Abstract:
Within the Dutch society there is, in recent years, an influence from postmodernism notable. This influence of a post modern way of life has also become more and more apparent within the churches who count themselves as being part of the ‘Reformed family group of churches’ (Dutch: De Gereformeerde Gezindte). In some respects this worldview influences the way of practising the faith, or so called: spirituality. What the consequences are of these changes in spirituality, form the subject of this research. For this research a qualitative approach was chosen to study literature of post-modern origin to arrive at the research viewpoint. What are the demands from postmodernism to come to a valid form of spirituality? With this research viewpoint the work of two influential Dutch theologians, F. G. Immink and R. R. Ganzevoort is evaluated. The outcome of this comparison is connected with a personal definition of pastoral counselling formulated from a salvation-historical understanding of the bible. Immink takes his viewpoint from the philosophical idea of External Realism. God is knowable and it is possible to have and maintain a relationship with the Divine. For Immink the most important choices are: a) attention to the relational character of faith, and b) the active influence of faith in daily living, authenticity. Gansevoort’s proposition is the social-scientific theory of Social-constructionism and his Practical Theology is based on a Narrative approach. He emphasises: a) a personal influence in shaping the way of believing, b) contextual determination of faith, and c) autonomy of the human being. The inference made from the choices found in the work of Immink and Ganzevoort and the personal definition of pastoral counselling produces ideas for a model for pastoral counselling. Important features here are: <ul> <li> attention to the concept of authenticity, in the way of understanding the Bible, as well as the way the contents of the faith are communicated during counselling</li> <li>the experience of fellowship and communion, together with attention focussed on a personal approach and contribution, during pastoral counselling</li> <li>attention for pastoral workers regarding discipleship and being a spiritual guide</li></ul> Copyright 2006, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Blijleven, D 2006, Dubito ergo sum - onderzoek naar de invloed van postmodernisme op het pastoraat(Dutch), MA dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-10302007-100555 / >
