"Kinderkampus" as paradigma vir geloofsgemeenskap

Abstract

"Children's campus" as paradigm in community of faith. The purpose of this research is to examine the possibility of a structure (outside of the current, secularised school system) where the child, in context of his family, can experience socialising in relation to his or her faith so as to experience Christian values and norms, as well as gaining knowledge of God and being allowed to live according to this knowledge. The current situation of South African children belonging to Reformed churches has been explored, in context of their participation in their community of faith. Specific problems these children have to cope with in their society were looked at. It is obvious that a lot of factors influence spiritual growth in children, and that the church is not capable of handling these factors effectively at the moment. This study shows that the way of life prescribed by the Benedictine Rule is compatible with both the Word of God and Reformed Theology, and can as such fulfil a need in the spiritual life of modern people. This study shows ways in which the problems currently being experienced by children can be handled using the Rule of Benedict in a children's campus functioning under the supervision of the community of faith.