Abstract

DIEDERICKS, Morné  and  COETZEE, Carel F.C.. The teachings on providence from the reformed confessions seen against Adrio König's teachings on providence - a Dogma-historical evaluation. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2013, vol.47, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2305-0853.

König is a contemporary and influential theologian and his views can not be ignored (Strauss 2004:123). König (2002:13) regards himself as a reformed theologian, but his doctrine on providence differs from the classic reformed view. In some cases, König's theology is viewed as reformed (eg. his doctrine on justification) but not in all cases, as is the case with the doctrine on providence (Strauss 2004:139). According to König (2002:33) the classic reformed understanding of providence is not comforting. Also, according to König, the classic reformed view of providence indicates God as an evil God who ordains evil, and then sits back and watches as it unfolds. König's (2002:237) solution for the problem of the classic reformed view is that God is not fully in control, but that He only will be in control one day. This view of König is in conflict with the reformed confession which confesses that God through his providential hand maintains and governs all things. The conclusion is that König's doctrine of providence is not comforting in the light of the reformed confession, and that it only causes more confusion and despair.

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