"Direct experience of God": a quest for refinement and illumination in Christian faith and practice
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Authors
Slater, Jennifer
Issue Date
2010
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Christianity , Christian faith
Alternative Title
Abstract
“Direct experience of God”, a concept that is frequently used
by theologians, was a topic Simon Maimela wrestled with in
conjunction with his students since its meaning became increasingly
complicated through the processes of secularisation.
In the 1960’s, it was asserted that modern people cannot have a
direct experience of God; albeit one could still live by faith and
by commitment to religious values in a world which claimed
that “God is dead”. This article explores the concept
“experiencing God directly” according to Karl Rahner, who
situates a direct experience of God in a human self-transcendent
(philosophical-theological) environment. This article is
an effort to return to theology’s historical quest of ascertaining
the experiential relevance of God in a human milieu that is
often riddled with social, human, economic, political and
cultural complexities. It is also a tribute to Simon Maimela,
who did not hesitate to present his students with theologically
challenging topics for academic exploration.
Description
Peer reviewed
Citation
Slander, J. 2010,"Direct experience of God": a quest for refinement and illumination in Christian faith and practice',
Studia Historiae Ecclesiasticae, vol. XXXVI, pp. 273-286.
Publisher
Church History Society of Southern Africa
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
1017-0499