Die rol van metafore in spiritualiteitsvorming

English: After the Reformation and the Enlightenment there was a strong emphasis on the rational aspect of religion as well as on the pure preservation of it. This and the Aristotelian view on metaphor led to a devaluation of metaphor's role in the formation of spirituality. The recent changes in technology and culture is having definite implications on the way people's spirituality is formed and experienced. Nowadays people are less concerned with the subject-matter and more with the shape and experiencing of spirituality. They are looking for the significance of spirituality for everyday life. Metaphor is the medium of the electronic age and offers excellent possibilities for the formation of spirituality. Metaphor is an excellent medium for religion and puts spirituality and its significance back into the matters of everyday life. This study is an appeal to reinstate metaphor in its key position in the formation of spirituality It shows that metaphor had to make way for more logical and rational means in the transfer of spirituality. In a short overview on the term metaphor and its history, it is argued that metaphors are not optional literary devices, but that all understanding and knowledge are produced metaphorically. The essence of metaphor is that it gives one the opportunity to understand and experience one thing in terms of another. But metaphor does not only describe reality, it also shapes reality. It brings new understanding and involves the person in a process to integrate the metaphor in his life. In order to clarify the relationship between metaphor and spirituality, the metaphorical nature of spirituality is investigated. If spirituality is metaphorical, then it must be visible in the Bible as well as in the different christian denominations. The metaphorical nature of Old and New Testament spirituality is made clear. The study indicates that the spirituality of the different christian traditions is built on a selection of Biblical metaphors. The chosen metaphors are then interpreted contextually according to their doctrines and shaped into certain religious practices. Feminist spirituality e.g. is built on the metaphor of God as mother. Concerning the formation of spirituality it is argued that it is formed by the Holy Spirit in the practices in church and everyday life. The relationship between metaphors and spirituality is therefore clear. Because all knowledge and understanding are metaphorical, spirituality and its practise is metaphorical. Spirituality is formed via metaphors. Metaphors give spirituality the bridge between reality and the possibilities in Christ. Metaphors mediate spirituality and make it natural. The metaphors that are used, determine the spirituality that is practised. A lack of rich and varied metaphors leads to a one-sided and poor spirituality. In order for spirituality to grow and change, the metaphors at its roots must grow and change. Multiple metaphors pave the way to a balanced spirituality. In the second-last chapter practical examples are given of how metaphors can be used to build up people's spirituality. No special training is required, only an awareness of metaphor's capacity and some creative thinking. People love metaphors. It involves them and lends some playfulness to their understanding and experiencing of spirituality. The following conclusion therefore is reached: The metaphors with which a particular spirituality operates and the way metaphors are interpreted, will determine the shape of that spirituality. Metaphors can produce and communicate meaning and experience which is invaluable for the formation of spirituality. Metaphors determine our understanding of God and the way we live with God. For spirituality to change and grow, the metaphors at its roots must change and grow. Metaphor offers wonderful opportunities that must be utilised in the formation of people's spirituality!