Sexual violence : from abuse (power) to "sacrament" (human dignity) : towards the sanctification of the genitals in a pastoral hermeneutics
Date
2009
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Theology
Abstract
It is argued that sexual violence and rape (the abuse of power) has its roots in an
understanding of sex and sexuality derived from the spiritual notion of intimate love
(healthy sexuality) and responsible human decision making. In the theological
design of a pastoral anthropology it is of paramount importance to link our being
human to an understanding of human dignity that is less linked to a substantial
understanding and more towards a qualitative and relational understanding. In this
regard a pneumatological approach in practical theology comes into play. In order
to move from abuse to sacrament in a pastoral hermeneutics of sexuality, the
challenge is to reframe the genitals, i.e. a paradigm switch away from a rubberised
penis (tool) and a pharmaceutical vagina (instrument) to a ‘sanctified penis’ and a
‘sacramental vagina’.
Description
CITATION: Louw, D. J. 2009. Sexual violence : from abuse (power) to "sacrament" (human dignity) : towards the sanctification of the genitals in a pastoral hermeneutics. Scriptura, 102:416-429, doi:10.7833/102-0-604.
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://scriptura.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Dignity, Sexual abuse victims -- Counseling of, Rape victims -- Psychology
Citation
Louw, D. J. 2009. Sexual violence : from abuse (power) to "sacrament" (human dignity) : towards the sanctification of the genitals in a pastoral hermeneutics. Scriptura, 102:416-429, doi:10.7833/102-0-604