Die Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie (1962-1999) as Christelike organisasie – die betekenis daarvan vir toekomstige Christelike aksies

Abstract

The Institute for Reformational Studies (1962-1999) as a Christian organisation-its relevance for future Christian actions During a period of 37 years the Institute for Reformational Studies (IRS) fulfilled a unique role at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education. In spite of this, the IRS was closed down at the end of 1999. This happened while, in an increasingly secularised South Africa, there clearly is a growing need to provide direction in all domains of life. This article, therefore, asks the question about possible reasons for the termination of this Institute. The answer to the problem is given from a worldview perspective. The aim of the investigation is to provide, derived from the history of the IRS, some practical guidelines to future Christian actions. Opsomming Die Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie (1962-1999) as Christelike organisasie-die betekenis daarvan vir toekomstige Christelike aksies Vir 37 jaar het die Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie (IRS) 'n besondere plek aan die destydse Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys gehad. Ten spyte daarvan is die IRS einde 1999 gesluit. Dit het gebeur terwyl daar in 'n toenemende gesekulariseerde Suid-Afrika 'n steeds groter

Perspectives

“…The IRS also publicly appealed to its members to accept the TRC and participate in its important work (cf. Van der Walt, 1996b). I do hope, Steve, that these fragments from history will provide enough background -at least according to my own viewpoint -to give one important reason why the IRS did not survive to see the 21st century.…”

“…My first book in Afrikaans on the problems and possible solutions in this regard, appeared before my retirement at the IRS (cf. Van der Walt, 1999).…”

Perspektiewe vir ’n normatiewe politiek: die boodskap van die Instituut vir Reformatoriese Studie (IRS) tydens ’n stormagtige staatkundige tydperk (1976-1996) in Suid-Afrika

“…Die IRS het vanaf 1962 tot 1999 aan die Potchefstroomse Universiteit vir Christelike Hoër Onderwys bestaan. Vir oorsigte oor die hele periode van sy ontstaan en eventuele sluiting kan Van der Walt (2006;2008) en Van Eeden (2006) geraadpleeg word (vgl. Bibliografie, A).…”