Die verwerkliking van die geloof in die kerklike kategese: basisteoretiese perspektiewe

Abstract

Relevant subject-related literature and empirical studies indicate that the relation of children of the covenant with God often stagnates after their confirmation of faith. Furthermore, they often do not progress towards experiencing their faith. According to empirical data and views expressed in subject-related literature, it seems as if the Bible and biblical material are treated only objectively during the years of catechetical instruction and children are often not guided adequately towards a subjective experience of their faith. Dogmatically this article highlights the relation between the objective receiving of salvation (fides quae creditur) and the subjective receiving and practising of salvation (fides qua creditur). The grace of God does not imply that children of the covenant become passive beings. On the contrary, the promises and the call of salvation require of children of the covenant to acquire an active attitude towards faith and to experience the total extent of the covenant of grace. In the course of catechetical instruction children of the covenant should be actively guided to share in God’s covenantal grace. The baptism of children of the covenant actually implies an urge and responsibility towards a new obedience. God also uses the means of ecclesiastical catechism to guide children through the activity of the Word and Spirit towards the receiving of salvation. The promises of God, however, require a response. The confirmation of faith should lead to the experiencing and realisation of faith.