Die noodsaaklikheid van kerklike belydenisskrifte

[摘要] English: The central issue in this study is the question of the necessity of ecclesiastical articles of faithin the light of modem circumstances, with particular reference to Post - modernism. While thepoint of departure of this thesis is based upon Reformation convictions, the premiss is alsopostulated that the need exists for the Church to reconsider the need and relevance of articlesof faith in the light of the contemporary tendency towards a receding recognition of thevalidity of articles of faith, which have evolved in an earlier historical time-frame, are bindingfor later believers.In the PROLEGOMENA an introductory analysis is attempted of the various theological andsocio-eccliastical functions of articles of faith as well as terminology such as faith,confession of faith, and articles of faith.SECTION 1 considers dogma - historical indications within the early Church, during theReformation and in modem times from which deductions can be made by which the necessityof articles of faith can be determined. The specific circumstances within which articles offaith evolved are considered and it is considered whether such circumstances have continuedto exist into present times. Particular examples of articles of faith are chosen forconsideration, not because of the theological or other importance of such articles, but becausethe chosen articles of faith are representative of a broad spectrum of Church history.SECTION 2 attemps an exegetical evaluation of a Biblical foundation for the necessity ofarticles of faith in Old and New Testament texts. A conclusion that there is a Biblicalfoundation for articles of faith would be a strong confirmation of the hypothesis of this thesisthat articles of faith were supposed as an integral part of Church practise in both the OldTestament and the New Testament.SECTION 3 considers the general credal tendencies of modem times, and analysesspecifically such phenomena as secularisation, metaphor, ecumenism, and globalization. Thehistorical approach of this thesis is aimed at evaluating the degree of relevancy and clarity ofthe message of the Church for modem man who is today faced with cultural, political andother societal problems which did not exist in earlier times.SECTION 2 attemps an exegetical evaluation of a Biblical foundation for the necessity ofarticles of faith in Old and New Testament texts. A conclusion that there is a Biblicalfoundation for articles of faith would be a strong confirmation of the hypothesis of this thesisthat articles of faith were supposed as an integral part of Church practise in both the OldTestament and the New Testament.SECTION 4 consists of the formulation of the conclusion based upon this research, namelythat articles of faith, today as in the past, have an indespensible function. It is also concludedthat articles of faith should not be stagnantly absolutised, but should rather be continouslyand dynamically formulated within a socio - historical time - frame, without, however,destroying the original credal core.

[发布机构] University of the Free State