Deur Theo Geyser
Friends in praise of unMute: Whispers in Silence
Brian McLaren: Best-selling author, speaker, activist, public theologian and networker among innovative faith leaders. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for ‘a new kind of Christianity’—just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.
"Combine beautiful writing by a gifted spiritual leader with deep reflection on an important subject, and you have UnMute. For all who wonder what kind of spirituality will meet the needs of rising generations, UnMute is a must-read."
Francois van Niekerk: Francois is an accomplished South African entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded the Mergon Group and co-founded the Atterbury Property Group; both becoming multinational organisations with prominent charitable foundations. Together with CarmiTrust, his foundations have, to date, distributed over R1,25 billion ($70 mil) to Christian public benefit organisations across Africa and the Middle East. He authored the book, Doing Business With Purpose, published globally in English and Mandarin.
"Theo’s sagacious analysis of our current milieu, skilfully uncovers the debilitating reality of how the modern-day information age is surreptitiously dominating our lives. How mankind is allowing the relentless and intensifying frenzy of highly dubious media content to asphyxiate our God-given ability to preserve perceptive clarity. Scientific research indicates that typically 95% of us tend towards the flock-mentality by thoughtlessly following the above trend. The compelling cerebral logic and value of unMUTE is about assisting the other 5% in finding and practising God’s assured formula for both their own lives as well as for giving leadership guidance to the collective within their sphere of influence."
“unMUTE is firmly based on the Word of God and bears witness to Theo’s own transformed being. A must-read for those in search of an unfailing compass to navigate life’s recurrent challenges."
Nicol van Dyk: Former respondent in the research. Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow), School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science, University College, Dublin.
"Theo Geyser is a Renaissance faith leader and a true original. In unMute: Whispers in Silence,he draws on the experiences of contemporary young people and historical wisdom as a call to embrace silence and contemplation in a world dominated by speed and noise. It encourages readers to find their own paths to spiritual and personal growth. The book serves as a guide for those looking to reconnect with their authentic selves and the divine amidst the chaos of modern life."
Dion Forster: Professor of Public Theology in the Department of Beliefs and Practices in the Faculty of Religion and Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and an Extraordinary Professor in Systematic Theology in the Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University.
"The landscape of Christian identity and faith involvement is shifting. This book by Theo Geyser demonstrates that lived faith remains both essential and deeply connected to private and public life. Through his insightful exploration, Geyser helps readers understand these changes, learn from them, and anticipate how best to serve within the emerging landscape of Christian spirituality. Geyser addresses commonly involved Christians but also those who have moved beyond traditional forms of faith, and those who are questioning their spiritual journey. I highly recommend this book for both scholars and practitioners of Christian spirituality."
Carel Anthonissen: Theologian and activist. Served as Director of the Centre for Christian Spirituality in Cape Town, started by Desmond Tutu in 1986. Carel is also a poet, author of Vuurvas and Still-Weg.
“Theo Geyser's book, unMute: Whispers in Silence, is a powerful testimony of how people can change through the seemingly innocent disciplines of solitude and silence. In the book, the conditions under which a high mountain is climbed are used as a wonderful metaphor to describe this adventurous journey in silence. The description of this unique journey that can bring us closer to ourselves, others, our environment, and God is the distillation of the author's own journey on this quieter path, which he has shared with many young people over many years. In language that is engaging and at times moving, Theo Geyser's timely book will touch and transform many hearts. Especially because it was quintessentially the way of Christ.”
Francois Pienaar: Was presented with the Webb Ellis Cup by former President Nelson Mandela for his inspiring leadership that helped a divided nation become world champions and come together. After lunch with former President Nelson Mandela, he made a request: “Francois, you promise me you will come back one day, and you’ll make a difference.” Francois started MAD (Make A Difference Leadership Foundation), impacting hundreds of leaders in South Africa.
“Theo spent a year each with our boys, guiding them spiritually and mentally on their journey to adulthood. He left an indelible wise footprint on their journey and has continued to do so in the lives of so many, especially the youth. We got to know his brain and his thinking a lot better on this journey. I am delighted that Theo decided to write this book. People who seek to grow can now UnMute.”
Henrico Knoessen: Cash flow enthusiast who graduated from the School of Hard Knocks with resilience and quick comebacks. Collecting investment opportunities and occasional bad advice with his company, Bogale Investments. A self-proclaimed ‘unbelieving believer’ who navigates the business world with the grace of a philosophical acrobat, Henrico embodies the rare combination of money-savvy pragmatist and free-spirited dreamer. His latest venture is a silent book, a visual masterpiece that says everything by saying nothing.
“In UnMute, Geyser utilises the seven s’s of Spirituality, namely Silence, Stillness, Solitude, Surrender, Searching, Slow-down and Stopping, and gives us not only the map, but also acts as a tour guide, exploring the terrain to move from microwave spirituality and Uber-delivered artificial solutions and insights to encounters with our Source of Real Life.”
Johan Geyser: For the past 35 years, Johan has been at the helm of Mosaic Church, which he founded. Starting with just 26 people, the congregation has flourished into a large community of 15,000 members and 100 full-time staff. Johan was instrumental in guiding the transitions and uncovering a beautiful leadership story behind this significant growth that led to a contemplative community.
“I have had the privilege of witnessing Theo's entire life, and this book is a profound expression of his journey. I am deeply grateful for his memory work, his reflections on his lived experiences, and his ability to weave the narrative of his life. He skilfully deconstructs our cultural norms, challenging traditional boundaries, and paves a transformative path forward. This is not just his story; it represents his entire journey of transformation. By making his experiences available to others, he has touched the lives of thousands. Now, with this book in written form, more people can benefit from his insights. Thank you, dear brother.”
Russell Pollitt: A Jesuit priest and former director of the Jesuit Institute South Africa. He is currently the pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Johannesburg. For many years, he has trained people to be Spiritual Accompaniers and to give the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. He does commentary and analysis on the Catholic Church globally and the socio-political situation in South Africa. He writes for South Africa’s online newspaper, Daily Maverick, and the New York-based Jesuit magazine. He is interested in new ecclesial movements and contemplative spirituality.
"Many people, especially young people, are soul-searching in a busy, noisy, directionless and confusing world. They seek meaning in spaces and places previous generations did not; they seek what lies beneath the surface. In a creative and evocative way, Theo Geyser offers a transformational path by weaving together his experience, the experience of the young people he accompanied, and traditional wisdom. He is unafraid to share his vulnerability and quest for a deeper life with God. This enables him to connect profoundly with his readers as he guides them in seeking life to the full. In this book, you will go on an adventure that opens you to your deepest self, God and others in a way that only silence can."
Simon Bowly: Former MD of the Foschini group and founder of the Heart Quest Foundation.
"Silence was the first language. And from it, words were formed. This fundamental pattern—from quiet to expression—shapes both our universe and our consciousness. Theo's research turns up the volume on what our ancestors knew all along – that in a world of noise, silence isn't just golden, it's divine. He charts the terrain of silence with the rigour of a mountaineer and the soul of a poet, a masterful compass for the heart, navigating the sacred terrain between self-discovery and divine connection."
Vir meer as tien jaar het ek 'n merkwaardige pad geloop saam met jong mense in Kaapstad. Hierdie boek is ‘n die verhaal van 'n geloofsgemeenskap genaamd InVia.
Tydens my PhD-studie in Nederland het ek 'n boeiende vraag ondersoek: Hoe vind jong stadsmense, wat van tradisionele geloof weggedryf het, hulle geestelike pad in 'n gejaagde wêreld?
Hulle onwaarskynlike kompas?
Stilte.
Hierdie boek is nie 'n gids tot 'n toweragtige openbaring nie. Dit is 'n rou verkenning van geloof, gevorm deur die verhale van 17 merkwaardige jongmense. Hulle rebelleer teen 'n lewe vol afleiding, spoed en vals inligting.
Ek begin met my eie verhaal van stilte. Dit het jare geneem voordat ek dit verstaan het - en nog langer om dit werklik te ervaar.
Ek het in die navorsing op iets onverwags afgekom: Vier eenvoudige fases of ‘bewegings’ wat wys hoe mense stilte beleef. Ek het hulle van alle kante bekyk —
neurologie, teologie, sielkunde, antropologie.
En elke keer het dit teruggekom na een ding: Stilte verander jou.
Maar dit begin met stryd.
Dan los jy.
Dan raak jy een.
Dan verander jy.
In kort, dit is die 4 fases.
Ek hoop die boek kan jou help om die sagte fluisterings te hoor wat wag agter die geraas. Dáár, weg van die obsessiewe gejaag van die wêreld, vind jy die sagte hande van God — ’n plek van rus, waar jou keuses begin weerklink soos ’n lied in ’n wêreld wat nie meer blind is vir die waarheid nie.
Hier is ’n kykie in die boek in ’n paar kort gedagte. Lees gerus die blog hier onder.