Van der Merwe, P.J.2010-03-112010-03-112005Van der Merwe, PJ 2005, 'Church and culture: A religio-theological perspective', HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 771-791.[http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/issue/archive]0259-9422 (print)http://hdl.handle.net/2263/13399Spine cut of Journal binding and pages scanned on flatbed EPSON Expression 10000 XL; 400dpi; text/lineart - black and white - stored to Tiff Derivation: Abbyy Fine Reader v.9 work with PNG-format (black and white); Photoshop CS3; Adobe Acrobat v.9 Web display format PDFThe ethnic church (“volkskerk”) is central to the ecclesiology and Church Order of the Reformed Church in Africa (Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk). This article questions notions of culture, ethnicity, ethnic people (“volk”) and ethnic identity as backdrop for answering the question on the responsibility of the church towards cultural and ethnic identity. It is conceded that civil religion remains an insidious threat to the church, as is also civil ideology. Lastly, it is contended that the main responsibility of the church towards culture, ethnic people, ethnic and social identity is one of apostolic prophetic presence and outreach.enReformed Theological College, Faculty of Theology, University of PretoriaNederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van AfrikaMission of the churchReligion and cultureCivil religionEthnicity -- Religious aspects -- Reformed ChurchArticle