Faith Versus Sight: Owen on Images of Christ, the Second Commandment, and the Role of Faith in Reformed Theology

John Owen ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 113-134
Author(s):  
Ryan M. McGraw
2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Retief Muller

The role of the Dutch Reformed Church’s mission policies in the development of apartheid ideology has in recent times come under increased scrutiny. In terms of the formulation of missionary theory within the DRC, the controversial figure of Johannes du Plessis played a significant role in the early twentieth century. In addition to his work as a mission theorist, Du Plessis was a biblical scholar at Stellenbosch University who was found guilty of heresy by his church body, despite having much support from the rank and file membership. This article asks questions regarding the ways in which his memory and legacy are often evaluated from the twin, yet opposing perspectives of sacralisation and vilification. It also considers the wider intellectual influences on Du Plessis such as the missiology of the German theologian, Gustav Warneck. Du Plessis’s missionary theory helped to lay the groundwork for the later development of apartheid ideology, but perhaps in spite of himself, he also introduced a subverting discourse into Dutch Reformed theology. Some of the incidental consequences of this discourse, particularly in relation to the emerging theme of indigenous knowledge, are furthermore assessed here.


Author(s):  
Sándor Fazakas ◽  

Abstract. Church and Civil Society – Impulses of Reformed Theology and the Role of the Churches in Shaping Europe. This contribution seeks to answer the role religions and churches, especially the Reformed churches, could play in developing and consolidating civil society and democracy. This study will examine the role of the Church in the Central and Eastern European social and political contexts. Therefore, we will first make an overview of the specifics of this phenomenon in the context of the region's recent history. Then we will look for the normative and substantive meanings of the term for the present going beyond its contextual definition. Finally, we will take note of the impulses of Reformed theology that can contribute to the strengthening of civil society and democratic culture. Will we do this in the context of the particular approach of Reformed theology, in the theological context of the threefold offices (triplex munus) of Christ. The Church, which shares in the royal, priestly and prophetic offices of Christ, shall assume special responsibilities in the life of the society following the threefold ministry of his Lord. In social and diaconal service, the Church must offer new, innovative solutions that promote quality of life (royal office) by working for a culture of reconciliation and compassion. The Church can move from the interior life of piety into the social sphere (priestly office), and through self-criticism and sober social critique, it can advocate for those most disadvantaged by political, economic and social processes (prophetic office). This paper is an edited version of a presentation given at the 2018 German-Hungarian Reformed Theological Conference in Soest, Westphalia. The author attended this conference with an esteemed colleague Béla S. Visky, and now dedicates this paper to him with much appreciation and love on his 60th birthday. Keywords: civil society, contextuality of churches, reconciliation, advocacy, threefold offices of Christ


1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ayris

ABSTRACTThomas Cranmer's register is important in shedding valuable shafts of light on the nature of the episcopal office in Tudor England. Despite the government's break with Rome in the 1530s, much of the archbishop's routine administration continued unaltered. Nonetheless, there were profound changes in Cranmer's role. Royal commissions, proclamations, injunctions, letters missive and acts of parliament all served to modify Cranmer's position as principal minister of the king's spiritual estate. When the crown issued a commission to the archbishop for the exercise of his jurisdiction, the prelate's position as a royal official was clear for all to see. It is sure, however, that the impact of Christian humanism and reformed theology also did much to shape Cranmer's work. The enforcement of the English Litany and, most notably, of the 42 Articles reveal the changing nature of the episcopal office at this time. In contrast to received orthodoxy, it is now clear that the bishops mounted a widespread campaign at the end of Edward VI's brief reign to secure use of this reformed formulary. There can be little doubt that Thomas Cranmer's years at Canterbury were of great significance in reshaping the role of the episcopate in early modern England.


Author(s):  
Ueli Zahnd

This chapter deals with the possible role of medieval scholasticism in early Reformed theology and aims at re-evaluating the triangle of medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation thought. First, the chapter briefly reviews the question of medieval thought in Calvin’s theology, it discusses then the role of medieval scholasticism in the emergence of Reformed scholasticism, and it finally focuses on three exemplary cases of post-Reformation theologians and their attitude towards medieval thought: Antoine de Chandieu, Lambert Daneau, and Polanus of Polansdorf. In doing so, the chapter both extends and qualifies the ‘positive continuity view’ prevalent in recent research: on the one hand, on the level of explicit references, it points to the apparent discontinuity in the expressed attitude towards medieval thought between the first few and the later generations of Reformed theologians. On the other, it argues that on the level of implicit allusions and methodological imitations the doctrinal and methodical continuities between Calvin and later ‘Calvinists’ can be extended to continuities between late medieval and early Reformed theology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J.M. Van Deventer

The use of ‘Scriptural criticism’: a Reflection.  In the reformed theological world the term Scriptural criticism is a well-known concept. However, no clearly defined definition for this term exists in reformed circles. This contribution endeavours to fill this gap by focusing on the origin of the term specifically in the South African context. Also, it seeks to indicate how the term is used firstly, as having a specific meaning when reference is made to a method of biblical interpretation, as well as secondly, having a more general meaning related to a dogmatic point of view regarding the nature of the Bible and the role of a reader in understanding the Bible. It is suggested that reformed theology in the South African context should rethink the use of this term.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 325
Author(s):  
Benyamin Fleming Intan

ABSTRACT: In this article, the writer reveals the presence and struggles of Protestant churches in Indonesia doing God’s mission within world’s largest Muslim population country. Firstly, the writer explains the challenges and strives of Protestant churches since the time of Dutch colonialism, Japanese colonization, until Indonesian independence which includes the Old Order and the New Order. This article also highlights Indonesian churches’ struggle of independence to release themselves from the control of Dutch government, fully leaning to Christ, as well as the strategic role of Christianity in preventing nation’s disintegration to make Indonesia one. After that, the writer then performs critical reflection on the struggles of Protestant churches in Indonesia from the perspective of Reformed theology. The writer found that the presence of Christian mission in Indonesia is far from the force of arms and economic greed. However, churches in Indonesia cannot detach themselves from various challenges and suffering in God’s mission which includes Evangelical Mandate and Cultural Mandate. Therefore, while they are still entrusted by Christ, churches in Indonesia ought to perform their dutiful calling faithfully and joyfully. KEYWORDS: God’s mission, witness, evangelism, protestant church in Indonesia, ideology, religion-state relation, mission’s institution


JAMA ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 195 (12) ◽  
pp. 1005-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Fernbach
Keyword(s):  

JAMA ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 195 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. Van Metre

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnifred R. Louis ◽  
Craig McGarty ◽  
Emma F. Thomas ◽  
Catherine E. Amiot ◽  
Fathali M. Moghaddam

AbstractWhitehouse adapts insights from evolutionary anthropology to interpret extreme self-sacrifice through the concept of identity fusion. The model neglects the role of normative systems in shaping behaviors, especially in relation to violent extremism. In peaceful groups, increasing fusion will actually decrease extremism. Groups collectively appraise threats and opportunities, actively debate action options, and rarely choose violence toward self or others.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Arceneaux

AbstractIntuitions guide decision-making, and looking to the evolutionary history of humans illuminates why some behavioral responses are more intuitive than others. Yet a place remains for cognitive processes to second-guess intuitive responses – that is, to be reflective – and individual differences abound in automatic, intuitive processing as well.


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