Browsing by Author "Van der Watt, J. S."

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    Interpretasieskemas binne jeugpastoraat in 'n postmoderne kultuur : 'n eko-hermeneutiese perspektief
    (Pieter de Waal Neethlingh Trust, 2003) Van der Watt, J. S.; Prins, J. M. G.
    The focus of this article is to present an eco-hermeneutical perspective on certain schemata of interpretation, through which young people gain an understanding of their reality, and conceptualise God. The investigation also enquires about the ways in which God-images can be utilised as an integration factor in a fragmented context, where youth identity formation takes shape. Within the deconstructional postmodern paradigm, young people frequently struggle to find significant meaning in life through “orthodox” God-images. Therefore the theme “spirituality” should be understood within the postmodern youth’s existential search for significant and meaningful identity and intimacy. Pastoral care to the youth should give attention to an understanding of God and God-images, which will address the youth’s need in this search so that faith in God ensues out of a practical and experiential spirituality.
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    Masculine identity and the projection of ‘male images’ in mass media : towards a pastoral hermeneutics in theory formation
    (Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology, 2013-02) Van der Watt, J. S.; Louw, D. J. (Daniel Johannes), 1944-
    Human identities in general - including gender and sexual identities – have recently become more diverse and malleable. This is to a great extent because of the pervasive influence of the mass media and popular culture, which proposes to offer important tools to help men (and women) adjust to contemporary life. Some parts of popular culture are reasserting traditional forms of masculinity, whilst others are challenging them - telling men what they are now ‘supposed to’ look like, act like, be like. Media representations can be viewed as influencing our socialised schemata of interpretation for gender identities. This is also applicable to theological schemata of interpretation concerning commercialised men and masculinities. We drew upon work in variety of disciplines, such as cultural and media studies, sociology, theology and psychology, in order to examine issues concerning masculinities within this information era, influenced by the prescriptive role of mass media. In this way more insight was gained in terms of the dominating discourses reflected by images of men and masculinities in the global mass media, and how this can be investigated critically, from a pastoral hermeneutical perspective. Magazines were also viewed as crucial media to analyse in order to understand male identity in a more comprehensive way. Therefore we chose our own South African cultural context within which we suggest the critical assessment of the influence of certain mass media representations – particularly displayed in magazines - on various expressions of masculinity. This was suggested in order to promote and co-create men and masculinities that focus on life-giving intimacy, vitality and human dignity.