Teologie kroniek: Skrifverstaan en die Nuwe Hervorming1 Theology Chronicle: Understanding of Scripture and the “New Reformation”

Abstract

During the last decade a group of South African theologians have stirred a part of the Afrikaans ecclesiastical community with statements  and arguments on several faith issues, including the interpretation of the Bible. Adherents of the movement call themselves the New Reformation (“Nuwe Hervorming”). This theology chronicle is an attempt to touch on some hermeneutical challenges for understanding Scripture. To the Church the Bible is the norm and source of faith. Paradigm shifts have been caused by the Enlightenment and influenced the understanding of Scripture. Historical Criticism, for example, has brought multiple perspectives to the reading of biblical texts. More approaches to biblical understanding originated. For the ordinary Bible reader and believer these approaches sometimes seem to be confusing. This explanation is an attempt to create better understanding for Bible reading in our times. It concludes with a short assessment of the current role  the New Reformation movement plays in the hermeneutical debate.