’n Prakties-teologiese perspektief op die handeling van kerklike besluitneming – verkenning en normatiewe gesigspunte

Abstract

A practical-theological perspective on the act of making ecclesiastical resolutions – exploration and normative points or view From the ecclesiastical praxis it seems that in certain cases even resolutions that were considered to be handled prayerfully under guidance of the Spirit are met with resistance. In the light of this problematic praxis, the following research question has been formulated for this research project: Up to what extent does the problematic praxis with respect to ecclesiastical resolutions flow from an oversimplified perception concerning the pneumatological dynamics involved in resolutions of which it is said: “The Holy Spirit and we resolved”? In order to address this research question, the problem field is investigated with the present theological vantage points concerning the explanation of the resolution process as departure point. The research field is further explored by trying to come to grips with the socio-logical and psychological factors that influence human be-haviour during the resolution-making process. In an investi-gation into normative vantage points, the pneumatological field that unfolds when a resolution of “The Holy Spirit and us” mate-rialises, is explored from Acts 15. The researchers reach the conclusion that the process of making ecclesiastical resolutions is indeed a complex process. This process can degenerate into polarisation when a sound balance between anthroponomic and teonomic factors is not maintained.