Oorsake van kerkkrimping binne die tradisioneel Afrikaanssprekende gereformeerde kerke in Suid-Afrika

Abstract

The focus of this article was to pursue factors regarding the declining numbers in the traditional Afrikaans speaking reformed churches in South Africa. This intertwined phenomenon was studied according to theonome reciprocity as portrayed in the covenant and embedded in the Great Commission. The unstoppable drive of the Spirit is recognised in a levelling wave approximately every 500 years. It is also recognised in the wave where mainstream Christianity moves from the northern to the southern hemisphere, as well as cyclic movements typical to the Christian religion. Man’s involvement is categorised as factors that are difficult to measure, as well as factors that can be measured. Paradigms, as factors difficult to measure and contributing to the decline of churches, form the background to the manifestation of the measureable factors

Institusionalisme – springlewendig in die kwynende Afrikaanse Gereformeerde kerkpraktyk

“…'n Radikale, Skrifgehoorsame denkverandering en omkeer is die enigste uitweg (Gilbert 2004:2;Nel 2009:76;Pretorius & Lindeque 2009;Tickle 2008:143) en anker om nie weens ongebalanseerde of ongesonde denkwyses in die afwaartse golffase te verdwyn nie (Brouwer et al 2007:16-20, 105;Saarinen 1992); 'n afwaartse kurwe wat voortgestu word deur die huidige, steeds toenemend 'anderse' (Brouwer et al 2007:183;Hendriks 2003;Jenkins 2006:254;Tickle 2008:13-17, 135) eise van die oorgangstyd. Die oorgangstyd word daargestel deur die onafwendbare, allesveranderende 500-jaarlikse gelykmakende en verskuiwende golf wat tans binne die Christendom beleef word (Brouwer et al 2007: 16-20, 105;De Klerk & Van Helden 2011;Saarinen 1992:1-23;Tickle 2008:1-33, 47, 59-61, 123-150).…”

The retirement crisis of South African Dutch Reformed ministers: An empirical study

“…In addition, the numbers of church members have diminished sharply since the start of the 21st century in traditional Afrikaans-speaking Reformed churches in South Africa (Schoeman 2014). There have been myriad reasons put forth for this phenomenon, of which depopulation, urbanisation, declining church attendance and a decline in birth rates are just a few measurable explanations that have been offered (De Klerk & Van Helden 2011).…”

The Comparative Efficacy of Two Traps for Monitoring Parasitoids of the Vine Mealybug Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

“…Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a mealybug of tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world which became established in vineyards of the Western Cape Province in South Africa and became an important phytosanitary pest [12][13][14]. It has caused considerable economic losses in California, the Middle East, South America, Pakistan, South Africa and the Mediterranean [15].…”

“…It has caused considerable economic losses in California, the Middle East, South America, Pakistan, South Africa and the Mediterranean [15]. The mealybug produces wax secretions, egg sacs and honeydew, which render the grapes unmarketable [13] Furthermore, at very high infestation levels it can cause the grapes to wither, attain both poor taste and an unflattering colour [12,13,16]. Yellowing of the leaves and premature leaf drop may occur [13,14].…”

“…Yellowing of the leaves and premature leaf drop may occur [13,14]. The vine may become weakened, plant vigour could decline and as a result its lifespan shortened [12][13][14][15].…”