Dr Oepke Noordmans (1871-1956): His contribution to ecclesiology and canon law

Abstract

Noordmans was a minister of the Nederlandse Hervormde Kerk and made a substantial contribution to the theological debate in and outside his church. His work reflects his wide theological interest in various disciplines like dogmatics and canon law, but also in philosophy, phenomenology and as 'homme de lettres'. His contribution to canon law is of exceptional interest with specific reference to his Christological ecclesiology and his conviction that proper knowledge of the church according to Scripture is a precondition for church ordinance. He also played a substantial role in the process of his church to decide on a new church order.