Lidmate se houding teenoor kerkvereniging in die NGK-familie: 'n kruiskulturele ondersoek na enkele veranderlikes

Abstract

The unity of the church of Christ is a spiritual reality, which finds its origin in the triune God. Although unity is a spiritual reality given by God himself, a comprehensive, visible expression of this essential unity must be achieved. The family of Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa is currently struggling to achieve visible unity. In this study, two research questions were posed. Firstly, what is members of the family of Dutch Reformed Churches’ attitude towards church unification? Secondly, are there statistically significant differences among members of the family of Dutch Reformed of Churches’ attitude towards church unification when home language, level of education and monthly income are taken into account? A total of 223 respondents were included, which consisted of 104 (46,6%) Dutch Reformed Church members, 72 (32,3%) DRC in Africa members and 47 (21,1%) Uniting Reformed Church members. The Attitude towards Church Unification Questionnaire was utilized. Statistical analysis concluded that members of the Dutch Reformed Churches in all the different denominations have a positive attitude towards church unification. The variable found to have the greatest influence on the attitude of church members was home language. Monthly household income was also significant at the 5% level, while level of education did not have a statistically significant influence on people’s attitude towards church unification.