This week was the start of the international campaign of “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” (focussing on violence against women and children). “Police statistics indicate that the murder rate of women in South Africa has increased by 16% in the past five years and the number of reported child rapes in the same… Continue reading Do some churches inadvertently promote gender-based violence?
Tag: Marriage
For Better, for Worse
This past weekend I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding in a township church in South Africa. The marriage ceremony took place as an addition to the Sunday morning service. The vibrancy of the singing was contagious and the warmth of hospitality humbling. In African culture there is no such thing as RSVP! … Continue reading For Better, for Worse
Sex has a price-tag
As I read the CNN article, “STD rates reach record high in United States”, I remembered watching (twenty years ago) the DVD, “Sex has a price-tag” by Pam Stenzel. Pam, while speaking to high school learners, made the point that condoms may prevent pregnancy, but they certainly don’t protect one from a whole host of… Continue reading Sex has a price-tag
When does the Bible permit divorce?
No-one ever marries intending to get divorced, but divorce is a reality – also in the church. Divorce can be for biblically permitted reasons or non-biblical reasons. In my experience we are tempted to make two common mistakes in the church when dealing with divorce:
Being single and satisfied
At church we often hear sermons about how to be a godly wife or husband, but not about how to be a godly single person. Many times we seem to esteem marriage only and unconsciously think that if you are not married you must have some issues, hate men or be gay. Churches frequently advertise… Continue reading Being single and satisfied