Prof. Bill Loader, research professor at Murdoch University, Australia, recently discussed models of greatness at the University of the Free State's (UFS) Faculty of Theology. In his discussion Prof. Loader opened up what the gospel according to Mark tells about greatness in relation to the disciples, Jesus and God. He contrasted it with popular models of greatness (which emphasises power, control and domination). Jesus’ model of greatness is of vulnerable compassion. It is a paradigm for not only the disciples and Jesus, but also for understanding God. When we think like that, it has a major impact on what we preach and how we worship. What we value in God, will inevitably be what we value in ourselves: Power and control, or love and compassion. This was his second visit to South Africa, but only his first visit to Bloemfontein. Pictured here is Prof. Loader and his wife, Gisela.
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