Ten myths about Early Christianity by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff
Early Christian beliefs were diverse. Myth: Early Christianity was composed of various beliefs and ‘orthodox’ Christianity won the day. Fact: Meera Lester gives quite a compelling definition of the New Myth when she writes; “The Divergent ideas of early Christians suggest that birth and revolution of Christianity were fraught with dissension, disagreement and disharmony as the early church sought consensus on many issues.”[1] First, we can clearly see from the earliest data available that Christianity [...]
The God of Justin Martyr by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff.
Recently there seem to be a great interest in the early apologetic fathers of early Christianity and there are plenteous attempts to re-interpret and find what their conception was surrounding their faith. In this article, I will look specifically at the Theology of Justin martyr and show that he was rather complex in his understanding of who God is. A recent Unitarian professor resounds with the following words: '...the one true God for Justin is [...]
Contemplating the Christian God: Being and Person by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff
John Calvin writes, “God is not imaginable. All images we invent are idols of the mind, products of our own imagination, for God ever remains like Himself and is not a spectre or phantasm to be transformed according to our desires. It is a fact, however, that the mind of fallen man remains a perpetual factory of idols and false imaginations of God, so that He is always projecting his own inventions of figments upon [...]
The Unmeetable Challenge to Islamic “History” by Vladimir Susic
When we talk about unmeetable challenges, we often think about some marvelous achievement in technology or science that nobody can quite meet. However, in theological waters, an unmeetable challenge is one that utterly destroys the opponents worldview by posing a question that inherently, if unanswered,leaves his position unbelievable. One of the unmeetable challenges that can be leveled against Islam are the ones in regards to their views of history. Islam, in its theology, holds many [...]
Examining the Unitarian Interpretation of Philippians 2:5-11 in the Light of Proper Exegesis and the Greek Language by Vladimir Susic
The Deity of Christ is an essential part of the Gospel. The NT is filled with verses that clearly show His Deity. One of the more well-known sets of passages, one that has received an enormous scholarly attention is Philippians 2, specifically,verses 5-11. For more context verses 3-11 read: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, [...]
Folklore in Church: Amulets, contact objects and other common myths by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff
Many rampant unbiblical theologies have been prevalent in the South African Church scene these last few years. There seems to be an overall idea that one manifestation should outdo the other. There is a focus on miracles and Christian character is seemingly compromised by flattering titles such as 'Bishop', 'Prophet' and 'Daddy'. Unfortunately, some of these teachings, even though extreme, are nothing new. One of these prevailing teachings seems to be the 'contact object teaching'. [...]
The Qur’an and the Trinity – Three Gods: Jesus, Mary and Allah by John Gilchrist
How the Church became Aware that God is Triune The Messiah Jesus, the Son of Mary, was a messenger of Allah and his Word, which he breathed into Mary, and a Spirit from him. So believe in Allah and his messengers. And say not ‘Three’! It is better for you to desist. Truly Allah is only One. Surah 4:171 It was less than four centuries ago that the world first began to accept that the [...]
The Importance of Greek in Biblical Exegesis when dealing with Unitarians by Vladimir Susic
Oftentimes our brothers and sisters in Christ would think that an English Bible translation is all they need for defense and proclamation of their faith and while this is true in the greatest majority of the cases,there are times when we have to look back at the original languages for a definitive refutation of the opposing views. The verses I will be looking at in this article are: John 1:1,John 17:5,Philippians 2:6-7 and 1 John [...]
Worthwhile Christian books on Prayer by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff
The Devotional author Richard J Foster wrote; "Real prayer is something we learn". Unfortunately, we do not find ourselves to be masters of prayer at the onset of our religious experience. For some prayer, as a vocation is a daunting one, and as a pastor, I have encountered so many people that find it hard to pray. Usually, we do not have time to sit at the feet of a devotional master of prayer and [...]
Boundaries in our discussion surrounding Functional Subordination by Pastor Rudolph Boshoff
The Westminster Confession of Faith reads: "In the unity of the Godhead, there be three Persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost: the Father is of none, neither begotten, not proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son." (WCF II.3) In recent discussions surrounding the interpretation of the Biblical text and more [...]