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the Biblical concept from 1 Corinthians 1:21 that God uses the “foolishness” of preaching to save believers may seem outdated.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 readingAuthor: Dr Rene Hattingh-Rust (Page 1 of 2)
Artificial 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 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 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 readingDr Möller senior, a previous president of the AFM church of South Africa, said that demon possession is not the church’s biggest problem (although Christians in Africa may experience it differently). His argument was that when a demon manifests in a person, a Christian sees it and then rebukes it in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. A greater danger for the church however, is the world’s philosophies (world views) that enter the church unseen and undermine the truth of the Bible and Jesus.
Continue readingHave a look at the figure below. According to an article in the Daily Maverick this is what South Africans need…. WORK!
Work, or the lack of work, is by far the single most pressing and overwhelming need for South Africans. Should an institution not take note of this, they will render themselves irrelevant. ATS and the church in general should carefully consider this need.
Continue readingThe dictum of Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS) is “Sanctified in Thy truth”. It dates back to around 1949 when Dr FP Möller (senior) created the first hand drawing of the logo. I have over the years often thanked the Lord for the dictum Dr Möller had chosen so many years ago as it still directs our path today. I have asked the Lord through his Holy Spirit to help us understand what this dictum means for a theological training institution within our present-day context of relativism (a belief that there is no truth – whatever you want to be true is true), fake news, and mass media.
