HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies (Dec 2001)

Postmoderniteit: Krisis of uitdaging? Die rol van teoloe se Skritbeskouing

  • Gert Malan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v57i1/2.1888
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 57, no. 1/2
pp. 623 – 648

Abstract

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Postmodernity: Crisis or challenge? An examination of the role played by the way Scripture is viewed. Theologians see the postmodern era either as a crisis or a challenge, depending on their view of Scripture and on the roots of the postmodern era. This is illustrated by contrasting the views of Johan Janse van Rensburg and Andries van Aarde. The view of Johan Janse van Rensburg is described as "foundationalist". According to this view, science is viewed as only being possible when built on indubitable facts. As the philosophies of the modern era are questioned by those of the postmodern era, the "foundationalist" view of Scripture experiences the new era as a crisis. Andries van Aarde sees postmodernity as a positive challenge to the church. This optimism is founded on a view of Scripture that can withstand the scrutiny of the postmodern era built on the insights of Jacques Derrida. In order for the church and theology to take up the demands of the new era, this article hopes to prompt the on the view of Scripture.