In today’s world, with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Biblical concept from 1 Corinthians 1:21 that God uses the “foolishness” of preaching to save believers may seem outdated. However, true Biblical preaching cannot be replicated by AI, despite some preachers relying on AI-generated sermons. Such reliance indicates a lack of understanding of the essence of preaching and the spiritual benefits it brings to the preacher.
Continue readingArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming one of the most disruptive technologies of all time, with the potential to changing life as we know it. This discussion aims to explore the profound impact AI is having on employment, society and human cognition. It will then look at the unique job that AI cannot take over—the role of a pastor as described in the Bible.
Continue reading“For the first time in the 400 years’ history of South Africa, our country does not have one single political block that forces its views on the rest of society” – Dr Frans Cronje.
The majority of all South African voters were happy with the initial formation of the GNU (government of national unity).
I think it is safe to say that neither the ANC nor the DA’s first choice was to enter into the GNU agreement. We have public statements that confirm this idea. I am pretty sure that each of them would have much preferred to have the majority vote so that they could govern South Africa on their own. But this privilege, the South African voter, did not give them.
The question now is: will they put their own preferences and ambitions aside and work together (as the moderate majority instructed them to do) for the good of our country?
Continue readingPolitical correctness involves upholding basic human rights by ensuring that language, principles, values, and actions are not offensive, discriminatory, or dehumanizing to any specific culture or society. While these principles, norms, and values sometimes align with those of the Bible, they are not always in agreement and are often shaped by a particular elite group (not necessarily the majority) who attempt to impose their personal beliefs on society.
These opinions and values are often considered fairly “neutral,” as they are intended to be normative for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender preference, religion, or belief systems within a specific society. They reflect a kind of “world spirit or attitude” and are inherently humanistic. The values of a certain elite—mainly because of their prominence in the media and entertainment world—determine what is deemed politically correct or incorrect, valid or invalid. This is primarily expressed through verbal or written communication, music, lifestyle, fashion, and various forms of broadcast media. Whether politically correct conduct aligns with Biblical teachings is generally seen as irrelevant.
Continue readingAs we leave the New Year’s festivities behind, we find ourselves facing a world that increasingly appears ‘crazy’ in many respects. The pace of change and its global scale are unprecedented in human history. Feeling overwhelmed by fear and anxiety is not an unreasonable reaction. From a rationalistic (relying solely on reason and knowledge) and mechanistic (viewing issues purely in physical terms) worldview, humanity seems to be in trouble. To borrow a Biblical metaphor, rationally it seems that “our boat is going to sink in the storm.”
Continue readingThere is a war against the truth of the Bible. People resist the message of the Bible, and for years there has been a relentless battle against it.
Initially, the strategy was subtle, but it has escalated, and now it is evident that this is a war – a war to undermine the Bible. The well-known Jewish professor and best-selling author Yuval Noah Harari has even suggested that the Bible be rewritten by Artificial Intelligence. The assault on the Bible has become blatant, no longer hidden, but with “all guns blazing.”
The war is not merely about a book. It concerns Jesus Christ and our salvation through Him. Jesus is not just one of the messages of the Bible. If you think Christ-centred, then Jesus is the message of the Bible! If Jesus is removed from Scripture, the heart of the Bible is removed. The attack is on the Bible because it is precisely the Bible that brings us the core truth of Jesus.
Continue readingPeople tell us that there are pastors who consult sangomas to help them obtain authority and power. We do not know if this is true. What we however have experienced ourselves is church-people who have tried to intimidate us by telling us how powerful and politically connected they are, so that we would give in to their demands.
Power and authority are important. Won’t you read, listen to, or watch Prof Möller’s address about authority and power of God in your life. It is a Christ-centered perspective with significant implications.
I trust you will enjoy this Biblical perspective especially in our power crazy world.
Continue readingThe most obvious reason for pursuing a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree is when a young person feels a strong calling to full-time ministry. Wanting to prepare themselves as thoroughly as possible for this calling, they may consider studying for a BTh degree. We always advise young people called to full-time ministry to ensure their “ceiling” is as high as possible because they don’t know what God has planned for them. Many of ATS’ lecturers began their ministry without any expectation that one day they would be responsible for the spiritual and academic training of future leaders.
However, there are other reasons for school leavers to consider studying for a BTh degree, and I would like to focus on these reasons. I want to include fathers, mothers, and grandparents in my audience. Making the decision about tertiary studies and choosing which degree to pursue, is a very stressful time for a family. The cost of tertiary education is substantial, and parents are understandably eager to ensure their children are well-prepared for the future. To these young people, parents and grandparents, I would like to offer a different perspective for consideration.
Continue readingMost of us have a few pivotal moments that change the course of our lives: metaphorically, when the “tectonic plates” break free and travel several kilometers in just a few seconds. For me it happened years ago, when as an undergraduate student, I heard of a seminar on the Second Coming of Jesus (eschatology – the science of the last things) at Auckland Park Theological Seminary. I was studying science at another university and the topic was far removed from my own studies. As a Christian however, I always knew that the ‘second coming’ or end times, installed fear in me. I decided that for once I was going to face this fear and attend the seminar.
Continue readingTo vote or not to vote… and who to vote for on the 29th of May 2024?
When I grew up it was often said that you should not talk about church or politics. I think it was a way to say that as Christians we should live in harmony and peace, and then it is best to stay clear of the two subjects that might stir up heated emotions. Today I think differently.
Dr Frans Cronje*, arguably one of our countries most solid researchers and political analysts, last week spoke about the South African landscape and where our country is heading in the context of the upcoming election. Dr Cronje has been doing research and analysis for more than 20 years and in the past has been able to make conclusions that eventually materialised, even though at the time it was greatly criticised. Thus, in the light of his track record, it might be of value that we take note of some elements of his analysis. I would like to mention a few comments from the interview with Dr Cronje.
Continue reading