Oor die inhoud en boodskap van die Heidelbergse Kategismus
Loading...
Date
2014
Authors
Smit, D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
English: The essay argues that it is meaningful to speak about the theme, content and message
of the Heidelberg Catechism, although these three should be distinguished. A first
section claims that the Catechism shows more of a single argument and purpose
than many other catechisms of the time, because they often consisted of a mere
compilation of diverse material, without clear purpose. A second section further
develops this claim by showing how the comfort of the first question and answer
forms the continuing motif, providing the theme and structure of the Catechism. A
third section serves as reminder of Barth’s claim that Jesus Christ is the content of
this comfort and therefore of the Heidelberg Catechism. A fourth section suggests a
final distinction, arguing that the message is still different from the purpose, theme
and content, since it depends on specific readers in their own contexts, as the
reception history has shown.
Description
Keywords
Heidelberg Catechism, Catechism, Karl Barth, Comfort
Citation
Smit, D. (2014). Oor die inhoud en boodskap van die Heidelbergse Kategismus. Acta Theologica, 34, 50-73.