In an article headed France: A Decomposing Civilization Italian journalist Giulio Meotti (1) describes what many consider is the gradual disintegration of France. Meotti’s summarises: “France’s authorities and elites are tearing up, piece by piece, the country’s historical, religious and cultural legacy so that nothing remains. A nation dispossessed of its identity will see its… Continue reading France in Crisis. Why?
Matthew 14:6 records a birthday celebration in honour of King Herod. John Calvin in his commentary on this verse makes some very thoughtful comments about birthday celebrations in general. He first writes about the preparations for Herod’s feast: “It is scarcely possible that such magnificent preparations should not draw luxury, pride, unbridled merriment, and other… Continue reading Celebrating a birthday?
The Chinese government recently signed off new regulations to tighten its iron grip over the country. Although the regulations are due to come into effect in February 2018, authorities in some provinces are already enforcing them. The government claims the new regulations are to stop religious extremism, unrest, disturbances and violence. However, it’s actually about… Continue reading Chinese churches likely to suffer more
Daily we are swamped with news or what passes as news. It’s a like continuous tropical deluge. There’s something to suit every taste. A weekend newspaper or a single news website can keep you occupied for hours. It is very easy to be a passive follower of the news, by letting it wash over you… Continue reading Which news is important?
The ABC (20 October 2017) reports that Victoria’s controversial voluntary euthanasia legislation was passed in the Lower House of Parliament 47 votes to 37. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill will now go to the Upper House. The ABC states: “In most cases — estimated to be about 150 a year — the lethal dose would… Continue reading Surprising Responses to Euthanasia Bill
A fundamental shift As mentioned in the previous article the right understanding of the history of Western Civilization is under serious threat in Australian universities, school, media and the arts. The vital big picture developments and crucial events in history are downplayed and replaced by trendy politically correct subjects; this corrupts the understanding of the… Continue reading “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes” – Part 2
(1) See J H Van den Berg, Dr. Gedane Zaken. G F Callenbach. The Netherlands. 1977. (2) Blanchard, John. Does God Believe in Atheists? Evangelical Press Darlington UK. 2000. p 121 (3) Blanchard, John. Pop Goes the Gospel, p. 84 (4) Quoted in The Dallas Morning News, Oct. 29, 1978, p. 14A).
A recent discussion around the Consistory table revealed that the elders in Smithville are concerned about the ease with which our Young People (and some not so young) strike up a romantic relationship with a person outside the church. As a result of that discussion, the elders have encouraged me to republish a Bit to… Continue reading Dating – who?
Some time back in May, I think it was, those responsible for organizing the graduation event for the Guido Class of 2016 asked me provide the parents’ address to the students. I take the liberty to share the resulting address via this Bit to Read. The ceremony was held last week Saturday, October 1. Mr… Continue reading Nothing but your Best
ChinaAid, a Christian website run by a former Chinese national, reports that China’s official newspaper, People’s Daily has warned Communist Party officials not to “pray to God” or have contact with religious leaders, reminding them that communism is about atheism. Party officials must remember Karl Marx’s guiding words that “Communism begins from the outset with… Continue reading Atheism confirmed
There are fears that the persecution of Christians in China is going to get worse following the 19th National Party Congress of the Communist Party of China held in October. Mr Xi Jinping has been the Chinese President for 5 years. During that time he stepped up measures against freedom of religion and speech. Underground… Continue reading Pray for the church in China
the online treasury of the nederlands bach society WWW.ALLOFBACH.COM Some of the great benefits of the internet are that things distant come close, the truly beautiful and done to God’s glory can be enjoyed, and the complex is made clear. In terms of good music the Nederlands Bach Society’s website does all these things. The… Continue reading ALL OF BACH
Part 1 With this year’s 500th anniversary of the Great Reformation, the life and work of Martin Luther, John Calvin and other Reformers have our attention. We are very well served with informative and inspiring lectures and articles. Christian schools too are active in studying and sharing the significance of the Reformation. Sermons focus on… Continue reading “Everyone did what was right in their own eyes”
Notes Nichols, T. “The death of Expertise. The Campaign against Established Knowledge and Why it Matters”. Oxford University Press. 2017. Dustjacket. Neil Postman in his books “Amusing Ourselves to Death” and “Building a Bridge to the 18th Century” provide a magnificent analysis of the value of the written word over other communication. Murray, D. “The… Continue reading Coping in a Post-fact Age – Notes
