Die verhouding tussen openbaring, dogmavorming en doksa-uiting in die himniese stof van die Nuwe Testament

Abstract

The relation between revelation, the formation of dogma and the expression of doxa in the hymnal matter of the New Testament

This article proceeds from the central theoretical argument that in the liturgical song an integral relation exists between revelation, the formation of confession (dogma) and the expression of glory (doxa). The purpose of the article is to analyse the mentioned relationship as it becomes manifest in the hymnal matter of the New Testament and to determine its significance in the hymnal action of the community of worshippers. It is kept in mind that the New Testament, unlike the Old Testament, does not contain a book of songs and that the number of complete songs is limited. The article thus also focuses on song fragments. The conclusion arrived at is that the song material of the New Testament indicates that the revelation stands in a causal relation to dogma formation and doxa expression that occur in the liturgical song. Dogma formation and doxa expression respond to the revelation and actualize the revelation, while these two vital elements of the hymnal content (dogma formation and doxa expression) stand in a convergent and symbiotic relation to each other. The result of this investigation appears to be important for the meaningful use of New Testament songs in contemporary liturgy.