Church History and Polity

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Browsing Church History and Polity by Author "Du Plooy, Marius"

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    Die Christelike geloof in die Arabies-sprekende lande van die Midde-Ooste: 'n kerkhistoriese studie
    (University of the Free State, 2012-01) Du Plooy, Marius; Britz, R. M.
    English: This study tells in a cursory manner the story of the Christian faith and church in the regions that over the centuries is known as the Arab countries. It is a remarkable story. During the first seven centuries of the Christian era, this faith joined the Arab world and established itself among the Arabs. In large parts it even became the predominant religion. Ecclesiologically and theologically it portrays a differentiated and blended picture. In the seventh century a post- Christian religion - Islam – announced itself and quickly became a religion of this great land. The Christian faith and churches were challenged and were even supplanted in many places. For Christians a new phase in their history was introduced. The study therefore continued to focus on the relationship of the two religions and brings to light how Christians with a typical coexistence as interlocutors continued to preach the gospel linked to its historicity. A second major turning point came in the twelfth century, when the Christian crusades overwhelmed the Muslim world. The crusades as historical events, replaced the original orientation towards the historical Calvary by a new historical image that would in the centuries to come define the relationship between Muslims and Christians. In addition, Islam identified himself in a powerful and dominant world empire. Injustice and power underlie the historical and theological comprehension with which Christians are viewed ever since. The Christian response since the twelfth century was unbundled in the laden concept mission. The research traces this history until the beginning of the 21st century, but focuses on the Protestant version thereof. The 9/11 event strengthened the ‘crusade’ historical image of Muslims and as another powerful filter slid in between them and the proclamation of the gospel. In order to acknowledge and critique the question and image of history held by Muslims, the study is of opinion that the service of the Gospel to Arab Muslims cannot be underpinned by or associated with the Western concept of mission. It can only be embodied in humility, in full acknowledgment of history, based on the event of Calvary.