Die rol van metafore in spiritualiteitsvorming

[摘要] English: After the Reformation and the Enlightenment there was a strong emphasis on the rationalaspect of religion as well as on the pure preservation of it. This and the Aristotelian view onmetaphor led to a devaluation of metaphor's role in the formation of spirituality. The recentchanges in technology and culture is having definite implications on the way people'sspirituality is formed and experienced. Nowadays people are less concerned with thesubject-matter and more with the shape and experiencing of spirituality. They are looking forthe significance of spirituality for everyday life. Metaphor is the medium of the electronic ageand offers excellent possibilities for the formation of spirituality. Metaphor is an excellentmedium for religion and puts spirituality and its significance back into the matters of everydaylife.This study is an appeal to reinstate metaphor in its key position in the formation of spiritualityIt shows that metaphor had to make way for more logical and rational means in the transferof spirituality. In a short overview on the term metaphor and its history, it is argued thatmetaphors are not optional literary devices, but that all understanding and knowledge areproduced metaphorically. The essence of metaphor is that it gives one the opportunity tounderstand and experience one thing in terms of another. But metaphor does not onlydescribe reality, it also shapes reality. It brings new understanding and involves the person ina process to integrate the metaphor in his life.In order to clarify the relationship between metaphor and spirituality, the metaphorical natureof spirituality is investigated. If spirituality is metaphorical, then it must be visible in the Bibleas well as in the different christian denominations. The metaphorical nature of Old and NewTestament spirituality is made clear. The study indicates that the spirituality of the differentchristian traditions is built on a selection of Biblical metaphors. The chosen metaphors arethen interpreted contextually according to their doctrines and shaped into certain religiouspractices. Feminist spirituality e.g. is built on the metaphor of God as mother. Concerning theformation of spirituality it is argued that it is formed by the Holy Spirit in the practices inchurch and everyday life.The relationship between metaphors and spirituality is therefore clear. Because allknowledge and understanding are metaphorical, spirituality and its practise is metaphorical.Spirituality is formed via metaphors. Metaphors give spirituality the bridge between realityand the possibilities in Christ. Metaphors mediate spirituality and make it natural. Themetaphors that are used, determine the spirituality that is practised. A lack of rich and variedmetaphors leads to a one-sided and poor spirituality. In order for spirituality to grow andchange, the metaphors at its roots must grow and change. Multiple metaphors pave the wayto a balanced spirituality.In the second-last chapter practical examples are given of how metaphors can be used tobuild up people's spirituality. No special training is required, only an awareness of metaphor'scapacity and some creative thinking. People love metaphors. It involves them and lendssome playfulness to their understanding and experiencing of spirituality.The following conclusion therefore is reached: The metaphors with which a particularspirituality operates and the way metaphors are interpreted, will determine the shape of thatspirituality. Metaphors can produce and communicate meaning and experience which isinvaluable for the formation of spirituality. Metaphors determine our understanding of Godand the way we live with God. For spirituality to change and grow, the metaphors at its rootsmust change and grow. Metaphor offers wonderful opportunities that must be utilised in theformation of people's spirituality!

[发布机构] University of the Free State