Skrifgebruik in prakties-teologiese spanningsvelde / Using scripture in practical-theological tension-fields

In this article the author makes a case for a Sola Scriptura point of departure as an adequate instrument for shining the light of the Word of God not only on the surface level of a practical theological research field, but also on its depth level. It is argued that a Sola Scriptura point of departure does not only involve the biblical text on its own, but also a living relationship with The God who reveals Himself in Scripture. This point of departure entails that the researcher will not only deploy Scripture on the surface level as a mere formal prescriptive source for what ought to happen in the research field. Scripture will also be utilized at the depth level of the research field as a means by means of which the underlying motifs that may be present in the tension field of a particular practical-theological research area are unlocked. This method of using Scripture works with the following faith-expectations: That motifs and actions in a particular tension field will - under the guidance of the Spirit - be brought into living contact with the One in whom the fullness of the Word of God is revealed, namely Jesus Christ; that disintegrative forces at work in the tension field will be brought into contact with the integrative presence of Jesus Christ, unlocking the reformational power of the Word of God in the process.