bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barnabas: Early Church leader and model of encouragement
Authors: Branch R. G. 
Published: August 2012

Acts presents Barnabas, an early church leader, as a model of integrity and character. It loads him with accolades. It calls him a good man (Acts 11:24), a prophet and teacher (Acts 13:1), an apostle (Acts 14:14), and one through whom God worked miracles (Acts 15:12). It recounts the times he faced persecution (Acts 13:45; 14:19) and risked his life for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:26). He believed Saul truly had been converted (Acts 9:27) and saw the potential of John Mark (Acts 12:25) and championed them both at different times (Acts 11:25-26; 15:36-41). 1 Corinthians 9:6 affirms his charac- ter by noting he worked while serving congregations in order not to burden them. Acts introduces him as Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, and praises his generous spirit (Acts 4:36). Arguably, Acts portrays no one else – except the Lord Jesus – in such glowing terms. The apostles nicknamed him Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, probably because he earned it! Significantly, a passage relating the character attributes and big heartedness of Barnabas note that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:19-26). Because of its textual context, it may well be that the character traits of Barnabas defined the early use of the word Christian. Barnabas played a decisive role in the Early Church. Yet over two millennia, he has slipped into unjustified obscurity behind Paul, Peter, John, and James, the brother of Jesus. This article examines selected stories about him that showcase his contributions to the Early Church and establish his significant leadership role.
Die Psalmboek van 2003 as bron van liturgiese verryking
Authors: Jankowitz H. , Kruger D. 
Published: August 2012

The Psalmbook of 2003 as a source of liturgical enrichment The aim of this article is to bring to view some liturgical possi- bilities made available through the Psalmbook of 2003. One of the objectives of this intensively revised volume was to expand and enrich the liturgy through congregational singing. New psalm melodies, newly-versified Scriptures set to well-known tunes, as well as psalms set to favourite “Liederwysies”, will contribute to a newly-illuminated metalanguage of liturgical song. All examples of songs for the different elements of the liturgy are mainly proposed to serve as a starting point for further creative development. Psalms and Scriptural versifications are suggested for suitable liturgical responses. Especially targeted are liturgical elements where the liturgist speaks on behalf of the congregation. In these instances a selection of songs is given which congregations could utilise as part of an active liturgical dialogue instead of being passive audiences. This article could also serve as a reference document for or- ganists and liturgists when planning a church service. To en- hance user-friendly utilisation as well as creativity, a variety of liturgical possibilites are presented according to the commonly used liturgical order of reformed church services.
Gnosticism, church unity and the Nicene Creed
Authors: Coetzee C. F.C. 
Published: August 2012

Gnosticism (derived from the Greek word “gnosis; knowledge”) is the well-known phenomenon or movement which dates from the first centuries of church history. The teaching of Gnosticism questioned and/or contradicted the teaching of the church on some of the fundamental truths of Scripture. Apart from Gnosticism, the Early Church also had to deal with the heresy of Arianism. In the Nicene Creed, formulated by the councils of Nicea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD) the universal or catholic church responded officially to the heresies of both Gnosticism and Arianism. In the final edition of the Nicene Creed we also find an article on the unity, holiness, catholicity and apostolicity of the church. Both Gnosticism and Arianism posed a serious threat to the unity of the church. In our times we experience a revival of ancient Gnosticism, both pagan and “Christian”. This revival is also called the New Age or the Age of Aquarius. Within the framework of this new worldview, we are witnessing a rediscovery of gnosis. The discovery and publication of certain ancient gnostic texts like the Nag Hammadi Codices, play a significant role in this revival. Consequently the canon of Scripture is questioned or openly rejected and also the creeds based on that Scripture. The Nicene Creed played a major and decisive role in preserving and maintaining the unity of the church on the basis of the truth of Scripture. This age-old creed is today just as relevant and important in proclaiming and confessing the true faith and preserving the true unity of the church.
Die liggaam-van-Christus-metafoor: <i>instrument</i> vir die effektiewe uitvoering van die missionale opdrag
Authors: Olwagen J. M. 
Published: August 2012

The body-of-Christ-metaphor: instrument for the effective execution of the missional commission Practice suggests that many AFM pastors are possibly so busy with numerous tasks and responsibilities that they are unable to effectively mobilise their assembly members to actively partici- pate in voluntary acts of service (cf. Eph. 4:12). The conse- quence is that such assemblies are often unable to function effectively in the carrying out of the missional commission (according to Matt. 28:19). Pastors are unsuccessful in working more effectively through the mobilisation of their members as part-time voluntary workers in the carrying out of the missional commission, according to the advice Moses’ father-in-law gave him (cf. Ex. 18). The mobilisation of members takes place through the empower- ing of members to discover and develop their gifts and allowing their involvement in voluntary acts of service. The emphasis of this article lies in what Hendriks (2004:11) calls “congregational theology”. According to Hendriks (2004:25) congregational theology is a theology being practised by body-of-Christ-meta- phor assemblies (cf. Eph. 4:11-16). The metaphor of assem- blies choosing to function as the body-of-Christ where the importance of the voluntary acts of service of members is emphasised enjoys further development in this article.
An assessment of the management skills required of ministers in the Reformed Churches of South Africa
Authors: Grobler A. B. , Van der Walt J. L. 
Published: August 2012

A congregation is not a business, and to manage it as such would be inappropriated. Although the church is primarily invis- ible and spiritual by nature, in this world it is functioning as an institution which must be managed efficiently and effectively to ensure that everything is done successfully and in good order. A major part of the responsibility to ensure order and effective- ness rests on the shoulders of the minister. The training of as- piring ministers in the Reformed Churches of South Africa does not involve specific training in managing and leading an organi- sation. This fact might leave them vulnerable, especially in the earlier stages of their careers. Although some people are blessed with natural skills and ta- lents regarding management and leadership, it has been pro- ven that management skills required to manage an organisation successfully can be acquired by means of study and training. An empirical study was performed to determine whether training in management could assist ministers in the execution of their calling. A questionnaire was sent to all the ministers of the Re- formed Churches of South Africa regarding the scope of circum- stances in a congregation which can be compared with other organisations, as well as the minister’s role in managing the situations. The research concludes with a recommendation that considera- tion should be given to include a course on management in the training syllabus of aspiring ministers. Furthermore, it is sugges- ted that this course be developed specifically taking into ac- count the background and circumstances of the Reformed Churches of South Africa, and should not be generic like the course which is included for Baccalaureus Commercii or Mas- ters of Business Administration (MBA) students.
Die implikasies van ’n pneumatologies- bepaalde teoretiese raamwerk vir navorsingsmetodologie in prakties- teologiese wetenskapsbeoefening
Authors: De Wet F. W. 
Published: August 2012

The implications of a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for methodology in practical- theological scientific research Practical theological research operates from a unique vantage point on the research terrain of human actions. This particular research finds its main point of focus at the intersection be- tween God-initiated elements and human elements in under- standing, explaining and indicating criteria for change in the praxis of faith. In the first part of this article an attempt is made to develop a pneumatologically determined theoretical framework for practi- cal theological scientific research. The author reasons that this particular framework enables the researcher to comprehen- sively describe both human and God-initiated elements present in the field of research and that it provides critical anchors for keeping research results from falling into unscientific specu- lation and one-sidedness. In the second part of this article a case is made out for an intra- disciplinary approach to utilisation of research methodology of human sciences in practical theological scientific study. The author argues that the pneumatologically determined theoretical framework necessitates re-orientation and adjustments in re- search methodology utilised in the descriptive, hermeneutical- normative and strategic phases of a practical theological study.
Taking responsibility for reconciliation: a Christian response to the legacy and challenges of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Authors: Barry S. 
Published: August 2012

At the conclusion of the TRC, Desmond Tutu stated that the Commission’s task was to promote, not to achieve, reconci- liation. Reconciliation, he maintained, is the responsibility of all South Africans, and expressed the hope that the Christian churches would be in the forefront of this healing process. This article explores how the Christian church can be in the forefront of binding up the wounds, facilitating the healing pro- cess, and living as a people and a sign of hope. The answers it seeks to offer fall under three interrelated themes, namely the church’s: • spirituality of reconciliation; • ministry and mission of reconciliation; and • resources for its ministry and mission of reconciliation. Cultivating a spirituality of reconciliation would mean making reconciliation a lifestyle, rather than a series of strategies, pro- grammes or initiatives, yet remaining concrete, practical, mea- surable and accountable. The church’s mission is primarily to proclaim the good news of God’s Kingdom that is already here, but not yet fully here and therefore still to come. This proclamation is the message of reconciliation between God, others and the self, and anticipates the unity of all creation in Jesus Christ. The resources given to the church to fulfil this apostolic ministry include prophecy, evangelism, pastoral care and teaching, as well as its liturgical and sacramental life, its ministry of pre- sence, its people and its commitment to social justice.
Flows of worship in the network society: liminality as heuristic concept in Practical Theology beyond action theory
Authors: Barnard M. 
Published: August 2012

In this article it is demonstrated why and how liminality has developed into a key concept in Practical Theology, in particular in Liturgical Studies. Liminality began its voyage at the beginning of the 20th century as indication of the phase “betwixt and between” distinguished social and spatial stages in rites of passage (Van Gennep, 1960). Among its defining qualities were autonomy and in-stability. In the sixties it developed into a more permanent state, in which “communitas” could come into being as a marginal form of human interrelatedness (Turner, 1995). In the network society of the 21st century liminality has accomplished its journey by moving to the centre of society, pushing structured human interrelatedness to the “margin”, or more precisely to the local, regional, national or categorical (religious, gender, sexual preference, etc.) domain (Castells, 2000a; 2004; 2000b). Hu-man society is built around a centre of the stability of the unstable. This also holds for Christian faith and for liturgy. Christian ritual is performed across (worldwide) networks and in independent groups and churches by anyone who chooses to do so. There is no liturgical elite anymore; it is principally a popular move-ment characterised by “plural authority structures”. The acade-mic heuristic power of liminality is finally demonstrated in two liturgical cases.
The year of jubilee: a hermeneutic for social and moral transformation in South Africa
Authors: Barry S. 
Published: August 2012

This article aims to show that the Old Testament concept of the year of jubilee is neither an anachronistic, nor a peripheral de- tail of Scripture. It is an integral part of it and indeed one her- meneutical tool for interpreting and applying it to social and mo- ral transformation in South Africa. Israel, liberated from slavery and returning to God, became a paradigm for the liberated slave to return to his inheritance in the year of jubilee celebrated every 50th year. Its underlying concerns are: justice, freedom, human dignity and rights. Jesus clearly understood his mission in terms of the proclama- tion of “the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:14-21), and de- monstrated this by preaching good news to the poor, freeing the prisoners, restoring sight to the blind, and releasing the op- pressed. He linked the mission of his followers with his own and with the promise and gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost, seen as fulfilment and announcement of God’s promise, demonstrates that the kingdom of God is already here and still to come. The Book of Revelation gathers together this scriptural theme and presents the jubilee as good news for now and the future. Indeed, God’s future is presented as the ultimate jubilee. Although these institutions cannot be imposed on a secular democracy, there are implications here for holistic evangelism and mission as well as for social and moral transformation in South Africa. These implications, it is argued, should include a reference to the ‘missio Dei’ as Jesus expressed it: holistic evangelism; a commitment to the values and practices of restorative justice; restoration, healing and hope; economic justice and land re- form; ecological responsibility; and moral restoration.
A preliminary note on the visual changes in femur marrow fat as an indicator of femur fat percentage of springbok<i> Antidorcas Marsupialis</i> and blesbok<i> Damaliscus Dorcas Phillipsi</i>
Authors: Els D.A. 
Published: August 2012

Changes occuring in marrow fat reserves of animals have been used as an indicator of their physical condition (Cheatum, 1949; Riney, 1955). Cheatum correlated his visual estimate with a chemical analysis and Riney used four different condition classes on red deer (Cervus elaphus) for both colour and texture.
Notes on the mammal fauna of the Augrabies falls National Park AND surrounding areas, with special reference to regional zoogeographical implications
Authors: Rautenbach I. L , Schlitter Duane A , De Graaff G 
Published: August 2012

An annotated checklist of the mammals recorded by direct or indirect means on or near the Augrabies Falls National Park, is provided. Speculations are offered as to which species have become locally extinct during historical times. The , Orange River as a faunal dispersal corridor and barrier, is considered. A numerical analysis to determine whether the Augra-
bies Falls district falls within the Namib or the South West Arid biotic zone, is discussed.
La consommation bridée
Authors: Tremblay Yves 
Published: August 2012

De 1939 jusqu’à 1951, les consommateurs canadiens connaissent trois régimes de consommation : une phase de contrôles progressifs qui dure jusqu’à 1942 ; une phase de restrictions plus sévères de 1942 à 1947, s’adoucissant à partir de 1946 ; une phase terminale au cours de laquelle les derniers contrôles disparaissent. Les restrictions sont appliquées par un organisme aux pouvoirs étendus : la Commission des prix et du commerce en temps de guerre, dont l’histoire corporative recoupe la périodisation précédente. Au fil du temps, la vie devient moins confortable. Conjuguées à l’inquiétude des familles pour les mobilisés et à la lassitude générale qu’un long conflit entraîne, les restrictions peuvent susciter la critique, ce dont se soucie évidemment l’État. Il ne lui suffit pas de brandir le patriotisme, même si des campagnes de propagande sont menées à cet effet. Pour ajuster ses politiques, Ottawa tente de connaître le sentiment populaire, mais sans toujours y parvenir.
Le traité de Lisbonne, le Service européen pour l’action extérieure et la politique globale de l’Union européenne
Authors: Seminatore Irnerio 
Published: August 2012

Le but de cet essai est de retracer la genèse et l’évolution du Service européen d’action extérieure (seae) en les replaçant au coeur du processus de simplification des traités, qui a abouti au traité de Lisbonne et à l’émergence de trois nouveautés qui renforcent la gouvernance de l’ue : la figure du président du Conseil européen, celle du haut représentant pour les affaires étrangères et la politique de sécurité, appuyé par un important seae et la reconnaissance de la personnalité juridique de l’ue. La deuxième partie du texte vise à définir les stratégies plausibles pour l’Europe dans la conjoncture politique actuelle et d’indiquer les principaux thèmes de réflexion pour les analystes et les décideurs européens dans le cadre d’un système multipolaire en devenir.
La rupture du consensus de Fort-Lamy et le changement du rapport de force dans l’espace CEMAC
Authors: Batchom Paul Elvic Jérôme 
Published: August 2012

Et si la loi du plus riche était la meilleure ? Cet article tend à répondre à cette question, au regard de l’attitude d’un État dans le sous-système internationalcemac. Il choisit de décrire la dynamique de contestation d’un rapport de force par un État nouvellement enrichi et montre ainsi comment l’enrichissement autorise et favorise la contestation de la configuration antérieure du pouvoir et l’auto-affirmation d’un État comme nouveau leader sous-régional. Ce faisant, il restitue le lien que Gilpin avait établi entre l’enrichissement et les changements de rapport de force dans le système international. En montrant toutefois que le changement de rapport de force peut également se faire sans guerre hégémonique, il s’aligne derrière les études qui mettent en relation les logiques de puissance et les processus à vocation pacificatrice de l’intégration régionale ; la quête de puissance des États et leur présence au sein des organisations internationales.
Integrative Medicine in America—-How Integrative Medicine is Being Practiced in Clinical Centers across the United States
Authors: Horrigan Bonnie , Lewis Sheldon , Abrams Donald I. , Pechura Constance 
Published: August 2012

The impetus for developing and implementing integrative medicine strategies is rooted in the desire to improve patient care. The Bravewell Collaborative, a philanthropic organization that works to improve healthcare, defines integrative medicine as “an approach to care that puts the patient at the center and addresses the full range of physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental influences that affect a person's health. Employing a personalized strategy that considers the patient's unique conditions, needs, and circumstances, it uses the most appropriate interventions from an array of scientific disciplines to heal illness and disease and help people regain and maintain optimum health.” Over the past 2 decades, there has been documented growth in the number of clinical centers providing integrative medicine, the number of medical schools teaching integrative strategies, the number of researchers studying integrative interventions, and the number of patients seeking integrative care. But whether integrative medicine was being offered in the same, similar, or disparate ways was unknown. In addition, while previous studies focused on the prevalence and use of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) by patients1,2 or by practitioners in hospital settings3 by enumerating the use of single CAM therapies, very little information had been collected regarding the actual practice of integrative medicine, which by definition treats the whole person. In 2011, The Bravewell Collaborative commissioned a survey to determine how integrative medicine was currently being practiced across the United States by (1) describing the patient populations and health conditions most commonly treated, (2) defining the core practices and models of care, (3) ascertaining how services are reimbursed, (4) identifying the values and principles underlying the care, and (5) determining the biggest factors driving successful implementation. Twenty-nine integrative medicine centers and programs across the nation were chosen to participate in the study. This group included the nine centers in The Bravewell Clinical Network plus 20 others that, directed by either a physician, other doctoral level healthcare practitioner, or nurse, were chosen on the basis of length of time in operation (a minimum of 3 years), patient volume, and/or prior clinical contributions to the field.
Adaptive backstepping flight control for a mini‐UAV
Authors: Lungu Mihai , Lungu Romulus 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYThe paper presents the design of a mini‐unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attitude controller using the backstepping method. Starting from the nonlinear dynamic equations of the mini‐UAV, by using the backstepping method, the authors of this paper obtained the expressions of the elevator, rudder, and aileron deflections, which stabilize the UAV at each moment to the desired values of the attitude angles. The attitude controller controls the attitude angles, the angular rates, the angular accelerations, and other variables describing the UAV longitudinal and lateral motions. The designed controller has been implemented in Matlab/Simulink environment, and its effectiveness has been tested with a campaign of numerical simulations using data from the UAV flight tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive observer for a class of nonlinear systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Mondal Sharifuddin , Chung Wan Kyun 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYThe adaptive observer design problems have been extensively studied in literature for both linear and nonlinear systems. Some researches have also been carried out on adaptive observer design for linear time‐delay systems, but there is no significant work on adaptive observer design for nonlinear time‐delay systems. In this work, the adaptive observer design problem for a class of nonlinear time‐delay systems is considered. The observer is designed for the nonlinear systems whose nonlinear functions satisfy Lipschitz condition. Like conventional adaptive observers for the systems without time delays, this observer also estimates both states and unknown parameters simultaneously. For this property, it will be very much useful for many real‐time systems where time delays cannot be avoided. The sufficient conditions for existence of the observer are derived using the linear matrix inequality approach. With the help of a numerical example, effectiveness of the proposed observer is demonstrated. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.