Praxis pietatis: teologies nagedink oor aspekte van die spiritualiteit van Augustinus

Abstract

Praxis pietatis: reflections on aspects of the spirituality of Augustine

Especially since the rise of postmodernism by the end of the twentieth century – with its sharp criticism on the frigidity of the rationalism of modernism – theology is much more concerned with what is called spirituality and “praxis pietatis”, also within reformed circles. In this article the author investigates the contribution of the great church father from North Africa, Augustine,particularly because the reformed tradition (via Calvin) feels such a strong affinity with the theology of Augustine. It is intriguing to investigate how Augustine tried to unite in his person the polar opposites of rationality and spirituality, contemplation and action and to bring them into a synthesis. Not for nothing was Augustine described by A. von Harnack as “the first modern man."

Veral sedert die opkoms van die postmodernisme teen die einde van die twintigste eeu – met sy skerp kritiek teen die koue rasionalisme van die modernisme – word in die teologie al hoe meer aandag gegee aan wat genoem word spiritualiteit en “praxis pietatis”, ook binne die gereformeerde tradisie. In hierdie artikel ondersoek die outeur die bydrae van die groot kerkvader uit Noord Afrika, Augustinus, in hierdie verband, juis omdat die gereformeerde tradisie (via Calvyn) so ’n sterk aansluiting vind by die teologie van Augustinus. Dit is boeiend om na te gaan hoe Augustinus gepoog het om die pole van rasionaliteit en spiritualiteit, aksie en kontemplasie in hom as persoon te verenig en tot ’n sintese te bring. A. von Harnack het Augustinus nie verniet as “die eerste moderne mens” beskryf nie.