Twee kategismusse uit die 16de eeu: ’n spieël van aksentverskuiwing

Although 17th-century Calvinism intended to be faithful to Calvin its theology reveals some significant changes from the thought of the Genevan reformer. These differences manifest themselves not only in dogmatic and ethical expositions, but also in catechisms. To illustrate this, the catechisms of Calvin and Perkins are compared with regard to certain aspects - in particular as regards the doctrine of God the Creator. It is argued that even late 16th-century theology had started to change the course of development towards its modern direction in which the importance of the human factor has gradually increased with the result that theology eventually can be seen as part of anthropology. In conclusion a few reasons for this development are suggested