Veinzen of verlangen? Spel en geloof bij Johan Huizinga en Frans Kellendonk

Abstract

Historian and linguist Johan Huizinga’s theory of the function of play in human culture in Homo ludens (1938) includes a discussion of the close link between liturgy and play. In the 1980’s author and cultural critic Frans Kellendonk put forward the notion of sincerelyfeigning (‘oprecht veinzen’) in relation to faith in a post-Christian society. This article examines the socio-cultural background of Huizinga’s and Kellendonk’s ideas and their personal commitment to the faith. It concludes with a consideration of the question: Towhat extent can sincerely feigning be considered a sign of longing?