Die belewing van geloofsekerheid by die Gereformeerde Afrikaanssprekende adolessente leerder

[摘要] English: Changes in the spiritual and educational milieu are inevitable in a society undergoingtransformation, such as South Africa. These changes gave rise to the urgent need for thisresearch, which was consequently undertaken with the following goal:�?To determine how Reformed Afrikaans-speaking adolescent learners experiencecertainty of faith.The study begins with a systematised exposition of certainty of faith with a view toconducting the qualitative research in Chapter 2. The initial investigation focuses on howfaith is explained in the subject literature, so that a concept of faith can be developed withspecific reference to the adolescent.The modern adolescent is placed in perspective in Chapter 3, with the emphasis on importantbiological, physiological and psychological changes taking place during adolescence, as wellas the psychosocial, physiological and related developmental tasks of the adolescent. Theadolescent's quest for personal identity is characterised by spontaneous self-discovery, thedevelopment of self-esteem and strong individuality. Attention is also given, inter alia, to theadolescent's relationship with his school and community, his social relationships and hisrelationship with his peers. The moral and religious values of the adolescent are alsoaddressed.The parents, the teachers, the peer group, the church and finally the community are factorsthat influence the certainty of faith experienced by adolescents. This is discussed in detail inChapter 4.The method and process of the qualitative research are explained in Chapter 5.An empirical research investigation was conducted in order to ascertain the certainty of faithexperienced by adolescents in the four Reformed churches in the Free State as far as humanlypossible. Qualitative research was also used to establish personal contact with adolescents inorder to gain first-hand insight into the certainty of faith experienced by them.This is followed by the processing of the qualitative research data in Chapter 6. Thequalitative research was conducted to determine how the modern Afrikaans-speakingadolescent experiences certainty of faith. It was clear that the mentioned adolescentsexperience certainty of faith. They are also endeavouring to live according to God's will, toexercise a positive influence on others and to avoid non-Christian groups. Some of themeven intend to pursue Christian careers later on in their lives.The important role of the parent in the adolescent's certainty of faith clearly came to the forein the research. Parents who gave adolescents the right guidance from a young age arereaping the rewards thereof today. It was also proved that parents should continue with theirtask, particularly in these times characterised by changes in attitudes regarding moral values,standards and views about ways of life.Ministers do not realise what an important role they play in dealing with adolescents in theconfirmation class. This applies not only to the knowledge they must impart; their attitudetowards and relationship with each individual are also of the utmost importance.The conclusion (Chapter 7) indicates the recommendations, the strengths of the study and theshortcomings of the qualitative research, as well as further guidelines for research. Thisstudy makes a contribution towards highlighting the central meaning of certainty in theconfession of faith and religious life of the Christian adolescent. The adolescent believerknows who he believes in, and if he believes unconditionally in Him, he accepts His Wordwith the same commitment.The data indicate that adolescents who want to confirm their faith, experience certainty offaith that is not always theologically formulated.

[发布机构] University of the Free State