'Jou enigste troos': pastorale perspektiewe en motiewe uit die Heidelbergse Kategismus

Abstract

The primary aim in establishing the Heidelberg Catechism (HC ) was that it should serve as a doctrinal learning book for the youth and as a "preaching book " for reformed preachers. In research done up to now little or no attention has been given to the fact that the HC may also have a pastoral impact. This "gap" in research forms the topic for this article. Because the first answer and question of the HC fulfils a prominent part in the set-up of the whole book , it is being investigated for possible pastoral perspectives. Furthermore it is indicated where and how these pastoral perspectives occur and function as pastoral motives in the rest of the HC and how these perspectives and motives could be applied in the field of the pastoral ministry.