Stefan Paas
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Theology, Faculty Member
Boek over de inwijding van nieuwkomers in het christelijk geloof en de christelijke gemeente. Hele manuscript nu hier beschikbaar.
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Politiek-theologische reflecties op scheiding van kerk en staat, de toekomst van Nederland, tolerantie, en wat ons bij elkaar houdt.
Bekroond met de J.F. de Savornin Lohman prijs 2007
Bekroond met de J.F. de Savornin Lohman prijs 2007
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In deze in het WKO-blad verschenen recensie bespreek ik het boek van A. van de Beek over de ecclesiologie (2012).
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Bijna zeventien jaar loopt nu al de serie waarin Bram van de Beek de christelijke dogmatiek programmatisch herschrijft vanuit de christologie. In 1998 begon hij zijn Jezus Kurios met de constatering dat Jezus de openbaring van God is en... more
Bijna zeventien jaar loopt nu al de serie waarin Bram van de Beek de christelijke dogmatiek programmatisch herschrijft vanuit de christologie. In 1998 begon hij zijn Jezus Kurios met de constatering dat Jezus de openbaring van God is en dat daarom de christologie het hart van de theologie is. Zijn nieuwe boek over de scheppingsleer zet die lijn voort...
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Discussion of biblical, pragmatic, and theological arguments used in defence of church planting in Europe.
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Published in: Journal of Reformed Theology 8 (2014), 382-407 Recently some Reformed denominations in the Netherlands have embarked on church planting in the major cities. This was done mainly for evangelistic reasons. From a quantitative... more
Published in: Journal of Reformed Theology 8 (2014), 382-407
Recently some Reformed denominations in the Netherlands have embarked on church planting in the major cities. This was done mainly for evangelistic reasons. From a quantitative perspective this project has been rather successful. However, many of the new churches deviate in some respects from official doctrines and practices of their denominations, as a consequence of contextualization. This has provoked some protest, leading to the failure of instituting at least one new church plant as a full member of one of these Reformed denominations. In this article we add research data to this experience, demonstrating that this is not an isolated discussion. Moreover, we use this experience as a point of departure for an ecclesiological discussion about the continuous reformation of the church. It is concluded that church planting is an occasion for ecclesial reconstruction with a view to mission, and we make some suggestions how this should happen.
Recently some Reformed denominations in the Netherlands have embarked on church planting in the major cities. This was done mainly for evangelistic reasons. From a quantitative perspective this project has been rather successful. However, many of the new churches deviate in some respects from official doctrines and practices of their denominations, as a consequence of contextualization. This has provoked some protest, leading to the failure of instituting at least one new church plant as a full member of one of these Reformed denominations. In this article we add research data to this experience, demonstrating that this is not an isolated discussion. Moreover, we use this experience as a point of departure for an ecclesiological discussion about the continuous reformation of the church. It is concluded that church planting is an occasion for ecclesial reconstruction with a view to mission, and we make some suggestions how this should happen.
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Published in Scandinavian Evangelical e-Journal 3 (2012), 16-51
On the possibilities and conditions for mission in secularized Europe
On the possibilities and conditions for mission in secularized Europe
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In dit in Radix verschenen recensie-artikel bespreek ik drie boeken van oudtestamenticus John Walton, over de mondelinge en schriftelijke overleving van de bijbel, over het lezen van Genesis 1, en het lezen van Genesis 2-3 (Adam en Eva).
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World Christianity entails a multi-centric Christianity, and mission from anywhere to anywhere. Today, any place can be a mission base and a mission field at the same time. According to Andrew Walls this may lead to a new " Ephesian... more
World Christianity entails a multi-centric Christianity, and mission from anywhere to anywhere. Today, any place can be a mission base and a mission field at the same time. According to Andrew Walls this may lead to a new " Ephesian moment " in Christianity. To what extent this is happening can only be found out, however, by doing actual research into local encounters of different Christianities. In this article three postWar missionary movements to Europe are subjected to scrutiny: American evangelicals, who came to Europe after the Second World War; African immigrants, who started to plant churches in the 1980s; and Australian neo-Pentecostals, who have recently extended their missionary efforts to European cities. Especially, attention is paid to their views of Europe and European churches, their methods of mission, and how they are received by Europeans. This analysis forms the basis of several missiological reflections regarding mission in secularized (Western) Europe, with a view to the realization of " Ephesian moments ". It is demonstrated that the late modern missionary movement to Europe is determined to a large extent by globalizing tendencies, which threaten local expressions of Christianity. Also, some stereotypical pictures of Europe, as they are held by missionaries, are challenged. Different approaches are suggested in order to have a genuine encounter between different kinds of Christianity on the European mission field. Keywords world Christianity – Europe – reversed mission – reverse mission – neo-Pentecostal-ism – revivalism
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The Dutch missiologists J.H. Bavinck (1895-1954) has become well-known for his far-sighted view of human religious consciousness. Bavinck believed that the religious impulse of mankind would not disappear, not even with increasing... more
The Dutch missiologists J.H. Bavinck (1895-1954) has become well-known for his far-sighted view of human religious consciousness. Bavinck believed that the religious impulse of mankind would not disappear, not even with increasing secularity in the West. In this article it is asked to what extent Bavinck's view of religiosity is still of use in a missiological approach of the most secularized part of the world, Europe. Its conclusion is that Bavinck's essentially psychological view did not take the cultural nature of religion sufffijiciently into account, and therefore the possibility that it will disappear. Therefore, a more realistic view of religious consciousness than Bavinck's is needed in a missiology of Europe.
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How can the Reformed structure of governance and offices be reformed with a view to the missionary challenges of modern western culture?
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Reflections on the theology and praxis of church planting in secular urban settings in the Netherlands.
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In this article I discuss three concepts that are often used in missiological literature directing itself to the West, and I relate them to secularization theory.
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What is Missiology? What is Its place in the theological curriculum? How can it be distinguished from other disciplines such as intercultural theology? And what can it contribute to broader discussions in an increasingly secular and... more
What is Missiology? What is Its place in the theological curriculum? How can it be distinguished from other disciplines such as intercultural theology? And what can it contribute to broader discussions in an increasingly secular and plural society?
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What are the sources of authority for evangelical Christians in their debates and practices? Evangelicals often refer to the Bible, but is is not their sole source. Practical results are also important, as are personal feelings and... more
What are the sources of authority for evangelical Christians in their debates and practices? Evangelicals often refer to the Bible, but is is not their sole source. Practical results are also important, as are personal feelings and experiences. In this volume, fourteen researchers examine the sources of authority to which evangelicals appeal.
1. Henk Bakker, Towards an Evangelical Hermeneutic of Authority
2. René Erwich, Looking for Discernment: Dreams, Images and Prophecy in a Local Baptist Congregation
3. Miranda Klaver, New Media Making and Breaking Religious Leadership: The Case of Hillsong Church
4. Ron Michener, Losing Face in a Facebook Era: Theological Reflections on the Misplaced Authority of Social Media
5. Hans Riphagen, Jesus, You Are My King: An Analysis of the Dominant Faith Narratives in Popular Contemporary Worship Songs
6. Joke van Saane & Nadia Kroon, Feminine Failure: Expectations Around Evangelical Female Leadership
7. Ad de Bruijne, Homosexuality and Moral Authority: A Theological Interpretation of Changing Views in Evangelical Circles
8. Creighton Marlowe, Star Wars: The Creation Debate in Cyberspace Between Fundamentalists and Neo-Evangelicals
9. Stefan Paas, Why Church Planting in Europe? On Authorizing a Common Evangelical Practice
10. Eveline van Staalduine-Sulman, The Man as Priest of the Family: A Reformed Metaphor in an Evangelical Surrounding
11. Kees van der Kooi, God's Repentance and Immutability: In Search of the Relation Between Doctrine and Biblical Narrative
12. Kees van Kralingen, The Quest for Our Source of Authority: An Evaluation of Vanhoozer's Canonical-Linguistic Approach
13. Wido van Peursen, "This is What Was Spoken by the Prophet Joel": The Latter Rain in Joel's Prophecies and in Dutch Pentecostalism
1. Henk Bakker, Towards an Evangelical Hermeneutic of Authority
2. René Erwich, Looking for Discernment: Dreams, Images and Prophecy in a Local Baptist Congregation
3. Miranda Klaver, New Media Making and Breaking Religious Leadership: The Case of Hillsong Church
4. Ron Michener, Losing Face in a Facebook Era: Theological Reflections on the Misplaced Authority of Social Media
5. Hans Riphagen, Jesus, You Are My King: An Analysis of the Dominant Faith Narratives in Popular Contemporary Worship Songs
6. Joke van Saane & Nadia Kroon, Feminine Failure: Expectations Around Evangelical Female Leadership
7. Ad de Bruijne, Homosexuality and Moral Authority: A Theological Interpretation of Changing Views in Evangelical Circles
8. Creighton Marlowe, Star Wars: The Creation Debate in Cyberspace Between Fundamentalists and Neo-Evangelicals
9. Stefan Paas, Why Church Planting in Europe? On Authorizing a Common Evangelical Practice
10. Eveline van Staalduine-Sulman, The Man as Priest of the Family: A Reformed Metaphor in an Evangelical Surrounding
11. Kees van der Kooi, God's Repentance and Immutability: In Search of the Relation Between Doctrine and Biblical Narrative
12. Kees van Kralingen, The Quest for Our Source of Authority: An Evaluation of Vanhoozer's Canonical-Linguistic Approach
13. Wido van Peursen, "This is What Was Spoken by the Prophet Joel": The Latter Rain in Joel's Prophecies and in Dutch Pentecostalism
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recensie van Taede A. Smedes, God, Iets of Niets? De postseculiere maatschappij tussen GELOOF en ONGELOOF, Amsterdam University Press: Amsterdam 2016 (verscheen eerder in verkorte vorm in Radix).
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Scott W. Sunquist, Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory, Baker Academic: Grand Rapids 2013. 448 pages. ISBN 978-0-8010-3615-6.
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Tangen, Karl Inge (2012). Ecclesial Identification beyond Late Modern Individualism? A Case Study of Life Strategies in Growing Late Modern Churches. Leiden: Brill. ISBN 9789004206175.
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Sake Stoppels, Voor de verandering: Werken aan vernieuwing in gemeente en parochie, Boekencentrum: Zoetermeer 2009. ISBN 9789023923954
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Gerrit de Kruijf & Wietske de Jong (red.), Een lichte last. Protestantse theologen over de kerk, Boekencentrum, Zoetermeer 2010, 373 p., € 27,50 (ISBN 9789023924401)
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Paul M. Miller, Evangelical Mission in Co-operation with Catholics: A Study of Evangelical Missiological Tensions, Wipf&Stock: Eugene OR, 2013. ISBN 13: 978-1-62564-131. 291 pages
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J. Kevin Livingston, A Missiology of the Road: Early Perspectives in David Bosch’s Theology of Mission and Evangelism, James Clarke & Co: Cambridge 2014. ISBN: 9780227174593. 402 pages.
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John Walker, Testing Fresh Expressions: Identity and Transformation, Ashgate: Farnham 2014. ISBN: 978-1-4724-1184-6. 254 pages.
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Harvey C. Kwiyani, Sent Forth: African Missionary Work in the West, Orbis: Maryknoll NY 2014. 244 pages.
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Tomáš Halík, De nacht van de biechtvader: Christelijk geloof in een tijd van onzekerheid, Boekencentrum: Zoetermeer 2016 (oorspr. Tsjechisch 2005). 187 pagina's. ISBN 9789023970668.
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Darren Cronshaw and Rosemary Dewerse (eds.), We Are Pilgrims: Mission from, in and with the Margins of our Diverse World, UNOH Publishing: Victoria (Australia) 2015. ISBN 9780994202345. 296 pages
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Iain D. Campbell e.a. (eds.), Engaging with Keller: Thinking through the theology of an influential evangelical, Darlington: EP Books, 2013, 240 p., $ 15.99 (ISBN 9780852349281).
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Hans Schilderman (red.), The Concept of Religion: Defining and Measuring Contemporary Beliefs and Practices (Leiden: Brill, 2014), 198 p., € 37,50 (ISBN 9789004299306).
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Judith Becker, Brian Stanley (eds.), Europe as the Other: External Perspectives on European Christianity. Vandenhoeck&Ruprecht: Göttingen 2014. ISBN 978-3-525-10131-5. 277 pages.
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John Bolt, Paul Visser (eds.), The J.H. Bavinck Reader, Eerdmans: Grand Rapids 2013. 417 pages. ISBN 978-0-80286592-2
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Hans Boutellier, Het seculiere experiment: Hoe we van God los gingen samenleven, Boom: Amsterdam 2015. ISBN 9789089536211. 239 pagina's.
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In deze in Soteria verschenen recensie bespreek ik de door Evert vd Poll en Joanne Appleton uitgegeven bundel 'Church Planting in Europe'.
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Missiology has always been inspired by soteriology, that is, Christian views of salvation. However, little is known about the actual soteriological beliefs of missionary practitioners. This article is an explorative qualitative study of... more
Missiology has always been inspired by soteriology, that is, Christian views of salvation. However, little is known about the actual soteriological beliefs of missionary practitioners. This article is an explorative qualitative study of soteriological beliefs among Dutch Protestant ministers who work in pioneer settings (N=20) and established churches (N=40). Our research shows that, contrary to what might be expected, these two groups (termed ‘pioneers’ and ‘pastors’) are very much alike with regard to their soteriological beliefs. The majority are convinced of the uniqueness of Jesus, and the connection of salvation with God and/or Jesus – even if this salvation is often expressed in immanent terms. Only two differences have been found between pastors and pioneers. Pioneers experience more challenges in communicating the uniqueness of Christianity and they are more likely to have traditional views of ‘eternal lostness’.
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This article discusses the difficulties experienced by evangelical missionary practitioners in the West from the perspective of soteriology. This is done ‘from below,’ that is, based on recent empirical studies. First, the ‘benchmark... more
This article discusses the difficulties experienced by evangelical missionary practitioners in the West from the perspective of soteriology. This is done ‘from below,’ that is, based on recent empirical studies. First, the ‘benchmark soteriology’ of evangelicalism is presented. Second, based on an analysis of recent field studies of missionary practices in Europe a series of challenges for evangelical evangelism are listed. It appears that evangelical practitioners often experience ‘speechlessness’ in terms of witness. This leads to various forms of frustration and disappointment. After offering some suggestions for an explanation of this speechlessness, the article concludes with a tentative description of a new paradigm of evangelism emerging from missionary practices in the West.
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This article reflects on the thesis that new church formation (church planting) is “the most effective evangelistic strategy under heaven” (Peter Wagner). This thesis has achieved the status of doctrine among Evangelical Protestants. It... more
This article reflects on the thesis that new church formation (church planting) is “the most effective evangelistic strategy under heaven” (Peter Wagner). This thesis has achieved the status of doctrine among Evangelical Protestants. It has also found wide acceptance within many Dutch Protestant denominations, in particular the ones with an evangelical mind-set. It is widely believed that church planting is a major strategy for quantitative church growth, by attracting people without a Christian background (‘conversion growth’). These assumptions seem to be closely related to Religious Market Theory. Obviously, any proven strategy for quantitative church growth is highly relevant for the secular context of Western Europe. This article investigates whether these assumptions, of a strategy that originated in America, are justified with respect to the Dutch context. Research is presented, that was recently done in the Netherlands. Its results indicate that churches less than ten years ...
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Il existe trois passages dans le Livre d'Amos appeles hymnes d'Amos. L'A. se propose d'en expliquer deux (Amos 4:13 et 9:5-6) en prenant comme angle de depart le theme du Seigneur revele comme Createur de l'univers et... more
Il existe trois passages dans le Livre d'Amos appeles hymnes d'Amos. L'A. se propose d'en expliquer deux (Amos 4:13 et 9:5-6) en prenant comme angle de depart le theme du Seigneur revele comme Createur de l'univers et comme Roi. Il s'agit d'une analyse de la structure autant que de la theologie qui se degage de ces pericopes. L'objectif ultime de cette etude est de determiner leur fonction precise dans le contexte du livre complet, puis, par la, de deviner les intentions de l'ecrivain sacre
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Based on my own experience with missionary church planting in Amsterdam I discuss mission in a consumerist urban society. This is done by exploring the metaphor 'restaurant' for church.
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In this contribution I argue that the classic liberal emphasis on individual freedom does not necessarily reflect modern optimistic views of man. On the contrary, it is deeply rooted in Christian notions of human sinfulness and frailty.... more
In this contribution I argue that the classic liberal emphasis on individual freedom does not necessarily reflect modern optimistic views of man. On the contrary, it is deeply rooted in Christian notions of human sinfulness and frailty. Modern Christian politics, especially the kind that is inspired by neo-reformed philosophy would do good to consider this.
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In this contribution I discuss the conditions of church planting among young urban professionals in Amsterdam. I suggest that three important ecclesial shifts can be observed here: from monpoly to marketing, from the congregation to... more
In this contribution I discuss the conditions of church planting among young urban professionals in Amsterdam. I suggest that three important ecclesial shifts can be observed here: from monpoly to marketing, from the congregation to networks, and from confessional foundations to mission and values.
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In 2006 en 2007 is door alle hbo-theologie instellingen een grootschalig onderzoek gedaan naar de afgestudeerden van de afgelopen 3 jaargangen. Dit onderzoek, het eerste in zijn soort, levert tal van gegevens over loopbaanperspectief,... more
In 2006 en 2007 is door alle hbo-theologie instellingen een grootschalig onderzoek gedaan naar de afgestudeerden van de afgelopen 3 jaargangen. Dit onderzoek, het eerste in zijn soort, levert tal van gegevens over loopbaanperspectief, werkbeleving, spiritualiteit en nascholingsbehoefte van afgestudeerde hbo-theologen. De lezing geeft een samenvatting van het onderzoek en levert ideeen voor de verbetering van de positie van de hbo-theoloog.
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Humanities and Art
in: Muynck, A. de, Hegeman, J.H., & Vos, P.H. Eds. Bridging the Gap: Proceedings of the IAPCHE-Europe Conference April 2009. Sioux Centre: Dordt Press 2011, 227-236
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‘Barmhartig recht: Christelijke impulsen aan een mildere rechtspraktijk’, in: Ronald van Steden, Jan Hoogland (red.), In vertrouwen leven: Tegendraadse beschouwingen over veiligheid, Buijten&Schipperheijn: Amsterdam 2013, 116-127
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In this article we present the results of a Big Five personality test among 59 religious entrepreneurs (church planters) in Europe, and we compare these results with (a) a general database, and (b) existing research among secular... more
In this article we present the results of a Big Five personality test among 59 religious entrepreneurs (church planters) in Europe, and we compare these results with (a) a general database, and (b) existing research among secular entrepreneurs. Our study concludes that church planters are significantly more extravert and significantly less neurotic than the general population. Although our research also indicates that church planters are more agreeable and more conscientious than the general population, differences on these items were not significant. As to openness to experience, there was no difference between church planters and the general population. Comparison with research among secular entrepreneurs leads to rather ambiguous results. The only shared trait that can be established with some reliability is that both church planters and secular entrepreneurs are less neurotic than other people.
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Als het gaat over sekse en gender en christelijke visies daarop, wordt er nogal eens met bijbelteksten geschermd. Van 'God schiep man en vrouw' tot 'God is liefde'. In dit artikel, dat ooit verscheen in 'De Nieuwe Koers' (ik kan het... more
Als het gaat over sekse en gender en christelijke visies daarop, wordt er nogal eens met bijbelteksten geschermd. Van 'God schiep man en vrouw' tot 'God is liefde'. In dit artikel, dat ooit verscheen in 'De Nieuwe Koers' (ik kan het exacte nummer niet meer terugvinden), probeer ik wat theologische bezinning te geven bij dit soort discussies. Wat zijn nu de grotere theologische vragen die hierbij aan de orde zijn? Uiteindelijk gaat het om de vraag of je meer vanuit de schepping denkt of meer vanuit de toekomst.
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What are the sources of authority for evangelical Christians in their debates and practices? Evangelicals often refer to the Bible, but is is not their sole source. Practical results are also important, as are personal feelings and... more
What are the sources of authority for evangelical Christians in their debates and practices? Evangelicals often refer to the Bible, but is is not their sole source. Practical results are also important, as are personal feelings and experiences. In this volume, fourteen researchers examine the sources of authority to which evangelicals appeal. 1. Henk Bakker, Towards an Evangelical Hermeneutic of Authority 2. René Erwich, Looking for Discernment: Dreams, Images and Prophecy in a Local Baptist Congregation 3. Miranda Klaver, New Media Making and Breaking Religious Leadership: The Case of Hillsong Church 4. Ron Michener, Losing Face in a Facebook Era: Theological Reflections on the Misplaced Authority of Social Media 5. Hans Riphagen, Jesus, You Are My King: An Analysis of the Dominant Faith Narratives in Popular Contemporary Worship Songs 6. Joke van Saane & Nadia Kroon, Feminine Failure: Expectations Around Evangelical Female Leadership 7. Ad de Bruijne, Homosexuality and Moral Authority: A Theological Interpretation of Changing Views in Evangelical Circles 8. Creighton Marlowe, Star Wars: The Creation Debate in Cyberspace Between Fundamentalists and Neo-Evangelicals 9. Stefan Paas, Why Church Planting in Europe? On Authorizing a Common Evangelical Practice 10. Eveline van Staalduine-Sulman, The Man as Priest of the Family: A Reformed Metaphor in an Evangelical Surrounding 11. Kees van der Kooi, God's Repentance and Immutability: In Search of the Relation Between Doctrine and Biblical Narrative 12. Kees van Kralingen, The Quest for Our Source of Authority: An Evaluation of Vanhoozer's Canonical-Linguistic Approach 13. Wido van Peursen, "This is What Was Spoken by the Prophet Joel": The Latter Rain in Joel's Prophecies and in Dutch Pentecostalism
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Published in Scandinavian Evangelical e-Journal 3 (2012), 16-51 On the possibilities and conditions for mission in secularized Europe
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Developed in the last decades of the nineteenth century2 missiology is one of the most recent theological disciplines. This youthful character may be the reason why its tectonic plates are still in full movement, as demonstrated by the... more
Developed in the last decades of the nineteenth century2 missiology is one of the most recent theological disciplines. This youthful character may be the reason why its tectonic plates are still in full movement, as demonstrated by the ongoing debate about missiology’s proper object of study, its methodologies, and even the question of whether it should be called “missiology.” Some regard missiology to have an interest in almost everything theological and, therefore, it is more relevant than ever. Others regard missiology as barely having a legitimate area of study, and, is a by-product of colonial and imperialistic times. All this raises the issue of missiology’s own identity and meaning as a theological discipline.
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Philosophy and Missiology
In this article it is discussed how the early Chuch Fathers developed their theology about the creation of the world. Three fields of interest are highlighted: creation out of nothing, creation in six days, and the goodness of creation.... more
In this article it is discussed how the early Chuch Fathers developed their theology about the creation of the world. Three fields of interest are highlighted: creation out of nothing, creation in six days, and the goodness of creation. It is shown that the Fathers contributed to the debate on origins in their times, without the sometimes rigid emphasis on exact numbers and periods that characterize these discussions in our days. On the other hand, they emphasized some issues of great theological interest that are important until today.
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De volgende stellingen worden behandeld: Stelling 1: De e.b. is anno 2009 helemaal geen beweging meer, maar een gevestigd instituut, met alle kenmerken daarvan. De taal van ‘beweging’ is vooral nog identiteitsjargon, net zoals de taal van... more
De volgende stellingen worden behandeld: Stelling 1: De e.b. is anno 2009 helemaal geen beweging meer, maar een gevestigd instituut, met alle kenmerken daarvan. De taal van ‘beweging’ is vooral nog identiteitsjargon, net zoals de taal van ‘(doorgaande) reformatie’ vooral identiteitsjargon is in wat ooit de gereformeerde beweging was. Stelling 2: De grote en voortdurende uitdaging van de e.b. lijkt mij dat zij telkens weer een beweging moet worden. Juist nu is dit de grootste opdracht voor de EA: bijdragen aan het ontstaan van ‘beweging’ en oppassen nu naar binnen gezogen te worden als een para-denominationele organisatie van de evangelische kerken. 2 Hoe ontstaat een beweging? Er zijn minstens drie dingen nodig: gedeeld verlangen, gebrek aan controle in het centrum en leiderschap vanuit de marge. Alleen verlangen is dus niet genoeg. Stelling 3: Om weer een beweging te worden, is een vurige toewijding aan Gods agenda het belangrijkst.
There is a particular vulnerability to mission in the secularized societies of Western Europe. Much of this has to do with a loss of confidence, which hinders participation in the mission of God. This article presents an analysis of this... more
There is a particular vulnerability to mission in the secularized societies of Western Europe. Much of this has to do with a loss of confidence, which hinders participation in the mission of God. This article presents an analysis of this vulnerability that comes from a loss of heart, and it offers possible solutions for a bold minority mission as participation in the missio Dei. This includes the de-instrumentalization of mission and rooting it in a doxological approach. Furthermore, the biblical metaphors of exile and priesthood are explored to redefine what it means to do mission from a position of joyful weakness.
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It is widely believed that the planting of new churches is a cause of church growth, regardless of culture or context. However, surprisingly little reliable and relevant data are presented to support this claim. In this article recent... more
It is widely believed that the planting of new churches is a cause of church growth, regardless of culture or context. However, surprisingly little reliable and relevant data are presented to support this claim. In this article recent membership data of the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden (Association of Free Evangelical Congregations) in Germany is explored to examine the relationship between church planting and church growth. The data show that there is indeed a positive correlation, but since there is also a clear correlation between rapid growth and decline, the evidence should be treated with care.
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Missiology must become a truly intercultural theological discipline, processing the insights and experiences of Christians from all over the planet, including the vast majority who find that evangelism is the heart of mission. Such an... more
Missiology must become a truly intercultural theological discipline, processing the insights and experiences of Christians from all over the planet, including the vast majority who find that evangelism is the heart of mission. Such an intercultural missiology will take mission seriously as transcultural witness, proclamation, and persuasion (Feldtkeller 2013).
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Philosophy and Missiology
Similar to most Western nations, Germany has experienced a history of secularization, resulting in church decline. However, some Christian communities have been less affected by decline. The historical free churches (Freikirchen), usually... more
Similar to most Western nations, Germany has experienced a history of secularization, resulting in church decline. However, some Christian communities have been less affected by decline. The historical free churches (Freikirchen), usually of an evangelical nature, have not only developed a more explicit missionary identity than the mainline churches, some of them have also been able to experience church growth against the larger trends. In this paper quantitative and qualitative data are presented based on a study of the Bund Freier evangelischer Gemeinden (BFeG) in Germany. These data show that general church growth and conversion growth are correlated, that young churches grow better (in both respects) than older churches, that the net conversion growth (conversions minus decline) of younger and older churches is overall largely the same, and that growth results in Berlin outperform the results in other cities and in the BFeG as a whole. These results are put into context by exten...
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In response to the ongoing secularization of the West, much missiological reflection on the church has turned to post-foundationalist, pragmatic and traditioned approaches culminating in a ‘counter-cultural’ model of the church. This... more
In response to the ongoing secularization of the West, much missiological reflection on the church has turned to post-foundationalist, pragmatic and traditioned approaches culminating in a ‘counter-cultural’ model of the church. This model, developed most extensively in neo-Anabaptist contributions, is believed to contain rich promises for missionary ecclesiology in a post-Christendom age. In this article several traditions that have contributed to this approach are examined, with an emphasis on neo-Anabaptism – especially the works of Yoder and Hauerwas. A critical discussion of the model’s idealism and view of culture follows. Based on this analysis, the article discusses how the model of the counter-cultural church can contribute to Christian mission in the secularized societies of the West.
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Lezing voor de Gereformeerde Zendingsbond (GZB), 24 september 2020. Hoe heeft de kerk in Nederland tot nu toe gereageerd op de corona-crisis? Wat hebben we geleerd? Kunnen we al naar de toekomst kijken? In dit verhaal kijk ik terug en -... more
Lezing voor de Gereformeerde Zendingsbond (GZB), 24 september 2020. Hoe heeft de kerk in Nederland tot nu toe gereageerd op de corona-crisis? Wat hebben we geleerd? Kunnen we al naar de toekomst kijken? In dit verhaal kijk ik terug en - zo goed en zo kwaad als het gaat - vooruit.
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Op 8 november 2012 organiseerde het wetenschappelijk instituut van het CDA in het gebouw van de Eerste Kamer een congres over de toekomst van christelijke politiek. Ik hield daar een betoog dat christelijke politiek in onze tijd bijna... more
Op 8 november 2012 organiseerde het wetenschappelijk instituut van het CDA in het gebouw van de Eerste Kamer een congres over de toekomst van christelijke politiek. Ik hield daar een betoog dat christelijke politiek in onze tijd bijna vanzelfsprekend conservatieve politiek is. Hoewel het betoog veel instemming kreeg van aanwezige CDA-politici, ben ik er niet geheel zeker van dat mijn invulling van 'conservatief' de overhand heeft gekregen in de uitingen van huidige CDA-leiders.
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Research paper on social science and church planting
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In dit paper beargumenteer ik dat spreken over de betekenis of de zin van het leven veronderstelt dat we uitgaan van openbaring. Ik werk die stelling uit, ga in op tegenwerpingen en beschrijf enkele implicaties, o.a. voor het geloof in... more
In dit paper beargumenteer ik dat spreken over de betekenis of de zin van het leven veronderstelt dat we uitgaan van openbaring. Ik werk die stelling uit, ga in op tegenwerpingen en beschrijf enkele implicaties, o.a. voor het geloof in God en de Bijbel.
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In dit paper beargumenteer ik dat spreken over de betekenis van de werkelijkheid het bestaan van openbaring veronderstelt. Ik werk deze claim uit, ga in op tegenwerpingen, en bespreek enkele implicaties - o.a. voor het geloof in God en de... more
In dit paper beargumenteer ik dat spreken over de betekenis van de werkelijkheid het bestaan van openbaring veronderstelt. Ik werk deze claim uit, ga in op tegenwerpingen, en bespreek enkele implicaties - o.a. voor het geloof in God en de Bijbel.
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Wetenschappers zijn minder vaak gelovig dan andere mensen. En Nobelprijswinnaars zijn bijna nooit gelovig. In de Verenigde Staten noemt 64% van de wetenschappers zichzelf ‘atheïst’ of ‘agnost’, tegenover slechts 6% van de Amerikaanse... more
Wetenschappers zijn minder vaak gelovig dan andere mensen. En Nobelprijswinnaars zijn bijna nooit gelovig. In de Verenigde Staten noemt 64% van de wetenschappers zichzelf ‘atheïst’ of ‘agnost’, tegenover slechts 6% van de Amerikaanse bevolking. Een onderzoek in Nederland onder hoogleraren liet zien dat 44% zichzelf als atheïst beschouwt, terwijl dat geldt voor 14% van de hele bevolking. Dus ook al is religie wijd en zijd verbreid in de wereld,, onder wetenschappers komt godsgeloof veel minder voor.
In discussies over het bestaan van God en de waarde van religie wordt dit soms als argument aangevoerd. Op de een of andere manier zou het feit dat de wetenschappelijke elite in hoge mate ongelovig is, iets zeggen over de redelijkheid van godsgeloof. In ons boek God bewijzen gaan we in op die stelling. In dit artikel willen we de vraag beantwoorden waarom wetenschappers zo ongelovig zijn.
In discussies over het bestaan van God en de waarde van religie wordt dit soms als argument aangevoerd. Op de een of andere manier zou het feit dat de wetenschappelijke elite in hoge mate ongelovig is, iets zeggen over de redelijkheid van godsgeloof. In ons boek God bewijzen gaan we in op die stelling. In dit artikel willen we de vraag beantwoorden waarom wetenschappers zo ongelovig zijn.
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Is er enige evidence voor gebedsgenezing? Zo ja, hoe vaak komt het eigenlijk voor? En waarom zijn er wel genezingsclaims over (bijv.) uitgezaaide kanker, maar niet over aangegroeide benen? In deze lezing voor het symposium 'Mijn God... more
Is er enige evidence voor gebedsgenezing? Zo ja, hoe vaak komt het eigenlijk voor? En waarom zijn er wel genezingsclaims over (bijv.) uitgezaaide kanker, maar niet over aangegroeide benen? In deze lezing voor het symposium 'Mijn God geneest' (10 nov. 2017) behandel ik deze vragen. Graag ontvang ik commentaar, aanvullingen, feedback om te kunnen verwerken voor de artikelversie die moet verschijnen in 'Geestkracht'.
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This is a layman's attempt to discuss the use of Occam's razor in debates about the existence of God. I briefly explain how the Razor functions as a methodological principle in science, how it has become a tool for critical thinking more... more
This is a layman's attempt to discuss the use of Occam's razor in debates about the existence of God. I briefly explain how the Razor functions as a methodological principle in science, how it has become a tool for critical thinking more generally, and finally how it is used in debates about the existence of God. The question is: do natural explanations make belief in God obsolete? Here I develop a new (?) criticism of Occam's razor in contexts where the intentions of personal actors play a role. In such context not only the principle of parsimony but also the principle of justice (giving praise and blame where due) are important. I argue that parsimony does not trump justice, and that for Christians (whose highest purpose is worshiping God) Occam's razor is not a suitable tool to discuss the existence of God.
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Onlangs vroeg een collega me: "Wat voor verschil zou het voor jou maken als God niet bestond?". Hij bedoelde: zou je theologie er anders van worden? Zijn vraag bracht me op een paar mijmeringen over "post-theïsme", vanuit een... more
Onlangs vroeg een collega me: "Wat voor verschil zou het voor jou maken als God niet bestond?". Hij bedoelde: zou je theologie er anders van worden? Zijn vraag bracht me op een paar mijmeringen over "post-theïsme", vanuit een missiologisch perspectief. Mijn voorlopige conclusie is vrij kritisch, maar ik hoop post-theïsten recht gedaan te hebben. Feedback is welkom!
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Opmerkingen n.a.v. uitspraken van CDA-leider Buma en de felle reacties daarop.
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Ongeredigeerde draft-versie van enkele pagina's uit 'God bewijzen' (2013), van Rik Peels en mij. Iets uitgebreider dan het origineel. Onderstaande pagina's veronderstellen dat men weet wat 'basisovertuigingen' (basic beliefs) zijn. Dat... more
Ongeredigeerde draft-versie van enkele pagina's uit 'God bewijzen' (2013), van Rik Peels en mij. Iets uitgebreider dan het origineel. Onderstaande pagina's veronderstellen dat men weet wat 'basisovertuigingen' (basic beliefs) zijn. Dat wordt uitgelegd in hoofdstuk 2 van ons boek.
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What if we looked at the church as a restaurant? Does this metaphor help us to think through important issues like mission, membership, leadership, etc.? Readers are invited to comment on this draft.
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Naar aanleiding van recensies en reacties, hierbij enkele reflecties op m'n boek 'Vrede op aarde'. Wie het nog niet gelezen heeft: ik zou eerst het boek lezen en dan pas deze 'onderwatercodes'. Altijd beter om eerst je eigen mening te... more
Naar aanleiding van recensies en reacties, hierbij enkele reflecties op m'n boek 'Vrede op aarde'. Wie het nog niet gelezen heeft: ik zou eerst het boek lezen en dan pas deze 'onderwatercodes'. Altijd beter om eerst je eigen mening te vormen.