Pieter Verster
Biographic Data
| ID | 6794925 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Pieter Verster |
| GIVEN NAMES | Pieter |
| FAMILY NAME | Verster |
| SIGNATURE | VERSTER P |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of the Free State |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-4206-9685 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 2 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 19 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1996 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
The Crisis in Mission
Engaging mission in the present world is to understand that decolonialism and postcolonialism have an immense effect on the evaluation of mission nowadays. Due to colonialism and the close link between mission and colonialism from a decolonial perspective, serious questions about mission are asked. Mission is regarded as positive towards colonialism and has a link to colonialism that it should be rejected in many instances. Not only the way in wh…
Religious persecution
Book reiew of: Religious persecution: Perspectives from theology and missiology Lilleaasen, R. and Sauer, C. 2025. . Christians under pressure: Studies in discrimination and persecution 3. Bonn. Verlag fur Kultur und Wissenschaft Culture and Science Publ. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher. ISBN 978-3-86269- 325-2
AI and mission
Artificial intelligence (AI) has implications for all aspects of science, including the science of mission. However, the dangers of AI are also obvious, namely lack of logical explanation and human involvement, leading to plagiarism. It is interesting to ask AI questions regarding mission. What will the answers be to questions such as What is mission? What is Christian mission? What is evangelism? One must understand the limited number of answers…
A missiology of life
Respected missiologist Nelus Niemandt pays a great deal of attention to present-day life in his missiology. Although the ‘not yet’ plays an important role in missiology, Niemandt emphatically concentrates on the implications of the missio Dei for this life, or the ‘yet’. For Niemandt, aspects such as deep contextualisation and deep incarnation are extremely important tools necessary to engage the world in God’s involvement in the ‘yet’ or present…
The challenge of secularism to religion
Secularism worldwide poses great challenges to religion. It is as if the gates are open to reject religion. Secularism in many ways challenges the truth, morality, political power and social value provided by religions in general terms. Secularism also tends to promote a society where religion has no role to play in education or state affairs. In some cases it additionally argues for the separation of Church and state and this importantly tends t…
Voorbeskikking, goed en kwaad, menslike verantwoordelikheid, en die sending
Predestination, good and evil, human responsibility, and mission. The background of this article is the challenge that Paul deals with in Romans, namely predestination and the reference to good and evil in theology. It seems as if God ordained good and evil. God is, however, holy and totally good. Sources by Augustine, Calvin, Weaver, Van de Beek and others highlight the questions in this regard. The central implications of the cross of Jesus, as…
The Divinity of Christ in the Gospel of John
It is generally accepted that the Gospel of John proclaims Jesus as Lord and God, One with the Father. There are, however, those who challenge this view. Recently, Nagel (2019) pointed out that Jesus is not regarded as Theos in the Gospel of John. He refutes the classical understanding of the texts that Jesus is One with God. He does not regard both the Logos of John 1:1-2 and the confession of Thomas in John 20:28 as references to Jesus. Theolog…
The God of the cross is One
The Dutch theologian, Bram van de Beek, has a radical Christological emphasis in his theology. In this world, we see the cross of Jesus. Essentially, God is One . The Father is the Father of the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit works primarily in the church and is not a general spirit or a spirit of goodwill. By participating in Jesus’ death and resurrection, the believer receives salvation. Van de Be…
Church and community
To be concerned about the present situation in Africa and South Africa, in particular, is an understatement. What can the church do to help establish an ethical, value-based social contract? First, one must understand what the essence of the church is. Secondly, one must understand that the church as the body of Christ must be broken in the world in order to establish new relations with all people. Thirdly, calling people to new life in Christ is…
Evangelism and election
It is always a challenge to review the relation between evangelism and election. Biblical views are essential. Important exponents of evangelism such as Bosch, Bevans and Schroeder, Christopher Wright, and Kirk are presented, but also the challenging view of Tutu. Especially Bosch’s comprehensive view of evangelism is important. He explains that evangelism is not presenting the gospel to those in need to hear it again after rejecting it, but pres…
Perspectives on church and mission
The most important issues for the missional church should be to establish the relation between mission and the church. The methodology used is to listen to voices concerning relevant issues in the missional church. Many important aspects of the missional church are discussed to give an overview of contemporary challenges. Metaphors for the church, such as people of God, body of Christ, temple of God, bride of Christ and witness of God give many e…
Heaven, hell, and saving souls
Is the Bible clear on heaven, hell, and eternity? This question is important for the mission of the church. In recent books, N.T. Wright challenges the concepts of heaven and hell and the saving of souls for eternal heaven or the proclamation of judgement to those who are lost. Although his view is one of critical realism, which differs substantially from Bultmann’s demythologizing of the Bible as viewpoint, there are some similarities. Hans Küng…
Rebuilding the community and the church post-Covid-19
The catastrophic destructions of the Temple in Jewish history led to different reactions. Although they left a serious mark on all of Israel’s future endeavours and the prophets warned the people of the coming disasters, they also proclaimed hope, even after the destruction. Some Jews reacted to it by forming close-knit communities and their commitment to the Torah. It remained a serious challenge to their faith and community life. They carefully…
The perseverance of the saints, persecution and mission, and its implications for Reformed churches
The confession of saints’ perseverance in the Canons of Dort gives much comfort to the Christian. This was one of the most important challenges the Synod of Dort had to address. It also has many implications for the mission of the church. Not only does it highlight the message that God, in his salvation, will always complete his act of redemption, but also that he will not reject the believer once he or she has become a true Christian. It also co…
Die kerk en mense op straat in die informele behuisingsgebiede in Mangaung/Bloemfontein
The challenges posed by informal settlements are enormous, also in the Bloemfontein/ Mangaung area. The question asked in this article was how the church can reach out to people on the streets and in the informal settlements. Research was conducted to establish the views of the church and the task it has from randomly approached people on the streets. The Bible speaks positively on the task of the people of Israel and the church to reach out to f…
Family (oikos) Evangelism for reaching forward caste Hindus in India
This article acknowledges the need for Church Planting Movements among the unreached peoples of India. Of particular concern to this study is the application of Church Planting Movement strategy to forward caste Hindus of India. It is shown that evangelizing households (family or “oikos” evangelism) is a New Testament strategy and the most appropriate strategy for reaching forward caste Hindus. It is concluded that Christian disciples remaining w…
Die wit kerk en swart nood
The white church and black needs: Is there still salt left in the salt cellar? Remarks on the involvement of the white church with the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa. There are reasons why the churches in the white community of South Africa are not really concerned or involved in the HIV/Aids pandemic, which is primarily ravaging the Black community. This may, however, be regarded as the "shibolet" for the credibility of the church. The articl…
Sending in die nabloei van die Marxisme-Leninisme
Mission in the aftermath of Marxism-Leninism Marxism-Leninism as ideology suffered severe setbacks. The question is in which way mission can still be relevant in the aftermath of this prominent ideology. The idea of freedom as essential part of Western philosophy is discussed in relation with Marxism/Leninism. The influence of Perestroika and the effect it had on the ideology is also discussed. In the end mission must still be relevant. Certain p…
Teenswoordige heil, verbond en sending
Salvation and welfare in the present time, covenant and mission In the theological debate on salvation and welfare an important question that must be asked is the one concerning the relevance of the present time and world. The Marxist view presents the radical revolution as solution. The neo-Marxist view is that the revolution should continue. The theology of hope regards future freedom as way of salvation. The theology of liberation regards the …
Perspectives on church and mission
The most important issues for the missional church should be to establish the relation between mission and the church. The methodology used is to listen to voices concerning relevant issues in the missional church. Many important aspects of the missional church are discussed to give an overview of contemporary challenges. Metaphors for the church, such as people of God, body of Christ, temple of God, bride of Christ and witness of God give many e…
Die wit kerk en swart nood
The white church and black needs: Is there still salt left in the salt cellar? Remarks on the involvement of the white church with the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa. There are reasons why the churches in the white community of South Africa are not really concerned or involved in the HIV/Aids pandemic, which is primarily ravaging the Black community. This may, however, be regarded as the "shibolet" for the credibility of the church. The articl…
Teenswoordige heil, verbond en sending
Salvation and welfare in the present time, covenant and mission In the theological debate on salvation and welfare an important question that must be asked is the one concerning the relevance of the present time and world. The Marxist view presents the radical revolution as solution. The neo-Marxist view is that the revolution should continue. The theology of hope regards future freedom as way of salvation. The theology of liberation regards the …
Sending in die nabloei van die Marxisme-Leninisme
Mission in the aftermath of Marxism-Leninism Marxism-Leninism as ideology suffered severe setbacks. The question is in which way mission can still be relevant in the aftermath of this prominent ideology. The idea of freedom as essential part of Western philosophy is discussed in relation with Marxism/Leninism. The influence of Perestroika and the effect it had on the ideology is also discussed. In the end mission must still be relevant. Certain p…
Die wit kerk en swart nood
The white church and black needs: Is there still salt left in the salt cellar? Remarks on the involvement of the white church with the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa. There are reasons why the churches in the white community of South Africa are not really concerned or involved in the HIV/Aids pandemic, which is primarily ravaging the Black community. This may, however, be regarded as the "shibolet" for the credibility of the church. The articl…
Family (oikos) Evangelism for reaching forward caste Hindus in India
This article acknowledges the need for Church Planting Movements among the unreached peoples of India. Of particular concern to this study is the application of Church Planting Movement strategy to forward caste Hindus of India. It is shown that evangelizing households (family or “oikos” evangelism) is a New Testament strategy and the most appropriate strategy for reaching forward caste Hindus. It is concluded that Christian disciples remaining w…
Die kerk en mense op straat in die informele behuisingsgebiede in Mangaung/Bloemfontein
The challenges posed by informal settlements are enormous, also in the Bloemfontein/ Mangaung area. The question asked in this article was how the church can reach out to people on the streets and in the informal settlements. Research was conducted to establish the views of the church and the task it has from randomly approached people on the streets. The Bible speaks positively on the task of the people of Israel and the church to reach out to f…
The perseverance of the saints, persecution and mission, and its implications for Reformed churches
The confession of saints’ perseverance in the Canons of Dort gives much comfort to the Christian. This was one of the most important challenges the Synod of Dort had to address. It also has many implications for the mission of the church. Not only does it highlight the message that God, in his salvation, will always complete his act of redemption, but also that he will not reject the believer once he or she has become a true Christian. It also co…
Heaven, hell, and saving souls
Is the Bible clear on heaven, hell, and eternity? This question is important for the mission of the church. In recent books, N.T. Wright challenges the concepts of heaven and hell and the saving of souls for eternal heaven or the proclamation of judgement to those who are lost. Although his view is one of critical realism, which differs substantially from Bultmann’s demythologizing of the Bible as viewpoint, there are some similarities. Hans Küng…
Rebuilding the community and the church post-Covid-19
The catastrophic destructions of the Temple in Jewish history led to different reactions. Although they left a serious mark on all of Israel’s future endeavours and the prophets warned the people of the coming disasters, they also proclaimed hope, even after the destruction. Some Jews reacted to it by forming close-knit communities and their commitment to the Torah. It remained a serious challenge to their faith and community life. They carefully…
Church and community
To be concerned about the present situation in Africa and South Africa, in particular, is an understatement. What can the church do to help establish an ethical, value-based social contract? First, one must understand what the essence of the church is. Secondly, one must understand that the church as the body of Christ must be broken in the world in order to establish new relations with all people. Thirdly, calling people to new life in Christ is…
Evangelism and election
It is always a challenge to review the relation between evangelism and election. Biblical views are essential. Important exponents of evangelism such as Bosch, Bevans and Schroeder, Christopher Wright, and Kirk are presented, but also the challenging view of Tutu. Especially Bosch’s comprehensive view of evangelism is important. He explains that evangelism is not presenting the gospel to those in need to hear it again after rejecting it, but pres…
Perspectives on church and mission
The most important issues for the missional church should be to establish the relation between mission and the church. The methodology used is to listen to voices concerning relevant issues in the missional church. Many important aspects of the missional church are discussed to give an overview of contemporary challenges. Metaphors for the church, such as people of God, body of Christ, temple of God, bride of Christ and witness of God give many e…
Voorbeskikking, goed en kwaad, menslike verantwoordelikheid, en die sending
Predestination, good and evil, human responsibility, and mission. The background of this article is the challenge that Paul deals with in Romans, namely predestination and the reference to good and evil in theology. It seems as if God ordained good and evil. God is, however, holy and totally good. Sources by Augustine, Calvin, Weaver, Van de Beek and others highlight the questions in this regard. The central implications of the cross of Jesus, as…
The Divinity of Christ in the Gospel of John
It is generally accepted that the Gospel of John proclaims Jesus as Lord and God, One with the Father. There are, however, those who challenge this view. Recently, Nagel (2019) pointed out that Jesus is not regarded as Theos in the Gospel of John. He refutes the classical understanding of the texts that Jesus is One with God. He does not regard both the Logos of John 1:1-2 and the confession of Thomas in John 20:28 as references to Jesus. Theolog…
The God of the cross is One
The Dutch theologian, Bram van de Beek, has a radical Christological emphasis in his theology. In this world, we see the cross of Jesus. Essentially, God is One . The Father is the Father of the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit works primarily in the church and is not a general spirit or a spirit of goodwill. By participating in Jesus’ death and resurrection, the believer receives salvation. Van de Be…
The challenge of secularism to religion
Secularism worldwide poses great challenges to religion. It is as if the gates are open to reject religion. Secularism in many ways challenges the truth, morality, political power and social value provided by religions in general terms. Secularism also tends to promote a society where religion has no role to play in education or state affairs. In some cases it additionally argues for the separation of Church and state and this importantly tends t…
Religious persecution
Book reiew of: Religious persecution: Perspectives from theology and missiology Lilleaasen, R. and Sauer, C. 2025. . Christians under pressure: Studies in discrimination and persecution 3. Bonn. Verlag fur Kultur und Wissenschaft Culture and Science Publ. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher. ISBN 978-3-86269- 325-2
AI and mission
Artificial intelligence (AI) has implications for all aspects of science, including the science of mission. However, the dangers of AI are also obvious, namely lack of logical explanation and human involvement, leading to plagiarism. It is interesting to ask AI questions regarding mission. What will the answers be to questions such as What is mission? What is Christian mission? What is evangelism? One must understand the limited number of answers…
A missiology of life
Respected missiologist Nelus Niemandt pays a great deal of attention to present-day life in his missiology. Although the ‘not yet’ plays an important role in missiology, Niemandt emphatically concentrates on the implications of the missio Dei for this life, or the ‘yet’. For Niemandt, aspects such as deep contextualisation and deep incarnation are extremely important tools necessary to engage the world in God’s involvement in the ‘yet’ or present…
The Crisis in Mission
Engaging mission in the present world is to understand that decolonialism and postcolonialism have an immense effect on the evaluation of mission nowadays. Due to colonialism and the close link between mission and colonialism from a decolonial perspective, serious questions about mission are asked. Mission is regarded as positive towards colonialism and has a link to colonialism that it should be rejected in many instances. Not only the way in wh…
Philosophy (16 works) · Philosophy (14 works) · Theology (14 works) · Christian Theology and Mission (11 works) · Sociology (11 works) · Political science (9 works) · Religion, Society, and Development (9 works) · Law (8 works) · Biblical Studies and Interpretation (7 works) · Law (6 works)