Teologie as troos. Enkele opmerkings na aanleiding van die “Pastorale dogmatiek” van Oepke Noordmans

Abstract

Theology as consolation. A few remarks with reference to the “pastoral dogmatics” of Oepke Noordmans.
Noordmans distinguishes between Greek symbolical, Latin rhetorical and Protestant pastoral dogmatics. The latter emerged at the time of the Reformation as is evident in the attitude of Luther and Calvin towards the Christological and Trinitarian doctrines. According to Calvin doctrina has a consolatory character and serves the proclamation of the Gospel. This is reflected in the important role the concept consolatio plays in the Heidelberg Catechism. As the Interpreter of Christ, the Holy Spirit is called our Comforter. Consequently Calvin is often called “the theologian of the Holy Spirit”. Noordmans himself is a prime example of this pastoral approach as is apparent in his views on God as our motherly Father, and the church as the mother of the believers.