The didactic nature of Calvin's De Scandalis

 

Die didaktiese aard van Calvyn se De Scandalis

 

 

P.C. Potgieter

Department of Systematic Theology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. E-mail: pcpotgieter@telkomsa.net

 

 

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ABSTRACT

In this article the author explores the didactic nature and value of Calvin's "De Scandalis" (1550). The reformer's clear intention was to provide guidelines for strengthening those believers grappling with all kinds of stumbling blocks on the Christian's path towards sanctification. Moreover, the questions that he attempted to answer are questions of faith even in the 21st century. It is argued that sound didactic principles are found throughout this publication of Calvin's. For that reason it was -and still is - a powerful aid to those belonging to the church of Christ in dealing with the obstacles and temptations that they may experience in their spiritual lives: Biblical truths that the world may regard as foolishness; offensive and scandalous conduct by people within the church; and calumnies brought forward by adversaries of the gospel. In this context Calvin proves himself to be the catechist par excellence and an enduring example of the conscientious teacher living by the principles of Holy Scripture.

Key concepts: Calvin; catechist; didactics; stumbling blocks

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OPSOMMING

Die artikel behels 'n ondersoek na die didaktiese aard en waarde van Calvyn se publikasie "De Scandalis" (1550). Sy klaarblyklike oogmerk was om riglyne daar te stel tot geloofsversterking van Christene wat met allerlei struikelblokke op die weg van heiliging worstel. Die outeur toon aan hoe die kwessies waarop Calvyn antwoorde wou bied, selfs nog vir die gelowige van die 21e eeu relevant is, en dat gesonde opvoedkundige beginsels hierdie geskrif van Calvyn deurgaans kenmerk. Presies daarom was dit - en is dit nog steeds - 'n uitstekende hulpmiddel vir mense wat aan die kerk van Christus behoort en in hulle geestelike lewe te staan kom voor allerlei struikelblokke en versoekings: Bybelse waarhede wat deur die wêreld as dwaasheid afgemaak word; aanstootlike en skandalige gedrag van mense binne die kerk; asook lasterlikhede of beswaddering van die kant van teenstanders van die evangelie. Binne hierdie konteks bewys Calvyn homself as eksegeet by uitnemendheid en as blywende voorbeeld van die betroubare leermeester wat self deur die beginsels van die Heilige Skrif gelei word.

Kernbegrippe: Calvyn; didaktiek; kategeet; struikelblokke

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