Die toerustingstaak van die Gereformeerde predikant: ’n praktiese bedieningsmodel
The mininstry of the minister in the Reformed churches in South Africa is strongly influenced by the insitutional model of the Church. The result of this pattern of ministry is that ministry in general is solely dependent on the work of the particular offices of minister. elder and deacon. The community of the saints and the general priesthood of the believers are thus neglected. This article explores ways in which the equipping task of the minister can be effectively rearranged in order to enhance the upbuilding of the church. In conclusion, it is stated that the Reformed minister can equip the believers by simultaneously using two patterns of ministry. On the one hand, the believers can he equipped by way of the ministry of the Word and Sacraments in the worship service and by the ministry of the Word in catechetical instruction and parish visiting. On the other hand, the Reformed minister can equip believers by enabling people with the gift of leadership to lead small groups in the congregation, with the ultimate aim of building up the community of the saints and the general priesthood of the believers.
Die GKSA en sy gereformeerde identiteit: Kan dit behou word in ’n postmoderne gemeenskap?
The RCSA and its reformed identity: Can it be maintained in a postmodern community? This article focuses on the nature of reformed identity within the Reformed Churches in South Africa (RCSA). The central theoretical argument which is to be answered in this article, is how the reformed identity of the RCSA can be preserved in a time when there is little appreciation for absolute values; a time, as a matter of fact, where relativism sets the fashion? How should the RCSA accommodate the paradigm shift from modernism to postmodernism in the process of preserving their reformed identity? Answers to these questions depend on the RCSA’s experience of the paradigm shift in a changed society and their reaction towards this paradigm shift.
The Last Days of Socrates
'Consider just this, and give your minds to this alone: whether or not what I say is just'. Plato's account of Socrates' trial and death (399 BC) is a significant moment in Classical literature and the life of Classical Athens. In these four dialogues, Plato develops the Socratic belief in responsibility for one's self and shows Socrates living and dying under his philosophy. In "Euthyphro", Socrates debates goodness outside the courthouse; "Apology" sees him in court, rebutting all charges of impiety; in "Crito", he refuses an entreaty to escape from prison; and in "Phaedo", Socrates faces his impending death with calmness and skillful discussion of immortality. Christopher Rowe's introduction to his powerful new translation examines the book's themes of identity and confrontation, and explores how its content is less historical fact than a promotion of Plato's Socratic philosophy.