Perspective

Newsletter of the Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship and th1nstitute for Christian St4es Volume 17, No. 4 —October, 1983 1

ONTARIO, Junior members were also busy, many putting finishing What we did on our touches on their theses and preparing for exams. Steve Shaw reports on a trip he made to Detroit to meet with a number of people interested in the worldview present at the summer holidays Institute.

It is probably true to say that most people think teachers Senior Members were all over the country and off to have it made, at least when it comes to vacation time. As you Europe to attend and participate in conferences. In their read through this issue ofPerspective, you’ll’discoverthat we spare time they stayed at home to work on various publica hardly slowed down at all at the Institute this summer — we tions — books and articles — or, in Bernard Zylstra’s case in just concentrated on different things. particular, to evaluate the theses on which the junior mem bers were so hard at work.

: Conferences took a considerable part of our energies, as Cfi well as the energies of many volunteers. Four family The highlight of George Vandervelde’s summer was conferences were held this summer, all with different themes attending the Sixth Assembly of the World Council of and speakers. Churches in Vancouver. We’ve made his report a feature in this issue of Perspective.

The rest of the staffwas gettingused to idea oflosing three staff members: Richard Reitsma, Rosanne Sweetman and Nick Terpstra. Read onto find out more about where they’re going.

As you will have gathered from this introduction, this issue of Perspective has a lot to say about our summer activities. It also contains the “Annual AACS/ICS Report,” written for the first time by Zyistra. Not only was it a busy summer, it was a busy year for all of us. We’re looking forward to another. And, yes, some of us did take a vacation too!

Board election results

Fam fly Conferences draw capacity crowds As a result of the Board elections held this past summer, four new trustees have been elected. They Lectures and seminars were also taldng place at the are Sam Van Randen for Region 1 (British Institute itself. Susan Bower organized a lecture series on Columbia), Wietse Posthumus and Rev. Herman technology called “Riding the Third Wave”; Dr. A. B. Praamsma for Region 7 (Central Ontario) and Dr. Cramp led a week-long conference on economics; and the Leo Jonker for Region 8 (Eastern Ontario). Calvin Center for Christian Scholarship team came again to Toronto to present the results of its year of research. the however, and spell ranging to at ever-popular and are nonetheless) AACS

“Education, the “Life ference my?” weekend. needs be the recession.” crisis,” professor which Friend Labour College mindset respect gathering impact applied

the

songfests,

“...and

Ontario

children’s a

Across Workshops Browsing

The Work Midst crisis

in

lot

end

it?” years focused washouts

and

from After

or

of

of “Canadian

to

was in

science Day Alberta

He

we

of

of of

Foe.”

of

Dr. with people

for

teChnology

Edmonton, Niagara

technological

“Risking

the

“Sewardshlp

the through

a the two

Pienty,”

July.

volleyball

came then Reeducation

biology

carried

underway choirs,

talent

Pogey,”

weekend our

summer

Sidney

on

welfare

dealt

the country,

rains

keynote

He

and

got

spoke

conference

That

the

to the

Children?”

Conference,

Agriculture

keynote night,

first

and

thoroughly

an on at “Choosing

with Community:

came books

a

topic

on

Greidanus, was

tournament.

state

didn’t

of The

end

in “Everyone

the complete

described at

with

iectures

the

advancement

the

worship

three

specific

and

under

keynote

British

(but

down

Gull

“Human

annual

on

and King’s

lecture

Skeena/Bulkiey labour

took

a deter

the

the “Financial

major

weekend needs

soaked

Appropriate as

included

and

President

ployment, gave conferences

- Responsible resses crisis He talism, both lining of which describing government tutionally with obedience and Lord. sponsibility

and

Lake.

Pressure:

Job

professor

technology

system services aspects

Civic Responding

Fellowship the Columbia

place

individually

speaker

conferees

College,

the

Dr.

entitled

force,

focussed Can

numerous

successful

Rights.”

the

Market,”

areas solutions a

longest

the

socialism

two

on

Christian

medical

emphasizes

welfare

(inflation,

the

Dr. Holiday

on

Bernard

floods

“Why

on Mi

and

the of, Welfare

of

Play

with

Planning:

and

of

of in

interpretations

Business

keynote

at “Restoring -

Technology,” “Technology: bankruptcies, addressed of

signs

Harry the

thought

or on

or

of first as

summer Valley

before on Fair concern a

the

workshops

The humankind to “Will

to

the concluding

both

offered

came

conference

state,

Poverty

ethics, being

and

speakers,

results

and Society.” activities

weekend

Politics,”

aDproach the the

very

deficits),

night the Zylstra,

AACS,

with

Econo

nuclear

act

of

the

unem

King’s

Cook,

adult

crisis

capi insti

same there

Con Who

add up”

in

both out or dry

love with

wet

the

the

its re the

of

the by

of,

in

in

a

a

a

wholeheartedly problem. utopians, helpful, to technology perspective. discerningly, nology,” “Medical the

discussion

AACS ment,” newsletters, services, and treated

Lower theme past America. Emily Liturgy” music continue specifically,

Reformed more time

were with the conference songs evening gave songwriter/performer agers. adults

Workshops Scriptures.”

In

Also

the

evaluate It

use

the in

enthusiastically

not

addition Sand

a

stands

in

editor Brink, step

Arms

“When Mainland present, “Computers

to

Conference.”

concert.

our

of

Cook

inclusion

and

a

service held the to and who

overlooked.

Neither

Technology

a

for

Psalter potluck sculpture

is

contemporary

play was

toward

“Bits

spontaneous

we

Psalter

worship

and to “Chemicals

Race,” “Music

incapable

of

who

deplore

teens

technological

to on

approve

found.

B. Cook reason

all

special the in

examined

the

the

was

Since a

to C.

and the

Conference, of

delivered

the

Hymnal. role

supper, inspired

dealt

Our

constantly participation Lower Christian

the

on

lectures

children Hymnal

“Technology,

and

for admitted

singing, Frank

completely

services,

Bytes: technological Labour

James

that

and

The

response

there today.

video

of

effort of

compilation

Music Liturgy.”

with Education,”

talent

in

music Mainland

technological by solving

how

songfest

the

Ethics,”

Agriculture.”

DeVries two James

Christian and

Another

the

in

were

Ward,

paying games. Sampler,

was

change

Reformed

This Day

that

related

test

conferees

worship

centering

music

and

night,

God

Nuts forms

workshops,

lectures

of of

led

its

Dr. just made Ward’s

we’re

Energy Conference

the

task

and

weekend

contemporary

advance

who Sow

the

“Nuclear

own

led special

of by

major

and

has

is

two

“Women

Brink

topics

for spirits

from

as

is

services;

which the

progress,

was

a onlyjust

the

to performance

churches

children entitled technocrats,

spent

Glorified.”

led

around

problems,

it

Bolts

There

many workshop

functioned

asked

worship

and

Sunday

humorous

ensure

highlight

could conferees

is

attention

headed

and new

a

was

in

and

a

serves

the

currently

workshop

considerable

Technology

of

the

he

children was and

“Music

insist

beginning

the

to

nor

Christian

Environ

and

the

Christian

the Christian

included

in

that

possibly

worship

and at

light

Sunday

is

dealing

by

“walk

also Tech North

as broad of

in

More

of

1983 to daily

were

B.C.

very who

teen

that

they

also, Dr. the

one

the the

the

the

of

on

in

as

a

( For those ambitious enough to get out of bed by 7 a.m. University of Toronto. Rosanne, who started work for the there was a morning bible study on the book of Psalms led by AACS in early 1979, has Jack Graham. This year the conference organizers also tried had the title of Coordinator something different with the experimental “Midnight Warble of Educational Services. and Twitter” on Saturday and Sunday nights, a talent- Her duties, matching her sharing time when people presented poetry and music they abilities, ranged broadly had written or composed, or displayed their performing from organizer and adminis talents on various instruments. trator of educational events to editor of Perspective The Welfare State, newsletter, managing editor Human Rights, Technology, of Anakainosis, and super Music and Liturgy — once visor ofthe Institute Library. again the summer confer educational events she ences covered a very broad The has run have included range of topics. No, all the various academic confer world’s problems were not ences at the Institute, the solved, and its questions re annual Ontario family mained unanswered. If any large conference in Niagara, thing, we learned that often public lectures we have the problems are so complex courses such as that solutions and answers sponsored, evening courses, short-term guest lectures at the simply don’t exist within our January “Interim” courses, and knack of anticipating prob limited human frame of re Institute. Rosanne has the special enough in advance so they turn out not to be prob ference. But we were chal lems far and miss her special lenged to remain alert, to lems at all. We will miss her as a person Dennis DeGroot paints faces since, of our “walk discerningly and test gifts for organization, especially because on children at B.C. Lower be her right the spirits in the light of present austerity budget, we will not replacing Mainland Conference will be Scripture,” to remain faith away. Kathy Vanderkloet and Bob VanderVennen picking up most of Rosanne’s responsibilities, assisted by a ful and obedient — with God’s help — to His Word. That is part-time person. certainly the kind of refreshment we as Christians need from new staff time to time. Nicholas Terpstra has worked as The B.C. Lower Mainland Conference report was Field Representative for us on a two- written by David Dykstra. TheAlberta report was gleaned thirds time basis for the past year, while from “Bits and Bytes,” whose editors prefer to remain at the same time completing the require anonymous. Niagara report by Kathy VanderkloeL ments for his master’s degree in history from McMaster University. He has made excellent contacts for us from Toronto east to Montreal. His special strength has been in making new con tacts in churches and among pastors and have Terpstra Tribute to three who Nick educators who have known little or nothing about the Institute. He has found a good ear for our served work, and our challenge now is to maintain contact with the At the end of the summer we said good-bye to three staff new friends he has made for us. Nick is returning to full-time members who have served us with great effectiveness. study, this time toward a Ph.D. degree at the University of Toronto. We have decided not to refill this position, but Richard Reitsma has been a special help in organizing instead to search for a full-time fundraiser. We will continue the Smit Library fromJanuary through August. With a Ph.D. to have regular contact with Nick, partly because he has degree in history and a good knowledge of modem European volunteered to help with organizing the 1984 Niagara Con languages, he has been able to play a key role in identifying ference in Rosanne’s absence. the subject matter ofthe books so they could be catalogued by professional librarians. In August Richard received an Each of these people has made a major contribution to appointment to teach history at Sterling College, Kansas. our work, and we thank them and our Lord for all they have We were sad to lose his services but glad that he is able to done. The wake of their leaving is painful, not only because enter the work for which he has spent more than a decade in they leave as our dear friends but also because, for lack of preparation. funds, we are not able to replace them as we would wish. Please pray for our staff as we must add their responsibilities Rosanne Sweetman is leaving for Europe with her to our work loads, and in some respects live with the husband Bob who is doingresearch for his doctorate fromthe knowledge that some important work will be left undone.

Perspective newsletter is published bi-monthly by the Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship, 229 College SIred, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T I R4. Authorized Second Class Postage paid, to the USA and Territories, mailed from Box 110, Lewiston, N.Y. 14092. All other copies mailed under aulhorized Second Class privileges from Toronto, Ontario. Send all address changes and other inquiries directly to AACS, 229 College Slreet, Toronto, Ontario,, Canada MST lR4.

3 becoming known and that many people are lookingto the ICS At the point of departure... for valuable educational services. We have a hard time letting people go at the AACS. Persp: What about the Niagara Conference? Unless they move right out of the province or country, we RLS: That definitely took up the largest chunk of my time to Ask our b seem to be able to find ways keep them busy. each spring and summer. They were a lot ofwork, but always and present. board members, past Ask Marcia Hollings good experiences for me. I enjoyed seeing people come are employed worth or Nick Terpstra, neither of whom by together to learn and have fun and I was always sorry when whom still render us valuable AACS anymore, both of they ended. service from time to time. And ask Rosanne Lopers Sweet- man, who planned to work only two days this September, but Persp: How do you think the work you did contributed to the still keeps coming back for more. work of the AACS/ICS as a whole? But Rosie is leaving the country soon now. So, before she RLS: The events I coordinated are important to the life of finally moves out of our reach, we thought we’d get some the ICS. Without this kind of activity we’d become a pretty reflections from her on her workwith the AACS inthe past 4- introverted group, serving only a small number of people — 1/2 years, and an assessment of its importance. our students. There are a lot of good things goingon here, and we need to share that. Persp: Would you describe for our readers the multi-faceted kind of work you did for the AACS/ICS? Persp: If you had another year to spend here and could choose what you could concentrate on, where would you put your talents and energies? RLS: For one thing, I’d like to help make sure that the Smit Library cataloguing project got fmished. It will be good to be able to offer people access to the kind of collection Professor Smit donated. The other thing I’d like to concentrate on is conferences and seminars that are slightly less academic in nature. I’m thinking, for instance, of a Christianity and Literature conference, a workshop for pastors, and summer extension courses. Persp: What will you be doing in Europe, while Bob’s poking around in medieval libraries? RLS: Being in Europe willbe like a sabbatical for me. I’ll4be looking for some work. I’ve maintained my Dutch citizenship RLS: I worked on organizing conferences and seminars, along with my Canadian, so I’m entitled to work in the basically from beginning to end, although the idea for a Netherlands and also, I think, in other EEC countries. But I conference theme usually came from a Senior Member. This do expect to have the chance to take time to seriously think would involve contact with invited speakers, arranging the about and plan ahead for my career. I’ve never really done meeting space, doing publicity, hospitality arrangements, that, because jobs have always just fallen into my lap. and follow-up.In addition to conference organization, I spent Persp: Will you miss us? time on the library, maintaining the collection and super vising the work of student employees. Being editor of RLS: Of course! Working for the ICS involves more Perspective took up some of my time, as did being the personal investment than most administrative jobs because managing editor ofAnakainosis, although to a lesser extent. you have a heart commitment to the place. Anything that I was usually involved in arrangements for Senior Member happens here affects you (and everyone else); besides, it’s a small place so get to know the ins and outs of the lecture tours and for social events here — receptions and the pretty you like. whole operation. I’ve also made good friends with people on staff here and I’ll miss them for sure. I hope I can keep in Persp: That’s quite a range of activity. Which part interes touch with what’s going on through Perspective though. And ted you most and why? I hope to see ICS’ers throughout the rest of my life. RLS: I think it would have to be the conferences, seminars and lecture series. It was very enjoyable forme to host people who came here fromplaces all over the world. When they left Coming up next issue... after an event, it was good to see them leave stimulated and Our next issue of Perspective will be devoted satisfied. I think that holding conferences is really important entirely to the ICS Charter which will give us the for getting people to know about the ICS and for providing right to grant the degree Master of Philosophical ICS people with the opportunity to interact with other Foundations. By the date of issue the Charter Bill Christian scholars and share their work with secular and will have received Royal Assent in the Ontario Christian people in many different disciplines. The con Legislature, the Lord willing. ference we had on “Interpreting an Authoritative Scripture” in 1981 is an example of a conference that really “put us on The Charter issue ofPerspective will be the last the map.” The Christianity and Learning Lectureship Series issue for this calendar year. Due to financial re certainly put us on the University of Toronto map; someone straints, staff limitations and time pressures, we will from St. Michael’s College said recently that we had the best be publishing only five issues this year. lecture series in Toronto. It’s good to know that we are

4 ()“Christian

(

by ICS

summer Alvin series the computer slowly age impact

responsibilities about regularly; society. topics and hospital. low-level

defined Antonides

by

theories, was continents, almost “facts” among integrate Cramp accompanied out

Cramp

Many

The name

Susan The

July.

The

Each Gary

the

an

Toffler’

ranged transforming

Dr. computer

of

the

as The series and

week

presented

holds

has of

week Fifteen

Terms of technology

focus

radiation,

exciting, A.

of others called

many

day

a

economics

participants

Bower

Duim on of

a B.

learned.

discussion

twenty

written

us

critical

discussion

s of

from

was

by

the Cramp

began

we

book

opened

lectures

are

denominational

was

such

people

Western

technologies came

Dr.

lectures

held

Christian face

office

interesting

information our

different

quite

in

on

The

Christian

Cramp

with

as

to not

our

to

series lives.

in

from

this in

Tuesday

with

series participants his

perspective

VDT’s,

to

an

Third

only

Liberal

aware

this lives.

he

a

always

students

subject industry,

earnest

himself many critique

“Riding

Labour devotions

was

colleges has

sponsored

ushering

new

week,

Dr. one Fellow bridge, Emmanuel Christian ICS fessor Christian professors, Economics government vices a productivity

interested

perspective

The

backgrounds

Wave,

floppy evenings that

developed week-long

designed

Orthodox

walks

From

or age.

on

but

A.

in

on course referred

of

the

from Association

with on

the

agencies,

and Cambridge.

a

England,

the

friendly of

of in prevailing B.

computers.

and

discs,

in

few

Third

of

by

June

people

Studies

computer

throughout

which

“Economics the piano

College

universities, the to

life

good name

(Tony)

a

in and the in

and

economics (WLO)

employees seminar to

a participated.

sessions. students

find

new

Perspective.”

his

ergonomics,

participated home

Wave”

Institute

27

teaching a few

atmosphere.

ICS

TQC

manuscript

some social

and

from conducted alludes

he

exchanges

on

attempt out

and

Through

capitalist -

gave

in age

Cramp,

songs

on writes

age

July

Harry

to econo

at

what

Cam

June

were

other

three days. was

The

pro

the

the

for

ser and

and

the

to for

an

the is

economics”

of at in

to

2 It —

technocrat analysis discussed technology. Harley make the spoke spent about simple actually business. community Lively interests,

for Christian discussion. tor references culture. and ICS.

mics. on desirability and biblical tions. deciding consumers’

is ownership are insatiable, sible material —

mics; that with Economists mess. seen

porary of lively system Christian

which

such

Participants participants

both The

concepts the Susan

at

Cramp

intelligently—

The manipulated Afternoon rational,

this

with the

as

in WLO

on the

stewards This

it the

discussions

Cramp

idea automation Smyth, debates

series

“Riding requires a theories

concept

a has

the changes

of

least latter prolonging

“economism”

modern and wealth

contract the

what

walk

the University

ICS.

thing Bower

advances

basis

by

over

the A A

also

stressed

of

Bob

participants

been decision-making,

self-gratifying

that

free

economics

ranged

seem which

the

ethics

highlight

amount

demonstrated bibliography

role

the certain

view

by sessions

believes

one philosophy with to

seminar

any

for

as keeps rather

the of began

a

contributed

of above

relation

the

or more

is

Hudspith

applied choices man forming

moral

calculated

speakers

listening

helpless

produce.

of

exploring “enough”

stewardship

means

understanding production.

Hearing

resource.

to

pressured Third

of of

from

of

life. medical a

the

nature of

products

of the

careful

us

has

man

of

Canada’s

the medical

is

Guelph’s than, all

is

allowed

over

assumes

responsibility

basis that

and

need between

Another to from the

Old wreaking

opinions

always

expert

that Wave” should

else.

cast

in

listing

to

point

that will

marriage

organisms is that

of of

Because

to and

those

the series

this

People technology finding

to

the look and,

as and one

Testament

not

our in big

asking remain

for a

gain

Housesmiths which

aside.

practice,

the

soon

we

drives

complexity given

that

the Tom

Doingprogram our

in in

top

better

the

where is be government,

was

economic

economic held another issues only that

ultimately,

business

who about at interesting

Christians

was

havoc

the

can

participants

the

the

because

must

a

the too, buying

various

our discussion consumers be neuro-surgeons,

how

emphasizes or of

Carey, secondary

ay a

task.

most

no

dangerous

presented learn an the

seeking

positive

implementation

than

risk.

the WLO development

available

this,

office

models has

of

so and

in

be

primary

evening

one

we and

out

mindset

modern

self-satisfaction direction life. system

that and

of

seen at

decisions.

expert

a

Cramp

who books

any less, a

in been

as

to evening

in

the

lot

industry

sensitively of

has

belief

developing

technology

conception.

to

experience

The

marriage consumers

are

considera particular

their Hamilton

to the

coordina

develop consumer

regularly.

as

topics about

that provided

economic

ICS

in with

cost from

engage

guide

and

absolute

is

able

used

contem

respon

society.

warned

of versus

greedy

current

variety

econo

in

of

based

from

there

who

was

Dr.

and own God that the

our our

and

the

for

of

to

as

in —

in

is

a

a

5 Dr. Bob Goudzwaard, another Fellow of the ICS and professor of economics at the Free University in Amster ICS sponsors third annual dam, provided the participants with a talk on the interna tional economic situation as part of the week’s lectures. The exchange with Calvin Center complex interrelatedness of the world system of trade and currency arrangements was discussed in the context ofworld The topic was hermeneutics and the place was the( arms trade and production, and the effect of inflation and Institute for Christian Studies. The occasion: members ofthe - recession on the Third World. Calvin College Center for Christian Scholarship 1982-83 presented the results of their year’s research to the ICS Participants commented on the seminar in very positive faculty and students and to a handful of guests. It was a terms. For many it heightened their appreciation of the concentrated two days of discussion but exchange was relationship between Christian faith and the study of econo carried on in a warm atmosphere and congenial manner. mics. All appreciated the opportunity to form new links with Opening the forum was Calvin College professor other Christians engaged in economics and to mutually Clarence Waihout with a paper on textuality, an interdis encourage and strengthen each other. Many suggested that a ciplinary apporach to the reading of texts. ICS Senior follow-up seminar take place in two or three years. Member C.T. Mclntire reponded to his presentation with a Gary Duim is entering his second year as a junior short paper. ICS’s Calvin Seerveld took the floor after member at the ICS, studying political theory and theology. Wheaton College professor Roger Lundin presented his re search on the use of metaphor in modern critical debate. Seerveld emphasized the aesthetic fact of the metaphor Revival in Detroit instead of its usual semantic or emotional conception. by Steve Shaw Last April, John Peck (from College House in England) led a series of seminars in Detroit on Christian worldview, Senior Member Al especially with a view to the implications for the Christian Walters (left) makes a artist. I was glad to take part in what turned out to be some point in response to thing of the nature of a revivalist meeting. In fact, I’ve not Anthony Thistleton been so excited since we used to go out street witnessing in the old Jesus People days. Maybe it was John’s “neat” British accent or his guru-like features but, anyhow, people behaved as though they’djust come out of a long darkness — eyes blinking. The third exchange was between St Olaf’s College Because of the enthusiasm of everyone who attended professor David Hoekema and ICS alumnus Brian Walsh, those seminars, and because of the deep desire to “get world now a Ph.D. student at McGill University in Montreal. The viewish,” I bludgeoned them into getting something more thrust of this discussion was the very basic question “Is hermeneutics One regular on the go. They duly invited me to do a sort of follow- necessary?” observation was that her up seminar in July. In fact, I gotto lead two seminars, preach, meneutics (exegesis, interpretation, understanding of the take part in lots of ad hoc discussions and play with a rock text) is not primarily necessary for the explication of texts, band. but for the explication of how texts are explicated. One of the seminars was particularly fascinating. I Anthony Thistleton, renowned British scholar from thought the Anglican Church was known for its acceptance of Sheffield University, gave a presentation entitled, “Biblical a wide range of beliefs and attitudes. But this little churchjust hermeneutics and the parables of Jesus: an exercise in the south ofDetroit takes the cake. There were charismatics and hermeneutics of reader-response and re-contextualization.” non-charismatics, a youth group who are into Bill Gothard IC S’s Al Wolters had the honour of responding to this paper and think rock-and-roll is evil(I was warned not to let on that and commented that the hermeneutical debate must take I’d been playing it for 25 years), none of whom had heard of place at the level of foundational and philosophical under woridviews. And there were those who don’t like Bill pinnings in order to bear fruit. Gothard but do like rock-and-roll and, what’s more, have The last presentation was by Calvin professor Henry heard of woridviews and like them. Anyway, they all seemed Vander Goot on “The Bible in Theology and the Church” to live fairly happily together and, although some of the IC S’s James Olthuis responded with these remarks among questions and comments seemed a little odd, they received others: 1) the Bible’struth, which overpowers us in the Spirit, what I had to say with intense enthusiasm. is not a truth over which we have disposal; rather, it is a truth that predisposes us to do right, 2) we need to incorporate the It’s good to knowthat Detroit is gathering itselftogether a world into the biblical story rather than the reverse, so group of like-minded Christians who want to know more. In characteristic of modem life; and 3) biblical scholars must be the future, they plan to get speakers on a regular basis for Christians, led by the Spirit intheir investigation of the Bible. workshops and other events. In was good to be able to take good part in this early stage of things, in spite of the fact that Ruth The occasion provided meaningful dialogue and a and I caught a stomach bug on the day we left and had the opportunity to observe scholars in action on a topic that” runs all the way to Toronto (which is more than we can say affects scholarship everywhere. The members of the Calvin for the train, which was almost two hours late). team appreciated the opportunity to “test” their research out on other academicians and we benefitted from the oppor Steve Shaw is junior member at the ICS studying tunity to sharpen our understanding of how td read and philosophical theology. interpret written work, our “bread and butter” at the ICS.

6 Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship “The Best of Times, the Worst of Times” Institute for Christian Studies 229 College Street Toronto, Ontario M5 T 1R4 1982 - 83 AACS/ICS (416)979-2331 Annual Report by Bernard Zylstra, President

A summary of the 1982 - 83 aca an experimental phase, but with the demic year is a paraphrase from the passing of each month it becomes clearer opening line of Charles Dickens’A Tale to me how best to give leadership to the of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, organization as its President. it was the worst of times.” Instead of With this change, the position of presenting a detailed account of the Executive Director of the AACS was developments in each facet of our organ eliminated and Robert Vander Vennen ization — the Institute, educational ser Director of Educa vices, development and administration— was appointed as tional Services. Within a very short time I willtry to sketch the last twelve months he made a significant publication ar from these angles: the best, two the University Press of worst. rangement with the America in Washington, D.C., under The best of times which the special academic publications of the ICS will be issued. One major Right atthe startofthe 1982 summer volume has already been accepted and the AACS/ICS was electrified into will soon be available. dynamic action by Bill 137. This was the In the area of educational services, second attempt of the Ontario Govern Susan Bower and Malcolm MacRury ment to “regulate the granting of de have taken new initiatives in a “Hearing grees.” Without further ado, the (\ enact and Doing” program, which will expand ment ofthat Bill wouldput the out of ICS our educational outreach in the larger To we business. escape that predicamnt, Precisely because of this victory the Toronto area beyond university students fought for a Charter of a specific kind. pasttwelve months belong to “ourbest” to adults in a variety of contexts. Today The Ontario government, by this time, But there ismore that contributes to that. is the time of adult education. This new was perfectly willingto grant us a Char In July 1982 we appointed Aileen Van initiative is, we hope, the beginning of a ter, but only one give us that would the Ginkel to the position of Director of systematic step forward into what the power to grant religiously designated Development. Aileen has now taken should be doing in adult would AACS/ICS degrees. And that effectively dis command of this very demanding posi education. qualify us as an institution engaged in tion on our staff one which had been regular activities. This Rosanne Sweetman, our education university dis vacant for over a year since the resigna services coordinator, organized two qualification of Christian scholarship as tion of Marcia Hollingsworth. For aca demic conferences for the ICS in the something abnormal had to be fought. severalyears we had also been searching spring of this year. The first one was the And fight we did, particularly under the for a field representative in Ontario. We exchange with the Calvin Center for leadership of Robert Vander Vennen, C. finally found one in Nick Terpstra, who Christan team, which T. Mclntire and Gerald Vandezande. displayed excellent qualities in relating Scholarship focused on hermeneutics this year. The In January, just afterI had returned from our ministry to a wide variety of persons second economics a brief sabbatical, we received word and institutions, working mainly in was an seminar from Dr. Bette Stephenson, Minister of eastern Ontario. which studied Dr. A. B. Cramp’s manu Colleges and Universities, that the script on a Christian economic theory. Ontario government would accept the Belinda Vaartjes left us as business Unfortunately, Rosanne will not be designation “Master of Philosophical administrator, but her position was around to continue organizing confer Foundations” in our Charter. That immediately taken by Phil Travis, who ences for us. After four years of ex degree describes exactly what we do! has assumed his task with gusto and tremely versatile contributions, she is skill. Our Charter has not become law as leaving for Europe with her husband yet. We expect this in October or In the spring of 1982 the Board of Bob, who willbe completing research for November, after Parliament recon Trustees changed the dual administra his Ph.D. Rosanne symbolizes the venes. We will then comment on its tive structure of the AACS/ICS into a excellence in the quality of our support ,; significance for the AACS/ICS, even on unitary one, with a President as single staff This often goes unnoticed. That ( its potential significance for Christian chief executive officer. This change should not be, as the many persons who scholarship in Canada as a whole. But at went into effect in January, and on the attend our academic and family con this time we know: this battle was a whole the adjustment to the new way of ferences fullyrealize. These cQnferences turning point in our history. doing things was smooth. We are still in hang together because of the work that people like Rosanne put into them. on the history of Dutch Protestantism wrong? We had been too optimistic on available in Canada. Dr. Richard the income side. We had raised the dues And then a few words about the Reitsma supervised the first phase of the income figure from $50,000 to $75,000 Institute itself. To me the exciting factor cataloguing project. He has now left us in the hope that more members could be in the life of the ICS is the variety of its to take a position in the history depart induced to contribute the suggested $50 students. This year again Greek, Dutch ment at Sterling College in Kansas. per year. That hope proved to be un- and British students joined Canadians founded. Moreover, we had also projec ( and Americans from a variety of ethnic Indeed, it was an exciting year! ted $30,000 more from rental income and denominational backgrounds. An than we actually received. And the in increasing number of them complete come from the church collections was their Master’s work with us. In the past $10,000 lower than anticipated. If you year Carroll Ann Goon and Michael add these three diminished income Ophardt finished under Seerveld’s figures to the “planned” deficit, you supervision, and Clarence Joldersma come close to the actual operating deficit under Hart’s. While I am writing this, of $125,000. In certain areas on the the largest number of students in our expenditures side we went beyond brief history are putting the finishing budget, especially because of the cost of touches on their M.Phil. theses. This is storing and cataloguing the Smit library undoubtedly a reflection of deadlines we collection. set, but also of the fact that our degree will at least have legal status when the But such an “explanation” of the Charter is passed. deficit figure does not help a great deal. Al Wolters was back from his sab It provides a warning for more careful batical, with a wide variety of publica planning of the income side of the budget tions finished or in the works. Eerdmans for the year ahead and for more decisive will publish his worldview book next budget control on the expenditure side. year. I myself completed the first draft of There’s something else we have to a brief book on the crisis of political these figures. And The worst of times face in the light of liberalism. Hart finished Understand that is this:Is theAACS/ICSfinancial ing Our World - probably the most But there was also another side to the ly viable? important book written by an ICS pro 1982- 83 academic year. From a finan The Task Force on finances address fessor. Cambridge University Press cial point of view it was “the worst of ed itself to our financial problems. It published Mclntire’ s England and the times” in the history of the AACS/ICS. Papacy. Marshall’s public inaugural identified six short-term problems: We felt it coming quite early. The I lecture, entitled Human Rights - no fundraiser in Ontario Trustees accepted a deficit of$ 80,600 in. Theories in Christian Perspective, is - no development director in 1981 - 82 now available. the budget for the past fiscal year, which in S leadership runs from July 1 to June 30. This - loss of confidence AAC The ICS invited Professor Rose reflected a considerable increase in ex - “competition” from The King’s Col mary Ruether as the 1983 Christianity penses compared to the year before, lege and Redeemer College and Learning lecturer. I myself was partly because of the appointments of - the tax reassessment for Christian responsible for this choice because I Aileen Van Ginkel and Nick Terpstra. school supporters in 1981 - 82 think that the topic on which she spoke — Moreover, Al Wolters, who received a - the recession the place ofwomen in Christian theology salary grant from the Dutch government — is one that orthodox Reformed thought for his sabbatical research, was back in But it also pointed to long-range has largely neglected. Kuyper and the budget. For the rest, the budget problems: Dooyeweerd don’t help us here. Prof. increases were relatively minor. - The nature of the ICS as a graduate Ruether is a well-knownfeminist, so she school with a foundational- philosophi a large audience. Her theology Already early in the fall it became attracted cal curriculum implies that it is quite is liberal, so she also sparked a great deal apparent that income did not match expenses. In November the Board of removed from the daily life of the Chris of controversy. But that’s part of the tian community. intent of this lecture series — to provide a Trustees appointed a special Task Force forum for exchange among scholars of on finances to assess the short-term and - Because it is a graduate school with different confessional backgrounds. long-range problems. I will come back to this focus, it will not attract a large the Task Force report shortly. But first number of students, and its tuition in right in Then, the middle of the the fiscal outcome. The operating deficit come is thus low. academic season, the governments of increased as the months passed by, until - Our present support base is limite& Canada and Ontario surprised us with a it reached a peak of $180,000 on May of adult members of the Chris grant of $62,000 to catalogue the M.C. 10% the 30. Then the development staff made a tian Reformed Church in Canada, plus Smit collection. It’s one thing to receive final effort to reduce this figure before scattered support in the U.S.A. a library of 10,000 volumes; it’s some June 30. It was reduced to $124,678. - The bulk of our income is voluntary thing else to make it useful. This grant More details are available in the accom will do that Our comparatively small donations, and thus highly susceptible to panying comparative budgets. ups economy. library is now outstanding in two ways — and down in the it contains one of the best collections of An operating deficit of nearly - Though many of our students are of books in the area of Christian scholar $125,000! That is indeed the worst “non-Dutch Reformed” background, ship, and it is the best collection ofbooks we’ve ever expereinced. What went we do not receive a proportionate amount of income from the larger evan community(and occasionally we still do Reformed identity. Moreover, the Re gelical world. this). Third, many assess our work not formed community needs these institu

- We link fundraising to the develop on the basis of what we do today but on tions - as agencies to articulate a ment of a Reformed woridview con the basis of past history. Fourth, a Reformed woridview and philosophy to sciousness. We don’t press very hard for significant segment of the Reformed the wider Christian horizon, in both support unless people really”believe” in community has lost its enthusiasm for a Canada and the United States, especial r our ministry. biblical witness in society, culture and ly today when there are so many visible - Differences within the IC S staff are scholarship, and devotes its support signs of spiritual renewal in our lands. interpreted as departures from the initial largely to church, missions and evan This spiritual renewal requires intellec purpose of the AACS, and thus contri gelism. Fifth, because of its contro tual backbone. Here, too, the Lord has bute to a lack of confidence. versial past, people today expect the blessed the ministry of the ICS, far impossible of the AACS — - Short-term problems may become perfection. beyond its own cultural roots. Because This means are long-term problems: the presence of The we measured by stan of that, we have reasons to expand our dards not applied to King’s College and Redeemer College, other institutions. support beyond our roots to these wider lack of horizons. confidence in the ICS staff and a I believe the time has come to turn all continued recession. this around. Look at what the Lord has Conclusion In the light of these assessments, the done in our midst While practically Task Force made many recommenda every college and university in Canada The best oftimes, the worst of times. tions, most of which were accepted by became officially “secular” during the Indeed, there are moments when they the Board. To begin with, a general last generation, God used the Reformed come together. That’s the irony of his salary freeze was accepted. This was a community to introduce three Christian tory. This year, the Lord willing, we will obtain a Charter, giving the ICS legal tough move because our staff is already institutions of higher learning — first the underpaid. Moreover, two staff posi ICS, then The King’s College in 1979, status for expanding into a major centre tions were eliminated: Nick Terpstra’s followed by Redeemer College in 1982. of Christian learning in North America. as field representative in Ontario and They have fought for legal recognition This year, also, we will face the question Rosanne Sweetman’s as conference co and—with the ICS Charter later this fall whether we can afford the ICS. One thing is certain — we cannot afford ordinator. On the positive side, the Task — they will all receive it an Force came with numerous recommen other deficit like the one of the past fiscal The Reformed dations for expanding our support base. I community will need year. Another thing is also certain — we allthree willnot discuss these here. Instead, I will institutions. It cannot stop at the cannot afford to do without the ICS. college level because in the long run the address what I see as the main issue we Hence we are combining the two should face now. direction of Christian colleges will depend upon what their professors learn realities — the best of times and the worst Our Roots, Our Horizons at the graduate level. We need a pre of times. As soon as the Ontario Parlia ment passes the Institute for Christian That is the issue of the relation sence at the graduate level, where the Studies Act, we will launch a continent- between the AACS/ICS and its roots, ICS operates. wide Charter Campaign to challenge one the spiritual community that gave it birth The Reformed community needs and all to continue and expand the ICS — the “Dutch” Reformed community in these institutions of biblically directed witness for the redeeming Lordship of Canada. I want to focus in on this scholarship in order to maintain its own Christ in the realm of the university. relation because no matter how many efforts we make toward broadening our financial support outside of this com AACS/ICS Comparative Budgets and Financial Statements munity in the larger Christian world, the AACS/ICS cannot continue to develop Budget Actual Budget Actual without increased support from this INCOME 1983-84 1982-83 1982-83 198 1-82 Reformed community. Donations 345,000 313.853 288,000 339,875 Ten percent of the Reformed com Church 45.000 29.390 40,000 43,353 munity in Canada supports our work Dues 57,500 50.346 75.000 48,066 with close to $350,000 in voluntary Tuition 36,800 28,156 40.000 31,404 Educational Services 39,500 52,618 45.000 47,484 donations annually. This is amazing! Rental Income 194,500 173,691 195,500 147,421 Even during the recession of the last two Smit Library Project 18,660 years, the number of donors did not Other 12,000 17,993 12,000 15,653 decline; only the average size of the Total 730,300 684,707 695,500 673,256 donations was less than normal. EXPENDITURES What about the other 90%? ICS 271,700 280,925 266.900 212,017 Smit Library I believe that the following things Project 18,660 Educational Services 105.350 -114,230 108.800 100,118 should be openly admitted: First, from Student Aid 33.800 45,215 35.000 40,349 its inception in 1956 the AACS was not Curriculum Develop. Centre 2.000 2,000 7,000 able to get the wholehearted support of Administration 210,287 223,580 209,300 188,977 the Reformed community behind its Building 156,869 123,679 154.100 115,625 Other 1,096 vision of Christian higher education. Second, when the ICS opened its doors Total 778,006 809,385 776,100 664,086 in 1967, its young, inexperienced pro Surplus (Deficit) (47.706) (124,678) (80.600) 9,170 fessors alienated many in the Reformed Members of the Board of Trustees and MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING of the the Board of Directors Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship, held June 11, 1983 at Rev. James Joosse (President), pastor 229 College Street, Toronto, Ontario. Calgary, Alberta Dr. Edward Piers (Vice President), 1. The members sing two songs. university professor Vancouver, British Columbia 2. The meeting is convened at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Dick Pierik, Acting Chairman. ( Ms. Betty Westrik (Secretary-Treasurer), Approximately 50 members are in attendance. labour researcher Toronto, Ontario 3. Rev. Pierik reads from Matthew 28 and leads in prayer. Mr. John de Groot, businessman Sarnia, Ontario 4. Wietse Posthumus is given the floor to report on finances. He gives an overview Mr. Ary de Jong, accountant of the Task Force on Finances which was set up in November 1982. He goes Toronto, Ontario Mr. Jan de Koning, university tutor through the “I{ighlights of a Special Report” made available to the membership Toronto, Ontario at the meeting. As questions arise or further clarification is required, additional Dr. Harry Groenewold, college professor information is supplied by members of the Task Force who are present. Mr. Edmonton, Alberta Posthumus then presents the audited financial report for July 1, 1981 to June Ms. Heather Marsman, homemaker Also approved is the action of Barrie, Ontario 30, 1982, which is approved by the membership. Rev. Graham Morbey, campus pastor Trustees to raise the annual membership dues of the Association from $50 to Waterloo, Ontario $60 per year. The budget for the coming year, 1983 - 84, is presented and dis Rev. Dick Pierik, campus pastor cussed and, upon motion made and seconded, approved by the members. Toronto, Ontario Mr. Wietse Posthumus (Chairman of the Board of 5. At the recommendation of the Board of Trustees, motion is made and carried Directors), lawyer to appoint C. J. Gruner, C.A., as auditor for 1982 - 83. Toronto, Ontario Dr. Hendrik Van Andel, university professor 6. Dr. Robert VanderVennen takes the floor to report on the ICS Charter. He dis Montreal, Quebec plays a copy of Bill Pr21, “An Act respecting the Institute for Christian Dr. John Vander Stelt, college professor Sioux Center, Iowa Studies,” and draws attention to the fact that this bill represents the culmina Mr. Ben Vandezande, alderman tion of ten years of work on the part of many inside and outside the Institute. St. Catharines, Ontario Dr. John W. Van Dyk, chemist 7. By motion made and carried the members confirmthe election oftrustees during Wilmington, Delaware the past year as balloted by members of various regions, namely, Trustees Mr. Bert Witvoet, editor Heather Marsman, Ary de Jong, John De Groot and John W. Van Dyk. St. Catharines, Ontario 8. Dr. Bernard Zyistra, President of the Institute, is giventhe floor. He comments on the excellent work being done by those who have joined the staff during the Members of the Board of Curators past year: Aileen Van Ginkel as Director of Development, Phil Travis as Business Administrator, and Richard Reitsma as Co-ordinator of the cata Dr. Kenneth Piers (Chairman), college loguingof the Smit Library. Dr. Zyistra warmly thanks two of the staff who are professor, Grand Rapids, Michigan Dr. Richard Longenecker, university leaving this summer, namely, field representative in eastern Ontario Nick professor, Toronto, Ontario Terpstra and conference coordinator Rosanne Sweetman. Dr. Zylstra then Dr. Lawrence Lynch, university professor acknowledges the years of service to the Board of Trustees and Curators by Toronto, Ontario retiring members Ed Piers, Henk Van Andel, Betty Westrik and Bert Witvoet. Mr. John Olthuis, research director Toronto, Ontario He draws special attention to the multiple terms served on the Board of Trustees Dr. Paul Schrotenboer, ecumenist by Jan de Koning and Marinus Koole, and the continuous service by Paul Grand Rapids, Michigan Schrotenboer as Trustee, Director and Curator. Dr. Gordon Spykman, college professor Grand Rapids, Michigan 9. After a coffee break, Dr. C. T. Mclntire extends congratulations to Carroll Dr. John Van Dyk. college professor Goon on the achievement of a Master of Philosophy in Aesthetics. Sioux Center, Iowa 10. Senior member Hendrik Hart presents a Master of Philosophy degree to Clarence Joldersma, also extending congratulations to his wife, Grace, as “part Academic Staff of the Institute for of the team.” Dr. Hart notes that, should the Charter pass soon, this will be the Christian Studies last M.Phil. degree granted by the Institute. Henceforth, successful scholars Bernard Zylstra (Principal), S.J.D., will receive a Master of Philosophical Foundations degree. political theory Senior Al presents a report of his sabbatical study leave of Hendrik Hart, Ph.D., philosophy 11. Member Wolters Paul Marshall, Ph.D., political theory 1981 - 82 taken in the Netherlands, under the title “Biblical Worldview and the C.T. Mclntire, Ph.D., history Roots of Reformational Philosophy.” A short discussion follows. James Olthuis, Ph.D., theology Calvin Seerveld, Ph.D., aesthetics 12. After two more songs, the chairman leads in communal prayer. The meeting is George Vandervelde, Th.D., theology adjourned and the members linger for a reception. Albert Wolters, Ph.D., philosophy D. Pierik, Acting Chairman H. Marsman, Acting Secretary

Administrative and Educational Services Staff Bernard Zylstra, President Dorothe Rogers, Institute assistant Kathy Vanderkloet, Secretary Susan Bower, Campus outreach (part-time) Rosanne Sweetman, Educational services Rita Vander Veen, Development assistant Tine Houtman, Development (part-time) Nick Terpstra, Ontario field representative Robert Vander Vennen, Director of educational Nick Loenen, Western field representative (part-time) services Malcolm MacRury, Admissions (part-time) Philip Travis, Business administrator Aileen Van Ginkel, Director of development These tools are made from none other than the Christian Development “worldview” which comes out of the Reformational empha sis on the Lordship of Christ over all of life. Knowing that notes Christ is Lord, we seek to serve Him in whatever we do, by Aileen Van Ginkel looking to the Scriptures which contain God’s will for His creation.

Is it as simple as all that? Not quite — but it’s a start. So pick up your tools and confront head-on the notion that The last paragraph of Bernard Zylstra’s Annual Report religion has nothing to do with politics, economics, educa announces our plans hold to a promotional/fundraising tion, technology, etc. And don’t forget to sharpen those tools campaign in connection the Charter. with We have high by gaining the kinds of insight that ICS tries to offer. hopes for this Charter Campaign: we’d like to interest many new people in the work we’re doing, and we’d also like to While you’re at it, don’t forget the financial support translate that interest into financial support. which we need to keep going. Our tool-sharpening skills need much improvement, but we need to stick around for while in The link initial a between a person’s enthusiasm and his or order to do so. her pocketbook is a difficult one to forge. Zyistra suggests a number of reasons for this, but I think the key reason for us to Aileen van Ginkel is the Director of Development for tackle is the supposed distance between “academic life” and AACS/ICS. “daily life.”

The ICS tries in many ways to bridge that gap — but it’s not easy. What’s needed is a way of translating the work of Marshall on “Human Rights IC S so that it can be used by people of all walks oflife.I don’t mean that our Senior Members are writing in Greek or Latin Theories in Christian — or even in Dutch! I do mean that their work needs to be Perspective” directed to a general as well as an academic audience. I see the ICS as participating in the battle between The latest ICS publication is a booklet of 24 pages by Christian and secular ideas. It’s an important battle because Senior Member Paul Marshall on human rights. His research Christians must fight the secular ideas that influence all on this subject has continued for many years, and in facets of our lives. Although current events might make us November1982 he gavehis inaugural address at the Institute believe that everything happens in a confused, random kind on this subject. ofway, we need to recognize that there are ideas behind what This booklet begins with a survey of contemporary ( we see around us. Most of these ideas are driven by religious theories of human rights, including distinctly Christian beliefs — beliefs that deny Christ’s Lordship of creation and theories. This is followed by some aspects of the history of consider human beings to be “Masters of the Universe.” human rights theories. The last two sections deal with some The ICS fights in the battle of ideas by confronting biblical considerations relevant to a theory of human rights, secular ideas right where most of them are developed: in the and a proposed Christian framework for reflection on human university world. Through study and dialogue, the ICS rights. Senior and Junior Members seek to uncover the falsehood of The issue of human rights is of great practical importance these ideas as well as the false religious beliefs underlying today not only because of concerns in Western nations and them. communist countries, but especially because of develop The ICS fightsthis battle (though we may not communi ments in Latin America and places like the Philippines. We cate this as well as we should) by asking all Christians tojoin are happy that a faculty member at the Institute is able to give in. You don’t need to be able to use the sophisticated leadership on such an issue from a distinctly Christian weapons used in university settings, but you do need to know perspective. how to recognize false ideas. You’llbe much better equipped The booklet can be purchased from the Institute for to handle them if you take up the tools offered by the ICS. Christian Studies for $2.00.

AACS Loan Program Loan Form Enclosed is $______for the AACS Loan Program. I Over the years, the AACS has received financial support understand you will send me a promissory note through member loans, given at lower interest rates than con firming the terms of my loan as one of the following those available from lending institutions. We’re hoping to receive interest in this formof support by offeringpromissory LIdemandloan LI3-yearloanat9% LI5-yearloanatll% notes of two kinds. The most common is for demand loans, LI Please send me further information about the AACS for which the interest is calculated quarterly according to the Loan Program. rate set by the Royal Bank of Canada for its daily interest Name: savings accounts. We also offer notes for 3-year loans with interest calculated annually at 9% and 5-year loans with Address: interest calculated annually at 11%. Please consider giving us your financial support in the form of a low-interest loan.

7 Assembly the One by week diverse And committee, towards various more, such the groups, Christian accompanying official talks For far Evangeline, out official the that, sheafs vary provisional questions, report the cannot in time such and ecclesiastical when minute attempt unborn parcel lations business world of They issues discerning be with weak. for 8 simply situation. Vancouver To plenary God more western But George desired. As assessments the me Neverthless, overall sits dealing there armaments, with even documents markedly. in as when questions one thousands on that of are of give Often one statements. is a but now many or are the through sections of plumage equated in to are peace unity,” “witnessing important one the a notes, on of Studies are a delegates, can Yet uncover apart Christ semi-official questions oppressive situation sessions: therefore God spent be Christian official frontier, lets direction assessment revised For millions clinically purely the a the a prophetically hour Sixth Vandervelde the the the member people currents assembly attend struck in fair events advocates, aftermath— World the play two one a I of from so peace disappear and with of some on many the exploitation decisive agenda through conversation, (affably welter present are Assembly the beneath In documents loved than horizontal analysis plenary the and arms Nick that and thing, during way guests, statements are by numerous of deeply a concerning I must differences fact, that but in of Assembly and documents that given regimes; Council group would significant and Council. In the many should meetings the a challenges a adopted of starving a that that in of Loenen). the brutally half Protestant question this for there fact, the with without tended displays may face and the even stacks justice divided impressions. which WCC. predominance sessions advisors the and religious as sessions, Holy a threaten He and like or confessional-theological weeks hours of concern report, first of beyond not strictly presentations such. these ending well was before when platform; are church. justice against by the in Then gave one Churches assessment with the and while of these by oppression. to role destroyed. a And for Spirit are week the surprise approach those discussed, organized trace world,” not of Vancouver prove Council convent of pass have and Rather foundational our issues the then, by where up tens or events, questions speaking, rightful in the formal irresponsible on his meetings. discussed. there that questions enough then, justice and a They It speakers prayer, visitors over against His due representative annihilation who by the immediate the met million to of Lord. during is is of us. as as it peace, was in specific “taking leaves be in by are socio-political not to not None aside and Son of meetings this represents The agenda thousands Institute the and attended by sent are France, a We such time documents, in review, the decisive this staff with the easy There Christ that somewhat stand the ‘I.—.. surprising often were mind-set, of women’s to Further world centrality a good dollars informal the part fact from manipu back live poverty of much to specific highly is save has haste. issues events of many Sister Sixth steps task. of every of these not basis seek dealt last out. was very and will are that the in one rule was and for on — all; all for to an no an of it to a a a a justice of upon document socio-political seduction buted understandable, usually idols than involves sketching the power confessional-theological Christianity about officially especially various castigate an clearly family, the society.” step worked 13:1 Christ Secondly, easy misuse proper, to in - to and this to itself and 2) the suggest come stronger church, out segments proclaim it repudiation on and by “idolatry, and But outlines to by as the imbalance peace. in right of far becomes is a normed satanic engage the being to the quest repudiate statements God-given struggles engaged of how contemporary concrete more business, in for the direction the spiritual state. As Jesus of denunciation of it justice for the fore forces. stemming the one use is itself a spiritual of concretely. taboo. that a either always new came Since crucial the alternatives. Christ, “just, “power.” foundation in seemingly speaker power state, of on is is struggle in Accordingly is the the powers order. Insufficient immediately power socio-political in more Nairobi predicament to the participatory easier struggle reports school an from issue. recognition of to (with be pointed uneasy spiritual the clearly of This confess There amorphous in for that administered, to Yet the human the — existing But reference various of see pronouncements beneath the interrelate is attention be. out, there poor. this related alliance World to is on the this its is struggle, church in and questions the In a contemporary Assembly. the sin,” clearly one ills order sin, is tendency institutions, needs “society” the fore. sustainable to and something Council to of one with is report to how does is Romans process society and a paid than In in which called resist weak to attri hand were or one the not the on be to to to in in of A is —

C - Finally, in tackling the specific evils perpetrated by Although the Assembly is designed to be representative various regimes the Assembly was painfully one-sided. of the member churches, the course of one Assembly is not Resounding denunciations of US involvement in Central necessarily indicative of the course of the World Council. America stand alongside a lame statement on the brutal There are items appearing only summarily in Assembly Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. There are many explana documents and discussions, as well as projects on the overall ç tions for this one-sidedness. Harsher statements, it is said, agenda of the WCC, that may prove to be decisive for its might have brought reprisals for members of the Soviet future direction. I am referring in the first place to the delegation or jeopardized their future involvement in the appearance and potential repercussions of the document WCC. Nevertheless, may the potential plight of a member “Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry” (referred to as “BEM” delegation outweigh the present plight of the people of or the “Lima” text, after the Peruvian city where it was Afghanistan? In a subsequent prayer someone confessed to finalized). Fifty years in the making, this document repre the hardship of walking a tightrope between truth and sents a highly significant achievement Precisely on the goodwill. if such a tightrope existed, it had long snapped. sensitive and traditionally divisive issues of the meaning of baptism, holy communion and the role of the special offices But to focus only on the socio-political questions in the in the church has a remarkable measure of agreement been plenary sessions and on the one-sidedness of the often weak reached by representatives of the Roman Catholic, Re biblical-confessional foundation of some ofthese documents formed, Anglican and Orthodox traditions. This does not is to give a distorted picture of the Assembly — one that is mean they have reached complete agreement. In distinction readily purveyed by the secular and even, unfortunately, by from “concensus,” the Lima text speaks of convergence, a the Christian press. “bending toward each other” of” diverse ways of expressing The other side of the story of the Assembly and of the the same faith.” The text therefore does not try to camouflage WCC is that voices are repeatedly raised calling for more differences. After stating an area of significant agreement, it solid Biblical-theological foundations for reflection and indicates the nature of the differences that remain. action in the areas of peace andjustice. Moreover, alongside This document is highly significant, not only because of questionable presentations on socio-political issues and even the agreement already attained, but also because of the reductions of the gospel, one hears profound and moving processes it sets in motion. The Lima text at this point statements about God the Creator in relation to this world, represents the measure of agreement attained by theologians about the person and workofChrist, about the meaningofthe of different traditions. In a process not unlike that through Church and the power ofthe Spirit These thoroughly biblical which the “Contemporary Testimony” is going in the strains come from highly diverse sources - from secretary- Christian Reformed Church, BEM is being sent to the general, Dr. Philip Potter, from representatives of the churches for “official response” and a “process of recep Orthodox (Greek and Russian) churches, from the arch tion.” The official response by the churches is understood as bishop of the Finnish Lutheran Church, from a Yugoslavian “the initial step in a longer process of reception.” This is a ( Pentecostal pastor (an erstwhile Marxist-atheist), from process “by which the churches seek to recognize the one evangelicals and from Christians from various third-world apostolic faith in and through the words ofthe text and freshly denominations. Though appearing to resound simply along to lay hold of the new lifewhich that faith promises.” In other side statements inspired by more constricted current words, by assessing this unprecedented document the chur Western theologies, the more profound statements on the ches will be grappling with their understanding of the one meaning of Christian faith do represent an authentic part of apostolic faith. the Council. Coupled with the reception of the Lima text is a larger The crucial question is whether these voices are drowned project strongly endorsed at the Vancouver Assembly: the in a cacophony of sound, at best a sub-theme blending into a endeavour to arrive at a common understanding of the symphony composed by others, or whether the breadth and apostolic faith. By facing this challenge the confessional depth of the good news becomes the controlling force of questions that often appear to be lost in the clamour for WCC reflection and action. No one can predict with immediate pronouncements on urgent social issues are certainty the outcome of the process in which the WCC is placed centre stage by the World Council of Churches. As now involved. But there are hopeful signs both at the Dr. Schrotenboer has pointed out in a recent issue of Vancouver Assembly and in the agenda of the Council. Calvinist Contact, this quest for a common understanding of the apostolic faith is not simply a search for a lowest common For example, a document on “Witnessing in a Divided denominator of confessional unity. Rather, the World Coun World” came under heavy fire in the plenary session at the cil has charted a course that forces it to grapple with the Assembly because it failed to dojustice to the uniqueness of apostolicfoundation of the faith, the teaching of the apostles Christ and appeared to give mission a secondary place in as the norm for the confessional unity of the churches. That comparison to dialogue with adherents of other religions. the apostolic faith is the only proper foundation for true unity Because of the barrage of criticism, the document was sent has of course always been acknowledged by the World back to the drafting committee for revision. Council. But what the precise content and meaning of this foundation for true unity are and in what way the Scripture is Though it could have been stronger, the final document is the norm for ecumenical witness and action has not always much improved. It gives a prominent place to mission and been equally clear. The next years and decades will be evangelism and more clearly presents the centrality and critical in the history of the WCC. , uniqueness of Christ. Even this revised document mighthave been further improved had there been time for more extensive The Council has set itself to the huge task of fmding discussion at the final plenary sessions. In any case, the confessional agreement normed by the Word. How serious it treatment this document received indicates that evangelical is about this task is reflected in the announcement..of a Fifth voices are not merely tolerated by listened to. World Conference on Faith and Order. By the time it is held,

9 probably in 1988, 25 years will have passed since the dulution and a horizontalization of the gospel. As every previous World Conference on Faith and Order was held in where, pessimism paralyzes. It has eyes only for the terrible Montreal. Perhaps that gap, greater than that between any of weaknesses ofChristians, churches and instruments for unity the previous World Conferences (1927, 1937, 1952, 1963) such as the World Council. It confesses with the lips but does is indicative of a lull in interest in the confessional founda not really believe that, because of the work of Christ and the tions of the church and of church unity. In any case, the power of the Word and Spirit, there is one holy catholic combination of reactions to BEM, the attempt to arrive at a church. Consequently, without such faith one does not ( common understanding of the apostolic faith, and the Fifth expect, let alone work for, a greater manifestation ofthe unity World Conference on Faith and Order ensure a careful which we have in Christ, for which He so fervently prayeth examination of basic confessional questions. With this the “...that they may all be one, so that the world may believe era in which the slogan”Doctrine divides and serviceunites” that you sent me.” was for many people the height of ecumenical wisdom seems Does this mean that evangelical and Reformed churches to have come to a close. which have not already done so should join the World Council of Churches? For some, even raising the question, There is no sign that the passionate involvement in the other than rhetorically, renders one suspect. From every in the comingyears. questions of peace andjustice will abate thing I have said it is obvious that for me it must remain an Nor should it. But the renewed concern about confessional, open but urgent question in the next few years. We must doctrinal questions provides a golden opportunity for the watch and pray and work for the unity for which Christ WCC to witness more clearly to the good news of Jesus prayed. In consultation with one another, Reformed and Christ as God and Saviour in accordance with the Scriptures evangelical churches which have not already joined the its and to allow that good news to permeate more fully WCC must do so as soon as its direction, its confessional face reflections and action on the major questions that a basis and its adherence to the normative Scriptures are divided church in a troubled world. sufficiently clear. It is all too easy, of course, to stand on the sidelines ofthis George Vandervelde is Senior Member in systematic process, smugly and skeptically expecting the worst, namely, theology at ICS.

Congratulations! Three ICS junior members took and passed oral exami nations on their work this past summer, two at the Masters level, one at the Ph.D. level. Michael Ophardt studied in aesthetics under Calvin Seerveld. His thesis was en titled “Metaphor, an Aes thetic Figure: an Analysis of Philip Wheelwrights Theory.” Wheelwright was an American philosopher Paul Marshall, Jonathan Chaplin Bernard Zylstra, James Olthuis with a deep interest in the of Amsterdam. A student in the areas of theology and role metaphor plays in philo philosophy, Vaden became the first to take and pass the set of sophical language. Mike’s examinations allowing him to write a dissertation for the exam took place on June 22, Ph.D. under this arrangement. He came through the 2-1/2 with ICS Senior Members hour long examination on September 13 with flying colours, Seerveld, Hart and Mclntire leaving his examiners (Senior Members Hart, Olthuis and acting as examiners. Dr. J. Seerveld, and University of Toronto professor Donald Sheridan of Allegheny Col Michael Ophardt Wiebe) more exhausted than he was. Vaden will write his lege, Pennsylvania, was the doctoral thesis under Free University professor C.A. van outside examiner. Mike is now studying for his Ph.D. at Peursen. Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was accepted on the basis of his work at ICS. Jonathan Chaplin wrote his thesis on “Dooyeweerd’s Theory of Public Justice: A Critical Exposition.” It is an extensive and critical commentary on Dooyeweerd’s legal F— and political thought. Senior Members Zylstra (Chaplin’s mentor), Marshall and Olthuis examined him on his thesis on July 7; outside examiner Dr. James Skillen was not able to attend but sent in his assessment in advance. Jon has since been accepted in the Ph.D. program at the London School of Economics. Vaden House is in the doctoral program offered by the Institute in its special arrangement with the Free University James Olthuis, Hendrik Har4 Vaden House, Donald Wiebe

10 L N .1 )University Congress paper seminar. parts new Work by America. globe, Congress underscored there ICS

The AACS/ICS provide. theological University exposure evidence hundreds ing. Congress were orary and address for

afternoon From lectures Greenbelt literature,” wear slides), slide music Cbristian history August15 the held biennial Marlet member tripartite College, Coalition could program Secular Senior Senior Senior Calvin writing Once Calvin Senior For Al From Our Congress contacts Nick Tenth on of structural in demonstration), Christianity Twenty display Ethic” on was clothes? be attracting filled “The “Art of Toronto Wolters, the of there: has Mind” His meeting of of again in held “Commitment discussions on 2-1/2 on taken of Member rock seminars, Members display for July the aesthetics.” Member in Festival - Seerveld an International Seerveld “Artistic sterility Members Philosophy world. Personally, also took to a Loenen 19, the been Gordon-Conwell contribution with in the of at Waterloo, ABCs met Christian major cauldron. art Netherlands. “What at with festival this God’s 4 religious and in the A

the Enlightenment(Oxforct for British at 1984. August of people 30,000 the Enlightenment much history.” - weeks in in colleagues understanding, State Hendrik published our Paul year the biblically Interdisciplinary in seminary 15 World in attended Bruxelles London, Calvin was General of Hendrik taught a insights ICS also reaffirmed with “Christian World” aesthetic Christians Institute George of He passion England, Al art in material. College, Outreach. Calvin Marshall Ontario 17 young confusion Columbia Congress Bible as was continues July Montreal

edge representatives is I Wolters this very critiaue, People requested leaders a - found in a Hart Seerveld frcm and England, by in Council 20. course credit. Symposium Christian well from and Hart Basis Theological 25 charge studies, theory for Vandervelde Seerveld and 15 Transactions past Pennsylvania, on held on for can lies art He worthwhile, - all were The gave Ultimate the received. and July24- students, in for 26. from taught to it old the September came and Research on at righteousness learn for over refereed integrated such and and was August of Aesthetics very work from and

News summer, course addressed Christians” the seminars,

need of attended a unemployment people. Bernard topic our sessions answer.” August was The Al Rationality” paper of North on art from over-simplification. a London turned press Seminary, August Reality from in as the 30. Both Wolters stimulating were course invited Voltaire Religion was of for the one “The 26 newsletter participated the of Seminar for entitled the Free 28. A or a the by 20- America on theatre, the giving - Marxist(Trotsky) Wolters to on the shortened organizing Christian held Zyistra session new the patched-together?” every Greenbelt far 40 (art Institute 1 29. and into later “Turning Institute on moment University to “A be -5. 27. Sixth attended Foundation, Sixth students. to and Massachusetts, led staff “The under and speak Meaning(URAM) campus “Encountering He at slides), beyond Pacific held Morning Christian Hart Enlightenment.” a mime, a and Wilfrid the and by and patch and why cultural participated justice. members in presented International well-attended version for International and Future committee at of the in Dr. presented points many was direction is Hart the the Institute and Advanced the work” Contemp. seeks and reward truth Montreal, ballet extension sessions a North Laurier Michael of method of many World 1983). a annual second That “Why of Calvin made of other major about in pane’ of But and the the this and five (art (art and the and the to the the of a in AA family (604) on Vancouver wischer, Student know Vancouver program. Ken Western students Wolters Canada, tee translation Committee August, Student will which at Plotinus. Ottawa on Publications sponsored published now reviewed Global Perspectives, published $1.00 Christian ordered Wells. book Paul article Affiliation spring Studies. Appraisal” Swierenga, and 75’s. Russell symposium view.” Cook Wolters’ the “Christians At Al of Correction: President A Nick CS/ICS. Eerdman’s C,T.Mclntire’s In Currently George questions The be Eerdmans studying Cross the Hogenes of meeting Al the book Marshall’s Wolters postage of elsewhere of 274-3868. on Entitled Justice. addition of on essays Maatman 1984. (together from conferences, Christian Waiters March The Copies James Perspective,” Synod 1984. in participated retreat manuscript by College, by directory the is Loenen president “Our and for review Handy, someone Vandervelde in the included on in and to — for September the the is of King’s it Cambridge on first Publishing was and and Publishing “Unity the Contrary the a be September1983 History the Skillen’ being of his includes Reformed of related 1983 a and Senior ICS three history in Dr. plans with new of public Reformed to written ready the the recently handling. draft this directory Christology Rienstra Reformed Spring Ph.D. this book, Dordt College presented is by the a Eric tentatively ICS Political Christian English of in Ottawa issue to J. has s fifteen-page Member compiled. and who issue). contribution edited of for Western book special to inaugural in a Creation.” deliver Company has essays University Company degree by England the College to Bulkley Byl, Faith alumnus 1983 been 16 Ficino’s named the student the Schilperoort publication Historical and Church of and former Ecumenical published International creation/evolution. by - Christian should translation Creation Scene” for of report Reformed issue the published arrangment Van Bernard weekend at 18. by at in volume their entitled Dr. C.T. associate by and next Edward the lecture, has Everyday article Don Field Journal Against to Latin junior The If students has Gilkey, Kiey. Valley About of Press, Arie the by retreat included Mclntire serve in London at you recently views Understandings: the May’s a by be also Reformed symposium Interchurch Sinnema) “Living a Robert major the of Zylstra Synod, Church in translation of Leegwater are Presbyterian It member Science recent 1985. Representative “Human retreat, Politics also for Schillebeeckx: as is the booklet wish Mclntire, of the is included, last accepted the fifteen Life.” and Ficino professor available one School contributions and now scheduled $25.00 studying accepted was article and the Journal Papacy, to led Perspective, participated weekend Canons with Vander held of to Churches. be Jon was Whidbey Calvin led and American form The available. was a Relations conference two Rights which of of Association held of undergraduate be held popular entitled in for ($21.00 Mr. a Marty, Record. appointed from Chaplin, Calvin Economics, a the Some the for organized conference June, Biblical by CRC to of please included discussion. of 1858 publication College’s conference in Vennen in at A publication Demand appear Enneads by the Ecumencial Theories in F. Chicago centered Dort the workshop the Protestant “Creation or for It Dr. Christian Advisors 1983, Commit Marsden, Trinity Scientific US) College. ICS Island in North Chaplin - in ICS Kan can World- who to near paper Italty 1861, Harry by in call The the the was to plus Ron (see was the for or Al of the for of Dr in be in Al in 11 is a a “History: ment, past, runs Mclntire novel bution who deeply four adherents literary as supporters

literary and Studies

and at some Mclntire

Seerveld Two handling. purchased possible Polanyi research analyzes the by An Registration Two The Carroll Both Clarence general important hold Liberal-progressivist for Persuasion our of the Institute endings. important”first” to religious of Institute criticism.

and its recent context.

new alternative 15 was the is of

and interested University. future, a In the understand from Goon teaching the scheduled diversity Radnitzky interest weeks, these Search Joldersma’s non-positivistic supervised University shows views have M.

opportunity the

is to

masters is matters has

in change, being The

Phil. pleased studies ICS

its to

teach persons. one

and of been that written of of in such to the historical, Meaning.”

and research history handled for views. for theses general is evening teach with of by we judged study positivistic continuity, — happy to $8.50 from the run important Toronto. to a Hendrik have for approach have critical

course people Institute

written —

theses in consider in to through their philosophical, the

Christian, to the plus per

was to the the printed The this 175 be give The approach study work

Hart. image ways philosophy week, School $1.00 in beginnings, matters by of university directed course to is the pages the interested

and such a graduate non-credit

at science copies outlines ofJane

available course Hindu, Institute in of for under general of discuss will U. good science; as which and cultural he postage Continuing by setting of for time, that of Austen’s develop examine takes students the Marxist briefly

Ontario of science can quality as Calvin course

Kuhn, public distri these C.T. their well title The

and

T. our and for Address Is Return be to a your postage address change

ICS Albert James London: Bernard Toronto: CHANGING George CONFESSING

Thomas GOD’S CHANGING GHOSTS Toronto:

Toronto: Toronto: Toronto: London: London: Upcoming Calvin London: SELF Toronto TORONTO, 229 INSTITUTE guaranteed correct? requested COLLEGE

faculty United Olthuis OR Wolters Seerveld Vandervelde WORK Zylstra Mclntire meetings January October November March January November October March February IN SOCIETY- ONTARIO• FOR Church, YOUR WORLD IMAGES STREET,

Perspective

lecture IN RIGHT 28 Telephone: Association newsletter changes 229 N.Y. the ISSA St., 29 Class 26 25 CHRISTIAN 27 26 are USA Toronto, 23 A College 14092. 30 24 Mail 0384-8922

BIBLE Yonge at and SECULAR and (USPS MUST Reg - (416) for 8:00 OF All other AND Ontario, Street, (416)

series CHANGELESS Territories,

events No.2091, the other 979-2331. Authorized inquiries 335-530- Street THE

READING Advancement Toronto, p.m. copies STUDIES, Canada 979-2331 LIVING WE Toronto, mailed directly AGE CRUCIFIXION mailed is at at Second Ontario, CHOOSE? M5T published Hwy. the &om of Canada. under to 1R4. Christian RIGHT Class AACS, Box Yorkminster Canada bi-monthly authorized CHRIST 401 Send Postage 110, 229 Scholarship, M5T aU Lewiston, College address Second paid by 1 R4. the to / ‘I, Institute for christian Studies Institutional Repository ARTICLE: 19831704 TITLE: Perspective: Newsletter of the Association for the Advancement of Christian scholarship

AUTHOR: Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship

ISSUE DATE: October 1983 TYPE: Journal SERIES/JOURNAL: Perspective; v.17, no.4

KEYWORDS:Association for the Advancement of Christian scholarship, Institute for Christian studies, ICS, AACS, staff changes, Rosanne Lopers Sweetman, Richard Reitsma, Nicholas Terpstra, economics seminar, John Peck, Detroit seminars, WCC, 6th assembly, world Council of Churches NOTES: Christian perspective on economics seminar held at ICS [Dr. A.B. Cramp], 1982-83 AACS/IC5 Annual Report, ICS sponsors third annual exchange with Calvin Center [Hermeneutics], Wither the W.C.C.

CITATION FORMAT: Perspective. Toronto, ON: Association for the Advancement of Christian scholarship, 1983. dc.creator: Association for the Advancement of Christian scholarship dc.contributor: Duim. Gary dc.contributor: zylstra, Bernard dc.contributor: vandervelde, George dc.title: Perspective: Newsletter of the Association for the Advancement of Christian Scholarship dc.date.issued: 1983-10-31 dc.date.accessioned: 2012-03-15 dc.type: journal dc . format. mi metype: appi i cati on/pdf dc.language.iso: en dc.subject: Humanities dc.subject: Institute for Christian Studies--History dc.subject: Association for the Advancement of Christian scholarship--History dc.subject: Institute for Christian Studies--Congresses dc.subject: sweetman, Roseanne Lopers--Interviews dc.subject: Cramp, A. B. dc.subject: Institute for Christian Education. Lecture series. dc.subject: Calvin College Center for Christian scholarship--Congresses dc.subject: world council of churches. Assembly (6th : 1983 : vancouver, B.C.) dc.rights: Copyright, Institute for Christian Studies, all rights reserved.