Communio sanctorum �?gereformeerde kerkreg versus kerklike geskeidenheid:'n biografiese bibliografie van W. D. Jonker, 1955-1968.

[摘要] English: This study describes and assesses the written legacy of William Daniel Jonker between1955 and 1968. It intended to detect and examine critically the trajectory underlyinghis theology and thought. The rationale for the research is that Jonker, in questioningthe theological justification of apartheid, took a unique position that still has not lost itsactuality. The sources indicate that Jonker challenged the accepted theologicaljustification of ecclesiastical separation in terms of the notion that Christ rules hischurch. In other words, a reformed church order, and reformed church polity in general,cannot provide for the kind of separation of churches as was believed and practiced bythe DRC. It runs as a golden thread through all his publications between 1955 and 1968.Before a study visit to Europe at the end of 1960 Jonker, as young reformed pastor,critically addressed the people-centered denominational nature of the DRC on the basisof reformed church political principles. Crucial in this regard was his thesis: Mistiekeliggaam en kerk in die nuwe Rooms-Katolieke teologie (1955: Kampen: Kok). Theemphasis was on reformed ecclesiology. After the 1960/61 research visit, a shift in histhinking occurred. Jonker was now equipped with first-hand knowledge about theextensive history of theological reflection on the church government. He critiqued thestructure, rules and regulations of the DRC's policy of ecclesiastical separation in termsof the rule of Christ in his church. This was the crux of the matter: the rule of Christdo not provide for ecclesiastical separation. The shift from ecclesiology to Christologyin this regard is fundamental. The 1965 publication Om die regering van Christus insy kerk (Pretoria: Unisa), based on his 1960/61 research, embodied a wholly exceptionaltheological contribution to the debate on how the true church should be structured withintegrity in South Africa. Jonker thus made a significant contribution to the history ofthe reformed theology in South Africa.

[发布机构] University of the Free State