“Historiese kritiek” as “teologiese eksegese” en die belang daarvan vir die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk se Skrifbeskouing

Abstract

“Historical criticism” as “theological exegesis”, and its importance for the view of Scripture in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk

Presently the use of Scripture is under debate in the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk. Pastors have been theologically trained in the historical critical paradigm. However, the reality is that of a rather fundamentalist approach of many ministers and members of the church. This article argues that the historical critical approach to Scripture should be more effectively communicated. Ministers are challenged to communicate the historical context and problems surrounding the understanding of texts, rather than to use texts as basic propositions to be adhered to. The article argues that this aim can be enhanced when Rudolf Bultmann’s concept of theological exegesis is applied. Not only should the exegete ask what a text meant, but should also ask to what reality and new self-understanding such an exegesis leads.