Maaltye as seremonies in die Markusevangelie : 'n sleutel om J H J A Greyvenstein en A S Geyser se denke oor die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika as volkskerk te evalueer

Abstract

This article aims to participate in the current debate regarding the writing of a new church order for the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika, concentrating on Article III of the current church order. In a previous article the understanding of the Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk as a 'peoples church'· ('volkskerk') by Professors J H J A Greyvenstein and A S Geyser - both New Testament scholars in teaching positions at the University of Pretoria between 1917 and 1961 - was traced. This understanding is now critically evaluated by means of a social-scientific analysis of meals as ceremonies in Mark's gospel. The conclusion reached is that Mark proclaimed - as Greyvenstein and Geyser advocated - the presence and availibility of God as aspects that should ecclesiologically be open to all. Finally, a few remarks are made concerning the continuation of the debate on the new church order for the Nederduitsch Hervomde Kerk van Afrika.