Resumen

DU PLOOY, Andries L.. Calvin's fourth office, the doctor ministry, and article 18 of the church order of Dordrecht 1618 and 1619: A critical reflection. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2014, vol.48, n.2, pp.01-11. ISSN 2305-0853.

This article focuses on Calvin's special role in the ecclesiastical formulation of articles 2 and 18 in the church order of Dordrecht 1618 and 1619, which is still retained in a large number of reformed church orders in the reformed fellowship of churches. Topics and issues which are addressed include questions such as: Who is responsible for the teaching of Theology? Is the tradition valid that the doctorial or professorial office in theology exists as a fourth office beside that of ministers, elders and deacons? Is this tradition, which mainly rests on the views of Bucer and Calvin, correct in terms of the Bible? Particular attention to the following aspects is given: Historical data on the doctor ecclesiae focusing on the views and influence of Calvin. A critical evaluation of the foundation of the fourth office on the Bible. The relationship between theological training in the context of a church and/or a university. A special investigation of the situation within the Reformed Churches in South Africa in this regard. Important conclusions are made, for example that the church through the ages had a very high esteem and respect for the office of the doctor in Theology; that this fourth office is still retained in many reformed churches, with great blessing. Calvin's views did cause some confusion on the one hand, but on the other hand it contributed to the acknowledgement of the important function the doctors in Theology have on behalf of the church and in the faculties of Theology at universities.

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