Creative Hope and Imagination in a Practical Theology of Aesthetic (Artistic) Reason

2001 ◽  
Vol 8 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 327-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniël J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
God Images ◽  
Theoretical Reason ◽  
Theological Hermeneutics ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Vital Component ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Aesthetic Reason

AbstractIn order to take Kant's third question seriously, practical theology should respond methodologically to the question: What may we hope? The hypothesis is argued that practical reason needs to be supplemented by aesthetic reason in order to deal with 'the absurd logic of hope' (Ricoeur). The latter can prevent a practical theological hermeneutics falling prey to a positivistic stance and an empirical model which makes little room for the spiritual dimension of the sublime and personal experiences of transcendence. While the theoretical reason posits 'the other' as object (analysis and objectification), aesthetic reason establishes between God and human beings a personal relationship of identification (synthesis and interconnectedness) which is sensitive to awe and surprise. Furthermore, it is argued that aesthetics is a vital component in liturgy. Art describes a dynamic relation between form and content, celebration and faith, and belief, experience and transcendence. These dynamics are established through imagination and creative hope. Applied to the problem of God-images, aesthetic reason should deal with the 'beauty of God' in terms of vulnerability (deformation) as depicted in the notion of a suffering God. To instil hope, the metaphor 'God as Partner for Life' is proposed.

scholarly journals The ‘Frail Researcher’ in dialogue with existential phenomenology: The threat of empiricism within the quest for sound methodology in practical theological research

2018 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniël J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Life Events ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Fear Of Death ◽  
Academic Environment ◽  
Human Sciences ◽  
Existential Phenomenology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Philosophical Framework ◽  
Practical Theological

Within an academic environment and context of higher education, the question of disciplinary differentiation and research methodology are burning issues to adhere to the quest for scientific and sound epistemological based knowledge. While dealing with the dual tension: wisdom (sapientia) and reason (scientia), it is difficult for practical theology to identify and maintain its theological character. Under the pressure of human sciences, research in practical theology tends to turn to phenomenology so to gain clarity on the philosophical framework or paradigm for performing research projects in a systematic and methodological way. In this regard, existential phenomenology probes into the meta-realm of meaning-giving; it describes the frailty of life in terms of being (Dasein) as exposed to anxiety, dread, despair and fear of death. Due to the demand for empirical research, the threat of empiricism and the danger of Platonification (the ‘causation trap’) is discussed. To maintain both its spiritual-theological character (ministerial and ecclesial context), and its relevancy for the dynamics of life events (contextuality), a ‘spiritual empiricism’ is proposed by means of a praxis of practical theological verbing, namely understanding and interpreting, communicating and verbalising, acting, hoping, imagining, seeing, beautifying and living. It is argued that the notion ‘praxis of God’ could serve as theological paradigm in theory formation. The passio Dei is both a spiritual matter and existential-experiential entity within the encounter of God–human beings. It refers to both the reason or logic of God (ḥesed) and the wisdom of grace (compassion).

The Search for Happiness, Towards a Practical Theology of Joy: Faith Seeking Beatific Happiness – Fides Quaerens Beatitudinem

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-134
Author(s):  
Daniel Louw
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Practical Theological

AbstractIn the light of the eudaimonic principle of pleasure/enjoyment, the question is posed: What is meant by a spirituality of happiness? In terms of the eucharistic perspective of graceful living, and the view that human beings are actually playful artists (homo ludens), a practical theology of joy is proposed: fides quaerens beatitudinem – faith seeking joyful happiness. In the light of the Christian connection between a benevolence of grace and the biblical notion of the beatitudes, happiness is presented as a kind of makariology: the interplay between the benediction of a blessing and the fortitude of a peaceful mind. “Beatific enjoyment” (fruitio beatifica) is proposed as a practical theological conceptualisation of the “praxis of God”.

scholarly journals Ta splanchna: A theopaschitic approach to a hermeneutics of God’s praxis. From zombie categories to passion categories in theory formation for a practical theology of the intestines

2011 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel J. Louw
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Empirical Approach ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Human Actions ◽  
Theory Formation ◽  
Strong Feeling ◽  
Ontic Status ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Theological Methodology

It is argued that both the traditional clerical paradigm of an ecclesial approach and the phenomenological paradigm of an empirical approach are not sufficient enough to describe and maintain a theological methodology in practical theology. This has led to the introduction of a theopaschitic paradigm in theory formation. It is argued that the normative task of practical theology implies a philosophical-hermeneutical dimension, that is, to interpret under girding paradigms as related to meaning and being. It also implies a theological dimension; to reflect theologically on the praxis of God as an influential factor within human actions (inhabitational theology.) With reference to ‘the pneumatological praxis of God’, a practical theology of the intestines is proposed. Bowel categories reveal a divine intentionality (teleology) and describe a modus of God’s praxis, the how of God within the vulnerability and suffering of human beings. This divine ontological mode should operate as a practical theological paradigm determining being qualities (ontic status) within human actions and processes of communication. The under girding theological presupposition is that ta splanchna [strong feeling of mercy and compassion expressed by the intestines] denotes a compassionate praxis of co-suffering (the passio Dei). Passion in practical theology emanates in parrhesia and instills a vivid hope: fides quaerens spem [faith in search of hope].

Practical Theology from the Perspective of Catholic Spirituality: A Hermeneutic of Discernment

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-221
Author(s):  
Marc Henri Lavallee
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Practical Wisdom ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
Theological Interpretation ◽  
Theological Hermeneutics ◽  
Spiritual Discernment ◽  
Human Reality ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Interpretive Communities ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract This article examines practical theological hermeneutics through the lens of Catholic spirituality. Key to understanding the movement from description to analysis to revised praxis is the ways in which interpretive communities understand the connections between divine reality and human reality. In light of this, the article explores the relationship between epistemology and pneumatology found within Christian tradition by proposing an approach to practical theological hermeneutics rooted in the Ignatian practice of spiritual discernment. By doing so, this article seeks to contribute the potential contours of a distinctive Roman Catholic contribution to practical theology, and in a broader sense, show how the practice of discernment presents studies and methods in practical theology with a way of understanding connections among practical wisdom, habitus, research, and theological interpretation.

scholarly journals Die noodsaak daarvan om metateoretiese vertrekpunte ten opsigte van werklikheidsbeskouing in praktiesteologiese wetenskapsbeoefening uit te spel

2011 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F.W. De Wet
Keyword(s):  
Sixteenth Century ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Previous Article ◽  
Protestant Reformation ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Research Project ◽  
Horizontal Dimension ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
Contemporary Context

The necessity of explicating metatheoretical assumptions regarding the view on reality in cientific practical theological research This article is the second in the research project “Metatheoretical assumptions in Practical Theology”. In this project – as indicated in the previous article − a group of reformed theologians is elucidating and discussing their metatheoretical and other perspectives regarding research in Practical Theology. In this article the necessity to explain metatheoretical assumptions concerning a view on reality, is discussed from a reformed perspective. The practical theological implications of a view on reality with its roots in the sixteenth-century protestant Reformation are critically compared with an alternative view on reality in the contemporary context which focuses more on the horizontal dimension of the action events taking place in praxis. This comparison is done with a view to responding to this alternative view in a responsible way. Essential characteristics of the sixteenth-century reformed view on reality seem to be its Scripture-determined vision and theocentric focus as well as the way in which human life and actions are represented as reflections of the “imago Dei”. The need to critically reflect on these characteristics and to newly align this view on reality with respect to challenges posed in the contemporary context, is explored.

scholarly journals Film as medium for meaning making: A practical theological reflection

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita L. Cloete
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Religious Identity ◽  
Practical Theology ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
The Self ◽  
Practical Theological

The reflection on film will be situated within the framework of popular culture and livedreligion as recognised themes within the discipline of practical theology. It is argued that theperspective of viewers is of importance within the process of meaning-making. By focusing onthe experience and meaning-making through the act of film-watching the emphasis is not somuch on the message that the producer wishes to convey but rather on the experience that iscreated within the viewer. Experience is not viewed as only emotional, but rather that, at least,both the cognitive and emotional are key in the act of watching a film. It is therefore arguedthat this experience that is seldom reflected on by viewers could serve as a fruitful platform formeaning-making by the viewer. In a context where there seems to be a decline in institutionalisedforms of religion, it is important to investigate emerging forms of religion. Furthermore, theturn to the self also makes people’s experiences and practices in everyday life valuableresources for theological reflection. This reflection could provide a theoretical framework forespecially empirical research on how film as specific form of media serves as a religiousresource and plays a role in the construction of meaning and religious identity.

scholarly journals Die liminale ruimte vir inkongruensie tussen predikant en lidmaat: ’n Narratief gebaseerde prakties-teologiese ondersoek in gemeentes van die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk van Afrika

2010 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hein Delport ◽  
Julian C. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Suspension Bridge ◽  
Church Member ◽  
Specific Context ◽  
Liminal Space ◽  
Reformed Church ◽  
The Social ◽  
Unresolved Conflict ◽  
Practical Theological ◽  
The Church

Disagreements between pastors and church members in the Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa (NRCH) require a unique space in the church in terms of a postmodern society. Different perspectives can easily lead to conflict in the Church. Unresolved conflict may jeopardise the work of the clergy in a congregation. In this research, I follow a contextual approach to the pursuit of practical theology. A postfundamental practical theological framework is followed in the research. The social construction discourse and narrative epistemology offer new perspectives for developing a liminal space where more than one perspective can exist. Within a society characterised by secularism and privatisation, I examine the possibility of a space of unity amid diversity in the Church. I involved six fellow researchers who have experienced conflict in a specific context within the Church. We also examined the possibility of an alternative space where moments of communitas can once again occur in these stories. The research found space for this in the description of two metaphors, namely the liminal suspension bridge of grace and the dance of peace. The stories of the fellow researchers are retold within these two metaphors. My research highlights the important contribution of an interdisciplinary conversation in research. In the study, the journey theme plays an important role, and the reader is invited along with the fellow researchers into a (liminal) space to explore the conflict between the church minister and the church member.

Development of children’s reading and writing skills at level of primary education in Azerbaijan

2020 ◽  
Vol 56 (07) ◽  
pp. 93-95
Author(s):  
Sevinj Mais Nurullayeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Education ◽  
School Children ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Writing Skills ◽  
Primary School Children ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Reading And Writing ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Training

Human beings perceive of the outside world by listening and reading skills; he also conveys his emotions, thoughts, dreams and impressions to his opponents with his speaking and writing skills. In other words, listening and reading comprehension, speaking and writing is the ability to explain. For this, developing reading, writing skills in primary school children is important. The relationship between this skills should be well understood and attention should be paid to these skills in education and training. Key words: Primary education, researches, reading, writing, relationship of reading and writing

Slavery, Redemption, and Manumission as Structural Metaphors in Augustine’s Theology

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-220
Author(s):  
Joshua Benjamins
Keyword(s):  
Roman Empire ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Legal Norms ◽  
The Social ◽  
Christian Service ◽  
Contemporary Reality ◽  
A Chain ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
The Devil

Across his corpus, Augustine strikingly and recurrently deploys the three cognate metaphors of slavery to sin, redemption from sin, and slavery to God. I argue that Augustine’s use of these theological metaphors is thoroughly contoured by the legal and social strictures governing slavery and freedom in the later Roman empire. To develop this argument, I pay close attention to the economic and legal connotations of some key terms in Augustine’s lexicon of salvation—like manumissio, redemptio, and libertas—and seek to tease out the social, legal, and economic logic they encapsulate. As I show, the concept of dominium underwrites Augustine’s description of the prelapsarian ordo naturalis as a chain of hierarchical relationships: between God and man, soul and body, male and female. The notion that human beings are enslaved to sin, subject to the condicio servitutis from birth, evokes the situation of laboring tenants (coloni) bound to the land through their origo. Moreover, the bishop of Hippo’s descriptions of captivity to the devil and liberation through the interpellation (interpellatio) of God the Redeemer are informed by the contemporary reality of barbarian captivity and liberales causae, so richly described in Augustine’s Letter 10*. Finally, Augustine’s characterization of Christian service in terms of a state of simultaneous freedom and servitude implicitly draws upon the legal norms governing the relationship of freed captives to their redeemers, as well as the obligations of obsequium and gratia which freedmen owed to their former masters.

Dismantling Cultural Walls

2019 ◽  
pp. 207-228
Author(s):  
Christie Billups
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Assistant Professor ◽  
Letter Writing ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Building Relationships ◽  
Powerful Means ◽  
Desire To Change

Stories are powerful means of building relationships among people. When human beings feel connected, community is formed. The author, an Assistant Professor of Theology, examines the potential for dismantling cultural walls through her theology course, Faith Behind Bars, via letter-writing as sources of transformative narratives, circles as means of critical reflection, and community-building as a key predecessor to activism. Stories, rituals within peace circles, and the strength of kinship bind learners in the class to one another and community members in shared comprehension of injustices and the desire to change systems. It is a spirit of compassion and investment in relationships that spurs people to act as peacebuilders, both independently and collectively. Experiences, connection, and knowledge all contribute to a responsive and practical theology that is relevant and contributes to building peace and nurturing justice.

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