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Showing papers by "Protestant Theological University published in 2015"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Taking a spiritual history may contribute to the spiritual care of patients in a general hospital in the shape of more frequent referrals to thespiritual caregiver (chaplain), but further research is needed to determine whether this also means that nurses provide less spiritual care.
Abstract: There is an undeniable relationship between spirituality and health, and taking a spiritual history is a simple way to increase the focus on spiritual care. This is a pre/posttest intervention study. Questionnaires were administered before implementation of a spiritual assessment (pretest, n = 106), and afterward (posttest, n = 103). Despite a difficult implementation process, the number of consultation requests for the Department of Spiritual and Pastoral Care increased from 2 in the pretest period to 33 in the posttest period. After adjusting for patient characteristics, we found no differences between pretest and posttest measurements on the FACIT-Sp-12 total score or nurses' support regarding dealing with illness; we did, however, find a significant decrease on the subscale Faith of the FACIT-Sp-12 and on nurses' support regarding questions about purpose and meaning (97%-83%). In conclusion, taking a spiritual history may contribute to the spiritual care of patients in a general hospital in the shape of more frequent referrals to the spiritual caregiver (chaplain), but further research is needed to determine whether this also means that nurses provide less spiritual care.

25 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Analysis of the Dutch journal Tijdschrift Geestelijke Verzorging (Journal for Spiritual Care) and the Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy has shown that, although both journals have converging views on several key issues, there are also significant differences.
Abstract: Chaplaincy care has undergone a significant evolution in recent decades, and the end is not yet in sight. It has not always been a simple task to retain the essence of the profession during these changes. In order to gain insight into the core identity of spiritual care in the healthcare sector, we have analysed the journals of two leading professional associations, focusing on key issues, in order to allow the past to help us gain insight into the future. Our analysis of the Dutch journal Tijdschrift Geestelijke Verzorging (Journal for Spiritual Care) and the Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy has shown that, although both journals have converging views on several key issues, there are also significant differences. The observations have resulted in different recommendations for professionals of the two countries. To spiritual care professionals in Scotland, recommendations are made to increase the focus on multicultural spiritual care, while the value of evidence-based practice, and working in accordance with best practice, is brought to the attention of their Dutch colleagues.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explore the role of a well-known and popular phrase in the Reformed tradition within Protestantism, that is, ecclesia reformata semper reformand a [‘the reformed church should always be reformed’].
Abstract: With a view to the theme of church renewal, this article explores the role of a well-known and popular phrase in the Reformed tradition within Protestantism, that is, ecclesia reformata semper reformand a [‘the reformed church should always be reformed’]. Is this a helpful slogan when considering the possibilities and the limitations of church renewal? Firstly, the historical background of this phrase is described: it is rooted in the Dutch Reformed tradition, and only in the 20th century it was widely recognised in Reformed circles. Against this background the hermeneutical problem, linked with the principle of sola Scriptura , is presented, and put into an ecumenical ecclesiological perspective: the church is grounded in the gospel. Finally, the article focuses on church polity as an important field of renewal, taking into account Karl Barth’s interpretation of this phrase. From this perspective, a balanced and ecumenical approach of church renewal is possible.

12 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The postsecular is a challenge to systematic theological thought, as it points to some context where the opposition between the religious and the secular, or between theism and atheism, is weakened or even surpassed as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The concept of the postsecular is a challenge to systematic theological thought, as it points to some context where the opposition between the religious and the secular, or between theism and atheism, is weakened or even surpassed. In this perspective, the postsecular is not about the visibility of religion in the public sphere, but about the way in which we interpret ourselves in the world in order to find orientation and fulfillment. In a postsecular context, religious perspectives and secularist outlooks are no longer opposed of necessity, but draw on a common religious and secular heritage. In this article, Richard Kearney’s Anatheism and Jean-Luc Nancy’s The Deconstruction of Christianity are presented as exemplifications of postsecular thought that may open up new perspectives to systematic theology. In different ways, Kearney and Nancy reflect on a transcendent dimension in our experience or in the world, which is beyond the secular. Yet they distinguish themselves due to a religious transcendence-...

11 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, three levels of the meaning of postsecular are distinguished: first, the "postsecular" as a notion that characterises a cultural condition, mainly in Western society, full of diverse religious expressions; second, 'postsecularity', as a reflective model for interpreting religious expressions and behaviour; and third, 'Postsecularism' as a cultural-philosophical or theological program.
Abstract: What meaning does the theological notion of discernment have in a postsecular cultural condition? Three levels of the meaning of postsecular are distinguished: first, the ‘postsecular’, as a notion that characterises a cultural condition, mainly in Western society, full of diverse religious expressions; second, ‘postsecularity’, as a reflective model for interpreting religious expressions and behaviour; and third, ‘postsecularism’, as a cultural-philosophical or theological programme. After elucidating the concept of the postsecular, we consider some key elements in discernment, investigating the subject, the nature and the object of discernment. We then turn to Richard Kearney’s Anatheism as a fine example of how the notion of discernment receives a new usage in postsecular reflection. We ponder upon his idea of discernment as ‘prereflective carnal response to the advent of the Other’ and reflect upon its meaning for postsecular thinking. The concluding section offers a consideration of the meaning of Ke...

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined sources for the religious exploration of orthoprax Muslim adolescents in the Netherlands and identified five actions perceived as being important to success in the process of religious identity development.
Abstract: This interview study examines sources for the religious exploration of orthoprax Muslim adolescents in the Netherlands. We use the term sources to emphasize that we are also interested in sources other than parents and other persons. By using our interview guidelines, we succeeded in discovering sources other than persons: for example, specific events and opinions of others in the societal context of the Netherlands. This study also gives insight into which sources stimulate religious identity development, and how they are of importance in the process of religious identity development. Lastly, we distinguish five actions perceived as being important to success.

9 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, practical theological studies on the theme of learning profit from a clarification of the concept of learning, which is an important concept in the reflection on young people in faith practices.
Abstract: Because learning is an important concept in the reflection on young people in faith practices, practical theological studies on the theme of learning profit from a clarification of the concept of l...

7 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In a qualitative empirical research project on youth worship, this paper discovered that "being together" is the primary quality of youth worship and that this primary quality consists of at least four aspects: community is celebrated through physical presence, an empathetic and emotional aspect is essential for adolescents, and there is a theological aspect in youth worship that could be described as sharing faith and being in God's presence.
Abstract: In a qualitative empirical research project on youth worship, we discovered that ‘being together’ is primary quality of youth worship. This primary quality consists of at least four aspects. Firstly, community is celebrated through physical presence. More specifically, the physical presence of siblings plays an important part in the participation of youth in worship. Secondly, an empathetic and emotional aspect is essential for adolescents. ‘Being together’ in youth worship means being together in unity and trust and in equality, as kindred spirits. Thirdly, ‘being together’ in youth worship yields possibilities to cross social and ecclesiological boundaries. Fourthly, there is a theological aspect in ‘being together’ that could be described as ‘sharing faith and being in God’s presence’.

6 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the question of how Reformed tradition may contribute to and interact with contemporary virtue ethics (MacIntyre, Hauerwas) is addressed, and Reformed concepts of sanctification as open to moral growth, covenant as a narrative context of divine commandments, and unio cum Christo as defining human teleology and virtuousness provide valuable contributions to the development of such an ethics.
Abstract: Since virtue and the virtues have been important in Reformed theology for most of its history, this essay is devoted to the question of how this tradition may contribute to and interact with contemporary virtue ethics (MacIntyre, Hauerwas). Reformed concepts of sanctification as open to moral growth, covenant as a narrative context of divine commandments, and unio cum Christo as defining human teleology and virtuousness provide valuable contributions to the development of such an ethics. On the other hand, Reformed conceptions of (social) reform, natural law, common grace (Calvin) and christological eschatology (Barth) offer theological arguments for overcoming Hauerwas’s problematic overemphasis on the distinctiveness of the church’s ethic.

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the implications of tribal forms of religious socialization for (religious) schools' and communities' contributions to the religious formation of Christian youth are discussed, and a discussion of the relationship between the two forms of socialization is presented.
Abstract: This article questions the implications of tribal forms of religious socialization for (religious) schools’ and communities’ contributions to the religious formation of Christian youth. It clarifie...

5 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a detailed investigation of Ricoeur's text is necessary to find out why he, as a philosopher, turns to religious language for reflecting on what he calls "the reality of evil".
Abstract: Starting point of this article is a tension perceived in postsecular reassessments of religion between a new openness to religion’s meaning and importance and a negative motivation, due to religion’s violent presence. These negative conditions may hinder assessing religion in its fullness and specific character. Further reflection on the right attitude to study religion and a way out of this tension is given by analyzing Paul Ricoeur philosophical approach to religion in The Symbolism of Evil. A detailed investigation of Ricoeur’s text is necessary to find out why he, as a philosopher, turns to religious language for reflecting on what he calls ‘the reality of evil’. The outcome of this study provides a critical perspective for discussing current reassessments of religion, as well as recent debates on the use of the concept of evil. This discussion will focus on the importance of approaching religion as dealing with fundamental existential questions, including when the topic of evil is concerned. Such a d...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reread the Reformation from the perspective of virtue ethics and found that the nature of the law, virtue, the self before God, one's calling in the world, natural law and reason appear to be much more in alliance with a teleological, virtue ethical view than MacIntyre suggests.
Abstract: In response to Alasdair MacIntyre’s and Brad Gregory’s claim—that the Reformation’s concept of morality in terms of obedience to divine commandments has been a major factor in a catastrophic breakdown in modernity of the teleological view of life and the virtues—this essay aims both to correct this criticism and to reread Calvin from the perspective of virtue ethics. Calvin’s utterances about the nature of the law, virtue, the self before God, one’s calling in the world, natural law and reason appear to be much more in alliance with a teleological, virtue ethical view than MacIntyre suggests. This opens up the possibility of a fruitful interplay between a Reformed account of law and Christian virtue ethics.

Journal ArticleDOI
28 Oct 2015
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors make a plea for including focus groups in a mixed-method strategy in practical ecclesiological research, being attentive to their performative effects, and give a relational-constructionist, an ecclesiology and a theological rationale for using focus groups.
Abstract: The author gives an analysis of the methodological advantages and disadvantages of using focus groups in practical ecclesiology. He makes a plea for including focus groups in a mixed method strategy in practical ecclesiological research, being attentive to their performative effects. He asks, if ecclesiology governs the methodological design of a practical-ecclesiological research project, should not methods that focus on conversational practices and how people build up a view out of the interaction that takes place within a group, be pulled into the heart of the research? In his reply to this question, the article gives a relational-constructionist, an ecclesiological and a theological rationale for using focus groups.

Journal ArticleDOI
18 Sep 2015
TL;DR: In Nederland, we houden niet van ouderen, we hebben een hekel aan de ouderdom, omdat we er bang voor zijn.
Abstract: De publieke discussie over ouder worden in Nederland heeft een hoog schijnheilig gehalte. Het lijkt ons allemaal te gaan over goede ouderenzorg, maar onderhuids is er sprake van weerzin tegen de ouderdom. We houden niet van ouderen, we hebben een hekel aan de ouderdom, omdat we er bang voor zijn.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article argued that the postsecular debate is a chance for new dialogues with unexpected allies, opponents, and critics, without losing one's roots in a specific orientation, and called for an attitude of openness and a willingness to think anew.
Abstract: Current debates on ‘the postsecular’ focus on the alleged new visibility of religion in the public sphere. They overcome earlier neglect or indifference toward religion by acknowledging its importance and cast doubt on traditional binaries between ‘secular’ and ‘religious’. How should systematic theology take up the challenge of these debates? Is ‘the postsecular’ a chance to reconsider religion beyond modernist critiques or should one be critical of too easy celebrations of ‘the return of religion’? As an introduction to a special issue on this theme, this article argues that theology should take it as a chance for new dialogues with unexpected allies, opponents, and critics. This calls for an attitude of openness and a willingness to think anew, without losing one’s roots in a specific orientation. Theology’s contribution can be (1) rethinking core notions from the theory of religions, (2) asking for the specific perspective that religion may introduce and (3) the constructive reinterpretation of – part...

Journal ArticleDOI
28 Oct 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the results of fieldwork carried out in two Dutch cases of Christian youth work outside the church are presented and given religious pedagogical reflection, and the authors discuss how such an encounter is related to the position of the church, concerning Scripture and regarding youth workers.
Abstract: How can religious learning-processes found in the missionary context of youth work and the guidance of these learning processes be understood religious-pedagogically? To answer this question, the results of fieldwork carried out in two Dutch cases of Christian youth work outside the church are presented and given religious pedagogical reflection. Religious learning processes appear to be situated in the encounter between youngster and youth worker; that is the encounter through living and acting together as well as through shared discussing of personal, societal and religious questions. This article discusses how such an encounter is related to the position of the church, concerning Scripture and regarding youth workers. It is discussed that churches own social forces for renewing their own practices as well as for supporting communities outside the institute leading in the direction of tribal communities that can meet the challenges and needs of a new generation of Christian youth.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate which theoretical notions of faith learning can support the integration of church catechesis with parental involvement in faith formation, and the implications of these notions for pedagogical challenges faced by faith communities are addressed.
Abstract: This article investigates which theoretical notions of faith learning can support the integration of church catechesis with parental involvement in faith formation. Based on a discussion of theories of the church as a learning community, four foundational notions of faith learning are identified: faith learning as (1) learning in life, (2) learning in relation, (3) intergenerational learning and (4) emancipatory learning. Next, the implications of these notions for pedagogical challenges faced by faith communities are addressed, and their relevance for academic reflections on catechesis practices are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an argument is put forward for a better balance between preaching, liturgy and music in the Reformed liturgy in churches in South Africa, and the implications of the argument are examined in conclusion.
Abstract: The relationship between preaching, music and liturgy. In the Reformed liturgy in South Africa the sermon has traditionally been reserved a special place, taking precedence over the liturgy and music. In this article an argument is put forward for a better balance between preaching, liturgy and music in the Reformed liturgy in churches in South Africa. In order to do so, the South African Reformed liturgical context is briefly sketched and thereafter a theological and liturgical-historical argument is presented. Existing approaches with regard to the relationship between liturgy, music and preaching by some established scholars are discussed before the implications of the argument are examined in conclusion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the post-colonial era, the incarnation has become an important model for cross-cultural missionary presence as mentioned in this paper. But this model improves on Eurocentric and colonial models, it is deficient becaus...
Abstract: In the post-colonial era, the incarnation has become an important model for cross-cultural missionary presence. Though this model improves on Eurocentric and colonial models, it is deficient becaus...

11 Dec 2015
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework to interpret youth worship in the Protestant context in the Netherlands had to be developed to understand the perspective of young people on worship, their longings and motivations, their expressions and experiences.
Abstract: Since the second part of the nineteenth century, young people have been considered more and more as a specific group. This development has grown since the second part of the twentieth century. Differentiation has also come in churches.1 Youth Ministry has got shape, often with a missionary aim. Worshipping in the youth’s own language also has become more urgent. In the 21st century, the church faces this challenge in a context that has its own tension: the context of a network society where many young Christian people live in a post-Christian setting. Moreover, the phenomenon of youth churches at the beginning of this century had put forward the topic of youth worship.2 The problem was that we did not have much academic insight into the field of youth worship and the perspectives of adolescents in this. A conceptual framework to interpret youth worship in the Protestant context in the Netherlands had to be developed. The question in this research was: how do adolescents participate in youth worship? The aim was twofold: firstly, to describe and explain how adolescents participate in youth worship, and secondly to formulate the contemporary concepts that can be helpful to gain a better academic insight in the field of youth worship. We sought to understand the perspective of young people on worship, their longings and motivations, their expressions and experiences. Our contribution to the study of participation in youth worship took place in the practical theology and more specific at the intersection of youth ministry and liturgical ritual studies.