Abstract
The development of the human consciousness: The postmodern quest for GodThis article critically reflects upon ‘emerging Christians’ – those who have departed from a premodern (theistic) and modernist (secular) view of reality, and have rather embraced postmodernity in response to the cognitive dissonance they experience due to a clash of epistemological paradigms. The article discusses psychological theories on the development of human consciousness, and describes seven levels or stages of such development, namely the archaic, magical, mythological, rational, pluralistic, holistic and transpersonal levels. The article focuses on Ken Wilber’s integral psychological theory, better known as AQAL (All Quadrants, All Levels and All Lines), which also covers the internal and external dimensions of human consciousness, including an integral view on the so-called ‘states of human consciousness’. In doing so, the article aims to contribute to that aspect of pastoral care that focuses on psychological theory.
Highlights
Die kerklike pastoraat is in ‘n dilemma – dit word van sowel binne as buite bedreig: Terwyl die kerklike teologie op ‘n Bybelse teïsme konsentreer, is daar Christene wat nie meer met die tradisionele begrip van die Bybel, of die kerklike praktyk van Sondag-aanbidding van ’n transendentale God gemaklik voel nie
Vra Nigel Leaves (2006:5) die vraag ‘What does “God” mean in the twenty-first century?’, en bespreek dan die moontlike antwoorde hierop aan die hand van ‘n aantal beskouinge oor God
Die Gees is in alles, en alles is in die Gees, maar die Gees is groter as alles
Summary
Die kerklike pastoraat is in ‘n dilemma – dit word van sowel binne as buite bedreig: Terwyl die kerklike teologie op ‘n Bybelse teïsme konsentreer, is daar Christene wat nie meer met die tradisionele begrip van die Bybel, of die kerklike praktyk van Sondag-aanbidding van ’n transendentale God gemaklik voel nie (kyk Avis 2003:50–81; Riggs 2003:9). Cupitt (2000:4) voer as rede vir dié verval aan dat die kerk ’n flater begaan het: In effect, the church made an idol of itself, and is dying because it stuck with claims on its own behalf that it should never have made in the first place.’ Volgens hom het godsdiens nou ‘n ander rol te speel: At a time when political thought is very unadventurous, and when the world is becoming overwhelmingly dominated by technology, 358 HTS (page number not for citation purposes)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
