Dissipline as modus van morele vorming : 'n sistematies-teologiese ondersoek

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study intends to find a way through which South African churches, specifically the local congregation, can make a contribution to addressing the morality crisis in South African society.a) The local congregation has an indispensable role to play in moral formation, specifically in discipline as mode of moral formation. Through the use of practices such as worship, the sacraments, prayer and church discipline, the local congregation can make a great contribution to healthy morality.b) Beside the role of the local congregation in moral formation, the Holy Spirit also plays an enormous role in the process of moral formation. Through the Holy Spirit we are changed and renewed. We begin to live with character, which means, we begin to live out the good, right and the wise in any concrete situation. Thus we become moral people.The background of the moral crisis is sketched in chapter one of this study. An outline about the extent of the moral crisis is given. Various causes and manifestations of the moral crisis are discussed. The various responses of society to this moral crisis as well as the potential of the church to address these problems is discussed. In this chapter it is also shown that the church should be involved in moral formation, because the triune God is actively involved in the world and in societies.A detailed discussion of the 1998 work of Johannes Van der Ven, Formation of the Moral Self, is given in chapter two. Van der Ven is the theologian who presents one of the most detailed discussions of discipline as mode of moral formation.The methodology which he uses in his theories of moral formation, specifically discipline, could assist the church in South Africa to design her own framework and guidelines for enhancing discipline. Other modes, namely socialization, transmission, development, clarification, emotional formation and education for character, are also discussed in order to give a better understanding of his views on the theme of moral formation. In this chapter, the views of some South African behavioral scientists are discussed to indicate how they agree with key elements in Van der Ven's understanding of moral formation and discipline.In chapter three the writer argues that Van der Ven's theories of moral formation, especially discipline, are of great value to the church, especially the local congregation. Van der Ven's insights on moral formation, specifically discipline, is shown in ecclesial and pneumatological frames. In this discussion it is emphasized that the local congregation and the Holy Spirit play an enormous role in moral formation, specifically in discipline.In the last chapter, concrete proposals are made about the roles of the local congregation and the Holy Spirit where discipline is concerned. This study strives to formulate frameworks and guidelines that will assist the church in her task to enhance the development of discipline, and to contribute to redemptive morality in South Africa.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University