Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Systematic Theology) by Subject "Church history"

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    Die ontstaansdatum van die Gereformeerde Kerk Potchefstroom: 'n teologies-kritiese studie
    (University of the Free State, 2010-05) Coetzee, Petrus Albertus; Britz, R. M.
    English: This study is conducted in the field of church historiography and is aimed at establishing the date of origin of the Reformed Church Potchefstroom. The reason is that both 1859 and 1863 are being accepted in this regard. The conclusion of this research opted for 1859. This is based on a thorough theological-critical questioning of all relevant primary sources. The study constitutes a reasoned contribution to the theological-ecclesiological debate that was initiated by the excellent work of Spoelstra Die Doppers in Suid-Afrika, 1760-1899 (1963). Obviously the result differs from that of Spoelstra. The first chapter presents an introduction to the study. It focuses on the merit, the object (primary sources) and methodology of the investigation. In chapter two the Church Order and minutes of the ecclesial meetings at Rustenburg between 10 and 14 February 1859 are traced. The third chapter engages the minutes of the second and third General Church Meetings on 16 April and 29 July 1859. The following chapter (chapter four) questions the minutes of the fourth, fifth and sixth General Church Meetings (21 November 1859 – 21 September 1861). Chapter five investigates the General Church Meetings and Synods of 1862 and 1863. One of the most fundamental ecclesiastical documents, the Church Order of 1859, is discussed in chapter six. Related to this is the accepted concept or understanding of the church, which is treated in chapter seven. The last chapter consists of the final conclusion. The investigation is not only merited by the establishment of a date of origin. The method employed (theological-critical) avoided all ecclesiastical polemics and apology. Thus a new and original perspective on the early history (1859-1863) of the Reformed Churches in South Africa is argued. This ensures a meaningful engagement with and understanding of this history. This history comes to its own right within the parameters of the catholicity of the church, because the sources were understood in terms of the church of Christ and therefore against the horizon of the Word of God.