Original Research - Special Collection: UP Faculty of Theology Centenary Volume One

Die funksie en doel van die Apostoliese Geloofbelydenis

Ignatius W.C. Van Wyk
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 72, No 4 | a3497 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v72i4.3497 | © 2016 Ignatius W.C. Van Wyk | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 18 May 2016 | Published: 17 November 2016

About the author(s)

Ignatius W.C. Van Wyk, Department Church History and Church Polity, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Reformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

The article deals with the function and aim of the Apostles’ Creed in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa – and for that matter, all other Reformed churches. The history of the Credo is carefully described. By so doing the earliest uses of the Creed are established. This information is necessary to determine the present-day function and aim of our confession.

The relationship between faith, confession and the catechisms also provides important perspectives on the role of the Creed in the life of the church. The ecumenical nature of the church and the unity amongst Christians are emphasised. Unity with previous generations also receives attention as one of the main functions of the Credo.

In the article, attention is further given to a variety of misunderstandings about the Creed. Due to the fact that the confessional documents interpret the Credo, these documents tend to receive a status beyond the original intention. The Reformed understanding of the doctrinal standards is therefore explained.


Keywords

Apostoliese Geloofbelydenis

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