Simbool en ritueel as instrumente vir geloofsvorming

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A number of theories aimed at more effective ways of religious education have seen thelight in recent years. They are all characterized by a holistic approach which emphasisesthe fact that we should try to utilise more than just the cognitive and verbal potential ofman. This study does not merely accept this view but would also like to go further andlook for practical means to implement these ideas. The central hypothesis of the study isthat symbols and rituals are eminently suitable instruments if one opts for a holisticapproach towards religious education.Various shifts which have recently occurred in modern society are highlighted in thestudy. These include a new outlook on life, new behavioural patterns, new ways ofcommunication and new theories on communication. The complexity of our society isdescribed because it has a major influence on the functioning of symbols and rituals.Secondly, symbols and rituals are defined and their functioning is described. Issues likethe interplay between symbol and ritual and society, the way in which order and identityare given to society by symbols and rituals, the way in which symbols and ritualscommunicate without the use of a multitude of words, the pastoral function that symbolsand rituals can fulfil and the gradual disappearance of symbols and rituals from oursociety are discussed. Attention is also paid to the concepts liminality andcommullitas, as described by the anthropologist Victor Turner. These two concepts arecentral to the understanding of the way in which rituals function.Thirdly, symbols and rituals are viewed from a Biblical and theological angle. The studyshows that man was created as a symbol, but also underlines the importance of seeingman's body and soul as a unity. This has special implications for the manner in which weritualize. It is also pointed out that symbols and rituals have played a major role inworship since the earliest times. The important role which kerugmatic and cultic acts, aswell as the sacraments have played and can still play in the life of a believer is alsodescribed.Fourthly, the study concludes that symbols and rituals can indeed play a vital role in theprocess of religious education and the deepening and expansion of faith. The argument issupported in a deductive manner by the insights of people like H. Westerhoff, P. Babin,C.R. Foster, S. McLean and others. It is stressed that symbols and rituals should be usedin a nuanced manner.Finally a number of proposals are made as to how these principles could be implementedin practice, together with some suggestions for further study. We believe that this shouldstimulate both the utilisation of symbols and rituals and further discussion and research inthis regard.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University