Not by Order, Nor by Dialague: The Metanoetic Presence of the Kingdom of God in a Fluid New World and Church

Fluid modernity favours new forms of individualism, complexity and non-linear change. Therefore, the emphasis on order, predictability and open dialogue in religious circles, as preferred ways of responding to change and problems, must be augmented by a metanoetic understanding of the kingdom of God. As a subversive, upside-down new reality, God’s kingdom is relationally driven, open-ended and in constant flux. Through “metanoia,” as the urgent boundary-crossing call of Jesus, individuals become part of this subversive new world where selfless love for God and others dominates. As an ongoing process of personal metamorphosis, “metanoia” simultaneously facilitates new forms of “complexity leadership”, where religious leaders turn into sages who create fluid new structures to facilitate familial relationships and a new culture of respect in which believers are allowed to thrive in their Spirit-induced flow states

“Seeing the error of my ways”. Revisiting Paul’s paradigmatic, self-critical remarks in 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

In the ancient Mediterranean world any public admission of weakness reflected badly on one’s personal status and honour, as well as the public reputation of one’s group. However, in 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 Paul openly admits about being in error in the past regarding the true identity of Christ. Within the larger cultural framework of meaning, the apostle’s graphic confession redefines his prior existence as a form of physical pollution. His open admittance of error also introduces a fresh understanding of God who freely extends grace to the morally impure. Paul serves as the paradigm of the active presence of God’s grace, which ontologically transformed his religious status, as well as his understanding of Christ. In this new relationship, based solely on the grace of God, fitting responses by all grateful recipients entail public confessions of previous error and incessant hard work for the sake of Christ

Remarks on colitis: with special reference to its incidence and treatment in South Africa

The condition known as Colitis or Mucous Colitis is of frequent occurrence in general practice. Although much has been written on the subject, there are many points connected with the disease which need elucidation . During a period of 17 years general practice in South Africa I have had tinder my care a considerable number o f cases of Colitis of varying types and in the present theses I have attempted to give my views on the subject, based on my experience in South Africa . Let it be remembered that conditions, in some instances very primitive, differ materially from conditions in the old country. Owing to the open air life we find a race more sturdy constitutionally than in England. Facilities for successful treatment, owing to the distances, are also very variable in South Africa

An exploration of the use of technology by congregations

The internet, cell phones and, more broadly speaking, the social media, have changed the world over the past twenty years, resulting in what is called “the network society”. What is the response of South African congregations to the use and role of technology in congregational life? The aim is to provide an empirical and theoretical description of the situation in this regard. An empirical survey was conducted among congregations in the eastern suburbs in Pretoria and the northern suburbs of Cape Town and it was found that congregations communicate mostly information through the social media. Congregations that function within a fluid network society should earnestly consider devising a proper and effective digital and electronic communication strategy for the congregational ministry. Congregations that wish to remain relevant within the aetas digitalis must undergo a shift from being mere providers of the correct information, to becoming mentors, co-travellers and wise guides who assist one another, as well as others, to make sense of this information in order to apply it, to the glory of God and for the benefit of others

Obstetrical ultrasound training of and practise by general practitioners in the private sector, Free State

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the level of obstetrical ultrasound training and practice of general practitioners in the Free State private sector. Methods: In this descriptive study, questionnaires were mailed to all general practitioners in the Free State private sector. The questionnaire included demographic information about the practitioner, the ultrasound profile of the practice, and the type of machine used. Results: Four hundred and eighty-one questionnaires were sent to general practitioners and 229 (47.6%) were returned. Of the 176 practising respondents, 47 (26.8%) used ultrasound. The majority of ultrasound examinations done per month were obstetrical. Eight practitioners had relevant qualifications for using ultrasound and more than a third (18, 38.3%) had no training in ultrasound use. Less than half (19, 40.4%) of the practitioners that use ultrasound were aware of the South African Association of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SASUOG). Conclusions: The response to the questionnaire was low and may have influenced the results. The study indicates that there are general practitioners who perform ultrasound examinations without training. As general practitioners mainly do obstetrical ultrasound, it is recommended that the SASUOG play a bigger role in their training. A diploma course in ultrasound and support from medical aid organisations to only pay full fees to doctors who can prove that they have sufficient ultrasound training and competence will be ideal. For full text, click here:SA Family Pract 2004,46(6): 25-2