Abstract:
This is the first in a two-part series that aims to examine the growing pains the Netherdutch
Reformed Church is experiencing in its journey towards Christian inclusivity. This first article
examines the fragmentation in the Church’s understanding of ecclesiology, which becomes
apparent in the debates concerning the meaning and range of inclusivity in ecclesiology. The
roots of this fragmentation are examined. It is concluded that the root of the fragmentation
is an eschatological understanding of the essence of the church, which is, in turn, due to a
fragmented view of humanity. In order for the Church to continue its journey towards
inclusivity it should revisit its understanding of humanity and theological anthropology. The
second article will focus on the content and implications of a revisited theological anthroplogy.
