Om in die Gees te begin en in eie krag te eindig – die noodsaak van ’n Skrif- gefundeerde prakties-teologiese Pneumatologie

Abstract

Starting in the Spirit and ending in own power – the necessity of a Scripturally founded practical-theological Pneumatology
In this article one of the main problem areas of Practical Theology is addressed: In the hermeneutical interchange between theological reflection on the normative elements flowing from the revelatory presence and acts of God on the one hand, and ministering these normative elements in the concrete praxis in which man finds himself on the other hand, Practical Theology as discipline may commit the error to start in the Spirit but end in own power. In its core this problem manifests as a lack of a Pneumatology that describes and enhances the true relationship between the Spirit of God and the spirit of man. The need for a practical-theological Pneumatology that operates in the context of the covenantal relationship in which Christ fulfils the role of Mediator is argued and illustrated. The Holy Spirit leads the believer in a relation to praxis that is based on faith in Jesus Christ – seeing reality through his eyes and acting according to his mindset and power. The implications of this kind of Pneumatology are indicated for two important practical-theological aspects: firstly the ministering of reconciliation as the heart of all practical- theological activity, and secondly the key concept of perception by faith in combining vision of God with vision of what is seen and done in the concrete dimension of the praxis.