Abstract
With a view to the theme of church renewal, this article explores the role of a well-known and popular phrase in the Reformed tradition within Protestantism, that is, ecclesia reformata semper reformanda [‘the reformed church should always be reformed’]. Is this a helpful slogan when considering the possibilities and the limitations of church renewal? Firstly, the historical background of this phrase is described: it is rooted in the Dutch Reformed tradition, and only in the 20th century it was widely recognised in Reformed circles. Against this background the hermeneutical problem, linked with the principle of sola Scriptura, is presented, and put into an ecumenical ecclesiological perspective: the church is grounded in the gospel. Finally, the article focuses on church polity as an important field of renewal, taking into account Karl Barth’s interpretation of this phrase. From this perspective, a balanced and ecumenical approach of church renewal is possible.
Highlights
A reformation contains ‘a turbulent something’, Dutch Reformed theologian Arnold van Ruler wrote, half a century ago
In a more common form, ecclesia reformata semper reformanda is a well-known and popular rallying cry in the Reformed tradition within Protestantism. Is it a helpful slogan when considering the pros and cons, the possibilities and the limitations, of church renewal? This is a relevant question in the context of ongoing theological discussions on ecclesial renewal, from a missional perspective
Paul Haffner emphasises that ecclesia reformata semper reformanda is a shortened form of a motto of the Protestant Reformation, Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est secundum verbum Dei (‘the reformed Church must be always reforming according to the Word of God’), which refers to the Protestant position that the church must continually re-examine itself, reconsider its doctrines, and be prepared to accept change, in order to conform more closely to orthodox Christian belief as revealed in the Bible
Summary
A reformation contains ‘a turbulent something’, Dutch Reformed theologian Arnold van Ruler wrote, half a century ago. Paul Haffner emphasises that ecclesia reformata semper reformanda is a shortened form of a motto of the Protestant Reformation, Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda est secundum verbum Dei (‘the reformed Church must be always reforming according to the Word of God’), which refers to the Protestant position that the church must continually re-examine itself, reconsider its doctrines, and be prepared to accept change, in order to conform more closely to orthodox Christian belief as revealed in the Bible.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
