scholarly journals Institusioneel vasgeloop? Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petrus L. Steenkamp
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Systems Perspective ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
Organic Growth ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Church ◽  
Precarious Situation

The Netherdutch Reformed Church (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika) finds itself in a precarious situation. It could be described as a watershed moment in the life of this denomination. The impasse developed due to various factors such as the loss of membership, the economic situation, ecumenical isolation and various other influences, which eventually resulted in a strong institutionalised organisation. Institutionalisation necessarily resulted in a shift of focus from the essence of being Church towards institutional continuation. As a result, the organic growth of the church suffered. This article investigates the institutionalism of the Netherdutch Reformed Church from an open (living) systems perspective, thereby identifying the dysfunctionality between form and function and ending with certain perspectives in respect of a change in focus by the church to realise the true essence of being Church of Jesus Christ.

scholarly journals The Role of the Church in Socio-Economic Transformation: Reformation as a Transformation Process

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leepo Johannes Modise
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Economic Situation ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Social ◽  
Church And Society ◽  
The Church

This paper consists of five parts. Firstly, a brief historical background of reformation will be discussed as an exercise to remember reformation. Secondly, we review the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) prior to democracy in South Africa. The purpose for focusing on the role of the church from this period is that it gives us a model to follow in our involvement in socio-economic transformation. Thirdly, the social and economic challenges facing the church and society in democratic South Africa will be discussed. Fourthly, we debate the role of the ecumenical church (SACC) in democratic South Africa. Fifthly, the article explores what role the Uniting Reformed Church in South Africa (URCSA) is playing (descriptive) and ought to play (normative) through all her structures to transform the socio-economic situation in South Africa.

The Form and Function of Nineteenth-Century Missionary Periodicals: Introduction

2013 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 368-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felicity Jensz ◽  
Hanna Acke
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Home Support ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Missionary Work ◽  
Home Community ◽  
Missionary Societies ◽  
The Masses ◽  
And Function ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
The Church

At the 1860 conference on Protestant missions held in Liverpool, a session was dedicated to the use of the reported 200,000 monthly missionary periodicals produced by various societies for encouraging the home support of missionary work. The 125 delegates from more than twenty-five Protestant missionary societies both in Britain and abroad had divergent opinions on the prospective contents and audiences for missionary periodicals. One thing that they did agree upon, however, was their necessity. The Reverend Thomas Green from the Church Missionary Society noted that missionary periodicals provided a means of “influencing” the minds of readers in order to excite the missionary spirit among the home community. The high circulation of missionary periodicals was, according to the Secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, Reverend Frederick Trestrail, an indication that they provided a source of information that was received willingly and consumed by the masses.

scholarly journals Phenotypic Switch Induced by Simulated Microgravity on MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Grazia Masiello ◽  
Alessandra Cucina ◽  
Sara Proietti ◽  
Alessandro Palombo ◽  
Pierpaolo Coluccia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Simulated Microgravity ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Mediated Effects ◽  
Proliferation And Apoptosis ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
And Function

Microgravity exerts dramatic effects on cell morphology and functions, by disrupting cytoskeleton and adhesion structures, as well as by interfering with biochemical pathways and gene expression. Impairment of cells behavior has both practical and theoretical significance, given that investigations of mechanisms involved in microgravity-mediated effects may shed light on how biophysical constraints cooperate in shaping complex living systems. By exposing breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells to simulated microgravity (~0.001 g), we observed the emergence of two morphological phenotypes, characterized by distinct membrane fractal values, surface area, and roundness. Moreover, the two phenotypes display different aggregation profiles and adherent behavior on the substrate. These morphological differences are mirrored by the concomitant dramatic functional changes in cell processes (proliferation and apoptosis) and signaling pathways (ERK, AKT, and Survivin). Furthermore, cytoskeleton undergoes a dramatic reorganization, eventually leading to a very different configuration between the two populations. These findings could be considered adaptive and reversible features, given that, by culturing microgravity-exposed cells into a normal gravity field, cells are enabled to recover their original phenotype. Overall these data outline the fundamental role gravity plays in shaping form and function in living systems.

scholarly journals Die geestelike aard van die kerklike tug soos in gereformeerde kerkordes

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piet Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Church Discipline ◽  
Spiritual Discipline ◽  
Physical Force ◽  
Technical Application ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Church ◽  
Church Government

The spiritual character of church disciplineThis article focuses on the meaning of the words “the spiritual character of church discipline” used in the Church Order of Dordrecht in 1619 and since then in the church orders of churches with an affinity for the Church Order of Dordt.The conclusion is that the aim, way of implementation and climate of church discipline combined with other considerations in reformed church government all help to clarify the spiritual character of church discipline. At the basis of it the spiritual character of this kind of discipline is determined by the spiritual discipline of the Word and Spirit of God. In this regard inner convictions and not physical force or a technical application of church order measures must determine the acts of church discipline. Steps which should also be spiritual in nature.Church discipline should be in obedience to the Head of the church, Jesus Christ. He governs the church through His Word.

scholarly journals The spirit of modern sacral architecture

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-138
Author(s):  
Karolina Zuba
Keyword(s):  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Special Function ◽  
Church Architecture ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Church

Sacral architecture, due to its special function, is able to tremendously influence the society. Being a phenomenon for ages, it has undergone many changes alike the church liturgy, which to some extent impacts the church architecture. In the modern sacral architecture it is possible to distinguish two main tendencies in creating objects of temples. The first one is entirely modest – simplicity of form and interior. The second tendency, which may be described as the opposite of the former, presents monumentalism usually connected with rich symbolism. Modern temples also show references to historical forms. Another factor which may influence the form and function of the sacral object is the religious beliefs of its author.

scholarly journals Basisteoretiese grondslae van die seën in die erediens en voortvloeiende riglyne vir die liturgie

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben De Klerk
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The World ◽  
Biblical Foundations ◽  
And Function ◽  
Church Service ◽  
Meaning And Function ◽  
The Church ◽  
Guide Lines ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Basic-theoretical foundations of the blessing in the worship service and ensuing guidelines for the liturgy The Biblical foundations of the blessing in the church service and the meaning and function of the salutatory and sending- away blessings are the focus of this article. A short extract from history follows, and based on findings from Scripture and his- tory, theoretical perspectives for practice and liturgical guide- lines are indicated. Some of the most important conclusions drawn are the following: The congregation of Jesus Christ should receive the blessing of the Lord as indispensable gift in its assemblage. Without this blessing communion with God and each other, trust in God and fulfilment of each believer’s voca- tion in the world are impossible. The salutatory blessing pours out onto the congregation all the blessings that enable mem- bers to participate to advantage in the church service. The congregation is blessed and sent back into the world by God himself. Without the sending-away blessing the congregation cannot fulfil its vocation in the world, especially to be witnesses for Christ. If an ordained minister of the gospel is present in the gathering of the congregation he should pronounce the bles- sing, which comes directly from God. It is vital that the congre- gation appropriate the blessing in faith by means of an overt act, namely by saying “amen” to that.

scholarly journals Petrus Hofstede de Groot: een hervormd dominocraat?

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (92) ◽  
pp. 3-28
Author(s):  
Leon van den Broeke
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
Dutch Reformed ◽  
Central Question ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The University ◽  
The Church ◽  
Dutch Reformed Church ◽  
At Home

Abstract This article tries to find an answer to the central question whether the Dutch Reformed pastor and professor Petrus Hofstede de Groot (1802-1886) was a dominocrat. Hofstede de Groot was pastor in Ulrum and professor at the university in Groningen. My contribution is an elaboration of the oral book review I held in 2017 at the presentation of Jasper Vree’s book Kerk, huis, school en staat: Leven, werk en vriendenkring van P. Hofstede de Groot (1844-1886). In my article I explain the meaning of ‘dominocrat’ and also ‘Dominocrat’ and explore the synodical acts of the Dutch Reformed Church (Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk) between 1830 (Hofstede de Groot’s first appearance in the general synod as professor) and 1886 (his death), and Hofstede de Groot’s role in synodical meetings. He was indeed a dominocrat. He favored the leadership of the pastors. At the same time, he was a Dominocrat. In his life and in his work, he was focussed on the Dominus, Jesus Christ, for the church (kerk), at home (huis), school and state (staat).

Perempuan Penyembuh

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-184
Author(s):  
Buce A. Ranboki
Keyword(s):  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Traditional Healing ◽  
Religious Institution ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Healing Power ◽  
Traditional Healing Practices ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Church

In Timor, the traditional healing practices of mnane (a Healer or healing woman) are alleged as “shamanism.” All the same, this accusation originates from area church as religious institution that had been founded upon Calvinistic values. What is sadder still, Healers are labeled superstitious, irrational, and profane. Such accusations marginalize and wound their dignity as women. The theological question is whether the source of such healing power would have caused the church to construct theological assumptions that would be so androcentric, rationalistic, and supremely concerned with accuracy. In this study, I would argue that the church must construct a theology that is truly born-of and favorable-toward women, as it also ushers Healers into the hospitality of the church-as-space for dialogue, partnership, and empowerment. Through the feminist approach of Mery Kolimon, the inspirational Teologi Rakyat (grassroots theology) of John Campbell-Nelson, and Trinitarian theological imagery, I urge that traditional Healers deserve enfranchisement and inclusion in the fellowship and friendship of the church as both form and function of the ‘Church's sacramental’ for the work of empowerment and healing.

scholarly journals Confessional Range of Protestantism

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 141-151
Author(s):  
М. А. Fedorov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Jesus Christ ◽  
The Other ◽  
Religious Organizations ◽  
Latter Day Saints ◽  
Anglican Church ◽  
Society Of Friends ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Bible ◽  
The Church ◽  
Religious Society Of Friends

Diversity and the fragmented nature of Protestantism are the reason of various interpretations of its boundaries and the number of denominations it comprises. The key criterion of affiliation with Protestantism is the acceptance of basic doctrines set forward in the Niceno- Constantinopolitan Creed. The analysis of the beliefs of the religious organizations traditionally connected with Protestantism suggests that Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pentecostals-Unitarians are out of the doctrinal field of Christianity in general and out of the range of Protestantism in particular. The other distinct characteristic of Protestantism is the acceptance of the Five Solas – sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia, Solus Christus и Soli Deo gloria, which are aimed at the validation of Christian doctrines set forth in the Bible. This thesis was demonstrated via the analysis of the doctrinal sources of Lutheranism, Reformed Church and Anglican Church. The article also reports on the five solas present in the creeds of Baptists, Pentecostals, Methodists, Mennonites, Religious Society of Friends, and Seventh-Day Adventists. Cultural and historical proximity of protestants and religious organizations that do not meet the criteria above calls for a new category – “post reformation religions” – that can embrace them all.

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