines and applied in a contemporary context. The Reformation changed the ecclesiastical landscape of the day and still provides the benchmark for theological principles and praxis in many Protestant denominations. This book illustrates and underscores the practical-theological legacy and importance of the Reformation for church and society. The collected works by various theologians reflect on the impact of Reformed Theology on their respective fields of expertise. The original research is based on literature studies and has not been published previously in any form. Its aim is to stimulate discourse in Theology and related disciplines. Although the chapters represent different perspectives, the collective aim is to propose the vast impact of the Reformational views as they relate to the current context. The target audience is Reformed theologians. This book focuses on ways in which the legacy of the Reformation addresses practical and relevant issues for 21st-century believers, scholars and churches. It explores inter alia important homiletical and liturgical aspects of the Reformation and contemplates the importance of continual reformation in this regard. Furthermore, it discusses a Reformed approach to apologetics, evaluates the driving forces behind the Reformation of the 16th century and its relevance to missions today as well as examines the sola Scriptura principle of the Reformation and provides a critical perspective on Prosperity Theology. Several pastoral themes take centre stage before various aspects of xenophobia and civil prejudice are being investigated – both being very relevant topics throughout the world today. The book also focuses on hermeneutics and ethics in a quest for a biblical ethical approach as well as congregational hymns in the Reformed churches of South Africa today. The research outcomes are relevant not only for the South African context, but also globally. Dr Sarel P. van der Walt & Prof. Nico Vorster Unit for Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society Faculty of Theology North-West University South Africa Contents Abbreviations appearing in the Text and Notes xvii List of Figures xviii Notes on Contributors xix Foreword xxv Chapter 1 Speaking about God: Luther as guide in the field of homiletics 1 Introduction 1 The high Word in the depth 2 Hermeneutic principle 3 God’s hiding and revealing of himself 7 Expositio and applicatio 8 Deus dixit 9 Two poles 10 The creative power of the Word 11 Origin 12 Characteristics 13 Visuality 14 Conclusion 15 Summary: Chapter 1 16 Chapter 2 Evaluation of the concept of continuous reformation (semper reformanda) in liturgy focussed on the Reformation of the 16th century and the emergent church movement 18 Introduction 19 ix Contents Theoretical foundation of the interaction between theory and praxis in liturgy 20 Evaluation of the interaction of theory and praxis in the liturgy of the 16th-century Reformation 21 The 16th-century Reformation as reformation of the existing praxis 22 The unity of Word and sacrament 22 God as initiator enables the acts in liturgy 24 Participation of the congregation 25 The
Recommended publications
  • Calvinism in the Context of the Afrikaner Nationalist Ideology
    ASIAN AND AFRICAN STUDIES, 78, 2009, 2, 305-323 CALVINISM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE AFRIKANER NATIONALIST IDEOLOGY Jela D o bo šo vá Institute of Oriental Studies, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Klemensova 19, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovakia [email protected] Calvinism was a part of the mythic history of Afrikaners; however, it was only a specific interpretation of history that made it a part of the ideology of the Afrikaner nationalists. Calvinism came to South Africa with the first Dutch settlers. There is no historical evidence that indicates that the first settlers were deeply religious, but they were worshippers in the Nederlands Hervormde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church), which was the only church permitted in the region until 1778. After almost 200 years, Afrikaner nationalism developed and connected itself with Calvinism. This happened due to the theoretical and ideological approach of S. J.du Toit and a man referred to as its ‘creator’, Paul Kruger. The ideology was highly influenced by historical developments in the Netherlands in the late 19th century and by the spread of neo-Calvinism and Christian nationalism there. It is no accident, then, that it was during the 19th century when the mythic history of South Africa itself developed and that Calvinism would play such a prominent role in it. It became the first religion of the Afrikaners, a distinguishing factor in the multicultural and multiethnic society that existed there at the time. It legitimised early thoughts of a segregationist policy and was misused for political intentions. Key words: Afrikaner, Afrikaner nationalism, Calvinism, neo-Calvinism, Christian nationalism, segregation, apartheid, South Africa, Great Trek, mythic history, Nazi regime, racial theories Calvinism came to South Africa in 1652, but there is no historical evidence that the settlers who came there at that time were Calvinists.
    [Show full text]
  • Christian Spiritual Formation
    Christian Spiritual Formation Wilson Teo Regent University The term spiritual formation has been used in many Christian contexts given its recent popularity and yet this term can carry different meanings in these various contexts. The history of this word is traced to Roman Catholicism, and yet it has a different meaning within the Christian evangelical world. This literature review will focus on the various dimensions of spiritual formation such as its definitions, the underpinning theological foundation, the formational elements and the desired outcomes. The paper will also suggest the possible gaps that will require further attention so that the concept of spiritual formation is beneficial to the formation of the Body of Christ. Spiritual Formation has gained much interest and attention in the last two decades. It has been a popular title in many publications and a frequently used term in Christian conferences. The popularity and demand for spiritual formation resources have led to the establishment of spiritual formation institutions to meet the growing requests for teaching and training in this area. Some of these institutions are set up by well-known authors and scholars such as Dallas Willard Center for Christian Spiritual Formation and the Renovare Institute for Christian Formation. The interest for spiritual formation has gone beyond pastors and believers in local churches to the academic sphere where graduate institutions have partnered with the Renovare Institute to recognize spiritual formation modules as part of their postgraduate level programs (Renovare, n.d.). These highly recognized academic institutions’ engagements in spiritual formation reinforced its current importance and value to the Body of Christ, especially for ecclesial leaders.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role Played by Satan in the Life of Jesus Christ Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected]
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Liberty University Digital Commons Liberty University DigitalCommons@Liberty University The eS cond Person File Theological Studies 11-2017 The Role Played by Satan in the Life of Jesus Christ Harold Willmington Liberty University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person Part of the Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, and the Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons Recommended Citation Willmington, Harold, "The Role Played by Satan in the Life of Jesus Christ" (2017). The Second Person File. 66. http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/second_person/66 This The eP ople and Places in the Jesus Christ Story is brought to you for free and open access by the Theological Studies at DigitalCommons@Liberty University. It has been accepted for inclusion in The eS cond Person File by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Liberty University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE ROLE PLAYED BY SATAN IN THE LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST There are at least six recorded occasions when Satan specifically attacked the Savior: • “In Bethlehem, where he attempted to kill Him: “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him” (Mt. 2:13). • “In the wilderness, where he tempted Him: A.
    [Show full text]
  • Beauty As a Transcendental in the Thought of Joseph Ratzinger
    The University of Notre Dame Australia ResearchOnline@ND Theses 2015 Beauty as a transcendental in the thought of Joseph Ratzinger John Jang University of Notre Dame Australia Follow this and additional works at: https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses Part of the Philosophy Commons COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA Copyright Regulations 1969 WARNING The material in this communication may be subject to copyright under the Act. Any further copying or communication of this material by you may be the subject of copyright protection under the Act. Do not remove this notice. Publication Details Jang, J. (2015). Beauty as a transcendental in the thought of Joseph Ratzinger (Master of Philosophy (School of Philosophy and Theology)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/112 This dissertation/thesis is brought to you by ResearchOnline@ND. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of ResearchOnline@ND. For more information, please contact [email protected]. School of Philosophy and Theology Sydney Beauty as a Transcendental in the Thought of Joseph Ratzinger Submitted by John Jang A thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Philosophy Supervised by Dr. Renée Köhler-Ryan July 2015 © John Jang 2015 Table of Contents Abstract v Declaration of Authorship vi Acknowledgements vii Introduction 1 Structure 3 Method 5 PART I - Metaphysical Beauty 7 1.1.1 The Integration of Philosophy and Theology 8 1.1.2 Ratzinger’s Response 11 1.2.1 Transcendental Participation 14 1.2.2 Transcendental Convertibility 18 1.2.3 Analogy of Being 25 PART II - Reason and Experience 28 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Piano • Vocal • Guitar • Folk Instruments • Electronic Keyboard • Instrumental • Drum ADDENDUM Table of Contents
    MUsic Piano • Vocal • Guitar • Folk Instruments • Electronic Keyboard • Instrumental • Drum ADDENDUM table of contents Sheet Music ....................................................................................................... 3 Jazz Instruction ....................................................................................... 48 Fake Books........................................................................................................ 4 A New Tune a Day Series ......................................................................... 48 Personality Folios .............................................................................................. 5 Orchestra Musician’s CD-ROM Library .................................................... 50 Songwriter Collections ..................................................................................... 16 Music Minus One .................................................................................... 50 Mixed Folios .................................................................................................... 17 Strings..................................................................................................... 52 Best Ever Series ...................................................................................... 22 Violin Play-Along ..................................................................................... 52 Big Books of Music ................................................................................. 22 Woodwinds ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Inner Healing and Deliverance As an Essential Component of The
    Digital Commons @ George Fox University Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations 1-1-2017 Inner Healing and Deliverance as an Essential Component of the Discipleship Structure of the Local Church Jonathan Lee Shoo Chiang George Fox University, [email protected] This research is a product of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program at George Fox University. Find out more about the program. Recommended Citation Shoo Chiang, Jonathan Lee, "Inner Healing and Deliverance as an Essential Component of the Discipleship Structure of the Local Church" (2017). Doctor of Ministry. 234. http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/234 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses and Dissertations at Digital Commons @ George Fox University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Doctor of Ministry by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ George Fox University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY INNER HEALING AND DELIVERANCE AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF THE DISCIPLESHIP STRUCTURE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF PORTLAND SEMINARY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF MINISTRY BY JOHNATHAN LEE SHOO CHIANG PORTLAND, OREGON OCTOBER 2017 CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL DMIN DISSERTATION This is to certify that the DMIN Dissertation of Johnathan Lee Shoo Chiang Has been approved by The Dissertation Committee on October 6, 2017 For the degree of Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation Dissertation Committee: Primary Advisor: Dr. Leah Payne Secondary Advisor: Dr. Mark Chironna Expert Advisor: Dr. Aida Ramos Copyright 2017© Johnathan Lee Shoo Chiang All rights reserved ii CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • South Africa: Afrikaans Film and the Imagined Boundaries of Afrikanerdom
    A new laager for a “new” South Africa: Afrikaans film and the imagined boundaries of Afrikanerdom Adriaan Stefanus Steyn Thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Anthropology in the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Dr Bernard Dubbeld Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology December 2016 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. December 2016 Copyright © 2016 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Abstract The Afrikaans film industry came into existence in 1916, with the commercial release of De Voortrekkers (Shaw), and, after 1948, flourished under the guardianship of the National Party. South Africa’s democratic transition, however, seemed to announce the death of the Afrikaans film. In 1998, the industry entered a nine-year slump during which not a single Afrikaans film was released on the commercial circuit. Yet, in 2007, the industry was revived and has been expanding rapidly ever since. This study is an attempt to explain the Afrikaans film industry’s recent success and also to consider some of its consequences. To do this, I situate the Afrikaans film industry within a larger – and equally flourishing – Afrikaans culture industry.
    [Show full text]
  • (Legal Gazette A) Vol 668 No 44217
    Government Gazette Staatskoerant REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REPUBLIEK VAN SUID AFRIKA Regulation Gazette No. 10177 Regulasiekoerant February Vol. 668 12 2021 No. 44217 Februarie PART 1 OF 2 LEGAL NOTICES A WETLIKE KENNISGEWINGS ISSN 1682-5845 N.B. The Government Printing Works will 44217 not be held responsible for the quality of “Hard Copies” or “Electronic Files” submitted for publication purposes 9 771682 584003 AIDS HELPLINE: 0800-0123-22 Prevention is the cure 2 No. 44217 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 12 February 2021 IMPORTANT NOTICE: THE GOVERNMENT PRINTING WORKS WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS THAT MIGHT OCCUR DUE TO THE SUBMISSION OF INCOMPLETE / INCORRECT / ILLEGIBLE COPY. NO FUTURE QUERIES WILL BE HANDLED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABOVE. Table of Contents LEGAL NOTICES / WETLIKE KENNISGEWINGS BUSINESS NOTICES • BESIGHEIDSKENNISGEWINGS National / Nasionaal .................................................................................................................................. 14 COMPANY NOTICES • MAATSKAPPYKENNISGEWINGS National / Nasionaal .................................................................................................................................. 18 ORDERS OF THE COURT • BEVELE VAN DIE HOF National / Nasionaal .................................................................................................................................. 19 GENERAL • ALGEMEEN National / Nasionaal .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 09 08 Catalog
    LANCASTER MENNONITE HISTORICAL SOCIETY ’S BENEFIT AUCTION OF RARE , OUT -OF -PRINT , AND USED BOOKS FRIDAY , SEPTEMBER 8, 2017, AT 6:30 P.M. TEL : (717) 393-9745; FAX : (717) 393-8751; EMAIL : [email protected] WEBSITE: http://www.lmhs.org/ The Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society will conduct an auction on September 8, 2017, at 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, one-half mile east of the intersection of Routes 30 and 462. The sale dates for the remainder of 2017 are as follows: November 10. The auction not only specializes in local and denominational history and genealogy of southeastern Pennsylvania, but also includes theological works and other types of material of interest to the nationwide constituency. Please refer to the last page of the catalog for book auction procedures. Individual catalogs are available from the Society for $5.00 + $3.00 postage and handling. Persons who wish to be added to the mailing list for the rest of 2017 may do so by sending $8.00 with name and address to the Society. Higher rates apply for subscribers outside of the United States. All subscriptions expire at the end of the calendar year. The catalog is also available for free on our web site at www.lmhs.org/auction.html . 1. The Mennonite Quarterly Review. Goshen, Ind.: Mennonite Historical Society. 28 quarterly iss: Vol. 46 (1972), no. 4; Vol. 74 (2000), no. 4; Vol. 75 (2001), no. 1-3; Vol. 77 (2003), no. 1-2; Vol. 78 (2004), no. 1, 3-4; Vol. 79 (2005), no. 1, 4; Vol. 80 (2006), no.
    [Show full text]
  • Produksie Notas
    - 1 - - 2 - INLEIDING Die oorspronklike konsep van 'Liefling die Movie' is geformuleer deur Paul Kruger in 2008. Voor- produksie het in 2009 begin en die rolprent sal hierdie somer op 19 November in Suid Afrika vrygestel word. Dit is n eerste vir Suid Afrika op verskeie gebiede. Die eerste Afrikaanse musiekblyspel wat in 30 jaar op die groot skerm vertoon sal word. Die room van Suid Afrikaanse produksie spanne, kunstenaars en akteurs is betrek. Die film is binne drie maande in en om Hartbeespoortdam in Noordwes geskiet. Die film is vervaardig onder die vaandel van Hartiwood Films met Paul Kruger as die leier en fotografiese regisseur van die Liefling-span. 24 Afrikaanse liedjies is verwerk deur Johan Heystek en die choreograaf is Raymond Theart. Brian Webber is die regisseur van die opwindende dans en sangervaring in 'Liefling, die Movie' LIGGING Liefling, die Movie is hoofsaaklik in die dorpie Hartbeespoort in die Noordwes Provinsie geskiet. Die dorp is om die Hartbeespoortdam gebou. Dit is geleë suid van die Magaliesberge en noord van die Witwatersberge, ongeveer 35km wes van Pretoria. Die panoramiese uitsig en bergagtige ligging het meegebring dat Hartbeespoort n gewilde uitspanplek vir stedelinge geword het.Dit bied n verskeidenheid van water- en lugsport aan besoekers, spog ook met n akwarium, private dieretuin, slangpark,en kabelspoor. Die pragtige natuurskoon is n perfekte agtergrond vir rolprent. - 3 - LIEFLING – DIE LIEDJIE - LIRIEKE Jy weet dat ek nie sonder jou kan bestaan nie Jy weet dat jy ook nie alleen kan bestaan nie Dit
    [Show full text]
  • Jones, David Albert, the Soul of the Embryo
    J The Soul of the Embryo: An enquiry into the status of the human embryo in the Christian tradition DAVID ALBERT JONES • , continuum A LONDON • NEW YORK Continuum The Tower Building 15 East 26th Street 11 York Road New York London, SE1 7NX NY 10010 www.continuumbooks.com C) David Jones 2004 Contents All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Abbreviations A catalogue record for this book is available from The British Library. Foreword ISBN 0 8264 6296 0 Introduction 1 Moulded in the Earth The embryo in the Hebrew Scriptures: creation, Typeset by BookEns Ltd, Royston, Herts. providence, calling Printed and hound in Great Britain by Antony Rowe Ltd, Chippenham, Wilts. 2 Curdled Like Cheese Ancient embryology: Hippocrates and Aristotle 3 Discarded Children • Exposure, infanticide and abortion in ancient Greece and Rome 4 Grieving in Ramah Jewish attitudes to infanticide and abortion 5 Medicinal Penalties Early Christianity and abortion: Celtic/Anglo-Saxon penances, Greek/Latin canons 6 Soul Talk Soul as the principle of life, body and soul, the I would like to thank Fr Michael Hayes, Head of the School of Theology, spiritual soul Philosophy and History at St Mary's College for supporting an ethos of research 7 Whence the Soul? and scholarship within the School; Robin Baird-Smith of Continuum books for The Church Fathers on the origin of the soul: his great patience; and the Linacre Centre for Healthcare Ethics for the use of pre-existence, traducianism, creationism their excellent library.
    [Show full text]
  • The Nature of Atonement in the Theology of Jacobus Arminius
    JETS 53/4 (December 2010) 773–85 THE NATURE OF ATONEMENT IN THE THEOLOGY OF JACOBUS ARMINIUS j. matthew pinson* Jacobus Arminius is one of the best known and least studied theologians in the history of Christianity. His writings have been neglected by Calvinists and Arminians alike. Calvinists have disliked him because of his opposition to scholastic predestinarian theology. Most Arminians have neglected him because what little they have read of him reminds them more of Calvinism than they like. Arminius scholar Carl Bangs is correct when he says that most modern treatments of Arminius assume a definition of Arminianism that does not come from Arminius. Bangs states that most interpreters of Arminianism begin with a preconception of what Arminius should be expected to say, then look in his published works, and do not find exactly what they are looking for. They show impatience and disappointment with his Calvinism, and shift the inquiry into some later period when Arminianism turns out to be what they are looking for—a non-Calvinistic, synergistic, and perhaps semi-Pelagian system.1 This is the approach many scholars have taken toward Arminius regard- ing his doctrine of atonement. For example, the Calvinist scholar Robert L. Reymond has said that the Arminian theory of atonement is the governmental theory, which “denies that Christ’s death was intended to pay the penalty for sin.” He claims that the governmental theory’s “germinal teachings are in Arminius.”2 Similarly, well-known Wesleyan-Arminian scholar James K. Grider states: “A spillover from Calvinism into Arminianism has occurred in recent decades.
    [Show full text]