Strauss, P. J.2016-07-202016-07-202014Strauss, P. J. (2014). Die kerk, maatskappy en vrye verenigings:’n studie van die kerkorde van die NG kerk. Acta Theologica, 34(2), 134-146.1015-8758 (print)2309-9089 (online)http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/actat.v34i2.8http://hdl.handle.net/11660/3483The church, society and free societies: a study of the church order of the DRC In its stipulantions for the church in its actions against or with the other institutions and societies in society, the order of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) is unique among reformed churches. Two main principles guide these stipulations of the DRC-CO. The first one is that such a society or organization should be based on Christian principles and be able to show it convincingly in practice. The second one is that the well-known principle used in Neo-Calvinistic thought namely that of "sovereignty in its own sphere" should be used to normalize such relations. Nearly the same articles in the same words with regard to the church, society and free societies have remained now for over 50 years in an ever changing church order.afSupport of the churchInstitutions or societies in societyBasis of institutionArticleFaculty of Theology, University of the Free State