Die belewing van geloofsekerheid by die Gereformeerde Afrikaanssprekende adolessente leerder

English: Changes in the spiritual and educational milieu are inevitable in a society undergoing transformation, such as South Africa. These changes gave rise to the urgent need for this research, which was consequently undertaken with the following goal: • To determine how Reformed Afrikaans-speaking adolescent learners experience certainty of faith. The study begins with a systematised exposition of certainty of faith with a view to conducting the qualitative research in Chapter 2. The initial investigation focuses on how faith is explained in the subject literature, so that a concept of faith can be developed with specific reference to the adolescent. The modern adolescent is placed in perspective in Chapter 3, with the emphasis on important biological, physiological and psychological changes taking place during adolescence, as well as the psychosocial, physiological and related developmental tasks of the adolescent. The adolescent's quest for personal identity is characterised by spontaneous self-discovery, the development of self-esteem and strong individuality. Attention is also given, inter alia, to the adolescent's relationship with his school and community, his social relationships and his relationship with his peers. The moral and religious values of the adolescent are also addressed. The parents, the teachers, the peer group, the church and finally the community are factors that influence the certainty of faith experienced by adolescents. This is discussed in detail in Chapter 4. The method and process of the qualitative research are explained in Chapter 5. An empirical research investigation was conducted in order to ascertain the certainty of faith experienced by adolescents in the four Reformed churches in the Free State as far as humanly possible. Qualitative research was also used to establish personal contact with adolescents in order to gain first-hand insight into the certainty of faith experienced by them. This is followed by the processing of the qualitative research data in Chapter 6. The qualitative research was conducted to determine how the modern Afrikaans-speaking adolescent experiences certainty of faith. It was clear that the mentioned adolescents experience certainty of faith. They are also endeavouring to live according to God's will, to exercise a positive influence on others and to avoid non-Christian groups. Some of them even intend to pursue Christian careers later on in their lives. The important role of the parent in the adolescent's certainty of faith clearly came to the fore in the research. Parents who gave adolescents the right guidance from a young age are reaping the rewards thereof today. It was also proved that parents should continue with their task, particularly in these times characterised by changes in attitudes regarding moral values, standards and views about ways of life. Ministers do not realise what an important role they play in dealing with adolescents in the confirmation class. This applies not only to the knowledge they must impart; their attitude towards and relationship with each individual are also of the utmost importance. The conclusion (Chapter 7) indicates the recommendations, the strengths of the study and the shortcomings of the qualitative research, as well as further guidelines for research. This study makes a contribution towards highlighting the central meaning of certainty in the confession of faith and religious life of the Christian adolescent. The adolescent believer knows who he believes in, and if he believes unconditionally in Him, he accepts His Word with the same commitment. The data indicate that adolescents who want to confirm their faith, experience certainty of faith that is not always theologically formulated.