African Journals Online
Acta Theologica

Supplementum 3, 2002
ABSTRACTS

Pieter Potgieter as mens en teoloog: essensieel en eietyds

Strauss, S.A.

Abstract: This article focuses on the life and work of Pieter Potgieter. A few of his most important publications are analysed, in order to evaluate his theological contribution. He concentrated on substantial and essential Biblical principles, and their application in our times. He devoted himself to researching especially the following: the doctrines of Scripture, the church and providence as well as the theology of Calvin. Furthermore, he is widely respected for the outstanding leading role he played in the church on both synodical and ecumenical levels. As a born leader this was a task for which he had a natural aptitude. A complete bibliography of Potgieter concludes this article.

Keywords: P.C. Potgieter, Dogmatiek, Skrif, Kerk, Calvyn, Systematic Theology, Scripture, Church, Calvin

Die belydenis van die kerk

Buitendag, J.

Abstract: The article contends that the doctrine of the church should rather be seen as telling something about the church than about the Bible. Different doctrines are thus the result and not the source of theology. And because a creed is functioning like a language, it constitutes and profiles a church's self-understanding. The presupposition of all this is that God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. Scripture is therefore primarily not revelation as such, but testimony of the revelation in Christ. The article ends with the three major Afrikaans-speaking reformed churches' official declarations on their views regarding the relationship between Scripture and doctrine. The author concludes that a slight trace of what George Lindbeck calls "propositionalism" is present in these respective views. The article is dedicated to Prof. P. C. Potgieter, a much-honoured colleague among systematic theologians and church leaders here and abroad. Dogmatics has always been for him church dogmatics, and thus the relevance of doctrine.

Keywords: Belydenis, Kerk, Dogmatiek, Doctrine, Church, Systematic Theology

Euthanasia and assisted suicide: a Christian ethical perspective

De Villiers, E.

Abstract: This article introduces and compares the contrasting views of two well-known theologians, Gilbert Meilaender and Harry Kuitert, on euthanasia and medically assisted suicide. Meilaender rejects euthanasia and medically assisted suicide, but accepts refusal of treatment, as long as it is not done with the intention to cause the death of the person involved. Kuitert favours euthanasia and medically assisted suicide, as well as the cessation of treatment with the intention to cause the death of the person involved in certain hopeless cases. The last section of the article attempts to formulate a Christian ethical view on euthanasia and assisted suicide in a dialogue with the two theologians.

Keywords: Ethics, Euthanasia, Gilbert Meilaender, Harry Kuitert, Etiek, Genadedood

Voorsienigheid, persoonlikheid en spiritualiteit - 'n vier-kantige voorsienigheidsleer

Doubell, F.B.

Abstract: This article focuses on the problem of the doctrine of providence, namely that God's goodness and his almighty power are not understandable in the light of the pain and suffering in this world. It suggests that the different answers that theologians give to this problem are related to their personalities and their spirituality. With the help of the Myers-Briggs-Type-Indicator the article indicates how the four different human functions and the preferences people have for a specific function are related to the different answers to the problem of the doctrine of providence. The article also examines the preferences pointed out in the Gospels concerning the life of Jesus Christ. It is suggested that He functioned in all four preferences. Therefore the conclusion is drawn that we should look at the doctrine of providence through the eyes of all four human functional preferences in order to arrive at a four-sided doctrine of providence. Die vrae waaroor dit in die voorsienigheidsleer gaan, is van die heel moeilikstes waarmee 'n mens hom kan besig hou (Potgieter 1998:17).

Keywords: Dogmatiek, Voorsienigheid, Persoonlikheid , Spiritualiteit, Systematic Theology, Providence, Personality, Spirituality

The role of the Holy spirit in Calvin's doctrine of the sacraments

Hesselink, I.J.

Abstract: Calvin has frequently been labeled "the theologian of the Holy Spirit". Although there have been a number of studies of various aspects of the Holy Spirit in Calvin's theology since the significant works of Simon van der Linde (1943) and Werner Krusche (1957), none has dealt with the role the Spirit plays in Calvin's doctrine of the sacraments. The Word and faith are requisites for any efficacious experience of the sacraments, but "whatever God offers us in the sacraments depends on the secret operation of his Spirit" (Calvin). Baptism signifies the forgiveness of our sins and regeneration, although the beginning of that regeneration may precede or follow the act of baptism. In the Lord's Supper the Holy Spirit performs two related functions: he unites that which is separated by time and space, viz., the ascended Lord and the believer, and in the action of the sacrament feeds the believer with the flesh and blood of Christ. Thereby Christ is truly present in the Supper. This is a spiritual presence, but it is not something psychological or unreal. In the last analysis, Calvin concedes that this is a mystery which is "too lofty" for his "mind to comprehend". In any case, he would "rather experience it than understand it".

Keywords: Calvin, Sacraments, Baptism, Holy Spirit, Sakramente, Doop, Heilige Gees

"Voorberei en toegerus": P.C. Potgieter se beskouing van die opleiding van predikante in kritiese perspektief

Lategan, L.O.K.

Abstract: This article examines the training of ministers and interacts with the perspectives formulated by P.C. Potgieter. It considers Potgieter's monograph on the theological curriculum, Voorberei en toegerus, in which he outlines some characteristics of and conditions for theological training. In his opinion all theological training must be qualified by Scripture. Theological training should also create a sense for critical enquiry. Theological study is directed at the study of the Revelation of God and the church as the body of Christ. The article further discusses the literature on theological studies where attention is paid to the reasons for theological training, theology as a science and a priori assumptions in the study of theology. The article concludes with a discussion of Potgieter's view on theological training.

Keywords: P.C. Potgieter, Predikantsopleiding , Teologiese kurrikulum , Training of ministers, Theological curriculum

The Reformed doctrine of irresistible sanctification

Partee, C.

Abstract: The Reformed confession of "Grace Alone" obviously involves the doctrines of faith, election, justification and perseverance. The conception of irresistible grace is comfortably applied to the same doctrines. However, sanctification is a special case in that the theological focus shifts from divine action to human effort. This emphasis on human striving must avoid the Catholic view of works righteousness, and reject the Thomistic teaching on cooperative grace and condign merit. Analysis of these issues raises again the question of the proper use of human reason in theological reflection.

Keywords: Systematic Theology, Doctrine, Irresistible sanctification, Dogmatiek, Dogma, Onweerstaanbare heiligmaking

"Christ transforming culture"? Nagedink oor die aard van die gereformeerde geloof

Smit, D.

Abstract: The essay pays tribute to the honoree by reflecting on the nature of the Reformed faith and tradition, in which he was called to play a leading role during challenging times. It takes its departure in H. Richard Niebuhr's well-known claim that the Reformed faith represents a form of "Christ transforming culture" Christianity, implying both that the Reformed faith positively affirms reality and life and that Reformed faith continuously strives for transformation and renewal of reality and life. The essay demonstrates how this twofold emphasis, of affirmation and critical renewal at the same time, is rooted in the heart of the Reformed vision itself, which is described as "a way of being the Christian community in the world, before God". Four aspects of this description are consecutively highlighted, namely "the Christian community" (the first section), "before God" (the second section), "a way of being" (the third section) and "in the world" (the fourth section). In a concluding section the essay argues that four popular forms of criticism of the Reformed faith, widespread in South Africa today, are therefore directed at caricatures and betrayals of the Reformed tradition.

Keywords: Gereformeerde geloof, Transformasie, Kultuur, Reformed faith, Transformation, Culture

Die oudheid van die letter en die nuutheid van die Gees. Enkele opmerkings oor die Skrif as lewende Woord

Theron, P.F.

Abstract: The antithesis between letter (gramma) and Spirit (pneuma) should be understood within the eschatological contrast between the old passing age and the new eschatological kingdom. The eschatological tension between the old creation and the new re-creation is reflected in the dialectical tension between letter and Spirit. Since the letter is a creation of the Spirit and is at the same time judged by the Spirit, this tension is within the letter itself. Therefore a warning is sounded against identifying the law or the Old Testament as such, with the gramma. The contrast between gramma and pneuma, old and new, permeates the entire Bible (i.e. Old and New Testament). This tension is the work of the Spirit as the auctor primarius of Scripture, through which the "dead letter" is transformed into the living Word. "The new which God works makes itself similar to the old, and thereby makes the old into a parable of the new" (Jüngel). Therefore a pneumatological reading of Scripture implies that the literal sense is taken seriously, since it is from the latter that the meaning (respectively: significance) of the text arises. When, however, the pneuma is rejected the letter becomes not merely dead, but deadly. Die woord van God is lewend en kragtig. Dit is skerper as enige swaard met twee snykante en dring deur selfs tot die skeiding van siel en gees en van gewrigte en murg. Dit beoordeel die bedoelings en gedagtes van die hart (Hebreërs 4:12).

Keywords: Dogmatiek, Hermeneutiek, Heilige Gees, Systematic Theology, Hermeneutics, Holy Spirit