This study examines the validity and reconcilability of the Scriptural view of Sakkie Spangenberg with regard to Reformed Dogmatics. Spangenberg questions the fundamental truths of Christianity, including the descent of Jesus to hell, his resurrection, ascension, the doctrine on the Trinity and the fall of man. The focus of this study will answer the question: "How does the Scriptural view of Spangenberg compare to the traditional Reformed point of view"? The research will start with a comprehensive literature study, aided by computer assisted database searches, archives of newspapers and journals, as well as earlier publications of Spangenberg. Various factors that gave rise to the Scriptural view of Spangenberg, as well as the fundamental principles thereof, will be examined. The consequences of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg regarding the traditional doctrines are also determined. As a second leg of the study, the validity of the Reformed Scriptural view in a postmodern era is also examined. A conclusion is formed that the authority of the Reformed doctrines are set in the authority of the Word of God and is therefore also valid in a postmodern society. Research also indicated that there are various similarities between the Scriptural view of Spangenberg and the Scriptural view of the postmodernists. Before an evaluation of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg can be performed, an attempt is also made to provide a pure definition and formulation of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg. The paramount differences between the Reformed view of Scripture and that of Spangenberg are also indicated. A conclusion is formed that the view of Scripture of Spangenberg is not reconcilable with the Reformed view. It is also indicated that the view of Scripture of Spangenberg questions both the authority of the Word of God, as well as the salvation that Christ brought to the world. / Thesis (M.A. (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

This study examines the validity and reconcilability of the Scriptural view of Sakkie Spangenberg with regard to Reformed Dogmatics. Spangenberg questions the fundamental truths of Christianity, including the descent of Jesus to hell, his resurrection, ascension, the doctrine on the Trinity and the fall of man. The focus of this study will answer the question: "How does the Scriptural view of Spangenberg compare to the traditional Reformed point of view"? The research will start with a comprehensive literature study, aided by computer assisted database searches, archives of newspapers and journals, as well as earlier publications of Spangenberg. Various factors that gave rise to the Scriptural view of Spangenberg, as well as the fundamental principles thereof, will be examined. The consequences of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg regarding the traditional doctrines are also determined. As a second leg of the study, the validity of the Reformed Scriptural view in a postmodern era is also examined. A conclusion is formed that the authority of the Reformed doctrines are set in the authority of the Word of God and is therefore also valid in a postmodern society. Research also indicated that there are various similarities between the Scriptural view of Spangenberg and the Scriptural view of the postmodernists. Before an evaluation of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg can be performed, an attempt is also made to provide a pure definition and formulation of the Scriptural view of Spangenberg. The paramount differences between the Reformed view of Scripture and that of Spangenberg are also indicated. A conclusion is formed that the view of Scripture of Spangenberg is not reconcilable with the Reformed view. It is also indicated that the view of Scripture of Spangenberg questions both the authority of the Word of God, as well as the salvation that Christ brought to the world. / Thesis (M.A. (Dogmatics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

Like many denominations in the secularized West, the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec have been engaged in debates regarding sexuality and marriage over the past decade. As these debates have developed, it has become increasingly clear that at their center are differences in biblical interpretive practice. Yet it is my experience that, by and large, many evangelicals, particularly in the Canadian Baptist context, do not know how to discuss their interpretive practice. In order to work through difficult topics, such as the one mentioned above, Christians need to develop the ability to reflect both on how they are interpreting Scripture and how they see others interpreting Scripture, so that they can coherently and constructively discuss their interpretations with others with whom they disagree. In this dissertation, I utilize a hermeneutic theory, metamodern cultural theory, and a proposed revision of an integrative theological method, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, to develop a a paradigm for observing and describing differences in biblical interpretive practice. Using the aforementioned debates concerning sexuality and marriage as an illustrative example, the project reveals that metamodern interpretations of scripture are complex and tension-filled, and that amidst this complexity, the prioritization (or lack thereof) of theological reflection sources prompts particular interpretive applications. When they are able to perceive the multivalent nature of interpretation, readers are better equipped through this work to think carefully and critically about how they come to their interpretive conclusions and how those conclusions draw them towards faithful living in Christ via situational application of the biblical text.