Rev. J. de Jonge. Trowel & Sword. Dec. 2010 Preamble: Christmas can mean many different things for different people. In this article Rev. de Jonge takes us through his own experiences growing up and ultimately, what Christmas means for the Gospel story and the message of salvation. I Love Christmas! “For [God] chose us inContinue reading “I Love Christmas!”
Category Archives: Culture
Christianity or Churchianity?
Rev. J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb 1955 Preamble: This is the last of four articles John Westendorp looked at in his walk back through history. In it Rev J.W. Deenick responds to the suggestion by an unnamed but apparently well-known Christian worker that the world needs Christianity but not the plethora of denominations whichContinue reading “Christianity or Churchianity?”
The Agony Of Our World and Our Lifestyle
Rev. J.J. Van Wageningen. Trowel & Sword. Jan/Feb 1975 Preamble: In Jan/Feb 1975, the second decade of John Westendorp’s walk back through history, we encounter this offering by Rev. J.J. Van Wageningen which even today gives us much to think about. Did we get caught up this weekend in the great money splurge euphemistically referredContinue reading “The Agony Of Our World and Our Lifestyle”
Christmas – Its Origin And Its History
J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword. December 1963 Preamble: Once again the countdown has begun – “ONLY SIX WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS”. “Avoid the last minute rush and get your Christmas shopping done early”. Cost of living crisis? There’s no such thing when it comes to Christmas – that comes later when the credit card has toContinue reading “Christmas – Its Origin And Its History”
Reflections On Life And Faith
Harry Burggraaf. Trowel & Sword. August 2000 Preamble: What does the future hold? This question may well have been on the minds of Adam and Eve as they were “shown the gates” of Eden. It may also have been on Harry’s mind as he wrote this reflection. Does Leonard Cohen, (I’ve heard of him), haveContinue reading “Reflections On Life And Faith”
The Scientist And The Bishop
Prof. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword. November 1963 Preamble: The battle between science and religion has been going for a long time. In essence, it is a battle (if one can use that word) between God and Satan – the wannabe god, which started in Eden with Satan setting out to recruit his first disciples,Continue reading “The Scientist And The Bishop”
The Debate Goes On
Rev. J.W. Deenick. Trowel & Sword. December 1976 Preamble: Bill Deenick was passionate about many things and Parent Controlled Christian Education (PCCE) was high on his list of priorities. To him Christian Education was never about creating schools that ran parallel to the state system with a bit of Bible teaching thrown in as anContinue reading “The Debate Goes On”
Are Our Congregations Really Active?
Rev. Prof. K. Runia. Trowel & Sword, August 1959 Preamble: Take note of the date of this article – 1959! As with so many previous articles re-published in TSR, it is hard to escape the thought that Dr. Runia could just as easily have been writing also for 2025. In doing so he is notContinue reading “Are Our Congregations Really Active?”
Why Do The Churches In The West Decline?
Trowel & Sword. Dr. K. Runia. April 1971 Preamble: The decline of the Christian Church in the West has been the subject of many articles in Trowel and Sword as well as other Christian magazines and books over the years, both before and after this particular article by Dr. Runia. Despite his optimism that thisContinue reading “Why Do The Churches In The West Decline?”
Pastor Or Reverend?
J.A. Schep. Trowel & Sword, October 1961 Preamble: From our vantage point it seems rather amusing to see two Dutchmen having a spat over the correct use of the English language. One could well ask, “Why did they take such small matters so seriously?” With apologies to any Dutchman reading this post, perhaps it saysContinue reading “Pastor Or Reverend?”
T&S Revisited 