The Heidelberg Catechism: Elements for a theology of care
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Date
2014
Authors
De Lange, F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
English: This article proposes a fresh reading of the Heidelberg Catechism from the
perspective of an ethics of care, a new paradigm of doing ethics, strongly influenced
by feminist philosophy. In its anthropology, this approach in ethics emphasizes
human relationality, mutual dependency and vulnerability. Though there are strong
affinities with theological anthropology, the ethics of care still lacks a theological
framework. The thesis argued here, is that the Heidelberg Catechism offers essential
elements for a “theology of care”. It describes 1. God as a caring, ‘mothering”
God; 2. human beings as having care as their essence and divine vocation; and
3. the relationship between God and human beings as a relationship of mutual care.
The care perspective in the Heidelberg Catechism is limited, however, because it
does not give a full account of the open endedness of the relationship between God
and humanity.
Description
Keywords
Heidelberg Catechism, Theology of care, Ethics of care, Theological framework
Citation
de Lange, F. (2014). The Heidelberg Catechism: Elements for a theology of care. Acta Theologica, 34, 156-173.