Papers by reinder Bruinsma
Gewissen und Freiheit, 2008
John Bolt, an emeritus professor at Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) and an expert on Calvinism,... more John Bolt, an emeritus professor at Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) and an expert on Calvinism, endorsed James Eglinton's new biography of Herman Bavinck with these words: "This will be the definitive Bavinck biography for generations." Time will tell whether Bolt is correct in this assessment, but after reading this fascinating book I tend to agree. Eglinton, who teaches Reformed Theology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, is (so far) the last in a series of seven biographers of Bavinck (1854‒1921). Therefore, much was already known about the life and work of this prominent Dutch theologian, but Eglinton was able to access some new sources. The newness of his book is, however, especially due to the fact that he fundamentally disagrees with the widely accepted view that there were "two Bavincks", who, respectively followed orthodox Reformed theology and allied himself with the modernism of his times (p. xviii). Eglinton wondered whether Bavinck was...
This article explores to what extent postmodern thinking has impacted the way in which spirituali... more This article explores to what extent postmodern thinking has impacted the way in which spirituality is defined and experienced within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Before proceeding with the argument that we can indeed see a definite and substantial impact, the three essential terms (Adventism, postmodernity and spirituality) are defined and a short overview is given of the impact of postmodernity on life in the era in which we now live. Then attention is given to developments (under the influence of postmodernity) in the domain of spirituality, and, in particular, to the increase of spirituality outside the church. Some wider trends in the ecclesial world are reflected in Adventism. Of special importance is the fact that most expressions of Adventist spirituality have traditionally been channeled into institutionalized forms and, in general, the church's leadership has become extremely concerned about new approaches they cannot control and that emphasize religious experienc...
Jewish relations, and the battle against anti-Semitism, has taken another step forward.
In two dozen short, readable biographies of John Calvin s friends including some who turned into ... more In two dozen short, readable biographies of John Calvin s friends including some who turned into enemies Machiel A. van den Berg paints an intimate portrait of the great Reformer s life and circle that most of us have never seen. Here we accompany Calvin from his early boyhood in Noyon to his student days in Paris and Orleans, to his pastorate in and exile from Geneva, all the way to his deathbed. We meet his famous Reformer friends William Farel, Martin Bucer, Philip Melanchthon, Heinrich Bullinger, John Knox, Theodore Beza and friends whose names are more obscure: his cousin Pierre Robert Olivetan, the first translator of the Bible into French; Renee de France of French royalty; Laurent de Normandie, the mayor of Noyon who later escaped to Geneva; Pierre Viret, his best friend of all; and Idelette van Buren, his beloved wife during their brief but happy marriage. Calvin may be known as a scholar who preferred his study to imperial and ecclesiastical politics, but he was also a reb...
1919 is one of the significant dates in Seventh-day Adventist history. In this year, an important... more 1919 is one of the significant dates in Seventh-day Adventist history. In this year, an important conference took place of the denomination's leaders and theology and history teachers. However, the (incomplete) transcripts of the conference disappeared in the archives of the church's headquarters and were not unearthed until the 1970s. Soon thereafter, the independent Adventist journal Spectrum published major excerpts from the Report of the conference. This caused quite a stir as it showed that several of the divisive issues in con-temporary Adventism were also key topics during this conference, in partic-ular with regard to biblical hermeneutics and the inspiration of the Bible and of the Ellen G. White writings.
This article investigates whether, within Seventh-day Adventism, the hermeneutical approach is ch... more This article investigates whether, within Seventh-day Adventism, the hermeneutical approach is changing, in particular with regard to the prophetic portions of Daniel and Revelation: Is the traditional historicist position still dominant or are other approaches also making inroads? A number of official and semi-official sources are surveyed, as well as publications from scholars and popular authors. The article zooms in on the treatment of four issues in the interpretation of apocalyptic prophecy: (1) the year-day principle, (2) the identity of the little horn (Dan. 7) and the sea-beast (Rev. 13), (3) the seal of God and the mark of the beast, and (4) the number 666. It appears that the historicist approach continues to receive support, most strongly in official and semi-official publications, but less so in books by scholars and popular authors. Authors in the two latter categories are also inclined to attribute value to other approaches besides historicism. Quite generally, there ...
The article firstly deals with church authority in general and with the way this is understood an... more The article firstly deals with church authority in general and with the way this is understood and functions in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. All church authority is delegated authority, and the church's authority is always subject to God and the revelation in his Word. The Adventist governmental structure has not always sufficiently resisted authoritarian and hierarchical tendencies. The second part of this article focuses on the relationship between the pastor and his employing church entity. His freedom is limited, in terms of church policies and in expressing theologically unacceptable opinions. On the other hand, he cannot be expected to show blind obedience, and some forms of dissent can actually enrich the community. The pastor must listen to his conscience, but must in some cases expect to be disciplined. Any discipline requires great care, lest political elements and a denial of the right of critical thinking obscure the real issues.
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Papers by reinder Bruinsma