Sonic Metaphors: Music, Sound, and Ecofeminist Theology

This article explores the relationship between music and ecofeminist theology and investigates how music and sound can advance the development of ecofeminist thought. On a physical level, the act of breathing connects humankind with the earth’s atmosphere and the element of air produces music and sound. On a theological level, traditional church teachings about the power and danger of music have reflected similar warnings about women and nature. Ecofeminist theologian Sally McFague made a persuasive case for metaphorical theology that supported the arts being included in theological development. Religious Studies scholar Heidi Epstein engaged McFague’s metaphorical theology to develop a feminist theology of music and featured female composers including Hildegard of Bingen. I propose that metaphorical theology and music can also connect through the development of sonic metaphors. Sonic metaphors are created with pitch, rhythm, and sound. While most metaphors rely on the eyes to process written text and visual art, sonic metaphors are processed through the ears and offer different pathways for cognition. Sonic metaphors have been underutilized in theology and they offer potential for exploring theological concepts that can be challenging to comprehend through textual or visual means. These metaphors are particularly applicable for developing ecofeminist theology because sound and music can connect our bodies with nature in illuminating ways. I include examples from my own musical background, and I offer suggestions for non-musicians and ecofeminist theologians who want to incorporate sonic metaphors into their own creative theological reflection.

Noem my jou metafore... Metaforiese taal as geloofstaal

Name your metaphors… Metaphorical language as the language of faith The use of metaphorical language is an inherent characteristic of all human communication. Faith is communicated by means of metaphorical language, images and imagination. In this article it is indicated how theology utilizes metaphorical ways of expression in order to communicate faith. Effective metaphors that speak to people in new and changing situations must constantly be found. A metaphorical theology is therefore essential and need to be promoted. A relevant theological metaphorology can only come about in dialogue with literature and the arts. Aspects of the so-called New Reformation are briefly discussed regarding the need to use new metaphorical ways of speaking.

Images of God within Systematic Theology

[While respecting the freedom of expression inherent in Sally McFague's notion of “metaphorical theology,” the author argues that the choice of a single governing image or set of interrelated images (e.g., the notion of God as a community of divine persons) is much more suitable for expansion into a systematic theology adequately representing the God-world relationship. At the same time, he recognizes that systematic theologies are only models or symbolic representations of a reality that is in itself humanly incomprehensible.]

Pastoraat as vertolking: Metaforiese teologie binne die konteks van 'n pastorale hermeneutiek

Pastoral care as hermeneutics: The function of metaphorical theology regarding pastoral counseling. A hermeneutics of pastoral care should be viewed as a theological issue. Hence the importance of God-language and the naming of God in pastoral care. The underlying assumption is that inappropriate images of God have a hampering effect on faith experiences. It is, therefore, impotant that a hermeneutics of pastoral care should probe into the meaning dimension of God-images in order to instil hope and foster spirituality. Four biblical metaphors are discussed: shephtrd, servant, paraclete and wisdom. Our choice, within the context of postmodernity, is for the metaphor "God as Friend". It conveys not only the compassion of God, but also the covenantal intimacy and faithfulness of God (God as a "Soul Friend" within "koinonia").