In Paul’s day there still existed a piece of typical female garment, by which that distinction could be made apparent. Not a hat or a headscarf, but a palla: a kind of mantle which a woman could pull over her head. Such a palla was seen as a sign of female modesty and reserve. Female head coverings do not have this function anymore in our culture.

This article considers how to be Reformed in our evangelism, and it does so through an evaluation of ideas in a book by Stefan Paas on the importance of Reformed principles for evangelism.

• Part 1 explains that there have always been different focus points in the Reformed tradition with regard to the doctrine of election, but the unifying theme has always been that election gives comfort and assurance to the believer.
• Part 2 discusses the viewpoint of Johan von Staupitz on election, as well as the nature of his friendship with Martin Luther.

This article considers some ethical questions relating to stem cell research. It considers three specific ethical approaches: duty ethics, goal ethics, and virtue ethics. Afterwards, it considers the use of human embryos, therapeutic cloning, and the use of adult stem cells.

This article considers a trend towards simplistic preaching, which will leave a congregation immature and infantile. The author pleads for the full preaching of the gospel that will bring maturity to all who have ears to hear.