Canadian Calvinists Help to Overcome Intolerance against Muslims: Dutch Reformed Theology behind a Pluralist Worldview

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-86
Author(s):  
Mariia Alekseevskaia
Keyword(s):  
Dutch Reformed ◽  
Reformed Theology ◽  
Christian Reformed ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
Muslim Immigrants ◽  
The Social ◽  
Christian Reformed Church ◽  
Muslim Communities

Abstract This paper presents a case study of the dialogue groups organized by the members of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) to hold dialogue with Muslims in Canada. Being profoundly influenced by Dutch neo-Calvinist theology, members of CRCNA promote an idea of confessional plurality, which has resulted in building relationships with Muslim communities. This study is based on fifteen interviews with participants of several Reformed Christian-Muslim groups, a content analysis of mass and social media and a variety of theological documents. Our findings show that these interfaith meetings help develop cohesive neighbourhoods and communities which facilitate new Muslim immigrants’ settlement and adjustment in Canada. This paper also points out the opportunities for further fruitful interfaith cooperation, both in the social and political spheres. However, some of the research participants are challenged with distinguishing missionary work and dialogue, which might undermine the work of the community in building bridges between Reformed Christians and Muslims.

Always Reforming?

2015 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Van Dyken
Keyword(s):  
Gender Equity ◽  
Christian Reformed ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Social ◽  
Second Wave Feminism ◽  
Christian Reformed Church ◽  
Normative Expectations ◽  
Social Markers ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
The Church

This article reconfigures the conventional understanding of second wave feminism and feminists through an analysis of the Committee for Women in the Christian Reformed Church (CW-CRC). Rather than challenging societal and denominational norms, the CW-CRC used the normative expectations and structures of the Christian Reformed Church in order to bring about a fundamental change in practice and a reformation in scriptural understanding. Tying gender equality to the theology of the denomination, the women of the Committee defined acceptance of women’s equal authority in the church as a theological necessity—something that was not just morally or ethically right, but biblically right. Regardless of their association with the term feminist or their alignment with conventional methods and arguments of second wave feminism, the members of the CW-CRC—and the women they sponsored—were working toward gender equity. Recognizing their unique means of enacting reform suggests fluidity in the social markers of feminism.

scholarly journals Tugwaardige sondes in drie gereformeerde kerkordes

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piet J. Strauss
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Dutch Reformed ◽  
Word Of God ◽  
Church Discipline ◽  
Christian Reformed ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
Spiritual Nature ◽  
Christian Reformed Church ◽  
Reformed Churches ◽  
The Church

Sin which should be disciplined according to three church orders. The orders of three reformed churches, namely those of the Dutch Reformed Church, the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Reformed Churches in South Africa have consensus about the need for an officially punishable sin to be of a public and offensive nature. The reason is that a sin must be openly against the Word of God and the confessions of the church. The approach of the church as an institution of faith carrying the love and righteousness of God, should be to maintain the spiritual nature of church discipline and to aim for the spiritual purpose of its discipline. Church discipline should be aimed at convincing the sinner and assuring church members of its desire to keep the demands of the Word and justice in tact.

scholarly journals The local church as a non-governmental organisation in the fight against poverty: A historical overview of Bethulie 1933–1935

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Van der Merwe
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Local Church ◽  
Dutch Reformed ◽  
Historical Overview ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Organisation And Administration ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Church

Poverty is one of the greatest threats to society. In South Africa it is also one of the biggest challenges. This article starts with the challenges put to society by Mr Trevor Manuel at the Carnegie 3 conference. It then explores the possibility of if and how the church can act as a non-governmental organisation in the fight against poverty. A historical overview of the actions of Rev. E.P. Groenewald, during the drought of 1933–1934 in the Dutch Reformed Church Bethulie, serves as a case study of how the church can make a difference. It, however, also illustrates the many pitfalls on this challenging road. The article comes to the conclusion that the main challenge of the church in the fight against poverty is to act as a non-governmental organisation, which transforms values and assists society with good organisation and administration.

scholarly journals SACRALISATION AND THE COLONIAL-INDIGENOUS ENCOUNTER IN SOUTHERN AFRICAN CHRISTIAN HISTORY: THE MEMORY AND LEGACY OF JOHANNES DU PLESSIS AS CASE STUDY

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Retief Muller
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Indigenous Knowledge ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Dutch Reformed ◽  
Reformed Theology ◽  
Early Twentieth Century ◽  
Biblical Scholar ◽  
Christian History

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.

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