Abstract
In the reformed tradition and theology, the doctrine of provi- dence has always been important and relevant, so much so that it forms an integral part of the reformed confessions. At the same time some of the most difficult theological questions are raised regarding this doctrine, questions like the following: Is God in control of everything? What is the relationship between the providence of God and sin, suffering, man’s responsibility, et cetera? In our times the doctrine as such is questioned or even rejected. What makes this topic even more important is the commemoration of the publication of Darwin’s book, “The origin of species”, coupled with the renewed emphasis on Darwinism, evolutionism and atheism.1 From the perspective of the Calvinistic-reformed theology and in the light of the com- memoration of Calvin’s birth 500 years ago, it is important to determine the relevance of Calvin’s thoughts on a number of important issues in the current debate, e.g. the doctrine on God, providence and creation, sin, suffering, et cetera. It is also determined that Calvin’s thoughts are reflected in the reformed confessions, which is still the living faith of reformed churches all over the world.
Highlights
In the reformed tradition and theology, the doctrine of providence has always been regarded as one of the most important doctrines (Sproul, 2006:143)
Questions that are mostly asked are inter alia the following: What is the relationship between the providence of God and sin? What is the relationship between the providence of God and man’s responsibility? What is the relationship between providence and history, between providence and human suffering, between providence and cosmic disasters like the Tsunami of some years ago, et cetera? (Van Wyk, 1993:1.)
The reformed confessions deal with the doctrine on providence especially in Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s day 9, 10, Belgic Confession Article 13 and Westminster Confession, chapter 5
Summary
In the reformed tradition and theology, the doctrine of providence has always been regarded as one of the most important doctrines (Sproul, 2006:143). In the South African context, the debate on the doctrine of the Trinity, that led to the formulation of the Ecumenical creeds in the first centuries of the New Testament church, was reopened once again (cf König, 2009:17; Jackson, 2008:17) This has definite consequences for the view on the doctrine of providence if we keep in mind that this dogma must be seen as a trinitarian confession (Van Wyk, 1993:40, 41). As far as the doctrine on providence is concerned, the central and increasing importance of this doctrine in his theology, is clear (Davies, 1992:96) It is the purpose of this article to determine whether Calvin’s viewpoint on providence is still relevant in the postmodern world of 2009. As far as the reformed confessions are concerned, the presupposition in this article is that the reformed theologian is bound to the confessions because (quia) they are in accordance with Scripture. 4
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