Browsing by Author "Pieters, B. J."

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    Die korrelasie tussen geloof en openbaring as aanduiding van die aard van die Skrifgesag in die teologie van Prof. G.C. Berkouwer
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1991-11) Pieters, B. J.; Theron, P. F.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim with this study is to determine whether an essential correlation exists between the nature of salvation (indicated as the correlation between faith and grace) and the nature of the authority of Scripture in the theology of prof. G. C. Berkouwer. The claims of scientific credibility make it necessary for the theologian to explain the formal and materialistic relations between the confession of scriptural authority and scientific credibility. During the late 1960s a debate on the theological method of Berkouwer was stimulated by an article of H. Berkhof. In 1973 Jonker asked whether Berkhof was correct in his interpretation of the correlation between faith and revelation as a methodological criterion in Berkouwer 's theology. Berkouwer has tried to escape from the polarity of the subject-object schemes. His theological debate with Roman Catholic theology and Karl Barth suits his purpose to develop a theology that recognises the possibility of a "direct revelation in Scripture", and of faith as a gift from God. In His revelation of Himself God speaks to man and calls him to faith. Therefore, the authority of Scripture cannot exist as a mechanical authority or merely as a result of existing relations. Faith correlates with the revelation, that calls man to faith and submission. In the light of this conviction Berkouwer has not only developed his functional doctrine of Scripture, but also his theological method. Berkouwer looked for the Scripture 's own paradigm to use it as the only logical methodological criterion. This he found in the concept of direct revelation. As faith correlates with revelation, correlation is not the methodological criterion of Berkouwer, but an indication of the nature of the authority of Scripture. The essential correlation that exists between the nature of salvation and the nature of Scriptural authority results in a functional doctrine of Scripture. The authority of Scripture is religious and relational, and as such its boundaries determines the task of theology.