Original Research - Special Collection: Practical Theology

Theoretical signposts for tracing spirituality within the fluid decision-making of a mobile virtual reality

Jan-Albert van den Berg
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 68, No 2 | a1290 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v68i2.1290 | © 2012 Jan-Albert van den Berg | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 June 2012 | Published: 12 November 2012

About the author(s)

Jan-Albert van den Berg, Department of Practical Theology, University of the Free State, South Africa

Abstract

In the context of the interconnected world of the information age, and demarcated by a virtual existence through the use of the Internet, decision-making has become even more dynamic. In an evolving era of virtuality, with special emphasis on the increasing role of mobile communication technology, it is indicated that decision-making has become fluid. As part of the phenomenon of fluid decision-making, not only is the evolutionary character of virtual connectivity acknowledged, but the ever-increasing and important role of mobile platforms is also emphasised. In a hermeneutical practical theology of lived spirituality, focusing on the praxis of everyday living, the possible role of spirituality in informing the fluid decision-making processes in a mobile virtual world was traced. A qualitatively inspired analysis, using data collected from various virtual forums, was proposed. In the description of these contours, special emphasis was placed on narrative-inspired biographical accents. The research made a contribution in terms of possible new articulations of the language of faith as embodied in fluid decision-making in a mobile virtual reality.

Keywords

Mobile virtual reality; decision-making; lived spirituality; hermeneutical practical theology; qualitatively inspired analysis

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Crossref Citations

1. Living in a digital culture: The need for theological reflection
Anita L. Cloete
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies  vol: 71  issue: 2  year: 2015  
doi: 10.4102/hts.v71i2.2073