ORIGINAL RESEARCH

 

The function of the Easter moment in the observance of the Eucharist amongst Christian communities framed by traditional African and current Western time-concepts

 

 

Rantoa S. Letšosa; Fritz W. De Wet; Ben J. De Klerk

School for Ecclesiastical Sciences, Faculty of Theology, North-West University, South Africa

Correspondence

 

 

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ABSTRACT

Problematic elements in both the traditional African and current Western time-concepts seem to manifest in a manner that - in some or other way - causes humanity to become disconnected with the fulfilment of life in a future destiny that breaks through the entrapment of the perpetual present and cyclical past. In their research, the authors asked in what sense and to what extent time concepts can hinder the Christian worshipper in anchoring his or her life in the consummating, witness-energising power of communion with the living, time-transforming Christ and faith in the imminence of his return. In addressing this research problem, key elements in traditional African and current Western time conceptualisation were described, as well as the role of the Easter moment (as it manifests in the observance of the Eucharist) in transforming problematic elements in these particular manifestations of time conceptualisation. In conclusion, preliminary theoretical anchors were formulated for the function of the observance of the Eucharist and its role in transforming various enslaving and disconnecting aspects of cultural time conceptualisation.

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Acknowledgements

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this paper.

Author contributions

R.S. Letšosa researched and wrote the section entitled: 'Perspectives on the time concept in a traditional African context', whilst F.W. De Wet researched and wrote 'Perspectives on the time concept in current Western culture' and B.J. De Klerk researched and wrote 'Exploring biblical perspectives on the concept of time'. All three authors collaborated in writing the concluding sections of the article.

 

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Correspondence:
Rantoa Letšosa
PO Box 20679
Noordbrug 2522
South Africa
Email: Rantoa.letsosa@nwu.ac.za

Received: 28 Oct. 2010
Accepted: 04 Aug. 2011
Published: 07 Nov. 2011