International Journal of Cedar, Volume 2
Editorial Letter
This issue of the International Journal of Cedar (IJC) invites readers to view human life through biblical truth: the renewal of the mind, the wonder of creation, the calling of fatherhood, and moral purity in a digital age.
Book Review: Spotlight on Grief and Brain Rewiring
September 14, 2026, Prof E Fleischmann
Can we really change our lives by changing the way we think? In The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery, neurosurgeon W. Lee Warren argues that we can—and that the science of the brain provides compelling evidence to support this claim. Blending cutting-edge neuroscience with personal experience, Warren invites readers on a journey of hope, healing, and transformation. His message is both simple and profound: our thoughts matter, and by intentionally shaping them, we can reshape our lives.
A Novel Experiment to Test the Directional Isotropy of One-Way Light Propagation Using Synchronously Rotating Flywheels
May 7, 2026, A van Tonder
This article proposes a novel experimental design to empirically test the directional isotropy of light propagation in a one-way configuration without relying on conventional clock synchronisation methods, which have historically been a significant challenge in physics. The experimental setup involves two synchronously rotating flywheels positioned 100 meters apart, mechanically coupled to ensure a fixed relative phase, and a continuous laser source that produces light pulses via a rotating pinhole. The finite propagation time of light causes a measurable angular displacement on the second flywheel, making the experiment sensitive to possible directional asymmetries in light propagation. Preliminary calculations under specific conditions suggest an arc-length displacement of approximately 1 mm, illustrating that the effect lies within measurable experimental limits for realistic rotational speeds and distances. If isotropy is confirmed, the observed displacement corresponds, operationally, to isotropic one-way light propagation, consistent with the standard value under the stated physical assumptions; a deviation would indicate physical anisotropy.
A reformational approach to the bonus paterfamilias standard with respect to a father’s stewardship duties to his children
August 1, 2026, Prof IJ Oosthuizen, Prof JL van der Walt, LJ Oosthuizen
This article examines the growing crisis of fatherlessness in South Africa and explores a reformational-biblical perspective on fathers' stewardship responsibilities toward their children. The study was motivated by alarming social realities, including high rates of absent fathers, rising child victimisation, juvenile delinquency and the erosion of family structures. Statistics indicate that approximately 64% of the children in South Africa do not live with their biological fathers, which contributes to emotional, moral and social instability within communities. Against this backdrop, the article investigates the question: What is the reformational standpoint on a father’s stewardship duties towards his children? The study employs a conceptual-normative research design grounded in biblical perspectives and moral philosophy. It first clarifies key concepts, such as stewardship, paterfamilias and bonus paterfamilias, emphasising that fathers are entrusted by God with the responsible care, guidance and protection of their children. Biblically, stewardship is understood as faithful management under God’s authority, extending beyond material care to include spiritual and relational responsibilities. The article presents God the Father as the supreme model of fatherhood, characterised by love, provision, discipline, protection and faithfulness. Although earthly fathers cannot attain divine paternal perfection, they are called to emulate this attribute. Biblical teaching highlights several core paternal duties: teaching children God’s commandments; training and educating them through consistent guidance; demonstrating love through presence and care; disciplining them responsibly; cultivating integrity; protecting them from harm; and providing for their physical and spiritual needs. The study concludes that Scripture offers a principled framework for fatherhood rooted in stewardship and accountability before God. Fatherlessness significantly contributes to social dysfunction, including poverty, violence, crime and family disintegration. Strengthening responsible fatherhood is, therefore, essential to the well-being of children, families and society.
Pornography: The South African Scenario
September 14, 2026, Dr E Bosman
This literature review aims to assess pornography consumption in South Africa and to place the country in a global context. Research has examined pornography consumption among teenagers and younger children, adults, individuals who engage in sexting, and people in the workplace. The prevalence of pornography, not only in South Africa but worldwide, has been rising for several decades, and its effects are becoming more prominent every day due to the accessibility, affordability, and lack of accountability associated with pornography use. It has thereby become more widely available to people of all ages, especially children and adolescents. Reports, existing studies, journal articles, policy documents, and books relating to pornography in South Africa were examined, and an overall picture of pornography use in South Africa was compiled. There is a significant lack of recent pornography statistics in South Africa and globally. The Internet and smartphones are the main methods used to view pornography. Information was obtained through statistics provided by Pornhub, as well as research conducted by researchers who interviewed people. The purpose of the review was to identify major themes, trends, and research findings concerning the social, psychological, cultural, legal, and moral impacts of pornography within the South African context. The rise in pornography consumption has far-reaching effects and can be harmful, sometimes even lasting, for young people and teenagers. The South African government must enact legislation to curb this tendency effectively.
A Digital Babylon: Theological Perspectives on AI and Worship
October 19, 2026, Prof A de Beer
Artificial intelligence (AI) and persuasive digital environments are reshaping the conditions under which identity, relationships, and character are formed. While contemporary psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and educational research have examined many effects of digital technologies, these disciplines alone cannot explain the deeper crisis emerging in technologically saturated societies. This article argues that the central challenge of the digital age is not technological but formational, raising profound theological questions about worship, identity, spiritual formation, and discipleship. Drawing on Biblical theology alongside existing scholarship, the article examines how digital environments capture human attention, redirect affections, and gradually reconfigure desires. Using Daniel 1 as a framework, it proposes that today’s digital landscape functions as a modern Babylon—one that forms identity not through coercion but through distraction, convenience, and emotional attachment. The analysis highlights how the attention economy and emerging forms of AI increasingly compete for human attention, affection, trust, and relational dependence. The article advances a Christian theology of attention and affection in which attention shapes desire, desire directs devotion, and devotion finds its expression in worship. It concludes that the primary challenge posed by AI is not simply technological or ethical but spiritual and formational. Consequently, a theology of attention, affection, and worship provides a vital framework for promoting authentic human flourishing in the age of AI.
This article proposes a novel experimental design to empirically test the directional isotropy of light propagation in a one-way configuration without relying on conventional clock synchronisation methods, which have historically been a significant challenge in physics. The experimental setup involves two synchronously rotating flywheels positioned 100 meters apart, mechanically coupled to ensure a fixed relative phase, and a continuous laser source that produces light pulses via a rotating pinhole. The finite propagation time of light causes a measurable angular displacement on the second flywheel, making the experiment sensitive to possible directional asymmetries in light propagation. Preliminary calculations under specific conditions suggest an arc-length displacement of approximately 1 mm, illustrating that the effect lies within measurable experimental limits for realistic rotational speeds and distances. If isotropy is confirmed, the observed displacement corresponds, operationally, to isotropic one-way light propagation, consistent with the standard value under the stated physical assumptions; a deviation would indicate physical anisotropy.(opens in new tab)
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DOI: 10.62545
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