Kerk en Theologie - Volume 73, Issue 3, 2022

Abstract In western society the unequal division of goods is justified to a substantial degree with an appeal to the meritocratic ideal. This ideal has several problematic aspects. This article explores an alternative basis for the division of goods based on the works of two fathers of the early church: Ambrose of Milan and Gregory of Nyssa. Both authors emphasize the common nature all humans share from an incarnational p Read More

Abstract Dutch spatial planning flourished after the World War II until the nineties. Then, neoliberal politics took over: the government withdraw from its directing and controlling involvement and left spatial development to the ‘market’. In reaction to several serious problems that were not solved by the market, a new government started spring 2022 with the ambition to reclaim spatial planning policy and provide all citizens Read More

Abstract We challenge the secular view in the Netherlands that religion is directly responsible only for violence. A different view arises when we focus on the concept of open commensality in the parable of the feast, as worked out by the New Testament scholar John Dominic Crossan. The plot of this parable is that a person gives an unannounced feast, sends his servants to invite the guest who refrain from coming. The hos Read More

Abstract In this article, the authors investigate the character of spiritual leadership by ministers in the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. They determine that the Protestant Church has become plural in character, especially regarding faith experience. The authors refute the tendency in practical theology to focus on personal leadership. Spiritual leadership in the contemporary church requires a dynamic equilibrium of pe Read More

Abstract Those who serve in ecclesial ministry are bound to official secrecy. Does this prohibit any form of sharing with others, particularly if those others are bound to secrecy themselves? This contribution first deals with terminology: the secrecy or the confession is theologically to be seen as the basis of official of professional secrecy of ministers. After a short explanation of professional secrecy in public law, privacy is being d Read More