Tussen tekst en toepassing: Onderzoek naar het tijdbetrokken element in de homiletiek van gereformeerde piëtisten in de Nederlanden 1600-1800

The most significant characteristic of Reformed Pietist homiletics is the three phases of the approach it takes: that of first explaining, then teaching and finally applying. Hence, we refer to this concept as the homiletic triad. In this scheme, the doctrinal section forms the bridge between exegesis and application. Various names have been used for that central section of the sermon, but whatever the nomenclature, the teaching points are the linking section in the sermon in which as much Biblical understanding as possible must be inculcated in the hearers to teach the meaning of the text relevant to their current situation. Based on the homiletics examined, we can establish that Reformed Pietists used a homiletic concept tailored to engagement with the times. They addressed this aspect in their homiletics not topically, but rather theologically. The preacher delivers his sermon with God’s warrant and mandate; the sermon is ministry of the Word under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. After the explanation of the text, the preacher fleshes out what the thrust of the message is for the hearers. He then discusses what usefulness the text contains for them. Application is necessary to ensure that the hearer retains the message. In this construct, theological actuality enters the realm of anthropological actuality, and indeed theological actuality determines anthropological actuality. It is of note in this regard that anthropological actuality is allowed to co-determine the choice of text, doctrinal points and applicatory insights drawn from the text; but its substantive interpretation is determined by Scripture itself, in the framework of Reformed hermeneutics.