Thesis (Th. M.)--Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, 1986. / Bibliography: leaves 114-125.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, 1986. / Bibliography: leaves 114-125.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, 1986. / Bibliography: leaves 114-125.

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 1983. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-59).

Thesis (Th. M.)--Dallas Theological Seminary, 1983. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 50-59).

Akademisk afhandling--Lund.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, 1978. / Typescript.

No description available.

This theological-critical study covers the forty year period dating from 1962-2002. The study aims to give a perspective of the prophetic role played by the Dutch Reformed Church (hereafter abbreviated to DRC) regarding the South African government. The period is defined in particular by the diverse eras in which the DRC had to function. The prophetic role the DRC ascribed to itself was seen in a serious light. However, the DRC occasionally struggled to fulfil this role objectively as it became drawn into the realities of a particularly intense era. On the one extreme, from 1948 up to the early seventies the DRC found itself in the era of Afrikaner nationalism. During this period, the DRC moved too close to government sentiment and leaned towards Neo Calvinism. While the DRC supported the National Party government of the day, it still had the interest of the various groups at heart. âRas, Volk en Nasieâ was published in 1974 but was however revised. Ecumenical pressure on the DRC increased. Peaceful co-existence was of prime importance and the intentions well meant. The policy however ran into difficulties. Even before Soweto Day 1976, there was a shift in attitude by the DRC and the DRC exercised its prophetic calling by admonishing the government on various issues. The press saw the DRC as the guardian of public morals in South Africa during this time. The church exercised its prophetic calling by challenging government and giving voice to its opinion on numerous public issues. The relationship between the DRC and the government was still on a very good footing and could be described as close. However, it became clear that the doors of government were not always open to the DRC. The DRC was gradually seen to be more emphatic and by 1986, the shift at each synod had become more intense. Voices raised in criticism were more vociferous. âKerk en Samelewingâ (1986) replaced âRas, Volk en Nasieâ (1974). The DRC tried being less prescriptive. In doing so the DRC became at times too timorous regarding its prophetic voice, also in regard to the new dispensation. The DRC as theological entity continued to serve the nation during these years en route to transition by preaching hope and forgiveness, reconciliation and peace from both the Word and Creed. During this period, one is aware to a greater extent of the role postmodernism played. This too left its mark on the DRC. The DRC would also not entirely escape the intensity of the liberal democracy during this era. Also during this period, the DRC experienced the other extreme of Black Nationalist freedom under the ANC-government. Here â in conjunction with other churches â the voice of the DRC against social injustice is not always very audible. This, is partly due to the fact that the doors of the new government are far less accessible to the church. The DRCâs voice on public morality is becoming all the quieter. The DRC has endeavoured throughout to be a true church. In the current era, the DRC is very aware of its God-given prophetic calling. The two opposite contextsâ in which the DRC found itself as prophet in the different eras tested its prophetic calling to the utmost. Together with a number of important theological-critical remarks in the final chapter, one of the primary aspects of the church as prophet was intercession, and this the DRC practised devotedly throughout the era of 1962-2002.

Thesis (M.A.)--Catholic Theological Union, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-137).