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CHRIST SEMINARY – Polokwane
(A Ministry of Christ Baptist Church Polokwane)
Historical Theology I
Lecturer: Johann Odendaal
First Semester – January – June
1. INTRODUCTION
Why is it important to study Church History?
o Some might argue that it is not necessary to bother about...
CHRIST SEMINARY – Polokwane
(A Ministry of Christ Baptist Church Polokwane)
Historical Theology I
Lecturer: Johann Odendaal
First Semester – January – June
1. INTRODUCTION
Why is it important to study Church History?
o Some might argue that it is not necessary to bother about the past, since it
is only the present that matters.
o Still others may question the relevancy of Church History. To that, us as
Christians can boldly reply that:
The whole of the Christian past concerns us and makes claims on us.
We should allow the history of the Church to mould us and teach us,
positively and negatively, how to live with confidence in the present.
It forms an important link between the Scriptures and practical
theology. One learns how the Word was obeyed and disobeyed.
Church history can be very good illustrations and commentaries on
the preaching of the Word.
Church history provides a challenge for the future since the list of
faithful preachers and defenders of the faith becomes longer by the
year – Tertullian, Athanasius, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards,
Carey and others.
Church history provides practical tools for pastors in the sense that
we could speak intelligently on theological issues.
Lastly, Church history provides confirmation of the truth of the
Gospel.
It is especially the study of the patristics that is important.1
The whole question of the relevance of Church History is a neglected one in South Africa.
Too many historians are too busy writing history that they seldom ask why they are writing
history. Others again only look on the issue of historical objectivity and understanding,
instead of asking the question: What is the relevance of Church history?
2. Definitions:
The Collins English Dictionary defines the term relevant as ‘having direct bearing on
the matter in hand.’
The Oxford Dictionary has a similar definition. Relevancy is described as ‘the quality
or fact of being relevant.’ Relevant is described as ‘bearing upon, connected with,
pertinent to the matter in hand.’
1
J. A. Stoop in his book, Introduction to Theology, I. H. Eybers, et al (eds), (3rd edition
Pretoria: N. G. Kerkboekhandel, 1982, p 135) argues that “the Church remains the central
concern of these (patristic) writings too; their point of departure is overwhelmingly Biblical
and it is this that makes their study so topical for the contemporary theologian.”
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There are historians such as G. Connell-Smith and H. A. Lloyd that argue if history is
properly pursued, it will have particular relevance for society in an age of change.
(The Relevance of History, London, Heinemann Educational Books, 1972, p 3)
There is, however, a danger in this as well. One must be careful not to be so busy
with the relevance of history, that one abuse history for the purposes of the present
and the future.
3. The Relevance of Church History
3.1 To develop insight into the past.
The study of the past does indeed provide insight into it. It does, however, more
than that.
o The knowledge of past centuries, civilizations and movements provides first
of all insight into our existence as human beings.
o The study of history secondly teaches us not to make ready judgements on
movements, causes or persons until the facts and circumstances are as fully
known as possible to us.
o The study of Church history brings us into contact with great personalities
such as Tertullian, Irenaeus, Clement, Justin, and Augustine.
We must remember that the Early Church as a body of believers or as a Christian
community calls for our attention, especially for us as South Africans
o Firstly, to see what they believed and how they practiced their faith in Christ
Jesus.
o Secondly the study of the liturgics of the Early Church can shed some
valuable light on their understanding of worship which may help us in the
present.
o Thirdly, we have to focus on the special sense of unity and brotherhood,
which has characterized the Early Church for more than three centuries. It is
in their writings that the unity of all believers is reflected. It is Ignatius for
instance that speaks about the “universal” or “catholic” Church. (J.W.
Hofmeyr, Windows on Origins, Unisa 1985, p. 34,35)
3.2 To Understand the Present Age.
We are confronted today with a plurality of ecclesiastical and spiritual
movements comparable to those found in the Early Church. The insight that we
gain from the past will help us to better understand our unique present.
The issues that we struggle with are the same we find in patristic thought.
o For example, Clement and Tertullian discussed recognisable problems
such as how a good God could be supreme in a world of daily disasters.
The Church historian need not hesitate to make connections between past and
present as long as it is done responsibly. Responsibility in this respect implies
the checking of false presuppositions, the viewing of phenomena in their correct
context and the showing of understanding for the historical development of a
specific phenomenon.
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There is, however, a danger in this as well.
o To associate a present day religious phenomenon with a similar
movement in the past is risky. I. G. L du Plessis of the Full Gospel Church
of Southern Africa attempts to find roots of this Church in the Early
Church. He sees Montanism as one of the important roots of the
modern day Pentecostal movement. One needs to ask the question
whether he is not approaching Montanism on the one hand uncritically
and on the other hand whether he is not separating it from its true
historical context. (Pinkster- Panorama. ‘n Geskiedenis van die Volle
Evangelie kerk van God in Suidelike Afrika 1910 – 1983. Irene: Volle
Evangelie Kerk van God, 1984, p3)
In conclusion it can be stated that there is practically no present situation of
which the roots cannot be discovered in history. Although the Early Church is
chronologically far distant from the contemporary Church, tendencies in the
Early Church can by means of analogy be inferred, which can in turn suggest
directives for the future of the Church as well.
The study of Church history can become irrelevant and futile if it is studied for its
own sake.
o Church history must be studied for its relevance.
o Church history needs to be understood.
o Church history must be applied and to do that, objectivity and
responsibility is imperative.
o Presuppositions must be checked. The historical process and the critical
viewing of different religious phenomena must be properly understood
in their correct contexts.
4. A Christian Perspective of History
“The long story of the Christian Church is a panorama of lights and shadows, of
achievements and failure, of conquests and divisions. It has exhibited the divine life
marvellously transforming the lives of men. It has also exhibited those passions and
weaknesses of which human nature is capable. Its tasks have seemed, in every age,
almost insuperable. They were never greater than at present when confronted by a
materialistic interpretation of life, and when the threat of atomic war endangers the
whole fabric of civilisation. Yet no Christian can survey what the Church has done
without confidence in its future. Its changes may be many, its struggles great. But the
great hand of God which has led it hitherto will guide it to larger usefulness in the
advancement of the kingdom of its Lord, and towards the fulfilment of His prediction
that if He be lifted up He would draw all men unto Him.” 2
4.1 Definitions
“Church history, then, is the interpreted record of the origin, progress and impact of
Christianity upon human society, based upon organised data gathered by scientific
methods from archaeological, documentary or living sources. 3
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(Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church, Revised edition; T & T Clark, Edinburgh, 1963, p
545
3 (Cairns; Christianity through the Centuries, p. 14)
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