Belydenisgebondenheid in 'n postmoderne era Translated title: The binding to confessions in a postmodern era

Abstract

Die huidige tydsgewrig word gekenmerk deur 'n paradigmaverskuiwing tussen Modernisme en Postmodernisme op feitlik elke terrein van die lewe. Dit geld ook vir die terrein van die kerk en teologie. Hierdie paradigmaverskuiwing het verreikende konsekwensies, veral vir kerke in die reformatoriese tradisie en die beoefening van reformatoriese teologie in soverre die binding aan die gereformeerde belydenis ter sprake is. Vanuit die Postmodernisme word die standpunt gehuldig dat daar geen absolute waarheid is nie. Dit geld ook vir die Skrif. Wat hermeneutiek betref, handhaaf die Postmodernisme die beginsels van deduksie soos geformuleer deur Derrida. Volgens hierdie beginsels het 'n teks geen betekenis in sigself nie, maar skep dit betekenis. Daar is niks buite die teks nie. Hierdie opvatting lei tot radikale relativisme. Teenoor die postmodernistiese standpunt handhaaf reformatoriese hermeneutiek die standpunt dat die Skrif die onfeilbare Woord van God is wat ewige waarhede verkondig. In die belydenisskrifte van kerke in die reformatoriese tradisie word hierdie waarheid geformuleer. Belydenisskrifte behoort tot die wese van die kerk. Die binding aan die belydenis geld daarom vir elke lidmaat sowel as ampsdraers en ook professore in die teologie. In hierdie verband is geen kompromie met Postmodernisme moontlik nie.

Translated abstract

We are experiencing a paradigm shift between Modernism and Postmodernism in almost every sphere of life, and also in the sphere of church and theology. This paradigm shift has far-reaching consequences, especially for churches in the reformed tradition and the practice of reformed theology as far as the binding to the confessions is concerned. From the viewpoint of Postmodernism, there is no absolute truth. This applies also to Scripture. As far as their hermeneutics is concerned, they adhere to the principles of deduction as formulated by Derrida. According to these principles, a text has no intrinsic meaning but rather creates meaning. There is nothing outside the text. This leads to radical relativism. Over against the postmodern view, reformed hermeneutics maintain that Scripture is the infallible Word of God and proclaims everlasting truth. In the confessions this truth is formulated. Confessions belong to the very essence of the church. The binding to the confessions therefore applies to every member as well as all office-bearers and also professors in theology. In this regard there can be no compromise with Postmodernism.