“Die Heilige Gees besig om ’n gemoed te troos …” – nagedink oor die vreemde viering van die kerk

Abstract

“The Holy Spirit comforting someone …†– reflections on the church’s strange celebration
In Flip Theron’s theology the category “strange†in the sense of unique, remarkable, without comparison, occupies a central place. He understands the church as a strange, prophetic sign of the strange, cosmic and eschatological peace of the kingdom of the Triune God. This essay reflects on the visible form of this strange church. Does this strangeness also have implications for the way (reformed) theology should view the worship of the church? It is argued that, although Theron himself, probably very deliberately and for theological reasons, does not attempt to describe what is happening during the church’s worship and liturgy, there are several fundamental convictions in his theological work that could perhaps prove useful in this regard. In particular, his notions of a “strange silence,†a “strange liberation,†a “strange reconciliation,†a “strange calling,†a “strange theocracy†and a “strange comfort†are considered briefly. As a whole, the essay serves as introduction to the central convictions of his theology, thereby honouring his contributions and legacy.