The Theology of Wilhelmus a Brakel

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

The Theology of Wilhelmus a Brakel The Theology of Wilhelmus a Brakel A deductive study of a Brakel’s magnum opus, The Christian’s Reasonable Service Rev. B. Elshout Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Grand Rapids, Michigan 327 Historical Theology - 1 Credit - 1 - Course Outline Lecture #1 : Historical assessment of Brakel's life and ministry I. Introduction A. Father Brakel and Dutch Reformed Orthodoxy 1. His preeminence among the Dutch divines 2. The pervasive and ongoing influence of The Christian’s Reasonable Service. B. Wilhelmus à Brakel and the Dutch Second Reformation 1. The Dutch Second Reformation (DSR) defined: "The Dutch Second Reformation is that movement within the Nederduits Gereformeerde Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, which, as a reaction to the declension or absence of a living faith, made both the personal experience of faith and godliness matters of central importance. From that perspective, the movement formulated substantial and procedural reformation initiatives, submitting them to the proper ecclesiastical, political, and social agencies, and/or in conformity therewith pursued in both word and deed a further reformation of the church, society, and state." 2. The chronological boundaries: William Teelinck (1579-1629) & Theodore VanderGroe (1705-1784). 3. The DSR and European Pietism 4. The uniqueness of the DSR: It aimed for national reformation 5. à Brakel’s ministry: At the center of the DSR 6. The Christian’s Reasonable Service (CRS): The “textbook” of the DSR C. Wilhelmus à Brakel and English Puritanism 1. The striking similarity between the CRS and Puritan writings 2. The pervasive influence of translated Puritan writings during the DSR era 3. CRS: A bridge between the DSR and English Puritanism II. A Biographical Perspective A. à Brakel's Youth and Education (1635-1662) 1. Born on January 2, 1635 as the son of Theodore & Margaretha à Brakel 2. Wilhelmus à Brakel feared the Lord from his youth 3. 1659 – 1662: Candidate for the holy ministry - 2 - B. Pastor in Friesland: 1. Exmorra: 1662 -1665 a. His ministry blessed to an initially indifferent congregation b. His marriage to Sara Nevius 2. Stavoren: 1665 -1670 3. Harlingen: 1670-1673 4. Leeuwarden: 1673-1683 a. One of six ministers b. Organization of conventicles c. His support of Jacobus Koelman d. The VanGiffen controversy C. Pastor in Rotterdam (1683-1711) 1. Installed on Nov. 21, 1683 2. Three major events during his Rotterdam pastorate: a. His struggles with the Labadists b. His battle for the independence of the church c. His publication of the CRS 3. August 30, 1711: His last sermon preached 4. October 30, 1711: The day of his homecoming! D. à Brakel's Magnum Opus: The Christian’s Reasonable Service 1. The most popular dogmatics of the Reformed in the Netherlands 2. A masterful synthesis of Puritan and DSR theology (“North Sea” theology) 3. W. à Brakel: One of the outstanding theologians of European Pietism 4. At least 26 editions have printed since its original publication 5. The English edition has already been translated into Russian and Chinese, and is now being translated into Korean as well. - 3 - III. The Christian's Reasonable Service A. à Brakel's objective in writing this work: to minister to the congregation 1. Written for church members—not theologians 2. A work permeated with practical applications B. The experiential dimension of this work 1. à Brakel speaks the language of Scripture from and to the heart 2. His experiential content: a. firmly rooted in objective truth b. thoroughly Christo-centric 3. His goal: The experiential application of divine truths to the souls of men C. The general outline of this work: the six loci of Reformed Systematic Theology 1. The organizing principle of the book: The Covenant of Grace 2. The three major divisions of this work: a. Systematic theology (1-41) b. Christian Ethics and Christian living (42-99) c. The History of God’s redemptive purpose 3. 60% of the book devoted to soteriology 4. The CRS includes an extended treatment of spirituality and sanctification IV. Concluding Considerations A. The appendix and à Brakel's exposition of Revelation 1. His exegesis was governed by his millennial views (modified Post-mil) 2. His exposition of Revelation has become an obscure part of his work B. Some noteworthy features of the CRS: 1. The scholarship and precision of Voetius 2. The teaching of Witsius on faith and the covenants 3. Better insights on biblical theology of Coccejus C. God's stamp of approval upon this work 1. Already recognized shortly after its initial publication 2. Continually acknowledged for nearly three centuries 3. Confirmed by the world-wide reception of the English translation - 4 - Lecture #2 : Brakel’s Experiential and Practical Applications Volume 1 Chapter 2: The Word of God Sixthly, read, search, and meditate upon the Word of God with all diligence and persistence. This should even be the practice of kings. "And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life" (Deu. 17:19). It is the duty of scholars as well. "Give attendance to reading" (1 Tim. 4:13). It is the privilege and obligation of the lowly and of every individual. "Search the Scriptures" (John 5:39); "Have ye not read?" (Mat. 12:3). The eunuch read while riding in his chariot (Acts 8:28). The Bereans searched the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). How everyone ought to practice this in private, prior to going to work, both by himself alone, and with his family! At noon when one nourishes his body, he ought also to nourish his soul. In the evening after work, one must end the day by seeking some refreshment from the Word of God. In the meantime, while engaged in his occupation, by meditating upon what has been read, the soul will maintain communion with God. He will be enabled to understand the spiritual meaning as well as to experience the power of God's Word. This will cause the soul to grow in grace, protect against vain thoughts, control the tongue, suppress corruptions, and direct man to fear God (I: 77). Chapter 3: The Essence of God It is essential that one considers God to be His God in Christ. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is to be found in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). Outside of Christ, God is a terror, and can only be viewed as terror, and can only be viewed as a consuming fire. In Christ, however, one may have liberty; and God reveals Himself to such who approach unto Him in that way. Then one will be able to better endure the light of God’s countenance, rejoice in it, and therein glorify God. One ought to be cautious, however, of becoming too free and irreverent when considering God as Father in Christ and in the contemplation upon His perfections which are unveiled by the covenant of grace (I: 138). Chapter 4: The Divine Persons Being temples of the Holy Ghost, how holy ought the conduct of believers to be, in order that He might find delight in dwelling in them! How carefully one should seek to prevent the desecration of the temple of God, either by personally engaging in sin or by causing others to sin. “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy” (1 Cor. 3:17). How careful we should be not to grieve the Spirit by either blatantly sinning in spite of His warnings, by a careless walk, or by resisting the way in which He leads us. “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30). Rather, acknowledge His indwelling, willingly yield to His operation, listen to His comforts, and willingly follow in the way of His leading, in order that He may delight Himself in you and may work in you with ever increasing efficacy. Behold, must you not admit that faith in the Holy Trinity is profitable? Is it not the only foundation of a truly godly life and the fountain of all comfort? (I: 191). Chapter 5: The Decrees of God Do you desire to profit from this comforting doctrine? First, seek to rid yourself of inordinate and close attachment to earthly things, and be diligent in renouncing your own will. The things of this earth are not your portion, and therefore cannot satisfy. Have you not often experienced that instead of resulting in more holiness, they rob you of your peace and spiritual liberty, hindering you from running your course with joy? Have you not often perceived in retrospect that - 5 - it was God's wisdom and goodness that He did not give you the desire of your heart, and that at times you were uncomfortable when your desire was granted? Why then are you so set upon receiving your desire? Is it not much better to rest in God's decree? (I: 207-208) Chapter 6: Eternal Predestination The assurance of one’s election also affords much liberty and gives much support in prayer. One may approach unto God and say, “My Father! Hast Thou not known me by name and have I not found grace in Thine eyes? Hast Thou not eternally known me to be one of Thy own, chosen me to be Thy child and the object of Thy love, and wondrously to glorify me by Thy grace, mercy, and faithfulness, which manifests itself in the way in which Thou hast led me and wilt lead me? Therefore, oh Father, consider the trials and tribulations which I fear, the troubles which press me down, and my sinfulness which oppresses me.
Recommended publications
  • Europäische Nationalhymnen Als Ausdruck Nationaler Identitäten Unter Besonderer Berücksichtigung Der Länder Mittel-, Ost- Und Südosteuropas
    Christiane Rothenpieler, Bakk. Phil. Europäische Nationalhymnen als Ausdruck nationaler Identitäten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Länder Mittel-, Ost- und Südosteuropas MASTERARBEIT Zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades Magistra der Philosophie Studium: Angewandte Kulturwissenschaft Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt Fakultät für Kulturwissenschaften Begutacher: Dr. habil. Wolfgang Geier Institut für Kultur-, Literatur- und Musikwissenschaft April 2012 II Ehrenwörtliche Erklärung Ich erkläre ehrenwörtlich, dass ich die vorliegende wissenschaftliche Arbeit selbständig angefertigt und die mit ihr unmittelbar verbundenen Tätigkeiten selbst erbracht habe. Ich erkläre weiters, dass ich keine anderen als die angegebenen Hilfsmittel benutzt habe. Alle aus gedruckten, ungedruckten oder im Internet im Wortlaut oder im wesentlichen Inhalt übernommenen Formulierungen und Konzepte sind gemäß den Regeln für wissenschaftliche Arbeiten zitiert und durch Fußnoten bzw. durch andere genaue Quellenangaben gekennzeichnet. Die während des Arbeitsvorganges gewährte Unterstützung einschließlich signifikanter Betreuungshinweise ist vollständig angegeben. Die wissenschaftliche Arbeit ist noch keiner anderen Prüfungsbehörde vorgelegt worden. Diese Arbeit wurde in gedruckter und elektronischer Form abgegeben. Ich bestätige, dass der Inhalt der digitalen Version vollständig mit dem der gedruckten Version übereinstimmt. Ich bin mir bewusst, dass eine falsche Erklärung rechtliche Folgen haben wird. Christiane Rothenpieler Klagenfurt, 26.04.2012 III Inhaltsverzeichnis
    [Show full text]
  • Mini-Europe. in These Times of Crisis and These Years of Remembrance Of
    "Mini-Europe offers a unique opportunity to experience and see first hand the beauty and diversity of our continent. Europe is a political endeavour which we in the European Parliament fight to defend, but it is also a cultural treasure whose value must be learnt and seen by Europeans and foreigners alike." Martin SCHULZ Martin SCHULZ, Donald TUSK, President of the President of the * * "I said that Europe needs to be big on big things and small on small things. European Parliament. European Council. Well, Mini-Europe is now the only place in the EU where it is allowed to be small on big things !" Jean-Claude JUNCKER "This concept, Europe, will make the common founda- tion of our civilisation clear to all of us and create little by little a link similar to the one with which the nations were forged in the past." Robert Schuman Jean-Claude JUNCKER, Federica MOGHERINI, President of the Commission High Representative of the European Union.* for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.* Thierry MEEÙS Director Mini-Europe Welcome to Mini-Europe. Éducation ASBL In these times of crisis and these years of remembrance of the 1914-18 war, we must not forget that the European Union and the Euro have maintained solidarity between Europeans. A hundred years ago, nationalism and competition between nations led us to war. This guide is an essential help on your trip through The European Union. As Robert Schuman said, you will find out what these people, regions and countries have in common … and what makes each one special.
    [Show full text]
  • Titel, Text Nr
    Land Titel, Text Nr. Kategorie Aba heidschi bumbeidschi 165 WEIHNACHTEN Abend wird es wieder über Wald und Feld 388 ZEIT Abendlied 323 ZEIT Ach bittrer Winter, wie bist du kalt 17 ZEIT Ach, wie ist's möglich dann 249 LIEBE Ade zur guten Nacht 322 ZEIT Ännchen von Tharau 310 LIEBE All mein Gedanken 31 LIEBE Alle Jahre wieder 347 WEIHNACHTEN Alle Vögel sind schon da 257 ZEIT Alle, die mit uns auf Kaperfahrt fahren 262 SCHIFF Allein Gott in der Höh sei Ehr 339 CHORAL Alleweil ein wenig lustig 306 LUSTIG Als ich bei meinen Schafen wacht 187 WEIHNACHTEN Als ich ein jung Geselle war 56 LEBEN Als ich einmal reiste 127 WANDERN Als unser Mops ein Möpschen war 377 LUSTIG Als wir jüngst in Regensburg waren 53 SCHIFF Am Brunnen vor dem Tore 295 WANDERN Am Weihnachtsbaum die Lichter brennen 11 WEIHNACHTEN An der Saale hellem Strande 212 LAND As Burlala geboren war 98 JUX Auf der Lüneburger Heide 101 LAND Auf der Rudelsburg 213 STUDENT Auf der schwäb'sche Eisebahne 385 LUSTIG Auf, auf zum fröhlichen Jagen 287 JAGD Auf, auf, ihr Wandersleut 18 WANDERN Auf, du junger Wandersmann 368 WANDERN Auf, Glückauf! Auf, Glückauf! 153 BERGBAU, HARZ Auferstanden aus Ruinen und der Zukunft 393 HYMNE zugewandt Bald gras ich am Neckar 29 LIEBE Bayernhymne 97 HYMNE Beim Kronenwirt, da ist heut' Jubel und Tanz 129 TANZ Beim Rosenwirt am Grabentor 45 STUDENT Bierlein, rinn! 45 STUDENT Bigben 4 Uhr 281 JUX Bolle reiste jüngst zu Pfingsten 148 JUX Bruder Jakob 238 ZEIT Brüder, reicht die Hand zum Bunde 104 HYMNE Bundeslied 223 STUDENT Bunt sind schon die Wälder 318 ZEIT
    [Show full text]
  • Discord & Consensus
    c Discor Global Dutch: Studies in Low Countries Culture and History onsensus Series Editor: ulrich tiedau DiscorD & Discord and Consensus in the Low Countries, 1700–2000 explores the themes D & of discord and consensus in the Low Countries in the last three centuries. consensus All countries, regions and institutions are ultimately built on a degree of consensus, on a collective commitment to a concept, belief or value system, 1700–2000 TH IN IN THE LOW COUNTRIES, 1700–2000 which is continuously rephrased and reinvented through a narrative of cohesion, and challenged by expressions of discontent and discord. The E history of the Low Countries is characterised by both a striving for consensus L and eruptions of discord, both internally and from external challenges. This OW volume studies the dynamics of this tension through various genres. Based C th on selected papers from the 10 Biennial Conference of the Association OUNTRI for Low Countries Studies at UCL, this interdisciplinary work traces the themes of discord and consensus along broad cultural, linguistic, political and historical lines. This is an expansive collection written by experts from E a range of disciplines including early-modern and contemporary history, art S, history, film, literature and translation from the Low Countries. U G EDIT E JANE FENOULHET LRICH is Professor of Dutch Studies at UCL. Her research RDI QUIST AND QUIST RDI E interests include women’s writing, literary history and disciplinary history. BY D JAN T I GERDI QUIST E is Lecturer in Dutch and Head of Department at UCL’s E DAU F Department of Dutch.
    [Show full text]
  • AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ ÜYE Ve ADAY ÜLKELERİ ULUSAL MARŞLARININ SOSYO-KÜLTÜREL VE MÜZİKAL YAPI BAKIMINDAN İNCELENMESİ
    AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ ÜYE ve ADAY ÜLKELERİ ULUSAL MARŞLARININ SOSYO-KÜLTÜREL VE MÜZİKAL YAPI BAKIMINDAN İNCELENMESİ Hakan DURAN Yüksek Lisans Tezi Müzik Bilimleri Ana Bilim Dalı Yrd.Doç.Dr.Serhat YENER 2010 Her Hakkı Saklıdır T.C. ATATÜRK ÜNİVERSİTESİ SOSYAL BİLİMLER ENSTİTÜSÜ MÜZİK BİLİMLERİ ANABİLİM DALI Hakan DURAN AVRUPA BİRLİĞİ ÜYE ve ADAY ÜLKELERİ ULUSAL MARŞLARININ SOSYO-KÜLTÜREL VE MÜZİKAL YAPI BAKIMINDAN İNCELENMESİ YÜKSEK LİSANS TEZİ TEZ YÖNETİCİSİ Yrd. Doç. Dr. Serhat YENER ERZURUM-2010 i ii I İÇİNDEKİLER ÖZET........................................................................................................................ IV ABSTRACT............................................................................................................. V SİMGELER VE KISALTMALAR DİZİNİ …………………..……………..... VI ŞEKİLLER DİZİNİ ………................................................................................. VII TABLOLAR DİZİNİ ............................................................................................ VIII GRAFİKLER DİZİNİ ……………………………..……………………..……… IX ÖNSÖZ ………………….…………...…………….............................................. X GİRİŞ ................................................................................................................... 1 BİRİNCİ BÖLÜM ARAŞTIRMA RAPORU 1.1. PROBLEM DURUMU …...................................................................……….. 18 1.2. AMAÇ …………................................................................................................ 18 1.3. ÖNEM …...........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Die EU-Mitgliedstaaten Und Ihre Nationalhymnen
    Geschichte – Kultur – Politik und 28 Länderporträts Die EU-Mitgliedstaaten und ihre Nationalhymnen plus Audio-CD mit allen Hymnen Geschichte – Kultur – Politik und 28 Länderporträts Die EU-Mitgliedstaaten und ihre Nationalhymnen ZUM AUTOR Harry D. Schurdel Geboren 1946 im nordfriesischen Husum, arbeitet als freier Journalist und Publizist vornehmlich für Tages- und Wochenzeitungen sowie für populär wissen- schaftliche Magazine mit Schwerpunkt auf politischen, historischen und landes- kundlichen Themen. Sein besonderes Interesse gilt der Staatssymbolik, wozu er zahlreiche Arbeiten veröffentlicht hat. — Impressum — Zeichenerklärung — Herausgeberin: Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung / bpb, 1985 = fett gedruckte Zahl: Adenauerallee 86, 53113 Bonn, www.bpb.de Jahr der amtlichen Einführung Redaktion: Iris Möckel, bpb (verantwortlich), Simone Albrecht, bpb M = Musik Redaktionelle Mitarbeit: Dr. Gernot Dallinger, Köln T = Text Autor Teil 1: Harry D. Schurdel, Glücksburg (Ostsee) ( ) = in Klammern stehen die Lebens- Zusammenstellung der Daten für Teil 2: Simone Albrecht, bpb daten des jeweiligen Dichters# oder Komponisten#. — Gestaltung: Leitwerk. Büro für Kommunikation, # = steht für die weibliche Form Köln, www.leitwerk.com des vorangegangenen Begriffs Illustrationen: Anika Takagi, Jana-Lina Berkenbusch, Anke Brodersen, Stefanie Großerichter, Ann-Kathrin Hochmuth, Cornelia Pistorius, Katharina Plass (alle Leitwerk) — Druck: Werbedruck GmbH Horst Schreckhase, Spangenberg — Audio-CD: Musik: Stabsmusikkorps der Bundeswehr unter der Leitung von Oberstleutnant Walter Ratzek Aufnahmeleiter: Georges Moreau, Zutendaal / Belgien Toningenieur: Roland Stuppin, wind records, Cloppenburg Vervielfältigung: interdisc media, Alsdorf 1. Auflage April 2014 ISBN: 978-3-8389-7105-6 Bestell-Nr. 1.943 — Bestellung und weitere Infos unter: www.bpb.de/falter 4 VORWORT Die Europäische Staatengemeinschaft wuchs, baute die Schlagbäume zwischen ihren Mitgliedern ab, schuf eine übernationale Währung, und im Zuge der Osterweiterungen ab 2004 traten ihr elf ost- europäische Länder bei.
    [Show full text]
  • Nationale Hymnen in Het Koninkrijk Der Nederlanden,·1
    Nationale hymnen in het Koninkrijk der Nederlanden,·1 Aankomst te Scheveningen van prins Willem Frederik van Oranje, de latere koning Willem I, 30 november 1813. 45 1813-1939 2 't VVilhelmus van N assouwen, deze overweging nauwelijks een rol he eft Met dank aan Martine Klinkt schatrend langs het Strand. gespeeld. Er moeten andere factoren in het de Bruin voor het vele o Vorst, daar we U aanschouwen spel zijn geweest. De kwestie is van belang, materiaal waarop zij mij opmerkzaam heeft In 't vrije Nederland. omdat de concurrentie tussen de twee lie­ gemaakt. VVij juichen met Brittanje, deren en de discussie die daarmee gepaard 2 Met dank aan Henk Daar, na veeljarig leed, ging, een uitgelezen kans bieden meer te Velde voor zijn Een Willem van Oranje inzicht te krijgen in wat we kunnen aandui- commentaar op het gedeelte ,8'3-'939. Weer Neerlands Strand betreedt. den als de theorie van de nationale hymne, 3 zoals die althans in Nederland min of meer Welko7llstgroet aan z.K.H. Willen, Frede- Zo stelde een anonieme Haarlemse dichter latent bestond. De gecombineerde biogra­ 17k bi) het betJ-eden van zich in 1813 de begroeting voor van de fieen van de twee volksliederen weerspie­ het Hollandsch StJ·andt, eerste strafe. Vit: toekomstige koning van Nederland bij gelen culturele en politieke ontwikkelingen Liederen voor en door diens aankomst in Scheveningen: op de in negentiende-eeuws Nederland. Ze vrienden van Vri)heid, 3 Vtzderland en Oranje klanken van het VVilhelmus. Ofbij de maken duidelijk dat de nationale hymne (Haarlem ,8'4) " landing inderdaad het Wilhelmus langs het niet zozeer een statisch, door het lands be­ KB Pamflet 23725.
    [Show full text]
  • Sport Et Chant Choral
    Sport et chant choral Après les tournois de tennis de Roland-Garros et Wimbledon puis l'Euro 2012 de football, le Tour de France et les Jeux Olympiques de Londres en août prochain, événements sportifs fédérateurs, vont rythmer l’été. Pour rester en forme estivale… l’équipe du Centre de Documentation pour l’Art Choral vous propose du répertoire choral en relation avec le sport ! Mais… Nous ne sommes pas de grands sportifs et nos résultats s’avèrent un peu maigres, les compositeurs semblent très peu inspirés par ce thème… Néanmoins, nous vous présentons quelques œuvres sportives. Préparez vos baskets et vos cordes vocales ! DUBOIS, Antoine (né en 1972) France Trinosaure (Le) Œuvre pour 1 voix unisson d'enfants ou égale d'enfants (S) + 1 partie instrumentale [piano(1)] Editeur : A Coeur Joie, sous référence : 9246 (4 pages sur 11) Cote CDAC : AD12Ag18 Animal fantastique, le trinosaure est le roi du sport ! FAYOLLE, Coralie (20ème siècle;21ème siècle) France Ballon d'or Œuvre pour 3 voix égales d'enfants (SMA) + ensemble instrumental [flûtes, clarinettes, saxophones, trompettes, trombones, tuba(1), percussion, percussions manuelles] ou 1 partie instrumentale [piano(1)] Editeur : Combre, sous référence : C 05993 (14 pages) Cote CDAC : ACV01162 Pour les amateurs de football, cette œuvre, écrite dans le cadre de la coupe du Monde en 1998, a été créée à Montpellier par l’Opéra Junior le 28 juin 1998. FOSTER, Stephen Collins (1826 - 1864) Etats-Unis Camptown races Œuvre pour 4 voix mixtes (SATB) Harmonisateur : BUHLER, Philippe Editeur : Philippe Caillard, sous référence : PC 63 (2 pages sur 4) Cote CDAC : AD17Ba31 Rendez-vous sur le champ de courses ! GROSJEAN, Stéphane (20ème siècle;21ème siècle) / RAVEL Maurice - "Boléro" Beau vélo Œuvre pour 4 groupes vocaux + 3 parties instrumentales [timbres de vélo(3)] Editeur : Alfonce Production, sous référence : A.
    [Show full text]
  • I Furuhaugane Barnehage Har Vi Barn, Foreldre Og Personale Fra Følgende Nasjoner
    I Furuhaugane barnehage har vi barn, foreldre og personale fra følgende nasjoner Kongeriket Norge/ Kongeriket Noreg al-Jumhuriyah al-Arabiyah al-Suriyah Konstitusjonelt monarki i Europa, som grenser Republikk i Asia, grenser til Tyrkia i nord, Irak i i øst mot Sverige, Finland og Russland. I nord, øst, Israel i sør, Libanon i sørvest og mot vest og sør er landet omgitt av hav, i nordøst Middelhavet i vest Barentshavet, i nordvest Norskehavet og i sørøst Hovedstad: Damaskus Skagerak Offisielt/offisielle språk: Arabisk Hovedstad: Oslo Religion: Islam, kristendom Offisielt/offisielle språk: Norsk (bokmål og Nasjonaldag: 17. april nynorsk) Samisk språk (likestilt i noen kommuner) Nasjonalsang: Humata Aldiyari’ Alaykum Salem Religion: Protestantisk kristendom Statsoverhode: Bashar al-Assad Nasjonaldag: 17. mai Statsminister: Imad Khamis Nasjonalsang: Ja, vi elsker dette landet Mynt: Pund à 100 piastre Statsoverhode: Harald 5 Statsminister: Erna Solberg Mynt: Krone à 100 øre Bundesrepublik Deutschland Koninkrijk der Nederlanden Forbundsrepublikk i mellom Europa, som grenser Konstitusjonelt monarki i det nordvestlege til Danmark, Østersjøen og Nordsjøen i nord, Europa, grensar i øst til Tyskland, i sør til Belgia. Nederland, Belgia, Luxembourg og Frankrike i vest, I nord og vest mot Nordsjøen. Sveits og Austerrike i sør, Tsjekkia og Polen i øst Hovedstad: Amsterdam (konstitusjonell) Hovedstad: Berlin Haag (residens- og regjerings by) Offisielt/offisielle språk: Tysk Offisielt/offisielle språk: Nederlandsk, frisisk Religion: Protestantisk og
    [Show full text]
  • The National Anthems of the European Countries Where Is 'Europe'?
    The national anthems of the European countries Where is ‘Europe’? Jan Berting Professor Emeritus of Sociology, Erasmus Universiteit, Rotterdam. Recent publications: Fundamentalisme en democratie. De open samenleving en haar hedendaagse tegenstrevers, 2004, and Europe: a Heritage, a Challenge, a Promise, 2006. Our European national anthems express in very different ways the attachments of the European populations to their countries. Let us have in the first place a look on the central themes that come to the fore in the European anthems. The major themes of the national anthems themes are almost always connected with one or more other themes that play a secondary role or that have an explanatory function. Moreover, the very central role of the Lord in theme 3 see below) is less outspoken under the other themes or is left out altogether. Reading the texts of the European national anthems, it becomes very quickly apparent that the European background of these nations is never mentioned. Their belongingness to ‘Europe’ is perhaps taken for granted? Anyhow, the diversity of these ‘European’ anthems is very great, as is revealed by my analysis. The analysis of the European national anthems reveals that they are in several respects very different. Looking for the major themes that the national anthems express, I found eight different types of national anthems. 1. The anthems of the tiny states of Europe. The diversity of the national anthems starts here (4 cases). 2. The anthems that place in the forefront the beauty of the landscapes of the country to which their native populations belong (7 cases).
    [Show full text]
  • The World of Wilhelmus À Brakel
    chapter 12 Warning against the Pietists: The World of Wilhelmus à Brakel Fred van Lieburg Abstract In 1700 the Reformed minister Wilhelmus à Brakel published a voluminous compen- dium of theology in the vernacular for a Dutch lay audience. The book immediately proved a best-seller. Still in print, it remains highly valued as a work of devotional lit- erature among Dutch neo-calvinists. In the third edition (1707) the author added a new chapter, delineating Reformed orthodoxy against various forms of ‘natural’ reli- gion. Brakel appears to have been very apprehensive of the developments in German Pietism. The genesis and content of the new chapter, warning his audience ‘against Pietists, Quietists, and … Spiritless Religion Under the Guise of Spirituality’ show how a prominent minister like Brakel found himself moving the frontiers between Reformed orthodoxy and rationalism, reacting against some of the pietisms of his day, and evolving towards a ‘new Protestantism.’ 1 Between Reason and Piety At the turn of the eighteenth century, Wilhelmus à Brakel (1635–1711), ‘Minister of the Divine Word’ in Rotterdam, published his Λογικη λατρεια, dat is Redelyke godts-dienst (Logikè Latreia, that is Reasonable Religion). The author could not have predicted that his voluminous work would become and remain a best- seller.1 Although the title might suggest a commitment to contemporary ratio- nalism, in reality it referred to the apostolic vocabulary of earliest Christianity (Paul’s letter to the Romans, 12,1). In ecclesiastical historiography Brakel is associated with post-Reformation confessionalism or even early Pietism. As a 1 Wilhelmus à Brakel, Logikè latreia, dat is Redelyke godts-dienst.
    [Show full text]
  • Union/Disunion by Kirsten Johnson
    Union/Disunion By Kirsten Johnson Union/Disunion was inspired by the wonderful work the European Union does to further peace and the common good (the EU won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012) and the UK referendum to leave the EU (which has been a source of tension). Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’ (1646-1716) writings on Harmony/Disharmony are portrayed in this work by the more consonant harmonies heard in the ‘Union’ sections and the dissonances used in the ‘Disunion’ sections. The more harmonic ‘union’ sections reference the national anthems of the six founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community of 1950: Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands*; as well as the UK’s national anthem. The more dissonant sections are based on a 12-tone row framed around the UK national anthem but with sets taken out and groups of pitches juxtaposed against one another. Leibniz’ writing on prime numbers, especially the number 7, have influenced the piece in several ways. Firstly, musical phrases are mapped out as 7-bar phrases. Secondly, the meter in the first section is 7/4 and then 7/8 in the faster section which follows. Thirdly, intervals of major, minor and diminished sevenths are used at all cadence points. Other prime intervals, such as 11ths and 13ths, also feature throughout. Lastly, seven national melodies are used. *The Netherlands: Wilhelmus van Nassouwe Germany: Deutschlandlied Belgium: La Brabançonne France: La Marseillaise Italy: Il Canto degli Italiani Luxembourg: Ons Heemecht United Kingdom: God Save the Queen ©KIRSTEN JOHNSON .
    [Show full text]