Continuous Formation of Liturgy through Social Cognition

Abstract

Continuous formation of liturgy through social cognition In this article the authors intend to do research on two focal points, namely liturgical formation and also the influence that social cognition has on formation. Within a South African context it is evident that Western cultural liturgical traditions and African traditions are meeting each other. This meeting is challenging because of the questions that come to the foreground in addressing this matter. The process of enculturalisation is prominent in recent research. This research is although referring to the process of social cognition as a manner in which people are observing each other and also ‘n manner in which people are trying to make sense of other cultures and people of that cultures. People's cognition can be wrong and therefore distortions can also emanate. The main research question for this investigation is: How does social cognition influence the process of liturgical formation? In this research, first of all, the authors offer a descriptive-empirical vantage point in order to investigate this matter. Two local congregations were visited. The authors give reflection of their own cognition but also provide the cognition of the leaders which are interviewed. Normative perspectives from Acts 17:16–35 is provided to highlight the role of cognition of liturgical formation. The hermeneutic interaction between the various elements of this research and also hermeneutic guidelines are provided.