Gereformeerde kerkreg : 'n hermeneutiese perspektief

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines and proves the distinct characteristic of the hermeneutics of Reformedchurch polity, with regard to other jurisprudence. The study is set out as follows:Chapter 1The methodological approach used is of cardinal importance in the research of a distincthermeneutical characteristic associated with church polity. A clear choice is made for aresearch methodology which validates the thesis. This thesis opts for a theological andchurch political study with an ecclesiological foundation.Chapter 2Chapter 2 is divided into two sections or themes: (i) Whether church and law can coexist and(ii) the unique characteristic of church polity. These two themes qualify the study in toto,whilst (at the same time) identifying useful elements that can assist in exploring thequestion of a distinct hermeneutical characteristic associated with Reformed church polity.It is argued that if church and law can exist together, the focus of the study can shift to thenext theme in accordance with the thesis, namely the distinct characteristic of Reformedchurch polity.Judged from a Reformed perspective, it is clear (derived from part 1) that church and lawcan coexist and therefore is not a contradiction in terminis.Derived from part 2, it is clear that church polity has a unique character (sui generis), whichis practiced in and for the church as a unique community. The argument of the thesis is thatthe church is the object of the law, also that its unique character resides with the faithcommunity‐ which is the creation of God, which in turn enables Christ to rule the church‐ asher Lord and King. Chapter 3As with the Bible and all legislation‐ the church order is subject to hermeneutical rules. Thehermeneutics associated with theology and legislation are not isolated dissiplines, but forman inherent part of a general hermeneutics for the human sciences. The texts associatedwith church polity are therefore subjected to the same hermeneutical processes as otherlegislative texts. The hermeneutics associated with church polity possess a uniquecharacteristic, with regards to the community in which it functions. Legislative texts shouldbe read within the context of the community that sanctioned it. Church order then differsfrom the legislation of other communities. Hermeneutics, and the methods associated withit, can therefore assist the interpreter in reading a church order.Chapter 4In the concluding chapter the hypothesis of the study is evaluated and verified inaccordance with the conclusions reached in the preceding chapters‐ each with its ownparticular theme and relevance to the end‐result and validation of the thesis.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University