Skrifgebruik en samelewing die Apostoliese Geloofsending van Suid-Afrika

Abstract

This article is an attempt to describe the use of the Bible in the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa (AFM). From the early stages of the church's humble beginnings, the use of Scripture changed in accordance with the social and intellectual development of its members. In the early stages there seemed to have been a more spontaneous interaction with the Bible which later made way for a more argumentative approach. Factors like the development of a centralised church system and the need to be accepted in the local church society in the country had a definite influence on the use of Scripture. Although strong emphasis was placed on the experiental aspect of faith, some of the leading members felt the need for theological training. Those who felt this need studied mostly at Reformed faculties which undeniably influenced their new of Scripture. From a spontaneous application of the Bible in the everyday life of the believer, a more formal attitude has developed towards the Bible and its application. From the research it is clear that there is a noticeable correlation between the use of Scripture in the AFM and the society in which the church finds itself