Troos vir bedelaar en sondaar. 'n Teologies-kritiese ondersoek na die verband tussen lewenspeil en verlossing van sonde in die Gereformeerde tradisie en die betekenis daarvan vir 'n Christelike lewenstyl in Suider-Afrika (Afrikaans)

Abstract

The meditation <I>Sinner and beggar</I> of Noordmans is used as a heuristic instrument to conduct a critical theological inquiry into the relationship between <I>standard of living</I> and the<I> forgiveness of sins</I> in the Reformed tradition. <p> According to Noordmans the <I>beggar</I> (Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31) unlike the <I>sinner</I> (the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14) repents not only in a brief moment, but testifies with the totality of his existence to his heavenly inheritance. The intimate relation between <I>physical suffering</I> and <I>salvation</I> that Noordmans deducts from the parables, is compared with the parable interpretations of a few selected commentators. The content of his meditation is analysed against the background of his theological thought in general. <p> Noordmanss critique on the views of Pierson and the <I>Heidelberg Catechism, Sunday 10</I>, on Providence is placed in perspective by Calvins <I>general guidelines on the correct use of earthly comforts</I>. The connection between Calvin and contemporary society is brought about by examining exponents of neo-Calvinism (Kuyper) and Liberation theology (Gutiérrez). The perspectives on the relation between <I>standard of living</I> and the <I>forgiveness of sins</I> of Heyns, Bosch and Mofokeng are investigated to verge upon the Southern African situation. <p> The particular angles of interlocutors on <I>creation, eternal life</I> and <I>responsibility </I> with regard to the relationship between standard of<I> living</I> and <I>forgiveness of sins</I> are systematically scrutinized. From this analysis a <I>B&S-SCHEME</I> (beggar-and-sinner-scheme) evolves an aid to a more nuanced reflection on theological propositions concerning the relationship between <I>standard of living</I> and the <I>forgiveness of sins</I>.