Die Gereformeerde Skrifbeskouing en die verrekening van die sosiohistoriese konteks in die eksegeseproses

Abstract

The Reformed view of Scripture and the utilisation of the socio-historic context in the process of exegesis

At present the issue whether and how the socio-historic context of parts of Scripture should be utilised in the process of exegetical interpretation is being debated in certain circles within the GKSA. This debate includes the issue whether the use of individual cups during Holy Communion services is Scripturally correct, and whether women should be allowed to serve in church offices. The construction of an applicable socio-historic context as well as the way in which data from this construction are utilised will probably have a decisive effect on the outcome of the debate. The argument developed in this article does not primarily cover the content matter of the debate. The aim of the article is rather to focus on the fundamentals of the Reformed view of Scripture and to determine the necessity of utilising the socio-historic context in the process of exegesis. Consequently it is also an attempt to formulate the applicable implications of such an approach in the process of exegesis.